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Let X be a singular algebraic variety defined over a perfect field k, with quotient field K(X). Let s≥2 be the highest multiplicity of X and let Fs(X) be the set of points of multiplicity s. If Y⊂Fs(X) is a regular center and X←X1 is the blow up at Y, then the highest multiplicity of X1 is less than or equal to s. A sequence of blow ups at regular centers Yi⊂Fs(Xi), say X←X1←⋯←Xn, is said to be a simplification of the multiplicity if the maximum multiplicity of Xn is strictly lower than that of X, that is, if Fs(Xn) is empty. In characteristic zero there is an algorithm which assigns to each X a unique simplification of the multiplicity. However, the problem remains open when the characteristic is positive. In this paper we will study finite dominant morphisms between singular varieties β:X′→X of generic rank r≥1 (i.e., [K(X′):K(X)]=r). We will see that, when imposing suitable conditions on β, there is a strong link between the strata of maximum multiplicity of X and X′, say Fs(X) and Frs(X′) respectively. In such case, we will say that the morphism is strongly transversal. When β:X′→X is strongly transversal one can obtain information about the simplification of the multiplicity of X from that of X′ and vice versa. Finally, we will see that given a singular variety X and a finite field extension L of K(X) of rank r≥1, one can construct (at least locally, in étale topology) a strongly transversal morphism β:X′→X, where X′ has quotient field L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HemoCen Aerobio is a general enrichment culture medium, destined to culture aerobics microorganisms in blood. Due to the importance of this product as a diagnosticator of microorganisms that affect human health, it is decided to implement the production of its three presentations in the Parenteral Products Plants at National Center for Bioproducts (BioCen). Therefore, this work is carried out with the objective of obtaining the production license from the Center for the State's Control of Medical Medicaments and Equipments (CECMED) for the HemoCen Aerobio Neonatal, the HemoCen Aerobio Pediátrico and the HemoCen Aerobio. Productive results of three lots of each one of the presentations are presented, which showed satisfactory and consistent results that fulfill the quality requirements according to the stablished specifications, that allowed to obtain the production license for the three presentations in the Parenteral Products Plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the high international demand of the recombinant streptokinase (Skr) produced at the National Center for Bioproducts (BioCen), it was necessary to increase the production capacity of the drug, since the current production volume does not cover the demand. A scale up of the process of fermentation of the recombinant streptokinase was made using a fed batch culture, from the bank scale towards a 300L fermenter. The scaling criteria used were: the intensive variables of the process, the relationships of volumes of the fermentation medium and inoculum, the volumetric coefficient of oxygen transfer and air volume to liquid flow relationship which were kept constant. With this scale up procedure it was possible to reproduce the results obtained at the bank scale of and to double the biomass production volume with the same equipment, fulfilling all the quality requirements of the product and to cover the current demand of the market. Techno-economic indicators demonstrated the feasibility of this option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) has an important role in physical performance. However, the cardiac ANS activity in high-level track and field athletes has been poorly explored. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that endurance and power athletes would present a markedly different cardiac autonomic control at rest. We analyzed the cardiac ANS by means of time and frequency domains heart rate variability (HRV) analyses and by symbolic analysis. Endurance athletes showed higher pulse interval than power athletes (1 265±126 vs. 1 031±98 ms respectively; p<0.05). No differences were found in time and frequency domains between the groups. However, the LF%, HF% and LF/HF ratio presented high effect sizes (1.46, 1.46 and 1.30, respectively). The symbolic analysis revealed that endurance athletes had higher 2V parasympathetic modulation (36±6.5) than power athletes (24±9.3; p<0.05). A reduced 0V sympathetic modulation was observed in endurance athletes (21±9.9) compared to power athletes (33±11; p<0.05 and ES=1.30). Our results suggest greater parasympathetic modulation and less sympathetic modulation in endurance athletes compared to power athletes. Additionally, the type of HRV analysis needs to be chosen with well-defined criteria and caution because their use in assessing cardiac autonomic modulation can interfere with the interpretation of results. In practical terms, symbolic analysis appears to better discriminate between cardiac autonomic activities of athletes with different training backgrounds than frequency domain analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) has an important role in physical performance. However, the cardiac ANS activity in high-level track and field athletes has been poorly explored. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that endurance and power athletes would present a markedly different cardiac autonomic control at rest. We analyzed the cardiac ANS by means of time and frequency domains heart rate variability (HRV) analyses and by symbolic analysis. Endurance athletes showed higher pulse interval than power athletes (1 265±126 vs. 1 031±98 ms respectively; p<0.05). No differences were found in time and frequency domains between the groups. However, the LF%, HF% and LF/HF ratio presented high effect sizes (1.46, 1.46 and 1.30, respectively). The symbolic analysis revealed that endurance athletes had higher 2V parasympathetic modulation (36±6.5) than power athletes (24±9.3; p<0.05). A reduced 0V sympathetic modulation was observed in endurance athletes (21±9.9) compared to power athletes (33±11; p<0.05 and ES=1.30). Our results suggest greater parasympathetic modulation and less sympathetic modulation in endurance athletes compared to power athletes. Additionally, the type of HRV analysis needs to be chosen with well-defined criteria and caution because their use in assessing cardiac autonomic modulation can interfere with the interpretation of results. In practical terms, symbolic analysis appears to better discriminate between cardiac autonomic activities of athletes with different training backgrounds than frequency domain analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of oral antioxidant treatment (1500 mg of l-Carnitine; 60 mg of vitamin C; 20 mg of coenzyme Q10; 10 mg of vitamin E; 10 mg of zinc; 200 μg of vitamin B9; 50 μg of selenium; 1 μg of vitamin B12) during a time period of 3 months upon the dynamics of sperm DNA fragmentation following varying periods of sperm storage (0 h, 2 h, 6 h, 8 h and 24 h) at 37 °C in a cohort of 20 infertile patients diagnosed with asthenoteratozoospermia. A secondary objective was to use the sperm chromatin dispersion test ( SCD) to study antioxidant effects upon a specific subpopulation of highly DNA degraded sperm ( DDS). Semen parameters and pregnancy rate ( PR) were also determined. Results showed a significant improvement of DNA integrity at all incubation points ( P < 0.01). The proportion of DDS was also significantly reduced ( P < 0.05). Semen analysis data showed a significant increase in concentration, motility, vitality and morphology parameters. Our results suggest that antioxidant treatment improves sperm quality not only in terms of key seminal parameters and basal DNA damage, but also helps to maintain DNA integrity. Prior administration of antioxidants could therefore promote better outcomes following assisted reproductive techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impaired innate inflammatory response has a key role in the Crohn's disease (CD) pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of the TLR10-TLR1-TLR6 gene cluster in CD susceptibility. A total of 508 CD patients (284, cohort 1 and 224, cohort 2) and 576 controls were included. TLR10-TLR1-TLR6 cluster single-nucleotide polymorphisms genotyping, NOD2 mutations and TLR10 mRNA quantification were performed using TaqMan assays. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2 (NOD2) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) loci interaction was analyzed by logistic regression and multifactor-dimensionality reduction (MDR). Entropy-based analysis was used to interpret combination effects. One TLR10 haplotype (TLR10GGGG) was found associated with CD susceptibility in both cohorts, individuals with two copies had approximately twofold more risk of CD susceptibility than individuals having no copies (odds ratio=1.89, P-value=0.0002). No differences in the mRNA levels were observed among the genotypes. The strongest model for predicting CD risk according to the MDR analysis was a two-locus model including NOD2 mutations and TLR10GGGG haplotype (Pc<0.0001). The interaction gain attributed to the combination of both genes was negative (IG=−2.36%), indicating redundancy or independent effects. Our results support association of the TLR10 gene with CD susceptibility. The effect of TLR10 would be independent of NOD2, suggesting different signaling pathways for both genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES:Clostridium difficile is the most common infectious cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea. Because of the increasing incidence and severity of endemic C. difficile infection (CDI), interventions to prevent healthcare-associated CDI are essential. We undertook a systematic review of interventions to reduce healthcare-associated CDI.METHODS:We searched multiple computerized databases, and manually searched for relevant articles to determine which interventions are useful in preventing CDI. Studies were required to be controlled in design and to report the incidence of endemic CDI as an outcome. Data on the patient population, intervention, study design, and outcomes were abstracted and reviewed using established criteria.RESULTS:Few randomized controlled trials exist in the area of CDI prevention. The interventions with the greatest evidence for the prevention of CDI include antimicrobial stewardship, glove use, and disposable thermometers. Environmental decontamination also may decrease CDI rates, although the level of evidence is not as strong as for the other proven interventions. Treatment of asymptomatic carriage of C. difficile is not recommended. There is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for or against the use of probiotics. In cases of known or suspected CDI, hand hygiene with soap and water is preferred over use of waterless alcohol hand rub. Many nonrandomized trials included in our analysis used multiple interventions concurrently, making the independent role of each preventive strategy difficult to determine. We chose to include only studies that focused on endemic CDI because studies of outbreaks have used multiple strategies, making it difficult to measure the relative efficacy of each strategy. Environmental disinfection and probiotics need to be studied further to evaluate their roles in the prevention of CDI. Although there have been no studies assessing the utility of isolation and cohorting for the prevention of endemic CDI specifically, it is a widely used intervention for containment of this and other similar multidrug-resistant pathogens.CONCLUSIONS:Antimicrobial stewardship, glove use, hand hygiene, and disposable thermometers should be routinely used for the prevention of CDI. Environmental disinfection and probiotics should be studied further for their role in reducing CDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To establish the personality traits and disorders of pathological gamblers in treatment by means of a descriptive cross-sectional study of two prospective matched-pair cohorts: 50 pathological gamblers versus a control group of 50 normal volunteers (non-patient and non-pathological gamblers). All the pathological gamblers of the sample followed treatment as out-patients in the province of Valencia (Spain-EU). Recruitment period: January-May 2004. Measure instruments: South Oaks Gambling Screen, Barratt Impulsivity Scale, Sensation Seeking Scale, and Structured Clinical Interview for Personality Disorders of Axis II of DSM-IV. Findings and conclusions: Male pathological gamblers go more often to health and social care facilities. Pathological gamblers prefer to play slot machines, present a higher prevalence of personality disorders, most of them belonging to cluster B, are more impulsive and higher sensation seekers than the controls. There are no linear relationships between the severity of pathological gambling and the traits of impulsivity and sensation seeking respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND:: Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Education of healthcare providers is a fundamental measure to prevent HCAI. OBJECTIVE:: To perform a systematic review to determine the effect of educational strategies of healthcare providers for reducing HCAI. DATA SOURCE:: Multiple computerized databases for the years 1966 to November 1, 2006, supplemented by manual searches for relevant articles. STUDY SELECTION:: English-language controlled studies and randomized trials that included an educational intervention and provided data on the incidence of one or more kinds of HCAIs were included. DATA EXTRACTION:: Data were extracted on study design, patient population, type of intensive care unit, details of the educational intervention, target group for intervention, incidence of HCAI, duration of follow-up, and costs of intervention. Both investigators abstracted data using a standard data abstraction form; study quality was also assessed. DATA SYNTHESIS:: A total of 26 studies used a number of different educational programs targeting varied study populations of healthcare providers to determine their effect on HCAI rates. Most were pre-post intervention studies and were implemented in the intensive care setting. There was a statistically significant decrease in infection rates after intervention in 21 studies, with risk ratios ranging from 0 to 0.79. The beneficial effect of education was apparent in teaching and nonteaching institutions and in lesser-developed countries and developed nations. LIMITATIONS:: Only English language studies were included. Because of the study designs and limitations of the individual studies, a causal association between educational interventions and reduced HCAI rates cannot be made. CONCLUSIONS:: The implementation of educational interventions may reduce HCAI considerably. Cluster randomized trials using validated educational interventions and costing methods are recommended to determine the independent effect of education on reducing HCAI and the cost-savings that may be realized with this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Peripheral nerve injury models are used to investigate processes that can potentially be exploited in CNS injury. A consistent change that occurs in injured peripheral neurons is an induction in expression of pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating peptide (PACAP), a neuropeptide with putative neuroprotective and neuritogenic actions. PACAP-deficient mice were used here to investigate actions of endogenous PACAP after facial nerve injury. Although motor neuron survival after axotomy was not significantly different in PACAP deficient vs. wild type mice, recovery of axon regeneration after crush injury was significantly delayed. The impaired regeneration was associated with 8- to 12-fold increases in gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL) -6, and a 90% decrease in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 at the injury site. Similar cytokine changes and an increased microglial response were observed in the brainstem facial motor nucleus. Because immunocompromised animals such as SCID mice are known to exhibit peripheral nerve regeneration defects, the observations raise the novel hypothesis that PACAP is critically involved in a carefully controlled immune response that is necessary for proper nerve regeneration after injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction Hospitalization is fundamental in the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders, at present and in the past. The Psychiatric Hospital “Ntra. Sra. Del Pilar de Zaragoza”, established in 1425, is one of the most ancient hospitals and with longest history of the country, one of the first centers to start considering as demented persons as another sick patient. This paper describes the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients admitted to the psychiatric hospital between 1912 and 1915. Method We developed a descriptive research, using secondary information sources (clinical histories) of patients hospitalized between 1912 and 1915. For data analysis was used software SPSS 10. Results We reviewed 110 files and the most common diagnoses were senile dementia and manic-depressive psychosis. The mean of age was 42 years, and the predominant marital status was the single status (47%). We documented that in more than 60% of the cases, the precedence of the patients was from rural zone. El 75% of the patients had remained hospitalized during several years until their death. Only the 10% were discharged for improvement. Conclusion It is important to understand the socio-economic variables of the female patients from a century ago to be aware of the evolution of psychiatry and psychiatric treatment and consequently of the profile of current patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 67-year-old woman presented with severe cardiopulmonary insufficiency 17 days after an uneventful laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Pulmonary thromboembolism was demonstrated by transthoracic echocardiogram and later confirmed at surgery. With the aid of a cardiopulmonary bypass, a thrombectomy of the right atrium and the pulmonary artery was accomplished. The patient could not be weaned off cardiopulmonary bypass and ultimately died. We therefore recommend antithromboembolism therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin in selected cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] An interplay between an environmental factor and a gene is demonstrated in a mouse model. [•] PACAP loss increases sensitivity to a pesticide implicated in Parkinson’s disease. [•] Alterations in microglia, Th17 and regulatory T cell activities are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation has become a new marker to predict male infertility, and many techniques have been developed. The sperm Comet assay offers the possibility of differentiating single- and double-stranded DNA (ssDNA and dsDNA) breaks, which could have different effects on fertility. The objective of this study was to perform a descriptive characterization of different groups of patients, such as those with asthenoteratozoospermic (ATZ) with or without varicocele, oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OATZ) or balanced chromosome rearrangements, as compared with fertile donors. The Comet assay was used to investigate sperm samples for ssDNA and dsDNA breaks. METHODS AND RESULTS The analysis of alkaline and neutral Comet assays in different groups of patients showed different sperm DNA damage profiles. Most fertile donors presented low values for ssDNA and dsDNA fragmentation (low-equivalent Comet profile), which would be the best prognosis for achieving a pregnancy. OATZ, ATZ and ATZ with varicocele presented high percentages of ssDNA and dsDNA fragmentation (high-equivalent Comet assay profile), ATZ with varicocele being associated with the worst prognosis, due to higher levels of DNA fragmentation. Rearranged chromosome carriers display a very high variability and, interestingly, two different profiles were seen: a high-equivalent Comet assay profile, which could be compatible with a bad prognosis, and a non-equivalent Comet assay profile, which has also been found in three fertile donors. CONCLUSIONS Comet assay profiles, applied to different clinical groups, may be useful for determining prognosis in cases of male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the project titled “Astrometric Positioning of Geostationary Satellite” (PASAGE), carried out by the Real Instituto y Observatorio de la Armada (ROA), optical observation techniques were developed to allow satellites to be located in the geostationary ring with angular accuracies of up to a few tenths of an arcsec. These techniques do not necessarily require the use of large telescopes or especially dark areas, and furthermore, because optical observation is a passive method, they could be directly applicable to the detection and monitoring of passive objects such as space debris in the geostationary ring. By using single-station angular observations, geostationary satellite orbits with positional uncertainties below 350m (2 sigma) were reconstructed using the Orbit Determination Tool Kit software, by Analytical Graphics, Inc. This software is used in collaboration with the Spanish Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial. Orbit determination can be improved by taking into consideration the data from other stations, such as angular observations alone or together with ranging measurements to the satellite. Tests were carried out combining angular observations with the ranging measurements obtained from the Two-Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer technique that is used by ROA’s Time Section to carry out time transfer with other laboratories. Results show a reduction of the 2 sigma uncertainty to less than 100m. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The presence of genetic determinants homologous to rulAB genes for ultraviolet (UV) radiation resistance was determined in a collection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae strains isolated from mango. The potential role of these plasmids in UV tolerance and ecological fitness in the mango phyllosphere was also evaluated. Nearly all of the 62-kb plasmids present in the P. syringae pv. syringae strains hybridized with a rulAB probe, but these 62-kb plasmids showed differences in restriction patterns. In vitro assays of tolerance to UV radiation of P. syringae pv. syringae strains showed a higher survival of the strains harboring the 62-kb plasmids compared to strains lacking plasmids when exposed to UVC or UVA+B fractions. Similar results were observed when transconjugants harboring the 62-kb plasmid were tested. Survival assays were carried out under field conditions, and a higher survival of P. syringae pv. syringae strains harboring 62-kb plasmids under direct solar radiation on the adaxial surface of leaves was also observed. When the assays were carried out in shady areas or on the abaxial surface of leaves, survival time was comparable for all the assayed strains, whether or not they contained a 62-kb plasmid hybridizing to rulAB. Our results indicate that P. syringae pv. syringae strains harboring 62-kb plasmids show an increase in ecological fitness when colonizing the mango phyllosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In 1970, Drs. Said and Mutt isolated a novel peptide from porcine intestinal extracts with powerful vasoactive properties, and named it vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Since then, the biological actions of VIP in the gut as well as its signal transduction pathways have been extensively studied. A variety of in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that VIP, expressed in intrinsic non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) neurons, is a potent regulator of gastrointestinal (GI) motility, water absorption and ion flux, mucus secretion and immune homeostasis. These VIP actions are believed to be mediated mainly by interactions with highly expressed VPAC1 receptors and the production of nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, VIP has been implicated in numerous physiopathological conditions affecting the human gut, including pancreatic endocrine tumors secreting VIP (VIPomas), insulin-dependent diabetes, Hirschsprung''s disease, and inflammatory bowel syndromes such as Crohn''s disease and ulcerative colitis. To further understand the physiological roles of VIP on the GI tract, we have begun to analyze the anatomical and physiological phenotype of C57BL/6 mice lacking the VIP gene. Herein, we demonstrate that the overall intestinal morphology and light microscopic structure is significantly altered in VIP−/− mice. Macroscopically there is an overall increase in weight, and decrease in length of the bowel compared to wild type (WT) controls. Microscopically, the phenotype was characterized by thickening of smooth muscle layers, increased villi length, and higher abundance of goblet cells. Alcian blue staining indicated that the latter cells were deficient in mucus secretion in VIP−/− mice. The differences became more pronounced from the duodenum to the distal jejunum or ileum of the small bowel but, became much less apparent or absent in the colon with the exception of mucus secretion defects. Further examination of the small intestine revealed larger axonal trunks and unusual unstained patches in myenteric plexus. Physiologically, the VIP−/− mice showed an impairment in intestinal transit. Moreover, unlike WT C57BL/6 mice, a significant percentage of VIP−/− mice died in the first postnatal year with overt stenosis of the gut. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our research about VIP/PACAP and the immune system goes back to 1990 when our group described the expression of VIP on lymphocytes for the first time. Since this year, using three models of disease, septic shock, rheumathoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease, we are trying to contribute with new pieces to the puzzle of immunity to approach the use of VIP/PACAP system as a therapeutic agent. In 1999 we established that the first step in the beneficial effect of the VIP/PACAP system exerts consists in its potent anti-inflammatory action. Thus, VIP and PACAP inhibit the expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and enhance the production of the anti-inflammatory factors. These effects were reported both in vitro and in vivo, are mediated by the presence of PAC1, VPAC1, and VPAC2 receptors, in the three models of diseases used. The next step was that the system favors Th2 responses versus Th1 contributing to the remission of illness as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease by blocking the autoimmune component of these diseases. Because it appears that inflammatory processes requires more than blockade of a single mediator, new therapies blocking several components of both the infection- and the autoimmunity-induced inflammation cascades should be an interesting focus of attention. In this sense, at present we are trying to dissect new aspects of the potential therapeutic of the VIP/PACAP system in the control of CC and CXC chemokine and their receptors, coagulation factors, adhesion molecules, acute phase proteins, and osteoclastogenesis mediators as well as in the modulation of the expression of Toll-like receptors. Our more recent data open a hopeful door for the therapeutic use of VIP/PACAP in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral nerve inflammation is a common clinical problem that accompanies nerve injury and several diseases including Guillain-Barré syndrome and acute and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. To determine if neuropeptides are induced in motor neurons after inflammation and to study the mechanisms involved, a nerve cuff soaked in complete Freund''s adjuvant (CFA) was applied locally to the facial nerve of Balb/C mice. This procedure resulted in an influx of lymphocytes and macrophages to the affected area and a blockade of retrograde axonal transport distal, but not proximal, to the site of application. The same treatment resulted in a strong ipsilateral induction of pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) gene expression in motor neurons in the facial motor nucleus. Because the changes could have occurred due to the loss of target-derived factors or to the production of new factors by immune cells, we studied the effect of the inflammatory stimulus on PACAP mRNA in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). As expected, SCID mice showed a severely reduced influx of T-lymphocytes but not macrophages to the peripheral nerve. Moreover, although retrograde transport distal to the inflammation site was blocked similarly in control and SCID mice, the number of motor neurons expressing PACAP mRNA after CFA application was significantly reduced in SCID mice. The data indicate that the induction of PACAP mRNA during nerve inflammation requires the involvement of lymphocytes. However, because the induction of PACAP gene expression was only partially blocked in SCID mice, macrophages, loss of target-derived factors, or other mechanisms may also contribute to the upregulation of PACAP gene expression in motor neurons after nerve inflammation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In that work is exponsed, the method designed for the development of Cary-Blair's transport culture medium for industrial production and the evaluation of an intermediate product is presented. A procedure was developed to identify the factors that cause the potential incompatibility of the salts that compose it. The intermediate product was made and the physicochemical, organoleptic and microbiological performance characteristics were evaluated. It was shown that the compatibility of sodium phosphate and calcium chloride is determined by the concentration, temperature, pH and order of the mixture. The product allowed the industrial production of the medium, complying with the ISO 9001: 2015 standard. The base of salts together with the rest of the ingredients in the formulation, achieves the ideal appearance for its commercialization and fulfills the requirements for the maintenance, conservation and transport of clinical samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A porous silicon (PSi) platform with interdigitated NiCr electrodes has been used for the impedimetric biosensing of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a cancer biomarker. The first step involved the formation of a conductive PSi structure through the ion beam creation of 250 nm deep interdigitated slots, followed by their filling with NiCr electrodes deposited by plasma sputtering. In the second step, a biorecognition interface was formed by modification of the PSi surface with (3-Glycidyloxypropyl)-trimethoxysilane. A sandwich assay was performed in which PSA was first recognized by a surface-anchored antibody and then by a secondary antibody tethered to 100 nm gold nanoparticles (GNPs). The changes in the impedance upon analyte binding at different concentrations have been monitored showing that the PSA concentration exhibits a linear dependence with the series resistance defined from the device equivalent circuit. A limit of detection in the range of 1 ng/mL PSA has been determined. A dark-field study of the PSi surface after the sandwich bioassay allowed an optoplasmonic demonstration of the increasing density of GNPs at higher PSA concentrations, which was confirmed by using scanning electron microscopy. The results confirm the dual optoplasmonic-electric labelling effect of the 100 nm GNPs and their role in an internally controlled detection of PSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to test the relationships between jump squat (JS) and Olympic push press (OPP) power outputs and performance in sprint, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and change of direction (COD) speed tests in elite soccer players. 27 athletes performed a maximum power load test to determine their bar mean propulsive power (MPP) and bar mean propulsive velocity (MPV) in the JS and OPP exercises. Magnitude-based inference was used to compare the exercises. The MPV was almost certainly higher in the OPP than in the JS. The MPP relative to body mass (MPP REL) was possibly higher in the OPP. Only the JS MPP REL presented very large correlations with linear speed (r > 0.7, for speed in 5, 10, 20 and 30 m) and vertical jumping abilities (r > 0.8, for SJ and CMJ), and moderate correlation with COD speed (r = 0.45). Although significant (except for COD), the associations between OPP outcomes and field-based measurements (speed, SJ and CMJ) were all moderate, ranging from 0.40 to 0.48. In a group composed of elite soccer players, the JS exercise is more associated with jumping and sprinting abilities than the OPP. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm if these strong relationships imply superior training effects in favor of the JS exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swimmers are often tested on both dry-land and in swimming exercises. The aim of this study was to test the relationships between dry-land, tethered force-time curve parameters and swimming performances in distances up to 200 m. 10 young male high-level swimmers were assessed using the maximal isometric bench-press and quartersquat, mean propulsive power in jump-squat, squat and countermovement jumps (dry-land assessments), peak force, average force, rate of force development (RFD) and impulse (tethered swimming) and swimming times. Pearson product- moment correlations were calculated among the variables. Peak force and average force were very largely correlated with the 50- and 100-m swimming performances (r = − 0.82 and − 0.74, respectively). Average force was very-largely/ largely correlated with the 50- and 100-m performances (r = − 0.85 and − 0.67, respectively). RFD and impulse were very-largely correlated with the 50-m time (r = − 0.72 and − 0.76, respectively). Tethered swimming parameters were largely correlated (r = 0.65 to 0.72) with mean propulsive power in jump-squat, squat-jump and countermovement jumps. Finally, mean propulsive power in jump-squat was largely correlated (r = − 0.70) with 50-m performance. Due to the significant correlations between dry-land assessments and tethered/actual swimming, coaches are encouraged to implement strategies able to increase leg power in sprint swimmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an interest in the nuclear degraded sperm subpopulation because, although it is present in a low percentage in all semen samples, patient groups such as varicocele and rearranged genome carriers show high levels of these degraded spermatozoa. This study is designed with two objectives in mind: first, incubations of H2O2 and nuclease on DTT-treated and untreated samples to show the aetiology of this subpopulation and second, assessment of the correlation between the protamine ratio and nuclear degraded spermatozoa. A very high increase in the nuclear degraded subpopulation has been found with nuclease incubation, and it is even higher when it has been merged with nuclear decompaction using DTT. Alternatively, incubation with H2O2 with and without DTT did not show such a significant increase in nuclear degraded spermatozoa. The protamine ratio correlated with this subpopulation, showing, in patients, that poor nuclear compaction would turn the sperm susceptible to degradation. Then, the assessment of nuclear degraded spermatozoa might not be only a measure of DNA degradation but also an indicator of chromatin compaction in the spermatozoa. Different patient groups would fit this model for sperm nuclear degradation, such as varicocele patients, who show a high percentage of immature spermatozoa and nuclear degraded spermatozoa, and reorganised genome carriers, where reorganisation might also cause poor chromatin compaction on the sperm nucleus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sperm cryopreservation is widely used for both research and reproduction purposes, but its effect on sperm DNA damage remains controversial. Sperm DNA fragmentation ( SDF) has become an important biomarker to assess male infertility. In particular, the differentiation between single- and double-stranded DNA fragmentation (ss SDF and ds SDF) has clinical implications for male infertility where ss SDF is associated with reduced fertility, whereas ds SDF is associated with increased risk of miscarriage. In this study, semen samples from 30 human males have been analysed in both fresh and cryopreserved using the alkaline and neutral Comet assays. Results show an increase of about 10% of ss SDF, assessed by the alkaline Comet assay, regardless of the male fertility status. Neutral Comet analysis of ds SDF does not show any statistical increase when comparing fresh and cryopreserved samples in any of the patient groups. Results support previous reports that oxidative stress is the major effector in DNA damage during sample cryopreservation, as, on one hand, ss SDF has previously been related to oxidative damage and, on the other hand, we have not found any effect on ds SDF. Therefore, there might be a slight risk of decreased fertility after using a freezed sample, but no evidence for increased miscarriage risk from cryopreserved spermatozoa should be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sperm DNA fragmentation ( SDF) is becoming an important test to assess male infertility. Several different tests are available, but no consensus has yet been reached as to which tests are most predictive of infertility. Few publications have reported a comprehensive analysis comparing these methods within the same population. The objective of this study was to analyze the differences between the five most common methodologies, to study their correlations and to establish their cut-off values, sensitivity and specificity in predicting male infertility. We found differences in SDF between fertile donors and infertile patients in TUNEL, SCSA, SCD and alkaline Comet assays, but none with the neutral Comet assay. The alkaline COMET assay was the best in predicting male infertility followed by TUNEL, SCD and SCSA, whereas the neutral COMET assay had no predictive power. For our patient population, threshold values for infertility were 20.05% for TUNEL assay, 18.90% for SCSA, 22.75% for the SCD test, 45.37% for alkaline Comet and 34.37% for neutral Comet. This work establishes in a comprehensive study that the all techniques except neutral Comet are useful to distinguish fertile and infertile men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CGEB) of Camagüey, a product HeberNem®, with probed nematocidic activity, was developed. In this work the fermentation process of the bacteria Tsukamurella paurometabola, C-924 was established taking in account the diauxic growth of the microorganism during the consumption of yeast extract and sucrose as substrates. To develop the process different literature reports were used, specifically those related to high cell density culture and scale up of the fermentation process. Kinetic constants of the microorganism growth in the designed culture medium were determined. A mathematical model to describe the growth of the microorganism in batch culture was developed and validated at the pilot plant scale. Using mathematical modeling optimal values of the main variables of the process at industrial scale were determined. With this result a high cell density culture of the microorganism Tsukamurella paurometabola, C-924 was established. A clean technology was developed to minimize the agrochemical use, to diminish de environmental damage in the fight against nematodes and to increase the economical benefits to the agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary This investigation was conducted to assess the baseline level of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in a cohort of patients presenting chromosomal rearrangements (nine reciprocal translocations and two inversions). In a separate experiment, a dynamic analysis to calculate the rate of SDF (rSDF), after a varying period of sperm storage (0 h, 1 h, 4 h, 8 h and 24 h) at 37 °C, was performed. Results were compared with eight fertile donors. Different experimental approaches to assess SDF, such as terminal transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL), sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCDt), were used. No differences for the baseline level of SDF were found. Carriers of reorganized genomes showed statistically higher levels of SDF than did control donors ( p = 0.025 for TUNEL; p = 0.022 for SCSA; p = 0.014 for SCDt). However, 54.5% (6/11) of the patients presented values similar to those of control donors. There was no significant difference in rSDF ( p = 0.34). Nevertheless, the results suggest that a high variability for SDF and rSDF exists in these patients. Routine analysis of SDF and rSDF should be considered in patients presenting rearranged genomes to determine fertility status for assisted reproductive techniques (ART) purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although several reports on male infertility suggest a relationship between chromosome 9 polymorphisms and infertility, the effects on the phenotype have not been extensively reported. In this study, an infertile patient was found to carry a 9qh+++ chromosome. The flow cytometric TUNEL assay and SCD test have been applied to characterize sperm DNA integrity. In order to assess its meiotic behaviour, synapsis, recombination, and aneuploidy, analyses have been also performed. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) was 77.81% and 87% for the TUNEL and SCD tests, respectively. Ninety-two percent of pachytene cells analyzed showed meiotic abnormalities. The mean number of MLH1 foci per pachytene in the control group was higher (49) than the mean found in the 9qh+++ patient (38) (P < .0001). In spermatozoa, significant increases of disomy rates were observed for chromosome 18 and for the sex chromosomes (P < .0001). These disturbances could be present in other male carriers of a less marked 9qh+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) pathogenesis is still partially unexplained. We investigate the importance of microRNA (miRNA) expression as an additional feature that influences MCL pathway deregulation and may be useful for predicting patient outcome. Twenty-three MCL samples, eight cell lines and appropriate controls were screened for their miRNAs and gene expression profiles and DNA copy-number changes. MCL patients exhibit a characteristic signature that includes 117 miRNA (false discovery rate <0.05). Combined analysis of miRNAs and the gene expression profile, paired with bioinformatics target prediction (miRBase and TargetScan), revealed a series of genes and pathways potentially targeted by a small number of miRNAs, including essential pathways for lymphoma survival such as CD40, mitogen-activated protein kinase and NF-kappaB. Functional validation in MCL cell lines demonstrated NF-kappaB subunit nuclear translocation to be regulated by the expression of miR-26a. The expression of 12 selected miRNAs was studied by quantitative PCR in an additional series of 54 MCL cases. Univariate analysis identified a single miRNA, miR-20b, whose lack of expression distinguished cases with a survival probability of 56% at 60 months. In summary, using a novel bioinformatics approach, this study identified miRNA changes that contribute to MCL pathogenesis and markers of potential utility in MCL diagnosis and clinical prognostication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myelinated nerve fibres forming sensory corpuscles become amyelinic before entering the corpuscle. Interestingly, in Meissner corpuscles from monkey myelin basic protein (MBP), a specific component of myelin sheath co-localized with neuronal markers. To investigate whether or not this also occurs in human digital Meissner corpuscles, we used single and double immunohistochemistry to detect MBP associated with axonic (protein gene product (PGP) 9.5) or Schwann and Schwann-related cell (S100 protein) markers. We also studied these markers in Pacinian corpuscles. Nerve fibres immunoreactive for MBP were detected in about 25% of the Meissner corpuscles examined; however, MBP never co-localized with PGP 9.5 and MBP occasionally co-localized with S100 protein. MBP-immunoreactive fibres associated with Meissner corpuscles were observed at the periphery of the lamellar cells or within the corpuscle between the lamellar cells. These results describe the distribution of myelinated nerve fibres expressing MBP in human Meissner corpuscles, which is important when studying Meissner corpuscles in cutaneous biopsies used for the diagnosis of peripheral and degenerative neuropathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been demonstrated that VIP produces beneficial effects both in a murine model of rheumatoid arthritis and in human rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts through the modulation of proinflammatory mediators. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in the immediate recognition of microbial surface components by immune cells prior to the development of adaptative microbe-specific immune responses. In this study, we demonstrate that VIP decreases lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and TNF-α-induced expression of TLR4 and its correlation with the production of CCL2 and CXCL8 chemokines in human synovial fibroblasts from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Our results add a new step for the use of VIP, as a promising candidate, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compatibility of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with poly(styrene-co-vinyl phenol) (PS-VPh) with two different contents of vinyl phenol, 5.8 and 7.2%, in dilute tetrahydrofuran solutions has been investigated by size exclusion chromatography and fluorescence spectroscopy at 25°C. The chromatographic technique permits the evaluation of the preferential solvation at different PMMA/PS-VPh ratios. Changes in the fluorescence properties of PS-VPh, caused by its association with PMMA, were used to obtain the fraction of copolymer bound to PMMA at diverse PMMA compositions. Both techniques agree quantitatively in every system, indicating that the association increases when the PMMA concentration and the content of the vinyl phenol in the copolymer increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of infliximab as treatment for noninfectious posterior uveitis.MethodsAn open-label clinical trial including seven patients (12 eyes) with posterior uveitis refractory to conventional treatment regimens with corticosteroids and at least one immunosuppressive agent. Three intravenous doses of 5 mg/kg of infliximab were administered at weeks 0, 2, and 6. Infliximab infusion was repeated in patients undergoing a relapse of uveitis after initial remission. Improvement was defined as amelioration of visual acuity or disappearance of retinal exudates and/or haemorrhages, decreased macular oedema and/or vitreous opacities. All patients were followed up for at least 36 months.ResultsSix of the seven patients (five diagnosed with Behçet's disease and one diagnosed with sarcoidosis) showed a significant improvement after the first infliximab dose. Only in one patient diagnosed with chronic idiopathic multifocal choroiditis did the drug have no effect, and this patient was withdrawn from the study. At the end of follow-up, one eye had lost one line of vision and three eyes showed improved vision. All eyes had improved in terms of signs of inflammation. No adverse effects of treatment were observed.ConclusionInfliximab is efficient and safe for the long-term management of refractory posterior uveitis, especially in patients with predominant retinal vasculitis and vitritis.Eye (2005) 19, 841–845. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6701689; published online 24 September 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article related to the identification of the immunoglobulin superfamily-cell-adhesion-molecule (IGSF) mutations with the obstruction on the congenital nasolacrimal duct.