Endogenous innate sensor NLRP3 is a key component in peritoneal macrophage dynamics required for cestode establishment.

The NLRP3 receptor can assemble inflammasome platforms to trigger inflammatory responses; however, accumulating evidence suggests that it can also display anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we explored the role of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain pyrin-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) in Taenia crassiceps experimental infection, which requires immune polarization into a Th2-type profile and peritoneal influx of suppressive macrophages for successful colonization. NLRP3 deficient mice (NLRP3) were highly resistant against T.

Sensitivity of PM oxidative potential to aerosol chemical composition at a Mediterranean urban site: ascorbic acid versus dithiothreitol measurements.

Unlabelled: The oxidative potential (OP) of PM daily samples collected at a traffic site in southeastern Spain during summer and winter was assessed by two acellular assays: the ascorbic acid (AA) and dithiothreitol (DTT) methods. Although PM levels were similar during both periods, OP values (expressed in nmol min m) showed a defined seasonal trend. The AA activity was higher in summer than in winter, whereas the DTT reactivity exhibited an opposite seasonal pattern.

A new computational approach, based on images trajectories, to identify the subjacent heterogeneity of sperm to the effects of ketanserin.

The identification of kinematic subpopulations is of paramount importance to understanding the biological nature of the sperm heterogeneity. Nowadays, the data of motility parameters obtained by a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system has been used as input to distinct algorithms to identify kinematic subpopulations. In contrast, the images of the trajectories were depicted only as examples of the patterns of motility in each subpopulation.

Aluminum alters excitability by inhibiting calcium, sodium, and potassium currents in bovine chromaffin cells.

Aluminum (Al ) has long been related to neurotoxicity and neurological diseases. This study aims to describe the specific actions of this metal on cellular excitability and neurotransmitter release in primary culture of bovine chromaffin cells. Using voltage-clamp and current-clamp recordings with the whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp technique, online measurement of catecholamine release, and measurements of [Ca ] with Fluo-4-AM, we have observed that Al reduced intracellular calcium concentrations around 25% and decreased catecholamine secretion in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC of 89.

Promising Molecular Targets in Pharmacological Therapy for Neuronal Damage in Brain Injury.

The complex etiopathogenesis of brain injury associated with neurodegeneration has sparked a lot of studies in the last century. These clinical situations are incurable, and the currently available therapies merely act on symptoms or slow down the course of the diseases. Effective methods are being sought with an intent to modify the disease, directly acting on the properly studied targets, as well as to contribute to the development of effective therapeutic strategies, opening the possibility of refocusing on drug development for disease management.

Characterization of freshwater changes in lakes of Nahuel Huapi National Park produced by the 2011 Puyehue-Cordón Caulle eruption.

This work supplies a characterization of the chemical properties, including data of dissolved major and minor components in surface and pore water collected in Argentinean lakes surrounding the impacted area of Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcanic complex, in the 2011 eruption. The principal component analysis and Pollution Load Index were used for the identification of water changes by volcanic ashes deposited throughout 1 year of eruption. The element content between water column and pore water provided a direct evidence of the potential dissolution of the element.

[Final results of an initiative aiming to improve the referrals from primary care to a Department of Urology].

Objectives: To test two interventions aiming at improving the compliance of primary health care physicians with an agreed-on protocol of referrals to a urology department.

Methods: Joint formative meetings (every six months) were celebrated throughout a 24-month period. Also a counseling telephone line was implemented.

Concordance analysis of ultrasonographic diagnoses by urology nurses.

Objectives: To check the degree of concordance in renal ultrasound examination between two nurses and one experienced urologist with the aim of testing nurses' competence performing renal ultrasound.

Methods: The echographic aspect of both kidneys (normal or abnormal) was evaluated. Every abnormal finding resulted in the automatic classification of the kidney as 'abnormal'.

Quality perception in the outpatient area of an Urology department. Can we improve it?

Objectives: To test patient's satisfaction after consultation in the outpatient area of the Urology Department in a public hospital using a structured interview.

Methods: We used the Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid (CAM) standard interview form modified to include three questions related to the implementation of a 'one-visit'policy and nurses' empowerment. Patients' opinions were gathered with respect to waiting times in the waiting room, facilities, and staff kindness and professionalism.

The one-stop clinic as the standard of out-patient care in a hospital urology department.

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of a 'one-stop' clinic in terms of proportion of discharges or inclusion in surgical waiting lists.

Materials And Methods: All patients were referred from primary care facilities (population 220,646) and from different departments in the hospital. Eight senior urologists, two registered nurses and two nurse attendants participated in the experience.

[Gastric cancer in a general hospital. Santa Rosa Hospital. Experience].

Purpose: Determine the frequency of gastric cancer and its clinical and pathological characteristics, clinical stages, surgical treatment, morbimortality and survival in a general hospital.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective, descriptive study on 71 consecutive patients diagnosed with gastric cancer at the Santa Rosa Hospital from January 1, 2005 to January 31, 2008.

Results: During the study period, 71 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma were confirmed by histopathology.

[Evaluation of a screening method for Chagas disease in San Luis, Argentina].

Unlabelled: Chagas disease is an endemic public health problem in the Province of San Luis, Argentina. The objective of this work was to evaluate the application of a screening method, focusing on the biochemical processing of capillary samples and diagnostic testing.

Material And Methods: In the year 2002, samples of capillary blood were collected from 250 children in their homes; the samples were placed in glycerin buffer and processed by quantitative PHA and ELISA.

Thalidomide, a current teratogen in South America.

Thalidomide, mainly used for the treatment of leprosy, is a current teratogen in South America, and it is reasonable to assume that at present this situation is affecting many births in underdeveloped countries. Moreover, the potential re-marketing of thalidomide for the treatment of a large variety of diseases may extend the problem to the developed world. When the drug is available, the control of its intake during early pregnancy is very difficult since most pregnancies are unintended.