Comparison of two serological diagnosis tests for bovine paratuberculosis

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causal agent of paratuberculosis (PTBC), a chronic infectious granulomatous enteritis of ruminants. The PTBC diagnosis with commercial ELISA has limitations in sensitivity and specificity, and its results depend on the state of progress of the disease. This research aimed to evaluate two different ELISAs: (a) an "in-house" ELISA with a sonicated antigen obtained from a MAP I47 strain, and (b) a commercial ELISA. In total, the evaluated sample consisted of 394 bovine serum samples from 12 farms in Argentina with high (5-9%) and low (≤ 0.05%) prevalence of PTBC. The evaluation of the new antigen (2.5 µg/mL) was against a 1:50 dilution of the M. phlei faced sera. The cut-off point, sensitivity, and specificity determinations of both techniques were by ROC curve analysis. The area under the curve for the I47 ELISA was 0.9 (CI 95%, 0.93-0.97). With a cut-off point of 8.8%, the sensitivity was 84.3% and the specificity 96.6%. The agreement between both techniques was 0.7 (CI 95%, 0.6-0.8). These results indicate a high discriminative capacity to differentiate positive and negative bovine sera of MAP infection with the I47 ELISA. This result would represent an advantage to dispense with the imported kit.

InCl3-catalyzed intramolecular carbonyl-olefin metathesis

An efficient and novel synthetic strategy for the generation of different carbocyclic moieties by ring closing carbonyl-olefin metathesis is reported. Herein, we describe a sustainably attractive protocol for one of the most powerful carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions, based on solvent-reduction, use of InCl3 catalyst, and microwave irradiation, affording target compounds with yields up to 96%.

A classical and semiclassical study of collisions between Xq+ ions and water molecules

Collisions of He²⁺, Li³⁺ and C³⁺ ions with water molecules are studied at energies ranging between 20 keV u^-1 and 500 keV u^-1. Three methods are employed: the classical trajectory Monte Carlo (CTMC), the expansion of the scattering wave function in terms of asymptotic frozen molecular orbitals (AFMO) and a lattice method to numerically solve the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (GridTDSE). Total cross sections for single ionization, single electron capture, transfer ionization and electron production are calculated and compared with previous close-coupling calculations and experiments. The fragmentation branching ratios are discussed.

Antennal Morphology and Localization of a Pheromone-Binding Protein of Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

In the sensory system of insects, olfactory sensilla constitute important functional elements for discriminating odors. Therefore, we used light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to investigate the morphology and distribution of sensilla in the antennae of Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller). In addition, we studied the expression of the gene encoding for pheromone-binding protein 1 (LbotPBP1) by in situ hybridization. Lobesia botrana antennae are filiform and are subdivided into three segments: scape, pedicel, and flagellum. The number of flagellum and their overall length were significantly higher and longer in males than in females. Six morphological types of sensilla (trichodea, chaetica, coeloconica, auricillica, basiconica, and styloconica) were identified on the antennae of both sexes. Trichodea sensilla were the most abundant on the antennae of L. botrana, and three subtypes, discerned by their lengths, were observed. However, sensilla trichodea subtype III was only present in male antennae. Moreover, LbotPBP1 expression was restricted to this type of sensilla, thus confirming its olfactory role, specifically under the context of sexual pheromone perception.

Molecular Diversity by Olefin Cross-Metathesis on Solid Support. Generation of Libraries of Biologically Promising β-Lactam Derivatives

The application of the reagent-based diversification strategy for generation of libraries of biologically promising β-lactam derivatives is described. Key features are the versatility of the linker used and the cross-metathesis functionalization at the cleavage step. From an immobilized primary library, diversity was expanded by applying different cleavage conditions, leading to a series of cholesterol absorption inhibitor analogues together with interesting hybrid compounds through incorporation of a chalcone moiety.

Ionization and Single and Double Electron Capture in Proton-Ar Collisions

Total cross sections for formation of H and H^-, and electron production, in H⁺ + Ar collisions have been calculated at energies between 100 eV and 200 keV by employing two methods: for E < 10 keV, a semiclassical treatment with an expansion in a basis of electronic wave functions of the ArH⁺ quasimolecule and, for E > 10 keV, the switching-classical-trajectory-Monte Carlo method (s-CTMC). The semiclassical calculation involves transitions to molecular autoionizing states, calculated by applying a block-diagonalization technique. The s-CTMC method is adept to treat two-electron processes and yields total cross sections for H^- formation in reasonably good agreement with the experimental data. Cross sections for electron- and H-production processes, which are dominated by one-electron transitions, are in good agreement with the experimental data.

Nonadiabatic fragmentation of H2O+ and isotopomers. Wave packet propagation using ab initio wavefunctions

The nonadiabatic fragmentation of excited water cations (and isotopomers) is studied by propagating wave packets on ab initio potential energy surfaces.

Solid-supported cross-metathesis and a formal alkane metathesis for the generation of biologically relevant molecules

Solid-phase synthetic strategies toward the generation of libraries of biologically relevant molecules were developed using olefin cross-metathesis as a key step. It is remarkably the formal alkane metathesis based on a one-pot, microwave-assisted, ruthenium-catalyzed cross-metathesis and reduction to obtain Csp3-Csp3 linkages.

Postoperative surgical complications after lung transplantation

This is a review article on the main postoperative complications after lung transplantation: airways complications, vascular complications, pleural complications, surgical wound complications, and abdominal complications. Incidence data, severity, and major management regimens are reported. Postoperative complications after lung transplantation result in a significantly increased morbidity and mortality, with early diagnosis and therapy being extremely important.

Nonadiabatic Quantum Dynamics Predissociation of H2O(+)(B̃ (2)B2)

A quantum-mechanical study of the predissociation of H2O(+) (B̃ (2)B2) is carried out by using wave packet propagations on ab initio potential energy surfaces connected by nonadiabatic couplings. The simulations show that within the first 30 fs 80% of the initial wave packet is transferred from the B̃ (2)B2 to the à (2)A1 electronic state through a conical intersection. A much slower transfer (in the ps time scale) from the à(2)A1 to the X̃ (2)B1 state due to a Renner-Teller coupling determines the fragmentation branching ratios, which are in accordance with the experimental measurements.

WITHDRAWN:Postoperative surgical complications after lung transplantation

This article has been withdrawn for editorial reasons because the journal will be published only in English. In order to avoid duplicated records, this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rppnen.2014.09.007. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

Growth of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Enteritidis during Preparation and Storage of Yogurt

The purpose of this study was to determine the viability of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Salmonella Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) during preparation and refrigerated storage of yogurt. Three yogurts were prepared using pasteurized commercial milk. Each yogurt was artificially contaminated with (1) MAP, (2) E. coli + S. Enteritidis, and (3) MAP + E. coli + S. Enteritidis. Samples were taken during and after the fermentation process until day 20 after inoculation. MAP was not detected during their preparation and short-term storage but was recuperated after starting at 180 min after inoculation storage. Live bacterial counts of E. coli, and S. Enteritidis increased during the first 24 hours, followed by a slight decrease towards the end of the study. In this study it was shown how MAP, E. coli, and S. Enteritidis resisted the acidic conditions generated during the preparation of yogurt and low storage temperatures. This work contributes to current knowledge regarding survival of MAP, E. coli, and S. Enteritidis during preparation and refrigerated storage of yogurt and emphasizes the need to improve hygiene measures to ensure the absence of these pathogenic microorganisms in dairy products.

New light shed on charge transfer in fundamental H+ + H2 collisions

There is no consensus on the magnitude and shape of the charge transfer cross section in low-energy H+ + H2 collisions, in spite of the fundamental importance of these collisions. Experiments have thus been carried out in the energy range 15≤E≤5000  eV. The measurements invalidate previous recommended data for E≤200  eV and confirm the existence of a local maximum around 45 eV, which was predicted theoretically. Additionally, vibrationally resolved cross sections allow us to investigate the evolution of the underlying charge transfer mechanism as a function of E.

Brominated extracts as source of bioactive compounds

The chemical composition and the biomolecular properties of a crude plant extract were altered through bromination leading to the discovery of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.

Influence of nuclear exchange on nonadiabatic electron processes in H(+)+H2 collisions

H(+)+H(2) collisions are studied by means of a semiclassical approach that explicitly accounts for nuclear rearrangement channels in nonadiabatic electron processes. A set of classical trajectories is used to describe the nuclear motion, while the electronic degrees of freedom are treated quantum mechanically in terms of a three-state expansion of the collision wavefunction. We describe electron capture and vibrational excitation, which can also involve nuclear exchange and dissociation, in the E = 2-1000 eV impact energy range. We compare dynamical results obtained with two parametrizations of the potential energy surface of H(3)(+) ground electronic state. Total cross sections for E > 10 eV agree with previous results using a vibronic close-coupling expansion, and with experimental data for E < 10 eV. Additionally, some prototypical features of both nuclear and electron dynamics at low E are discussed.

A study of conical intersections for the H3(+) system

A parametrization of the three asymptotic conical intersections between the energies of the H3(+) ground state and the first excited singlet state is presented. The influence of an additional, fourth conical intersection between the first and second excited states at the equilateral geometry on the connection between the three conical regions is studied, for both diatomics-in-molecules and ab initio molecular data.

Study of ab initio molecular data for inelastic and reactive collisions involving the H3+ quasimolecule

The lowest two ab initio potential energy surfaces (PES), and the corresponding nonadiabatic couplings between them, have been obtained for the H3+ system; the molecular data are compared to those calculated with the diatomic in molecules (DIM) method. The form of the couplings is discussed in terms of the topology of the molecular structure of the triatomic. The method of Baer is employed to generate "diabatic" states and the residual nonadiabatic couplings are calculated. The ab initio results for these are markedly different from the corresponding DIM data, and show the need to consider the third PES.

Exploring the Solid-Phase Synthesis of 3,4-Disubstituted β-Lactams: Scope and Limitations

This work describes a comprehensive study on the solid-phase synthesis of 3,4-disubstituted beta-lactams. In situ generated ketenes react with immobilized aldimines under mild conditions to generate libraries of beta-lactams in good to very good overall isolated yields. Different commercially available solid supports were studied, with the cost-effective Wang resin proving to be the most effective. The utility of the protocol was also demonstrated by the highly efficient asymmetric versions when homochiral ketenes or homochiral aldimines were used. A practical technique for the preparation of manual solid-phase parallel libraries of biologically interesting beta-lactam compounds, using Mukaiyama's salt as dehydrating agent, is also presented. Reactions were easily monitored by FT-IR and gel-phase 13C NMR using conventional equipment.

Sign-consistent dynamical couplings betweenab initiothree-center wave functions

We present a method to ensure the sign consistency of dynamical couplings between ab initio three-center wave functions. The method also allows to systematically "diabatize" avoided crossings between two potential energy surfaces, including conical intersections. Illustrations are presented for H(3)(+), LiH(2)(+), and NH(2)(5+) quasimolecules.

Trace metals in tissues of gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) carcasses from the Northern Pacific Mexican Coast

Samples of liver, lung, heart, muscle, and blubber tissue from the carcasses of juvenile gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) found stranded on the coast off the Sea of Cortez, México were analyzed for a range of trace metals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Cd). The highest concentrations of copper, iron, zinc, and manganese were found in liver; nickel and lead in heart, and cadmium in kidney. In all tissues analyzed, iron, zinc and copper were present in the highest concentrations; however, some whales also showed high levels of cadmium in the kidney which could be related to their diet. Elevated concentrations of copper were found only in the liver of one whale. In general, where low levels of iron were found in the liver, they were associated with poor nutrition. Lead, nickel, manganese and zinc levels in liver were within the normal range, indicating that these whales had not been exposed to high levels of these metals.

[Cognitive deficit and schizophrenia]

INTRODUCTION

In the present paper, the results of a number of different studies that have tried to establish the characteristics of the cognitive deficit in schizophrenia are discussed. The principal objective of this study was to ascertain whether exist statistically significative differences in such deficit in schizophrenic patients in relation with their preponderant symptomathology (positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and disorganization) or their degree of defectual symptoms.

METHODOLOGY

Sixty three schizophrenic patients under treatment in a Day Hospital were divided in groups using the dimensions of Liddie and the Scale for assessing the Deficit Syndrome in Schizophrenia. Cognitive deficit was assessed by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST).

RESULTS

Our results show that education and gender has no relation with the cognitive deficit exhibited, whereas there is a direct relation with age and years suffering the illness. Patients who exhibited preponderant disorganization symptoms and those describes as defectual syndrome schizophrenics showed more cognitive deficit in the WCST. The number of preservations in the WCST seems to be the main deficit.

CONCLUSIONS

The concept of planning in suggested as a schizophrenic marker in the frame of theories that claim there is a failure in the neurodevelopment of these patients.

Control of ticks resistant to immunization with Bm86 in cattle vaccinated with the recombinant antigen Bm95 isolated from the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus

The recombinant Bm86-containing vaccine Gavac(TM) against the cattle tick Boophilus microplus has proved its efficacy in a number of experiments, especially when combined with acaricides in an integrated manner. However, tick isolates such as the Argentinean strain A, show low susceptibility to this vaccine. In this paper we report on the isolation of the Bm95 gene from the B. microplus strain A, which was cloned and expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris producing a glycosylated and particulated recombinant protein. This new antigen was effective against different tick strains in a pen trial, including the B. microplus strain A, resistant to vaccination with Bm86. A Bm95-based vaccine was used to protect cattle against tick infestations under production conditions, lowering the number of ticks on vaccinated animals and, therefore, reducing the frequency of acaricide treatments. The Bm95 antigen from strain A was able to protect against infestations with Bm86-sensitive and Bm86-resistant tick strains, thus suggesting that Bm95 could be a more universal antigen to protect cattle against infestations by B. microplus strains from different geographical areas.

Sequence variations in the Boophilus microplus Bm86 locus and implications for immunoprotection in cattle vaccinated with this antigen

Cattle tick infestations constitute a major problem for the cattle industry in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Traditional control methods have been only partially successful, hampered by the selection of chemical-resistant tick populations. The Boophilus microplus Bm86 protein was isolated from tick gut epithelial cells and shown to induce a protective response against tick infestations in vaccinated cattle. Vaccine preparations including the recombinant Bm86 are used to control cattle tick infestations in the field as an alternative measure to reduce the losses produced by this ectoparasite. The principle for the immunological control of tick infestations relies on a polyclonal antibody response against the target antigen and, therefore, should be difficult to select for tick-resistant populations. However, sequence variations in the Bm86 locus, among other factors, could affect the effectiveness of Bm86-containing vaccines. In the present study we have addressed this issue, employing data obtained with B. microplus strains from Australia, Mexico, Cuba, Argentina and Venezuela. The results showed a tendency in the inverse correlation between the efficacy of the vaccination with Bm86 and the sequence variations in the Bm86 locus (R2 = 0.7). The mutation fixation index in the Bm86 locus was calculated and shown to be between 0.02 and 0.1 amino acids per year. Possible implications of these findings for the immunoprotection of cattle against tick infestations employing the Bm86 antigen are discussed.

Vaccination against ticks (Boophilus spp.): the experience with the Bm86-based vaccine Gavac

The control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne diseases remain a challenge for the cattle industry in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Traditional control methods have been only partially successful and the parasites continue to result in significant losses for the cattle industry. Recently, vaccines containing the recombinant B. microplus gut antigen Bm86 have been developed. Our vaccine formulation (Gavac, Heber Biotec S.A., Havana, Cuba) has been registered and is commercially available in Cuba, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Brazil and Mexico. In controlled pen trials, Gavac has been effective for the control of artificial infestations of B. annulatus, B. decoloratus and chemical-sensitive and resistant B. microplus strains from Australia, Africa, America and Iran. In controlled field trials in Cuba, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, Gavac has shown a 55-100% efficacy in the control of B. microplus infestations in grazing cattle 12-36 weeks after the first vaccination. Field trials under production conditions have been conducted in Cuba, Colombia, Brazil and Mexico in pure and cross-bred cattle herds. The application of Gavac has increased the time between acaricide treatments by an average of 32 /-21 days (P = 0.0005) resulting in important savings for the cattle industry. In Cuba, a cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted in more than 260000 animals. The cost-effectiveness analysis showed a 60% reduction in the number of acaricide treatments, together with the control of tick infestations and transmission of babesiosis, which resulted in savings of 23.4 dollars animal(-1) year (-1). These results clearly demonstrate the advantage of vaccination and support the application of Gavac for the control of Boophilus spp. infestations.

Effect of particulation on the immunogenic and protective properties of the recombinant Bm86 antigen expressed in Pichia pastoris

The recombinant Bm86 tick antigen expressed in Pichia pastoris is obtained in a highly particulated form, as a distinguish feature of this expression system. This particulated protein, the active principle of the recombinant vaccine Gavac against the cattle tick, have shown high immunogenic and protective properties, probably associated with its own characteristics. To evaluate the effects of particulation on the properties of Bm86, three groups of calves were immunized with particulated or non-particulated recombinant Bm86 and the anti-Bm86 antibody response determined. Animals were challenged with a controlled tick infestation and the protective capacities of both proteins assessed. Humoral immune response and protection in cattle vaccinated with the particulated antigen were higher. These experiments suggested that particulation of the Bm86 expressed in P. pastoris is an important feature for the protective properties of the antigen in vaccine preparations.

Field studies and cost-effectiveness analysis of vaccination with Gavac against the cattle tick Boophilus microplus

The control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne diseases remains a challenge for the cattle industry in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Traditional control methods have been only partially successful and the parasites continue to result in significant losses for the cattle industry. Recently, vaccines containing the recombinant Boophilus microplus gut antigen Bm86 have been developed. These vaccines have been shown to control tick infestations in the field. However, extensive field studies investigating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of vaccination have not been reported and are needed to appraise the effect of this new approach for tick control. Here is reported the results of the application of Gavac in a field trial including more than 260,000 animals in Cuba. In this study the correlation between the antibody response to vaccination and the effect on ticks fertility is determined. Physiological status of the animals was found to affect the primary response to vaccination but not the antibody titers after revaccination. A cost-effectiveness analysis showed a 60% reduction in the number acaricide treatments, together with the control of tick infestations and transmission of babesiosis, which resulted in savings of $23.4 animal-1 year-1. These results clearly demonstrate the advantage of vaccination and support the application of Gavac for tick control.

Bioavailability of medication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Bioavailability of medication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy has not been studied previously. There is concern about the ability of patients to tolerate oral medication postoperatively and the optimal timing of hospital discharge. In this study, each subject received 20 mg/kg acetaminophen (po) preoperatively, with a repeat dose at 6 (group 1), 12 (group 2), or 24 h (group 3) postoperatively. Serum levels were obtained 40 and 90 min after each ingestion. Bioavailability of medication was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) 6 h (group 1) and 12 h (group 2) postoperatively. Bioavailability returned to baseline by 24 h after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (group 3). This study indicates that oral medication should be used judiciously during the first 12 h after laparoscopic surgery.

Bioavailability of medication delivered via nasogastric tube is decreased in the immediate postoperative period

BACKGROUND

A study was performed to determine bioavailability of medication delivered via nasogastric tube in patients after abdominal surgery.

METHODS

Acetaminophen (20 mg/kg) was administered to each patient per os at least 48 hours prior to abdominal surgery and via nasogastric tube 3 hours postoperatively. The nasogastric tube was clamped for 30 minutes after drug administration, prior to resuming suction. Serum levels of acetaminophen were measured 0, 40, and 90 minutes after each dose.

RESULTS

Acetaminophen levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001) when the drug was administered via nasogastric tube postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased bioavailability of medications delivered via nasogastric tube may have important clinical implications and should be taken into consideration during the postoperative period.

Conservative management of endoscopic sclerotherapy-induced esophageal perforation

Esophageal perforation is a rare though potentially lethal complication of variceal sclerotherapy. Diagnosis is usually made after recognition of often subtle clinical symptoms. Surgical and nonsurgical modalities have been proposed, and nonoperative management can be successful even in patients thought to have absolute indications for surgery.