Development and external validation of a model to predict multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in patients with cirrhosis.

Unlabelled: With the increasing rate of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO), selecting appropriate empiric antibiotics has become challenging. We aimed to develop and externally validate a model for predicting the risk of MDRO infections in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods: We included patients with cirrhosis and bacterial infections from two prospective studies: a transcontinental study was used for model development and internal validation (n = 1302), and a study from Argentina and Uruguay was used for external validation (n = 472).

Neurochemistry and circuit organization of the lateral spiriform nucleus of birds: A uniquely nonmammalian direct pathway component of the basal ganglia.

We used diverse methods to characterize the role of avian lateral spiriform nucleus (SpL) in basal ganglia motor function. Connectivity analysis showed that SpL receives input from globus pallidus (GP), and the intrapeduncular nucleus (INP) located ventromedial to GP, whose neurons express numerous striatal markers. SpL-projecting GP neurons were large and aspiny, while SpL-projecting INP neurons were medium sized and spiny.

Determinants of clinical response to empirical antibiotic treatment in patients with cirrhosis and bacterial and fungal infections-Results from the ICA "Global Study" (EABCIR-Global Study).

Background: The administration of an appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment is essential in cirrhosis and severe bacterial infections. We aimed to investigate the predictors of clinical response of empirical antibiotic treatment in a prospective cohort of patients with cirrhosis and bacterial and fungal infections included in the International Club of Ascites "Global Study."

Methods: Patients hospitalized with cirrhosis and bacterial/fungal infection were prospectively enrolled at 46 centers.

Genetic Ancestry, Race, and Severity of Acutely Decompensated Cirrhosis in Latin America.

Background & Aims: Genetic ancestry or racial differences in health outcomes exist in diseases associated with systemic inflammation (eg, COVID-19). This study aimed to investigate the association of genetic ancestry and race with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), which is characterized by acute systemic inflammation, multi-organ failure, and high risk of short-term death.

Methods: This prospective cohort study analyzed a comprehensive set of data, including genetic ancestry and race among several others, in 1274 patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis who were nonelectively admitted to 44 hospitals from 7 Latin American countries.

Pigeon as a model to study peripheral projections from the horizontal semicircular canal vestibular apparatus to a brainstem target immunoreactive for AMPA.

Purpose: To evaluate whether the pigeon (Columba livia) is a good model for evaluating the vestibular system involved with postural maintenance during movement.

Methods: This study maps the brainstem targets of the horizontal ampullary inputs from the vestibular periphery of the pigeon. We used biotin dextran amine (BDA) injection in horizontal semicircular canal (HSCC), immunohistochemistry for GluR2/3 and GluR4 AMPA and computerized histomorphology reconstruction.

Convolutional Neural Networks Using Enhanced Radiographs for Real-Time Detection of in Maize Grain.

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) such as deep learning in the quality control of grains has the potential to assist analysts in decision making and improving procedures. Advanced technologies based on X-ray imaging provide markedly easier ways to control insect infestation of stored products, regardless of whether the quality features are visible on the surface of the grains. Here, we applied contrast enhancement algorithms based on peripheral equalization and calcification emphasis on X-ray images to improve the detection of in maize grains.

Prospective Latin American cohort evaluating outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and abnormal liver tests on admission.

Introduction & Objectives: The independent effect of liver biochemistries as a prognostic factor in patients with COVID-19 has not been completely addressed. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of abnormal liver tests on admission of hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Materials & Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study including 1611 hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from April 15, 2020 through July 31, 2020 in 38 different Hospitals from 11 Latin American countries.

Clinical features and evolution of bacterial infection-related acute-on-chronic liver failure.

Background & Aims: Bacterial infections can trigger the development of organ failure(s) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Geographic variations in bacteriology and clinical practice could lead to worldwide differences in ACLF epidemiology, phenotypes and associated outcomes. Herein, we aimed to evaluate regional differences in bacterial infection-related ACLF in patients with cirrhosis admitted to hospital.

Management of Helicobacter pylori infection in Latin America: a Delphi technique-based consensus.

Aim: To optimize diagnosis and treatment guidelines for this geographic region, a panel of gastroenterologists, epidemiologists, and basic scientists carried out a structured evaluation of available literature.

Methods: Relevant questions were distributed among the experts, who generated draft statements for consideration by the entire panel. A modified three-round Delphi technique method was used to reach consensus.

Acute cocaine treatment increases thimet oligopeptidase in the striatum of rat brain.

Many studies indicate that thimet oligopeptidase (EC3.4.24.

GaAs 904-nm laser irradiation improves myofiber mass recovery during regeneration of skeletal muscle previously damaged by crotoxin.

This work investigated the effect of gallium arsenide (GaAs) irradiation (power: 5 mW; intensity: 77.14 mW/cm(2), spot: 0.07 cm(2)) on regenerating skeletal muscles damaged by crotoxin (CTX).

Characterization and functional activity of murine monoclonal antibodies specific for α1,6-glucan chain of Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide.

Background: The outer core region of H. pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contains α1,6-glucan previously shown to contribute to colonizing efficiency of a mouse stomach. The aim of the present study was to generate monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for α1,6-glucan and characterize their binding properties and functional activity.

Immunohistochemical localization of AMPA-type glutamate receptor subunits in the nucleus of the Edinger-Westphal in embryonic chick.

The Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EW) in birds is responsible for the control of pupil constriction, accommodation, and choroidal blood flow. The activation of EW neurons is mediated by the neurotransmitter glutamate, in large part through AMPA-type glutamate receptors (GluRs), whose behavior varies according to the subunit composition. We investigated the developmental expression of the GluR subunits in EW of the chick (Gallus gallus) using immunohistochemistry on tissue from embryonic days 10 through 20 (E10-E20).

Isolation of Helicobacter pylori in gastric mucosa and susceptibility to five antimicrobial drugs in Southern chile.

Helicobacter pylori colonizes more than 50% of the world population thus, it is considered an important cause of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the isolation frequency of H. pylori in Southern Chile from patients with symptomatology compatible with gastritis or gastric ulcer and to correlate these findings with demographic parameters of infected patients and the susceptibility profiles of the isolated strains to the antimicrobial drugs used in the eradication treatments.

The Edinger-Westphal nucleus: a historical, structural, and functional perspective on a dichotomous terminology.

The eponymous term nucleus of Edinger-Westphal (EW) has come to be used to describe two juxtaposed and somewhat intermingled cell groups of the midbrain that differ dramatically in their connectivity and neurochemistry. On one hand, the classically defined EW is the part of the oculomotor complex that is the source of the parasympathetic preganglionic motoneuron input to the ciliary ganglion (CG), through which it controls pupil constriction and lens accommodation. On the other hand, EW is applied to a population of centrally projecting neurons involved in sympathetic, consumptive, and stress-related functions.

5-HT(1B) receptor in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Serotonin (5-HT) is involved in the fine adjustments at several brain centers including the core of the mammal circadian timing system (CTS) and the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN receives massive serotonergic projections from the midbrain raphe nuclei, whose inputs are described in rats as ramifying at its ventral portion overlapping the retinohypothalamic and geniculohypothalamic fibers. In the SCN, the 5-HT actions are reported as being primarily mediated by the 5-HT1 type receptor with noted emphasis for 5-HT(1B) subtype, supposedly modulating the retinal input in a presynaptic way.

GluR2/3 label expression of the AMPA-type glutamate receptor in the hippocampal formation of the homing pigeon stabilizes just after birth.

The compositions of the glutamate AMPA-type receptors influence the neural response and the subunits GluR2/3 has been referred to as essential for receptor trafficking and synapse consolidation. We investigate the GluR2/3 occurrence and expression in the hippocampal formation of newly born homing pigeons by a semi-quantitative approach, the Western-blotting technique and by immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactivity for GluR2/3 occurs before hatching has been evident in neuropil that was fully dispersed over the hippocampus proper (HP) and the area parahippocampalis (APH).

Retinal projections to the thalamic paraventricular nucleus in the rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris).

The thalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVT) receives afferents from numerous brain areas, including the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), considered to be the major circadian pacemaker. The PVT also sends projections to the SCN, limbic system centers and some nuclei involved in the control of the Sleep-Wake cycle. In this study, we report the identification of a hitherto not reported direct retinal projection to the PVT of the rock cavy, a typical rodent species of the northeast region of Brazil.

Discrete retinal input to the parabrachial complex of a new-world primate, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Traditional retinal projections target three functionally complementary systems in the brain of mammals: the primary visual system, the visuomotor integration systems and the circadian timing system. In recent years, studies in several animals have been conducted to investigate the retinal projections to these three systems, despite some evidence of additional targets. The aim of this study was to disclose a previously unknown connection between the retina and the parabrachial complex of the common marmoset, by means of the intraocular injection of cholera toxin subunit b.

Analysis of Helicobacter pylori isolates from Chile: occurrence of selective type 1 Lewis b antigen expression in lipopolysaccharide.

Previous studies have shown that the LPS of Helicobacter pylori isolated from North American and European hosts predominantly expresses type 2 Lewis x (Le(x)) and Le(y) epitopes, whilst the LPS from Asian strains has the capacity to express type 1 Le(a) and Le(b) structures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of Le antigens and the cytotoxin-associated antigen (CagA) by H. pylori isolates from Chile.

Morphometric analysis of the AMPA-type neurons in the Deiter's vestibular complex of the chick brain.

Chicken (Gallus gallus) brains were used to investigate the typology and the immunolabel pattern for the subunits composing the AMPA-type glutamate receptors (GluR) of hindbrain neurons of the dorsal (dND) and ventral nuclei (vND) of the Deiter's vestibular complex (CD), which is the avian correspondent of the lateral vestibular nucleus (LVN) of mammals. Our results revealed that neurons of both divisions were poor in GluR1. The vND, the GluR2/3+ and GluR4+ label presented no area or neuronal size preference, although most neurons were around 75%.

Disruption of maternal behaviour by acute conspecific interaction induces selective activation of the lateral periaqueductal grey.

Maternal behaviour is sensitive to stress and opioidergic activation. The periaqueductal grey (PAG) is involved in coping strategies to stress, whereas morphine inhibition of maternal behaviour depends on the activation of the PAG. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the PAG is activated by disrupting maternal behaviour.

Involvement of urocortinergic neurons below the midbrain central gray in the physiological response to restraint stress in pigeons.

The present study was carried out to identify the diencephalic and midbrain neurons in pigeons that respond to stress (using restraint as the stressor) and determine if the urocortinergic neurons (expressing urocortin 1, Ucn1) below the midbrain central gray are among those activated. Immunolabeling for the immediate early gene Egr-1 was used to identity stress-responsive neurons, following 1-3 h of restraint. A large increase in nuclear Egr-1 immunolabeling was observed in several dorsomedial thalamic nuclei, and in a stream of neurons extending from below the mesencephalic central gray (overlapping the nucleus of Darkschewitsch at these levels) to just anterior to the nucleus of Edinger-Westphal.

[Hepatitis A and E virus antibodies in Chilean children of low socioeconomic status: a one year follow-up study].

Background: The seroprevalence of antibodies against hepatitis A virus (HAV) is decreasing in many Latin American countries, along with improvements in sanitary standards. However, there is no information available about low socioeconomic status (LSE) populations.

Aim: To assess the evolution of hepatitis A and E virus antibodies in a cohort of LSE Chilean children.