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To develop a joint proposal for screening criteria of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and vice versa, which serves as a guidelines in patient referral between the Rheumatology and Pneumology departments to early detection of these patients.A systematic literature review was carried out on the risk factors for the development of ILD in RA patients, and for the referral criteria to Rheumatology for suspected early RA. Based on the available evidence, screening criteria were agreed using the Delphi method by a panel of pneumologists and rheumatologists with expertise in these pathologies.Screening criteria for ILD in patients with RA and for the early detection of RA in cases with ILD of unknown etiology have been developed. In both cases, a detection strategy was based on clinical risk factors. Recommendations also included the complementary tests to be carried out in the different clinical scenarios and on the periodicity that screening should be repeated.A selective screening strategy is recommended for the first time in the early diagnosis of patients with ILD-RA. This multidisciplinary proposal aims to solve some common clinical questions and help decision-making, although its usefulness to identify these patients with good sensitivity must be confirmed in a validation study.

Recent data show that a Glasgow-Blatchford Bleeding Score (GBS)gt;2 does not identify patients with upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding who benefit from inpatient esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). This study aimed to determine the rate of endoscopic hemostatic interventions (HI) in patients with nonvariceal acute GI bleeding (NVAUGIB) admitted with a GBSgt;2. Secondary aims included comparison of clinical outcomes in patients with and without HI and cost of nontherapeutic EGDs.We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of patients admitted to a referral hospital for NVAUGIB from January 2015 to December 2017. Mortality, blood transfusion rates, length of stay, length of intensive care unit stay, and cost of a nontherapeutic EGD were outcomes of interest. Patients 18 years of age and older of both sexes were included. The accuracy of the GBSgt;2 cutoff was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.A total of 357 patients were included and only 58 (16.2%) required HI. The area under the curve for GBSgt;2 as a predictor of HI was 0.57. The performance of HI did not influence mortality (iP =/i0.33), blood transfusion rates (iP =/i0.51), length of stay (iP =/i0.2), or length of intensive care unit stay (iP =/i0.36). The estimated cost of performing nontherapeutic EGD was approximately $855,000 for the 299 patients who did not need HI.A GBS cutoff ofgt;2 is not an accurate criterion to triage patients with NVAUGIB for inpatient emergent EGD. More clinically meaningful and cost-effective methods to triage these patients are necessary.

Background Rumination syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by effortless postprandial regurgitation and accompanied by gastric visceral hypersensitivity. Almost invariably, the onset of symptoms is preceded by a psychologically stressful situation, and anxiety is often an accompanying complaint. In this background of gastric visceral hypersensitivity, anxiety and psychological stress, we investigated the effectiveness of combining a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) with diaphragmatic breathing/relaxation techniques for the treatment of rumination syndrome. Materials and Methods Patients who fulfilled the Rome IV criteria for rumination syndrome received hands-on instructions and/or coaching on diaphragmatic breathing techniques, were given relaxing auditory media, started on a TCA, and completed a follow-up symptoms questionnaire after undergoing a minimum of 3 months of this therapy. Results A total of 44 patients, 35 women; mean age 40.4 (range 20-71) were identified. Mean time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 36.0 months (range 6-180). Weight loss ranged from 1.4 to 39.5 kg. Approximately 65.9% had a history of anxiety and/or depression, and a separate 65.9% reported the onset of symptoms were chronologically related to an inciting event and/or psychological stressor. After a mean follow-up period of 8.8 months, 90.9% of patients reported improvement in their symptoms, with a mean subjective improvement from baseline of 68.9%, and specifically, 45.5% of patients reported ≥80% improvement. Weight increased or stabilized in 80.6% of those initially reporting weight loss. Conclusions The combination of a TCA with diaphragmatic breathing/relaxation techniques is an effective treatment modality for the management of rumination syndrome as it addresses the underlying factors identified in this entity.

Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron estudiar la sensibilidad antibiótica de aislamientos de Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis procedentes de pequeños rumiantes e investigar la presencia de integrones que contienen genes de resistencia. Se estudiaron 15 aislamientos de diferentes fuentes por los métodos de difusión y dilución. Por el método de difusión, amoxicilina-clavulánico, ampicilina, cefotaxima, cefoxitina, ciprofloxacina, cloranfenicol, eritromicina, estreptomicina, gentamicina, imipenem, kanamicina, norfloxacina, penicilina, rifampicina, tetraciclina, trimetroprima-sulfametoxazol y vancomicina fueron activos frente al 100% de los aislamientos, mientras que amicacina presentó resultados variables. En los aislamientos que desarrollaron frente a amicacina se investigó la presencia de integrones de clase 1. El resultado fue negativo, sugiriendo la ausencia del integrón. Utilizando el método de dilución, los antibióticos más activos correspondieron a los grupos de cefalosporinas, glucopéptidos, macrólidos, quinolonas y tetraciclinas. Se demostró menor actividad de B-lactámicos y aminoglucósidos. No se registró variabilidad en los perfiles antibióticos en los aislamientos procedentes de diferentes fuentes. The aims of this work were to study the antibiotic susceptibility in Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis isolated from small ruminants and to determine the presence of integrons that contain resistance genes. Fifteen isolates of different sources were analysed using the diffusion and the dilution methods. When the diffusion method was performed, amoxicillin-clavulanic, ampicillin, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, streptomycin, gentamicin, imipenem, kanamycin, norfloxacin, penicillin, rifampicin, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and vancomycin were effective against the 100% of isolates, while amikacin showed variable results. The isolates that were able to grow with amikacin, were studied in relation to the presence of integron class 1. The result was negative, suggesting the absence of integron. Using dilution method, the antibiotics belonging to the cephalosporin, glycopeptide, macrolide, quinolone, and tetracycline groups were the most active ones for the C. pseudotuberculosis biovar ovis isolates. Less activity of β-lactam and aminoglycosides were observed. There was no observation of variability in the antibiotic patterns in the strains coming from different sources. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche Fil: Gallardo, Adriana Alicia. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Ciencias de la Salud. Centro Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Científico-Tecnológico; Argentina Fil: Toledo, Rocío Andrea. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Ciencias de la Salud. Centro Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Científico-Tecnológico; Argentina Fil: Gonzalez Pasayo, Ramón Alejandro. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Unidad Integrada Balcarce. Laboratorio de Bacteriología. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata; Argentina Fil: de Carvalho Azevedo, Vasco Ariston. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas. Departamento de Biología General; Brasil Fil: Robles, Carlos Alejandro. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche. Area de Produccion Animal. Grupo de Sanidad Animal; Argentina Fil: Paolicchi, Fernando.Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Unidad Integrada Balcarce. Laboratorio de Bacteriología. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata; Argentina Fil: Estevao Belchior, Silvia Graciela. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Ciencias de la Salud. Centro Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Científico-Tecnológico; Argentina

Hemorrhage in the central nervous system is the most severe and debilitating manifestation affecting patients with hemophilia A. The spinal epidural space is the most unusual and clinically challenging site of central nervous system hemorrhage in hemophilia A. These patients often show insidious neurological signs and symptoms that delay diagnosis and treatment. We share our experience treating a 4-year-old male patient with severe hemophilia A and high titer inhibitors with a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma. The patient presented initially with intense headache and neck pain. After blood tests and imaging studies, bypassing agent therapy with recombinant-activated factor VII was used until discharge; this was later replaced with emicizumab. After 18 months, the patient is without neurological sequelae and has not experienced subsequent bleeding episodes. We review the available literature and discuss the relevance of emicizumab compared with standard therapies in the context of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma.

In "Politics for the perplexed", Daniel Innerarity presents us with a fairly clear reading of our global reality, pointing out to an issue with which we all may coincide, but that we had not described with such vehemence: we assist to a time in which politics fills us with uncertainty and bewilderment. En Política para perplejos, Daniel Innerarity nos presenta una lectura bastante clara de nuestra realidad global y donde apunta una cuestión conla cual todos podemos coincidir pero que no habíamos descrito con tantavehemencia: asistimos a una época en la que la política nos llena de desconciertoe incertidumbre.

espanolAntecedentes: la incidencia de cancer colorrectal (CCR) en los EE. UU. Ha disminuido. La tendencia decreciente se observa en los blancos, negros e hispanos no hispanos. Sin embargo, un analisis detallado de las tendencias demuestra que la disminucion entre los hispanos es menor que en otras razas / etnias. Investigamos la carga de CCR en los hispanos que viven cerca de la frontera entre Estados Unidos y Mexico, una subpoblacion de hispanos compuesta principalmente por individuos de origen mexicano. Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar y comparar las tasas de incidencia de CCR en blancos no hispanos e hispanos que viven en condados a lo largo de la frontera entre Estados Unidos y Mexico. Metodos: Se analizaron los datos del Instituto Nacional del Cancer de los Institutos Nacionales de Salud y los Perfiles Estatales del Cancer para obtener tasas de incidencia de CCR (por 100,000 habitantes) para personas ≥ 50 anos de edad que residen en condados a lo largo de la frontera de EE. UU. Y Mexico por raza (no hispano Blancos e hispanos) y genero de 2011 a 2015. Resultados: Las tasas de incidencia de CCR en hombres hispanos ≥ 50 anos de edad, que viven en condados a lo largo de la frontera entre Estados Unidos y Mexico, fueron mas altos que el promedio nacional para hombres hispanos de edad similar. En contraste, la incidencia de CCR disminuyo o permanecio estable en blancos y mujeres no hispanos. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio revela una disparidad significativa en la incidencia de CCR entre los hispanos que viven cerca de la frontera entre EE. UU. Y Mexico, que afecta desproporcionadamente a hombres ≥ 50 anos de edad. Los factores socioeconomicos y culturales / de estilo de vida probablemente contribuyen a estas disparidades. EnglishBackground: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the US has declined. The decreasing trend is observed in non-Hispanic Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics. However, close analysis of the trends demonstrates that the decline among Hispanics is less than other races/ethnicities. We investigate the burden of CRC in Hispanics living near the U.S.–Mexico border, a subpopulation of Hispanics composed primarily of individuals of Mexican origin. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate and compare incidence rates of CRC in non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanics living in counties along the U.S.–Mexico border. Methods: Data from the National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute and State Cancer Profiles were analyzed to obtain CRC incidence rates (per 100,000 population) for persons ≥ 50 years of age residing in counties along the U.S.–Mexico border by race (non-Hispanic White and Hispanic) and gender from 2011 to 2015. Results: Incidence rates of CRC in Hispanic men ≥ 50 years of age, living in counties along the U.S.–Mexico border, were higher than the national average for Hispanic men of similar age. In contrast, the incidence of CRC declined or remained stable in non-Hispanic Whites and women. Conclusions: Our study unveils a significant disparity in CRC incidence among Hispanics living near the U.S.–Mexico border, disproportionally affecting men ≥ 50 years of age. Socioeconomic and cultural/lifestyle factors are likely contributing to these disparities. (REV INVEST CLIN. 2019;71:306-10)

La brucelosis en los carneros es causada por Brucella ovis o Brucella melitensis y se considera una de las enfermedades infecciosas más importantes de los machos en los países donde se crían ovejas. Caracterización molecular de Brucella spp. logrado por el análisis de número variable de múltiples locus de repeticiones en tándem (MLVA) es una herramienta poderosa para genotipar Brucella spp. Sin embargo, los datos sobre el genotipado de B. ovis son escasos. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la diversidad molecular de cepas de campo de B. ovis en Argentina. Un total de 115 aislamientos de B. ovis de Argentina y Uruguay fueron genotipados usando MLVA-16 y analizados en conjunto con 14 B. ovis disponibles públicamente .genotipos de Brasil. El Poder Discriminatorio (D) fue 0,996 para MLVA-16 y 0,0998 para MLVA-8 y MLVA-11. El análisis de MLVA-16 reveló 100 genotipos diferentes, todos ellos novedosos, incluidos 90 únicos. No hubo correlación entre la distribución geográfica y el genotipo y los resultados mostraron una mayor diversidad dentro de las provincias que entre las provincias. El análisis de agrupamiento de las cepas de Argentina, Uruguay y Brasil reveló que los 129 aislamientos se agruparon en dos clados. El análisis de secuenciación del genoma completo de los 19 genomas de B. ovis disponibles en las bases de datos públicas, e incluyendo algunas de las cepas argentinas utilizadas en este estudio, reveló la agrupación de los aislados argentinos y una relación más estrecha con B. ovisde Nueva Zelanda y Australia. Este trabajo agrega nuevos datos al mal entendido mapa de distribución de genotipos a nivel regional y mundial para B. ovis y constituye el estudio más grande de genotipado molecular de B. ovis hasta ahora. Brucellosis in rams is caused by Brucella ovis or Brucella melitensis and it is considered one of the most important infectious diseases of males in sheep-raising countries. Molecular characterization of Brucella spp. achieved by multi-locus variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) is a powerful tool to genotype Brucella spp. However, data regarding B. ovis genotyping is scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the molecular diversity of B. ovis field-strains in Argentina. A total of 115 isolates of B. ovis from Argentina and Uruguay were genotyped using MLVA-16 and analyzed altogether with 14 publicly available B. ovis genotypes from Brazil. The Discriminatory Power (D) was 0.996 for MLVA-16 and 0.0998 for MLVA-8 and MLVA-11. Analysis of MLVA-16 revealed 100 different genotypes, all of them novel, including 90 unique ones. There was no correlation between geographical distribution and genotype and results showed a higher diversity within provinces than between provinces. Clustering analysis of the strains from Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil revealed that the 129 isolates were grouped into two clades. Whole Genome Sequencing analysis of the 19 B. ovis genomes available in public databases, and including some of the Argentinian strains used in this study, revealed clustering of the Argentinian isolates and closer relationship with B. ovis from New Zealand and Australia. This work adds new data to the poorly understood distribution map of genotypes regionally and worldwide for B. ovis and it constitutes the largest study of B. ovis molecular genotyping until now. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria

The gastroduodenal mucosal layer is a complex and dynamic system that functions in an interdependent manner to resist injury. We review and summarize the most updated knowledge about gastroduodenal defense mechanisms and specifically address (a) the mucous barrier, (b) membrane and cellular properties, and vascular, hormonal, and (c) gaseous mediators. Trefoil factor family peptides play a crucial role in cellular restitution by increasing cellular permeability and expression of aquaporin channels, aiding cellular migration and tissue repair. Additionally, evidence suggests that the symptoms of functional dyspepsia may be attributed to alterations in the duodenum, including low-grade inflammation and increased mucosal permeability. The interaction of the various mucosal protective components helps maintain structural and functional homeostasis. There is increasing evidence suggesting that the upper GI microbiota plays a crucial role in the defense mechanisms. However, this warrants further investigation.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of two injectable formulations of doramectin (DRM) against Psoroptes ovis in sheep infested under controlled experimental conditions and to characterize the DRM plasma disposition kinetics in the infested animals. To this end, sheep were experimentally infested with a P. ovis strain from a farm with a history of treatment failure, and then treated either with DRM 1% (traditional preparation) on days 0 and 7 or with DRM 3.15% (long-acting formulation) on day 0. The efficacy of each treatment was calculated by counting live mites in skin scrapings. Plasma samples were obtained from each animal and DRM concentrations were measured by HPLC. After the two doses of DRM 1%, the maximum efficacy (98.8%) was reached on day 28, whereas after the single dose of DRM 3.15%, the maximum efficacy (100%) was reached on day 35 and ratified on day 42. The long-acting formulation allowed obtaining higher exposure and more sustained concentrations of DRM than the traditional preparation. Although both DRM formulations studied were effective according to international protocols, they did not reach 100% effectiveness in the time required for approved pharmaceutical products against sheep scab, according to Argentine regulations.

Pseudocholinesterase deficiency is a rare genetic as well as an acquired disorder that affects the body's ability to metabolize choline esters such as succinylcholine and mivacurium. It can be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, occurring in approximately 1 in 3,200 to 1 in 5,000 people. In most cases of pseudocholinesterase deficiency, no signs or symptoms of the condition exist. It is first suspected after a prolonged recovery from paralysis following general anesthesia in which succinylcholine or mivacurium are administered. We emphasize the importance of obtaining a detailed history prior to any endoscopic intervention or surgery requiring monitored anesthesia care or general anesthesia. In addition, a family history of anesthesia complications may help identify patients at risk. This article examines a case of a patient who underwent a successful endoscopic pneumatic dilation under general anesthesia for the treatment of achalasia, but was subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit, requiring mechanical ventilator support, for 18 hours. The patient made a complete recovery and was discharged home with no further complications. This case stimulated a review of this entity and we provide recommendations relevant to all proceduralist and anesthesia staff, as well as all personnel involved in procedures.

Lyme disease (LD) is a multisystemic inflammatory disease caused by pathogenic spirochetes, belonging to the genospecies complex Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B.b.s.l.). Around the world, distinct species of Ixodes tick vectors transmit different species of Borrelia. Despite the rising recognition and occurrence of tick-borne disease in Latin America, serology has proven to be inconclusive in detecting suspected LD cases. Recently, new B.b.s.l. strains or new related species have been described in Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile. This could explain the lack of confirmatory tests, such as indeterminate Western blots (WBs) and polymerase chain reactions, in detecting suspected LD cases in this region of the world. Future studies will need to determine the extension of novel B.b.s.l. species infections in ticks, reservoirs, and humans in Latin America. The existence of these new Borrelia genomic species should prompt the development of innovative diagnostic and clinical approaches.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of age, sex and anthropometric variables in handgrip strength and to determine norm-referenced values for preschool children.Cross-sectional study.Schools.A total of 1215 children, aged 3-6 years (590 girls and 625 boys).Not applicable.Handgrip strength (HS), measured by the CAMRY hydraulic hand dynamometer (EH101; Camry, Guangdong Province, China).Boys exhibited a greater performance than girls in the 4 and 5 years age groups, but no significant differences were found at 3 and 6 years. In relation to growth, HS performance was greater with increased age. The Pearson correlation analysis showed significant correlations between HS and body mass (r = 0.354, p 0.001), body height (r = 0.352, p 0.001), body mass index (r = 0.164, p 0.001) and waist circumference (r = 0.118, p 0.001).This study provides references values for muscular strength assessment by an HS test carried out on a large sample of preschoolers in relation to age and sex. Additionally, some differences in HS performance were found according to sex.

Background Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are actively involved in ossification, and BMP-2 participates throughout the entire process. Gene therapy for bone regeneration using adenovirus-expressing BMPs has been successful in small mammals, but it has not been satisfactory in large mammals. Methods We generated a 3-component implant (3C graft) comprising autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), ex vivo transduced with an adenovirus vector-expressing BMP-2 and embedded in a demineralized human bone matrix (DBM). Results In vitro studies demonstrated vector-induced osteogenesis; osteoblast population and mineralization of the extracellular matrix were greater in the vector-transduced cultures than in the controls (nontransduced MSCs stimulated with osteogenic media were used as positive controls, and nontransduced MSCs served as a negative control). The 3-component grafts were used to fill osteotomies created by bone distraction surgery in mongrel dogs. Control groups comprised dogs with bone distraction alone and dogs with nontransduced MSC grafts. The radiography follow-up, performed 10 weeks after distraction, demonstrated a remarkable reduction in the consolidation period compared with controls. Postmortem mandibles submitted for anatomic and histologic analyses showed improved remodeling and bone maturation in the 3C-grafted dogs. Inflammatory infiltrates were not observed in any of the treated areas, and no liver toxicity was detected. Conclusions We demonstrated acceleration of osteogenesis in a dog model for bone distraction by using an implant of BMP-2 modified MSCs. These results are helpful for future clinical trials of mandible bone distraction.

Orf virus (ORFV) is the etiological agent of contagious ecthyma (CE), a pustular dermatitis of sheep and goats. Outbreaks of ORFV have been observed in all geographical regions of the world, including Argentina. The origin and identity of Argentinian ORFVs are unknown, and no comparative or phylogenetic studies of these viruses have been performed. In this study, we described the sequencing and analysis of five ORFV molecular markers: a partial B2L gene (ORF011), VIR (ORF020), an envelope mature protein (ORF109), vIL10 (ORF127), and GIF (ORF117) from two particular Argentinian outbreaks of CE., Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias

This paper describes an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) and a fluorescence polarisation assay (FPA), each capable of detecting antibody in several species of hosts to smooth and rough members of the genus Brucella. The I-ELISA uses a mixture of smooth lipopolysaccharide (SLPS) and rough lipopolysaccharide (RLPS) as the antigen, and a recombinant protein A/G conjugated with horseradish peroxidase as the detection reagent. When using individually determined cutoff values, the SLPS/RLPS combined-antigen I-ELISA detected antibody in slightly more animals exposed to SLPS or to RLPS than did I-ELISA procedures using each individual antigen separately. Similarly, the assay using combined antigens detected antibody in slightly fewer animals not exposed to Brucella sp. When a universal cutoff of 10% positivity was used (relative to strongly positive control sera of each species), the overall performance index (percentage sensitivity plus percentage specificity) value decreased by 1.0 (from 199.4 to 198.4). In the FPA, it was not possible to use a universal cutoff without significant loss of performance. The overall sensitivity value for the FPA using the combined FPA antigen was 1.0% lower than using the O-polysaccharide (OPS) from SLPS and 9.1% higher than using the core antigen (CORE) from RLPS. When the combined antigen was used, the FPA specificity was slightly higher (1.2%) than from only the OPS, and considerably higher (12.6%) than the CORE. Overall, both the I-ELISA and the FPA with combined antigens were suitable as screening tests for all species of Brucella in the animal species tested.

Hematologic and serum chemistry values were determined for chicks, juveniles, and adult farmed lesser rheas (Pterocnemia pennata). Blood samples were taken during March–April 1998 from the brachial veins of lesser rhea, including 64 chicks, 24 juveniles, and 36 adults, raised in Patagonian farms (Argentina). Lesser rhea chicks had significantly lower erythrocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, red cell indices, and copper than did the juveniles and adult individuals. No significant differences were observed between females and males. Most values were similar to those reported for other ratites. The data obtained provide hematologic and serum chemistry values for lesser rhea from farms.

Brucellosis in sheep, caused by Brucella ovis, is primarily a chronic infectious disease of rams with epididymitis as its most characteristic lesion. Six hundred rams from an infected farm were clinically and serologically examined once a year, over a 3-year period. An increase from 2.1% to 6.3% in the prevalence of animals serologically positive to B. ovis occurred over the 3 years. However, the prevalence of rams with lesions in the reproductive tract declined from 14.2% to 6.5% in the third year following one year of strict culling of clinically affected and rams that were serologically positive for B. ovis. Clinical lesions found in the 179 affected rams fell into two main categories: rams with epididymitis and rams with affected lymph nodes. These results suggest that the prevalence of the disease relates mainly to the sexual activity of the animal and not to age in itself. A single cull based on the results of clinical examination and serological test results was unable to decrease the prevalence of B. ovis in an extensive Corriedale sheep flock.

This study aimed to determine the aetiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) by adding polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to conventional methods and to describe the clinical and laboratory features between patients with bacterial pneumonia (BP) and viral pneumonia (VP). Adults with CAP admitted from November 2009 to October 2010 were included. Demographics, comorbidities, severity and clinical features were recorded. Conventional microbiological methods included blood and sputum cultures, acute and convalescent serologic samples, and antigen urinary detection. New methods included multiplex PCR for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis and 15 respiratory viruses. A total of 169 patients were included. Using conventional methods, we identified a pathogen in 51 % of cases. With PCR, up to 70 % of cases had an aetiological diagnosis. Forty-five patients had BP (34 %), 22 had VP (17 %) and 25 (19 %) had co-infection (BP and VP). Pneumococci and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were the most frequently identified pathogens. Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) median values were significantly higher in BP than in VP patients. Shaking chills, higher CURB score and shock were significantly more frequent in BP. A viral infection was identified in more than one-third of patients with CAP. Clinical and laboratory features could help to differentiate between VP and BP and to guide empirical therapy.

Summary A peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) technique was used to diagnose bacillary haemoglobinuria in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver tissues of cattle. The PAP method revealed Clostridium haemolyticum in the zone of liver necrosis characteristic of the disease and also in culture smears of this microorganism, but C. novyi type B, C. chauvoei, C. septicum and C. perfringens types B and C remained unstained by the PAP reaction. The PAP technique performed provides a specific, simple and rapid method to diagnose bacillary haemoglobinuria.

Brucella ovis infection is a major cause of epididymitis and infertility in rams, resulting in reproductive failure and significant economic losses worldwide. The goal of this study was to develop a PCR test targeting specific B. ovis genomic sequences. Specific primer pairs were designed targeting 12 of those ORFs. Samples of blood, serum, semen, urine, and preputial wash were collected from experimentally infected rams ( n = 9) every other week up to 180 days post infection (dpi), when tissue samples were obtained. Blood, serum, semen, urine, and preputial wash samples were obtained, in weekly intervals for 1 month, from eight rams belonging to a B. ovis -free flock. Semen samples were also obtained from rams belonging to naturally infected flocks ( n = 40). The limit of detection of this PCR protocol was 100, 10, and 1 CFU/mL for semen, urine and prepucial wash samples, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity values obtained with this PCR method were similar to that of bacteriology when evaluating biological samples. Agreement between PCR and bacteriology results was greater than 90%. These results clearly indicate that this species-specific PCR method is highly efficient for the diagnosis of B. ovis infection in semen, urine, preputial wash and tissue samples from infected rams.

El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido analizar por un lado, la influencia de un sistema de evaluación compartida en el aprendizaje de una habilidad gimnástica y por otro, ver los efectos que produce en el número de repeticiones globales (correctas e incorrectas) y a nivel más cualitativo, la motivación y percepción del alumno sobre su aprendizaje.Para ello se empleó un modelo de entrenamiento en mini-circuito sin utilización de planillas de observación para el grupo A y un entrenamiento en mini-circuito con utilización de planillas de observación durante el proceso para el grupo B.Los tratamientos metodológicos fueron administrados a 40 sujetos de ambos sexos, (22 varones y 18 mujeres) con un rango de edad de entre 19 y 23 años, estudiantes de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte de la Universidad de Granada.Los resultados mostraron la eficacia de ambos mini-circuitos en el aprendizaje de la habilidad gimnástica seleccionada. Sin embargo, se mostró la importancia de los mini-circuitos con utilización de planillas de evaluación encontrándose diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el aprendizaje de la habilidad, así como un mayor número de repeticiones correctas del gesto global y un menor número de repeticiones incorrectas. Ambos mini-circuitos fueron percibidos por los alumnos como motivantes, con una ligerísima diferencia a favor de los mini-circuitos con utilización de las planillas de evaluación.

'Mal seco' is a grass sickness-like syndrome of horses in Argentina. A histopathological study was made of the coeliaco-mesenteric ganglia of four horses with 'mal seco' and of four horses that died from other causes. The severity and extent of the lesions found in the horses with 'mal seco' was greatest in the two with the shortest clinical course. Degenerative changes consisted mainly in the loss of Nissl substance, cytoplasmic vacuoles, neuronophagia, intercellular and intracytoplasmic eosinophilic bodies, and pyknotic and eccentric nuclei. The coeliaco-mesenteric ganglia of the control horses had no histological lesions. The histological lesions in the horses with 'mal seco' were very similar to those described in the coeliaco-mesenteric ganglia of horses with grass sickness in Europe and it is suggested that 'mal seco' and grass sickness may be the same disease.

'Mal seco' is an almost invariably fatal disease of horses in Argentina and Chile, which resembles grass sickness, a dysautonomia of horses in Europe. The aetiology of mal seco remains unknown. An attempt to reproduce the disease was made by feeding horses with Festuca argentina, a plant considered to be toxic to animals and which was consistently found in the diet of nine horses suffering from mal seco. Three horses were fed with F argentina ad libitum for 28 days. The plant was infected with an endophytic fungus, whose morphological characteristics were in agreement with descriptions of Acremonium chlamydosporioides. No clinical abnormalities were observed in two of the horses, but one died on the fifth day of the trial after becoming incoordinated, unsteady and ataxic in the fore- and hindlimbs. No gross changes were observed post mortem in any of the horses, with the exception of a small number of Fasciola hepatica in the liver of the horse which died, and a moderate number of Gasterophilus species in the stomach of all three horses. No histopathological changes were observed in any of the organs examined, including several autonomic ganglia, brain including most brain stem nuclei, spinal cord, liver, kidney, stomach and small and large intestine. The results of this study suggest that F argentina is either not implicated in the aetiology of mal seco or produces its effects only when they are triggered by other unknown factors.

Forty-four of a flock of 117 angora goats in the Rio Negro province of Argentina died within four days. Most of the animals died shortly after the onset of clinical signs, but in a few the clinical course lasted for several days. Post mortem the small and large intestines were filled with watery contents, blood and fibrin clots, and there were numerous ulcers on the mucosa. Small areas of malacia were observed histologically in the brain. Clostridium perfringens type D in pure culture was isolated from the kidneys and gut contents of the affected animals. Epsilon toxin was identified by the mouse seroneutralisation test in the supernatant solution from cultures of these isolates and in the intestinal contents of the affected animals. Heavy infestations with coccidia, nutritional and environmental stress, and an anthelmintic overdose were possible predisposing factors for the outbreak.

Mal seco is a grass sickness-like syndrome of horses which has mainly been observed in Patagonia, Argentina, although some reports indicate that the disease may exist in other Argentinian provinces and in the south of Chile. The aetiology of mal seco remains unknown but the disease seems to be restricted to animals grazing on natural pastures and not receiving supplementary feeding. Mal seco is clinically characterized by total or partial bowel stasis and the main findings at post-mortem examination are almost exclusively restricted to the bowel. The most striking histopathological changes found consisted of degenerative changes in the coeliaco-mesenteric ganglia and also in other central and peripheral structures of the nervous system.