Search

The presence of Campylobacter species was studied in three Antarctic penguin species, Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae), chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarctica) and gentoo (Pygoscelis papua). A total of 390 penguins were captured in 12 different rookeries along the Antarctic Peninsula with differences in the amount of human visitation: six colonies were highly visited [Stranger Point, King George Island (P. papua and P. adeliae); Hannah Point, Livingston Island (P. papua and P. antarctica); Deception Island (P. antarctica); and Paradise Bay, Antarctic Peninsula (P. papua)], and six colonies were rarely visited [Devil’s Point, Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island (P. papua); Cierva Cove, Antarctic Peninsula (P. papua); Rongé Island (P. papua and P. antarctica); Yalour Island (P. adeliae); and Avian Island (P. adeliae)]. A total of 23 strains were isolated from penguins from nine different rookeries. Campylobacter lari subsp. lari was isolated from eight samples (seven from P. papua and one from P. adeliae); C. lari subsp. concheus from 13 (ten from P. adeliae and three from P. antarctica) and C. volucris from two samples (both from P. papua). We did not find any significant differences in the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. between the populations in highly and rarely visited areas. This is the first report of C. lari subsp. concheus and C. volucris isolation from penguins in the Antarctic region., This study has been funded by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and European Regional Development Fund under the Projects CGL2004-01348, POL2006-05175, CGL2007-60369 and CTM2011-24427 during writing. This is a contribution to the PINGUCLIM project.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of exercise intensity during an incremental exercise test on plasma Mg concentration in well-trained euhydrated athletes. Twenty-seven well-trained endurance athletes carried out a cycloergometer test: after a warm-up of 10 min at 2.0 W·kg(-1), the workload increased by 0.5 W·kg(-1) every 10 min until exhaustion. Oxygen uptake (VO(2)), blood lactate concentration ([La(-)](b)), catecholamines, and plasma Mg were measured at rest, at the end of each stage and at 3, 5 and 7 minutes post-exercise. Urine specific gravity (U(SG)) was analyzed before and after the test, and subjects drank water ad libitum. Fat oxidation rate (FAT(oxr)), carbohydrate oxidation rate (CHO(oxr)), energy expenditure from fat (EE(FAT)), energy expenditure from carbohydrate (EE(CHO)), and total EE (EE(TOTAL)) were estimated using stoichiometric equations. Plasma Mg concentration at each relative exercise intensity (W·kg(-1)) were compared by means of repeated-measures ANOVA. Pearson's correlations were performed to assess the relationship between variables. The significance level was set at p

The aim of this report is to propose a scheme for validation of an analytical technique according to ISO 17025.According to ISO 17025, the fundamental parameters tested were: selectivity, calibration model, precision, accuracy, uncertainty of measurement, and analytical interference.A protocol has been developed that has been applied successfully to quantify zinc in serum by atomic absorption spectrometry.It is demonstrated that our method is selective, linear, accurate, and precise, making it suitable for use in routine diagnostics.

Resumen Objetivo Determinar la eficacia del empleo de protesis metalicas autoexpandibles en el tratamiento de las estenosis ureterales post-trasplante renal. Material y Metodos Desde octubre de 1995 a abril de 2002, se han tratado 8 estenosis ureterales post- TR mediante el implante de una protesis metalica autoexpandible (6 hombres y 2 mujeres). El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 30 meses (rango 2-53 meses). En este trabajo se analizan la severidad y localizacion de la estenosis, el metodo de implante de la protesis, la permeabilidad de la misma, los niveles de creatinina pre y postimplante y las complicaciones derivadas del mismo. Resultados El tratamiento fue efectivo en el 100% de los pacientes (8/8), con un descenso medio de la creatinina del 36% (rango 13,6%-59,6%). Las complicaciones fueron minimas y la estancia hospitalaria fue corta. Conclusiones En los pacientes con: deterioro cronico del injerto con expectativa funcional corta, pacientes con alto riesgo quirurgico y reestenosis tras reimplantacion ureterovesical por estenosis ureteral previa, el empleo de una protesis metalica autoexpandible constituye la tecnica de eleccion dada su eficacia y baja morbilidad asociada.

Objectives : This study evaluates the influence of growth phase on the postantifungal effect (PAFE) and on the effect of sub-MIC concentrations (1/4× MIC) on Candida sp. in PAFE stage (PAFSE). Methods : This stage was induced by pre-treatments of 1.5 h of C. albicans or C. glabrata in their exponential or stationary phase, with 1×, 4× or 8× MIC of four antifungal agents that are fundamental for modern candidiasis therapy. Results : Ketoconazole and fluconazole induced longer PAFSEs on microorganisms in logarithmic growth phase. However, this influence did not exist in the case of PAFSEs induced by AmB and 5-Fc or with the postantifungal effect induced by the four antifungal agents. In any way, significant PAFEs were always observed for Amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine (0.8–4.8 and 0.5–3 h, respectively, depending on the treatment dose). These values were increased (2.3–3.6 and 1.4–3.2 h respectively, depending on the pre-treatment dose) by posterior exposition to 1/4× MIC of the respective antifungal agent. In the case of ketoconazole and fluconazole, both antimycotics were not able to induce significant PAFEs, but posterior treatments to 1/4× MIC of each of the two azoles led in both yeast species to significant PAFSE of up to 2.6 h duration with ketoconazole, and 0.8 h with fluconazole, depending on the pre-treatment concentration. Conclusion : The growth phase of microorganisms should be considered in the planning of dosage protocols with azoles, because if the concentration applied is not high enough, the sub-MIC effects could be no significant for fungi in stationary phase of large wounds. Amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine induced significant postantifungal effect on Candida sp. This effect was increased by posterior exposition to sub-MIC concentration of the antifungal agents. Ketoconazole and fuconazole were not able to induce significant PAFEs at the concentrations tested, but posterior treatments to sub-MIC concentrations led to significant PAFSE. The growth phase of the culture at the time of its pre-treatment did not influence the length of the PAFE induced in it. However, the effect of the sub-MIC concentrations of Kz or Flu in yeast in PAFE phase was greater on yeast in exponential phase than for cultures in stationary phase.

This study evaluates the influence of exposure time and concentration on the post-antifungal effect (PAFE) and the effect of sub-MIC concentrations (1/4 x MIC) on Candida albicans and C. glabrata in the PAFE stage (PAFSE). This stage was induced by pretreatment for 1.5, 3 or 12 h with 1 x, 4 x or 8 x MIC of 4 antifungal agents fundamental to modern candidiasis therapy. The length of the 2 effects studied was dependent on the concentration of the antifungal agent applied during pretreatment, as well as on the exposure time. An increase in the dose and/or longer pretreatment prolonged the duration of the PAFE and PAFSE in both species and with all the antifungal agents. Significant PAFEs were always observed for amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine (0.8-13 h and 0.6-10.8 h, respectively). These values were increased (by 2.3-8.7 h and 1.5-7.8 h, respectively) by posterior exposure to 1/4 x MIC of the respective antifungal agent. Neither ketoconazole nor fluconazole were able to induce significant PAFEs, even with exposures of up to 12 h duration and a dose of 8 x MIC. However, treatment with 1/4 x MIC of each of the 2 azoles led to significant PAFSEs in both yeast species, of up to 6.5 h duration with ketoconazole and 1.7 h with fluconazole, if the concentrations and/or exposure times were sufficiently high.

This study examined: (i) the post-antifungal effect (PAFE) of Voriconazole (UK 109,496) on Candida albicans, at 2 concentrations (MIC and 4 x MIC) in the presence or absence of 10% human serum; (ii) the activity of low concentrations of the drug (1/4 x MIC) on yeasts that had previously been exposed to Voriconazole (PAFSE) with or without 10% human serum; and (iii) the effect of Voriconazole pretreatment on the fungicidal activity of leucocytes and serum against C. albicans (PALE). Two concentrations (0.25 and 1 mg/l) of Voriconazole induced no PAFE against C. albicans between -4.3 and -1.4 h, but when the assays were performed in the presence of serum, positive and concentration-dependent PAFEs were obtained (0.2-4.1 h). Pretreated yeasts were more susceptible than untreated yeasts to low concentrations (0.0625 mg/l) of Voriconazole, so the drug showed positive PAFSE that was dependent on the concentration used in pretreatment without serum (0.3-1.9 h) or with 10% human serum (0.5-2.5 h). Pretreatment of the growing C. albicans cells with Voriconazole (0.25 mg/l) increased their vulnerability to killing by leucocytes during the last 2 h (p < 0.05), leading to PALE of 2 h. The results suggest that these effects might be used to evaluate the in vivo activity of an antifungal agent. The sum of the durations of these effects (PAFE, PAFSES and PALE) cause a considerable delay in yeast growth in treated cultures compared with control cultures.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of relative exercise intensity on various plasma trace elements in euhydrated endurance athletes. Twenty-seven well-trained endurance athletes performed a cycloergometer test: after a warm-up of 10 min at 2.0 W kg⁻¹, workload increased by 0.5 W kg⁻¹ every 10 min until exhaustion. Oxygen uptake, blood lactate concentration ([La⁻](b)), and plasma ions (Zn, Se, Mn and Co) were measured at rest, at the end of each stage, and 3, 5 and 7 min post-exercise. Urine specific gravity (U(SG)) was measured before and after the test, and subjects drank water ad libitum. Fat oxidation (FAT(OXR)), carbohydrate oxidation (CHO(OXR)), energy expenditure from fat (EE(FAT)), from carbohydrates (EE(CHO)) and total EE (EE(T)) were estimated using stoichiometric equations. A repeated measure (ANOVA) was used to compare plasma ion levels at each exercise intensity level. The significance level was set at P0.05. No significant differences were found in U(SG) between, before, and after the test (1.014±0.004 vs. 1.014±0.004 g cm⁻³) or in any plasma ion level as a function of intensity. There were weak significant correlations of Zn (r=0.332, P0.001) and Se (r=0.242, P0.01) with [La⁻](b), but no relationships were established between [La⁻](b), VO₂, FAT(OXR), CHO(OXR), EE(FAT), EE(CHO), or EE(T) and plasma ion levels. Acute exercise at different submaximal intensities in euhydrated well-trained endurance athletes does not provoke a change in plasma trace element levels, suggesting that plasma volume plays an important role in the homeostasis of these elements during exercise.

Infection by cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent congenital viral infection. Although it offers a wide range of manifestations, it nevertheless continues to be underdiagnosed if there are no symptoms in the newborn infant, which is what most commonly happens. A definitive retrospective diagnosis can only be reached after the first three weeks by detecting CMV DNA in blood on the filter paper used in the neonatal screening test.The article reviews our experience with congenital CMV from a diagnostic perspective and with the study of CMV DNA in the heel prick test.Of the 10,855 patients included in the neuropaediatric service database, there were 11 cases of congenital CMV. The diagnosis was only probable in four cases and it was definitive in seven of them, the diagnosis being obtained in the neonatal period in four of these patients and retrospectively in three others, by means of the heel prick test. The heel prick test was performed in 10 cases altogether, and was positive in five of them.There can be no doubt that many cases of congenital CMV infection are still not diagnosed. Retrospective study of congenital infection by CMV by detecting DNA in blood from the filter paper used in the neonatal screening test should be considered in the presence of severe symptoms and different clinical pictures such as: delayed intrauterine growth, microcephaly, neurosensory hypoacusis, chorioretinitis, mental retardation, behavioural disorders (especially autistic spectrum disorders), intracranial calcifications, encephaloclastic disorders, leukoencephalopathy, cortical dysplasia and malformations of the temporal lobe or the hippocampus. Given its availability, ready access and low cost, the benefits to be gain from continuing to use the heel prick test should be reconsidered.

The oligomeric state and the hydrodynamic properties of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) phosphoprotein (P), a known cofactor of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L), and a trypsin-resistant fragment (X) that includes its oligomerization domain were analyzed by sedimentation equilibrium and velocity using analytical ultracentrifugation. The results obtained demonstrate that both P and fragment X are homotetrameric with elongated shapes, consistent with electron micrographs of the purified P protein in which thin rod-like molecules of approximately 12.5 +/- 1.0 nm in length were observed. A new chymotrypsin resistant fragment (Y*) included in fragment X has been identified and purified by gel filtration chromatography. Fragment Y* may represent a minimal version of the P oligomerization domain. Thermal denaturation curves based on circular dichroism data of P protein showed a complex behavior. In contrast, melting data generated for fragments X and particularly fragment Y* showed more homogeneous transitions indicative of simpler structures. A three-dimensional model of X and Y* fragments was built based on the atomic structure of the P oligomerization domain of the related Sendai virus, which is in good agreement with the experimental data. This model will be an useful tool to make rational mutations and test the role of specific amino acids in the oligomerization and functional properties of the HRSV P protein.

To determinate the efficacy in the treatment of ureteral estenoses after renal transplantation with metallic self-expandable stent.From october of 1995 to april of 2002, 8 ureteral obstruction post renal transplantation have treated by means of implants of a metallic self-expandable stent (6 men and 2 women). The average time of pursuit was of 30 months (rank 2-53 months). In this work the severity and location of the estenosis are analysed, the method of implant of the stent, the permeability of the same one, the levels of creatinine pre and postimplant and the complications derived from the same one.The treatment was effective in the 100% of the patients (8/8), with an average reduction of the creatinine of 36% (rank 13.6%-59.6%). The complications were minimum and the hospital stay was short.In the patients with: chronic deterioration of the graft with short functional expectation, patient with high surgical risk and reestenosis after ureteral reimplantation by previous ureteral estenosis, the use of a metallic self-expandable stent, constitutes technique of election given its efficacy and low associate morbidity.

A field study was conducted to investigate the appearance of alterations in the peripheral blood cells of wild populations of fish. Two aspects were evaluated: the appearance of cytogenetic effects, measured as increases on micronuclei frequencies, and the appearance of haematological effects by checking changes in the relative proportion of the different blood cell types. For this purpose common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were caught from four areas along a Spanish river. Three areas were located under the influence of chemical industries and/or a nuclear power plant. The fourth was a clean reference area. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the appearance of micronuclei on the same day of sampling and also after two and twelve months. The alterations in the relative proportion of cell types were counted in blood smears stained with Giemsa. Increases in micronuclei frequencies were observed in fish living in supposedly polluted areas. Alterations of the relative proportions of blood cells were manifested as an increase in white blood cells and as a decrease in red blood cells vs. control area. Since accidental spills have not been reported over this period of time, the alterations observed could suggest that fish are suffering chronic effects due to low level contamination associated with the sampled areas.

This study investigates the impact of different pH values (5.5 and 7.4) on the postantifungal effect (PAFE) and the effect of sub-MIC concentrations (1/4 x MIC) on C. albicans and C. glabrata in the PAFE stage (PAFSE). The PAFE stage was induced by a 1.5 h pretreatment with different doses (1, 4 and 8 x MIC) of 4 antifungal agents. An increase in the pH and/or an increase in the dose of the antimycotic prolonged the duration of the PAFE induced by amphotericin B or 5-fluorocytosine and the PAFSE induced by all 4 antifungal agents in both species. 5-Fluorocytosine and amphotericin B (except for treatment with 1 x MIC at pH 5.5) induced significant PAFEs (0.5-3.0 h and 1.4-4.8 h, respectively), which were increased (to 0.9-3.2 h and 0.8-3.4 h, respectively) by posterior (PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT YOU MEAN BY THE WORD "POSTERIOR" HERE) exposure to 1/4 X MIC of the respective antifungal agent. Although ketoconazole and fluconazole were not able to induce significant PAFEs, posterior exposure to 1/4 x MIC of each of these 2 azoles led to significant PAFSEs of up to 2.6 h in both yeast species when the concentrations and pH were high enough.

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of different temperatures (22, 35 and 37°C) on the postantifungal effect (PAFE) and the effect of sub-MIC concentrations (1/4 × MIC) on Candida albicans and Candida glabrata in PAFE stage (PAFSE). Methods: This stage was induced by a 1.5-hour pretreatment with different doses (1 ×, 4 × and 8 × MIC) of four antifungal agents that are fundamental to modern candidiasis therapy. Results: The temperature, as well as the dose of the antifungal agent that was applied during the pretreatment, determined the duration of the two studied effects. An increase in the temperature and/or the dose prolonged the duration of the PAFE and PAFSE in both species, independent of the applied antifungal agent. Amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine always induced significant PAFEs (0.5–4.8 h and 0.5–3.0 h, respectively), which were increased (0.7–3.4 h and 0.5–3.2 h, respectively) by posterior exposure to 1/4 × MIC of the respective antifungal agent. In the case of ketoconazole and fluconazole, temperature and concentration were especially important. Although neither antimycotics was able to induce a significant PAFE, posterior exposure to 1/4 × MIC of each of the two azoles led in both yeast species to a significant PAFSE of up to 0.8 h (if the concentrations and/or the temperatures were high enough). Conclusion: Factors such as temperature and concentration could be important when choosing an antifungal agent.

To evaluate the efficacy of Nitinol (Memotherm) self-expandible metal stents in the treatment of malignant and non-malignant ureteral obstruction in patients who are not eligible for surgery.A total of 14 ureteral strictures (5 malignant, 9 non-malignant) in 13 patients were treated by the implantation of a Nitinol endoprosthesis. Eight were implanted by the antegrade and 6 by the retrograde route. A mean of 1.3 stents were implanted per patient.85% of the stents were patent at a mean follow-up of 10.2 months (range 2-28). Four prostheses developed transient obstruction that was resolved by insertion of a double-J catheter for periods that ranged from 2 to 6 months. One stent required a permanent double-J catheter and another stent showed functional obstruction, although it was morphologically patent.The Nitinol self-expandible metal stent is effective in the treatment of malignant and non-malignant ureteral obstructions in patients who are not eligible for surgery due to the tumor stage or high surgical risk.

The objective of the study was to assess (a) the postantifungal effect (PAFE) of amphotericin B (AmB) and fluconazole (Flu) on two Candida albicans strains, and (b) the effect of low concentrations of AmB or Flu on yeasts previously exposed to AmB or Flu, respectively, in the presence or absence of 10% human serum. In the absence of serum, AmB exerted a positive effect (at 0.5-5.0 h) depending on the concentration and the strain used. Flu, however, produced negative effects (at -1.2 to -0.1 h). When the experiment was conducted in the presence of serum, the duration of all PAFEs increased significantly, especially those induced by Flu that became positive. Pretreated yeasts were more susceptible than untreated controls to the antifungal activity of low concentrations of the drugs. Growth delay was more pronounced with Flu (up to 5.2 h), whereas the greatest decrease in log10 at 12 h was slightly more pronounced for AmB. A knowledge of PAFEs and the effects of low drug concentrations on pretreated yeasts and the effects of serum on these is important in order to gain more insight into the in vivo activity of the study drugs.

Introduccion. La infeccion por citomegalovirus (CMV) es la infeccion virica congenita mas frecuente, con un amplio espectro de manifestaciones que, sin embargo, continua siendo infradiagnosticada si no hay sintomas en el recien nacido, situacion que es la mas frecuente. El diagnostico retrospectivo de certeza solo puede realizarse pasadas las primeras tres semanas mediante la deteccion de ADN del CMV a partir de sangre del papel de filtro del cribado neonatal. Pacientes y metodos. Se revisa nuestra experiencia desde una perspectiva diagnostica con el CMV congenito y en el estudio del ADN del CMV en la prueba del talon. Resultados. De 10.855 pacientes de la base de datos de neuropediatria, constan 11 casos de CMV congenito. En cuatro casos el diagnostico solo ha sido probable, y en siete el diagnostico es de certeza, obtenido en cuatro pacientes en el periodo neonatal y en tres casos de forma retrospectiva, mediante la prueba del talon. Se realizo la prueba del talon en un total de 10 casos, y fue positiva en cinco. Conclusiones. Resulta indudable que todavia permanecen sin diagnosticar numerosos casos de infeccion por CMV congenita. El estudio retrospectivo de infeccion congenita por CMV mediante la deteccion de ADN en sangre del papel de filtro del cribado neonatal deberia plantearse ante la presencia de gravedad y asociaciones variables de retraso del crecimiento intrauterino, microcefalia, hipoacusia neurosensorial, coriorretinitis, retraso mental, problemas de conducta (en especial trastornos del espectro autista), calcificaciones intracraneales, alteraciones encefaloclasticas, leucoencefalopatia, displasia cortical y malformaciones del lobulo temporal o del hipocampo. Dada la disponibilidad, facil accesibilidad y bajo coste debe reconsiderarse la conservacion de la prueba del talon.

In this paper, we present a case of traumatic sectioning of the isthmus in a patient with multiple injuries, suffering from a horse-shoe-shaped kidney, which is extremely rare, according to the review of the literature which we have carried out. In view of the scanty incidence of kidney fusions and the difficulty sometimes involved in classifying them and in their surgical treatment, we shortly comment on the consequences which traumatisms may have on this kind of kidney malformation.

In order to identify any changes in the incidence of Salmonella enterica serotypes and their resistance to a variety of antimicrobial agents, we conducted a retrospective study of all the strains isolated from stool samples at Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa in Zaragoza from 1997 to 2000. We observed an increase in the number of isolates of Salmonella and Campylobacter and a decrease in other enteropathogens. Enteritidis was the most frequently isolated serotype (55.2%), showing an increasing tendency (from 44.1% in 1997 to 60.6% in 2000). Hadar, glostrup and virchow showed the highest rate of resistance to nalidixic acid. Enteritidis also showed an important increase in resistance to nalidixic acid (from 17.6% in 1997 to 41.4% in 2000). Typhimurium showed the highest resistance levels to ampicillin, chloramphenicol and cotrimoxazole. No resistance to fluoroquinolones or to cefotaxime was detected, with the exception of 0.5% of the S. enteritidis strains, which showed resistance to fluoroquinolones.