Revisión sistemática de literatura de la neumonía lipoidea exógena (nle) por exposición laboral

Objetivo Realizar una revisión sistemática de la neumonía lipoidea exógena (NLE) con el propósito de compactar y sintetizar los conocimientos fragmentados, así como el de informar el estado actual de este tema como riesgo laboral. Metodología La neumonía lipoidea es una condición poco común que resulta de la presencia de lípidos en el interior del espacio alveolar, se desconoce su actual incidencia. La neumonía lipoidea exógena se produce por aspiración o inhalación de sustancias oleosas, es una patología rara en pacientes sin enfermedades de base que predispongan a la broncoaspiración y cuando se presenta en individuos sanos se debe sospechar un origen ocupacional. Se realizó una revisión de literatura según la metodología estandarizada, incluyendo en la búsqueda: reporte de casos, descripciones de la enfermedad y el uso de técnicas diagnósticas. Las bases de datos fueron OVID además de GOOGLE ACADÉMICO; buscadores específicos: MEDLINE, CHEST, PUB MED, REDALYC, SCIELO, Europe PubMed Central (Europe PMC) y ELSEVIER. La búsqueda estuvo además, orientada por una serie de preguntas orientadoras sobre la neumonía lipoidea exógena (NLE) como riesgo laboral. Los artículos que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, se clasificaron de acuerdo con tipo de estudio, la calidad del artículo y finalmente se evaluaron con base en una lista de chequeo ajustada para este fin. Resultados Se seleccionó un total de 71 estudios incluyendo reporte de casos, descripciones de la enfermedad y técnicas diagnósticas; publicaciones provenientes de 21 países. Un total de 63 casos, 31 en mujeres (49,20%) y 32 en hombres (50,8%) fueron reportados; el 7,93% de los casos fueron atribuidos a la exposición de agentes en el ambiente laboral: combustibles, parafina/pintura/ pulverizaciones oleosas y diésel, ambientes propios de trabajadores de almacenes de pinturas y conductores de vehículos. Los síntomas de la neumonía lipoidea exógena (NLE) descritos fueron muy variables, puede cursar asintomática o con presencia de fiebre, disnea y tos irritativa; dolor torácico, en algunos casos hemoptisis, cianosis y pérdida de peso; El examen físico generalmente es normal, aunque puede revelar sibilancias o roncus. En pruebas de función respiratoria tales como la espirometría, se presenta un patrón restrictivo, además puede hallarse un descenso en la capacidad de difusión para el monóxido de carbono. En el hemograma puede detectarse leucocitosis con predominio de neutrófilos y aumento de la velocidad de sedimentación globular, hallazgos que también pueden ser producidos por una infección concomitante. Conclusiones Se destaca el hallazgo en la literatura de los diferentes agentes causales presentes en el ambiente laboral que pueden incidir en la aparición de la enfermedad: combustibles, parafina/pintura/ pulverizaciones oleosas y diésel, ambientes propios de trabajadores de almacenes de pinturas y conductores de vehículos. Se presentó neumonía lipoidea exógena (NLE) de tipo agudo después de 30 minutos a 24 horas de exposición masiva a aceites y sustancias oleosas, luego de de ocho meses a 9,5 años de inhalación continua secundaria. Los métodos más para de la diagnóstico enfermedad incluyen el lavado broncoalveolar (BAL), la biopsia de pulmón y la con radiografía torácica. Finalmente, es posible que en pacientes con neumonía lipoidea exógena, puedan presentarse complicaciones asociadas tales como: sobreinfección, fibrosis, retracción de las lesiones, cáncer de pulmón, bronconeumonías recurrentes e hipercalcemia.

Engagement y productividad en las empresas

El presente trabajo pretende mostrar algunos avances en el término “engagement”, y como puede ser implementado en las organizaciones, teniendo en cuenta los diferentes factores que intervienen, para que los trabajadores se sientan “engaged” dentro de la organización. Además busca relacionar las diferentes habilidades y tipos de liderazgo que los altos mandos utilizan con sus empleados y como éste afecta la productividad de los trabajadores en las organizaciones. Para esto, se realizó una investigación de las clases de liderazgo y los comportamientos de los altos mandos, que pueden afectar positiva y negativamente el vínculo y sentido de pertenencia que tienen los trabajadores con la empresa en la que trabajan. Considerando importante las habilidades del liderazgo transformacional, para lograr desarrollar algún grado de engagement en los trabajadores, lo cual genera a su vez, un alza en la productividad de sus resultados dentro de la organización.

Spermiogenesis particularities of a sperm storage species: Helicolenus dactylopterus (Teleostei: Scorpaenidae)

A study of the spermiogenesis and spermatozoa of Helicolenus dactylopterus was conducted. Females of this species have the capacity to store sperm within their ovaries, and male gametes have a considerable cytoplasmic mass surrounding their heads to survive the long period of intraovarian sperm storage. Our observations show that early spermatids are round-shaped cells and have a spherical nucleus with diffuse chromatin. The nuclear volume decreases as a result of progressive chromatin condensation during spermiogenesis, causing the nucleus to take on a U-shape. Flagellar insertion is not central to the nucleus but consistently occurs at an oblique angle towards one side of it. The flagellum is inserted into the nuclear fossa, without subsequent nuclear rotation. In mature spermatozoa, the flagellum is adjacent to the nucleus. A comparison of the spermatozoa in the testicular lobules and those in the intraovarian storage structures suggests that the increase in volume of the cytoplasmic mass may occur in the posterior region of the testis, in the testicular duct. Spermatozoa enter the ovary in groups that reach the ovarian lumen and are surrounded by the ovarian epithelium for storage in sperm storage crypts

Improvement of heat-induced gel properties of porcine plasma

L'objectiu és millorar els gels de plasma porcí induïts per calor a pH àcid utilitzant transglutaminasa microbiana (MTGasa). El tractament millora textura i CRA dels gels a pH 5,5, però les millores no són suficients per recuperar les pèrdues degut a l'acidificació. L'estructura globular de les proteïnes dificulta l'atac enzimàtic. La reactivitat de l'enzim no millora amb l'addició de cisteïna a plasma amb MTGasa. El tractament del plasma amb MTGasa sota alta pressió (HP) millora la duresa dels gels. No obstant, la CRA només millora lleugerament. La duresa es pot incrementar mantenint les solucions de plasma pressuritzat sota refrigeració, encara que no millora la CRA. Es pot concloure que les pèrdues en la textura dels gels de plasma induïts per calor a pH àcid es poden recuperar parcialment tractant amb MTGasa, especialment afegint cisteïna o sota HP. Encara que la CRA només es veu lleugerament millorada en el segon cas.

O trabalho cooperativo entre professores nos diferentes grupos de área disciplinar na mesma escola

O trabalho cooperativo nas comunidades escolares apresenta inúmeras vantagens ao nível do desenvolvimento dos alunos, dos professores e da própria escola. No entanto, continuam a existir várias lacunas neste tipo de actividades e, especificando Portugal, existem muitos trabalhos de tipo diagnóstico, que não chegam para implantar cultura de cooperação. Quando falamos da implementação da cooperação nas escolas, temos de atender, obrigatoriamente, à cultura de escola vivenciada nas mesmas e à liderança, pois influenciam a cooperação. Este trabalho tem como finalidade verificar até que ponto existe trabalho cooperativo entre professores e perceber como se desenvolve a cultura de cooperação entre professores nos diferentes grupos de área disciplinar duma mesma escola. Para verificar este objectivo, participaram 13 responsáveis dos diferentes grupos de Áreas Disciplinares de uma escola secundária da zona do Estoril. Estes foram inquiridos através da aplicação de um questionário adaptado, daquele que foi validado e utilizado por Bolam et al (2005), e através de uma entrevista semi-estruturada, para análise da percepção que os mesmos têm sobre a cooperação e a cultura vivenciada dentro dos seus Grupos de Área Disciplinar. No geral, verificou-se que, relativamente à cooperação e à cultura cooperativa de grupo, os Departamentos de Área Curricular não diferem significativamente entre si, não existindo um grande sentido de cooperação. De acordo com as percepções dos inquiridos, verificou-se que existe uma fraca participação dos professores em acções cooperativas focalizadas no desenvolvimento profissional docente e focalizadas no desenvolvimento da cultura cooperativa ou através das precárias condições ou práticas extrínsecas a este desenvolvimento. Analisando a globalidade das mudanças verificadas nos últimos dois anos, constatou-se que os Grupos de Área Disciplinar estão a viver um momento de estagnação na maioria das questões inquiridas. Averiguou-se, também, que a não/fraca liderança por parte dos responsáveis de grupo de área disciplinar, resulta numa fraca participação dos professores em questões cooperativas. Através deste estudo, pode-se concluir que existe uma fraca cooperação entre os professores do mesmo Grupo de Área Disciplinar desta escola. Conclui-se também que a escola atravessa um momento de estagnação, não existindo um real desenvolvimento da cultura cooperativa na escola.

Musealising hope: reflections on the saga of an artistic installation of human solidarity

“Musealising hope” reflects on the trials and tribulations of an installation designed as a tribute to the struggle for survival of African peoples who dare make the long trek to Europe by sea. Its accomplishment involved a number of players whose conduct and reactions to events bear witness to the manner in which artists, the media, heads of cultural institutions, museologists, welfare institutions, and politicians cope with the phenomenon of immigration and with our present-day multicultural societies. In turn, this artistic endeavour and its symbolic signification highlight the changes which art and culture have undergone over the past few years and the kind of transformation which new inter-ethnic communities have brought to bear on concepts such as national heritage, identity or memory.

Verification of computed tomographic estimates of cochlear implant array position: A micro-CT and histological analysis

We examine the efficacy two volume spatial registration of pre and postoperative clinical computed tomography (CT) imaging to verify post-operative electrode array placement in cochlear implant (CI) patients. To measure the degree of accuracy with which the composite image predicts in-vivo placement of the array, we replicate the CI surgical process in cadaver heads. Pre-operative, post-operative, micro CT imaging and histology are utilized for verification.

Hydraulic modeling of runoff over a rough surface under partial inundation

This study presents a numerical method to derive the Darcy- Weisbach friction coefficient for overland flow under partial inundation of surface roughness. To better account for the variable influence of roughness with varying levels of emergence, we model the flow over a network which evolves as the free surface rises. This network is constructed using a height numerical map, based on surface roughness data, and a discrete geometry skeletonization algorithm. By applying a hydraulic model to the flows through this network, local heads, velocities, and Froude and Reynolds numbers over the surface can be estimated. These quantities enable us to analyze the flow and ultimately to derive a bulk friction factor for flow over the entire surface which takes into account local variations in flow quantities. Results demonstrate that although the flow is laminar, head losses are chiefly inertial because of local flow disturbances. The results also emphasize that for conditions of partial inundation, flow resistance varies nonmonotonically but does generally increase with progressive roughness inundation.

Characterisation of an s-type low molecular weight glutenin subunit of wheat and its proline and glutamine-rich repetitive domain

The low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS) are major components of the glutenin polymers which determine the elastomeric properties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) gluten and dough. They comprise a complex mixture of components and have proved to be difficult to purify for detailed characterisation. The mature LMW subunit proteins comprise two structural domains, with one domain consisting of repeated sequences based on short peptide motifs. DNA sequences encoding this domain and a whole subunit were expressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant proteins purified. Detailed comparisons by spectroscopy (CD, FT-IR) and dynamic light scattering indicated that the repetitive and non-repetitive domains of the proteins formed different structures with the former having an extended conformation with an equilibrium between poly-L-proline II-like structure and type II’ b-turns, and the latter a more compact globular structure rich in a-helix. Although the structures of these two domains appear to form independently, dynamic light scattering of the whole subunit dissolved in trifluoroethanol(TFE) suggested that they interact, leading to a more compact conformation. These observations may have relevance to the role of the LMW-GS in gluten structure and functionality.

Probing protein−tannin interactions by isothermal titration microcalorimetry

Isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC) has been applied to investigate protein−tannin interactions. Two hydrolyzable tannins were studied, namely myrabolan and tara tannins, for their interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA), a model globular protein, and gelatin, a model proline-rich random coil protein. Calorimetry data indicate that protein−tannin interaction mechanisms are dependent upon the nature of the protein involved. Tannins apparently interact nonspecifically with the globular BSA, leading to binding saturation at estimated tannin/BSA molar ratios of 48:1 for tara- and 178:1 for myrabolan tannins. Tannins bind to the random coil protein gelatin by a two-stage mechanism. The energetics of the first stage show evidence for cooperative binding of tannins to the protein, while the second stage indicates gradual saturation of binding sites as observed for interaction with BSA. The structure and flexibility of the tannins themselves alters the stoichiometry of the interaction, but does not appear to have any significant affect on the overall binding mechanism observed. This study demonstrates the potential of ITC for providing an insight into the nature of protein−tannin interactions.

The politics of CAP reform: Trade negotiations, institutional settings and blame avoidance

In this article we argue that the conclusion of the GATT Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture and the subsequent role of the WTO has changed the international context of CAP policy-making. However, comparing the three latest CAP reforms, we demonstrate that pressures on the CAP arising from international trade negotiations cannot alone account for the way in which the EU responds in terms of CAP reform. The institutional setting within which the reform package was determined also played a crucial role. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the CoAM seems to be a more conducive setting than the European Council for undertaking substantial reform of the CAP. We suggest that the choice of institutional setting is influenced by the desire of farm ministers and of heads of state or government to avoid blame for unpopular decisions. When CAP reform is an integral part of a broader package, farm ministers pass the final decision to the European Council and when CAP reform is defined as a separate issue the European Council avoids involvement.

Probing protein-tannin interactions by isothermal titration microcalorimetry

Isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC) has been applied to investigate protein-tannin interactions. Two hydrolyzable tannins were studied, namely myrabolan and tara tannins, for their interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA), a model globular protein, and gelatin, a model proline-rich random coil protein. Calorimetry data indicate that protein-tannin interaction mechanisms are dependent upon the nature of the protein involved. Tannins apparently interact nonspecifically with the globular BSA, leading to binding saturation at estimated tannin/BSA molar ratios of 48:1 for tara- and 178:1 for myrabolan tannins. Tannins bind to the random coil protein gelatin by a two-stage mechanism. The energetics of the first stage show evidence for cooperative binding of tannins to the protein, while the second stage indicates gradual saturation of binding sites as observed for interaction with BSA. The structure and flexibility of the tannins themselves alters the stoichiometry of the interaction, but does not appear to have any significant affect on the overall binding mechanism observed. This study demonstrates the potential of ITC for providing an insight into the nature of protein-tannin interactions.

The influence of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus ssp oleifera var. biennis) canopy size on grass weed growth and grass weed seed return

Four experiments conducted over three seasons (2002-05) at the Crops Research Unit, University of Reading, investigated effects of canopy management of autumn sown oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. ssp. oleifera var. biennis (DC.) Metzg.) on competition with grass weeds. Emphasis was placed on the effect of the crop on the weeds. Rape canopy size was manipulated using sowing date, seed rate and the application of autumn fertilizer. Lolium multiflorum Lam., L. x boucheanum Kunth and Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. were sown as indicative grass weeds. The effects of sowing date, seed rate and autumn nitrogen on crop competitive ability were correlated with rape biomass and fractional interception of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) by the rape floral layer, to the extent that by spring there was good evidence of crop: weed replacement. An increase in seed rate up to the highest plant densities tested increased both rape biomass and competitiveness, e.g. in 2002/3, L. multiflorum head density was reduced from 539 to 245 heads/m(2) and spikelet density from 13 170 to 5960 spikelets/m(2) when rape plant density was increased from 16 to 81 plants/m(2). Spikelets/head of Lolium spp. was little affected by rape seed rate, but the length of heads of A. myosuroides was reduced by 9 % when plant density was increased from 29-51 plants/m(2). Autumn nitrogen increased rape biomass and reduced L. multiflorum head density (415 and 336 heads/m(2) without and with autumn nitrogen, respectively) and spikelet density (9990 and 8220 spikelets/m(2) without and with autumn nitrogen, respectively). The number of spikelets/head was not significantly affected by autumn nitrogen. Early sowing could increase biomass and competitiveness, but poor crop establishment sometimes overrode the effect. Where crop and weed establishment was similar for both sowing dates, a 2-week delay (i.e. early September to mid-September) increased L. multiflorum head density from 226 to 633 heads/m(2) and spikelet density from 5780 to 15 060 spikelets/m(2).

Economic impact of Turnip mosaic virus, Cauliflower mosaic virus and Beet mosaic virus in three Kenyan vegetables

Screenhouse experiments conducted in Kenya showed that inoculation of cabbage seedlings with Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), either alone, or in combination with Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), reduced the number and weight of marketable harvested heads. When viruses were inoculated simultaneously, 25% of cabbage heads were non-marketable, representing 20-fold loss compared with control. By contrast, inoculation with CaMV alone had insignificant effects on cabbage yield. This suggests that TuMV is the more detrimental of these pathogens, and its management should be a priority. Early exposure to TuMV produced cabbages that were 50% lighter than non-infected plants, but later infection was less damaging suggesting that controlling virus infection at the seedling stage is more important. TuMV was far less damaging to kale than it was to cabbage; although high proportions of TuMV-inoculated kale plants showed symptoms (> 90%), the marketability and quality of leaves were not significantly reduced, and no clear relationship existed between timing of infection and subsequent crop losses. Early inoculation of Swiss chard with Beet mosaic virus (BtMV) significantly impaired leaf quality (similar to 50% reduction in marketable leaf production), but the impact of disease was greatest in plants that had been inoculated at maturity, where average leaf losses were two and a half times those recorded in virus-free plants. Disease-management of BtMV in Swiss chard is important, therefore, not only at the seedling stage, but particularly when plants are transplanted from nursery to field.

Nuclear magnetic resonance structure shows that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-unique domain contains a macrodomain fold

The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structure of a central segment of the previously annotated severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-unique domain (SUD-M, for "middle of the SARS-unique domain") in SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) nonstructural protein 3 (nsp3) has been determined. SUD-M(513-651) exhibits a macrodomain fold containing the nsp3 residues 528 to 648, and there is a flexibly extended N-terminal tail with the residues 513 to 527 and a C-terminal flexible tail of residues 649 to 651. As a follow-up to this initial result, we also solved the structure of a construct representing only the globular domain of residues 527 to 651 [SUD-M(527-651)]. NMR chemical shift perturbation experiments showed that SUD-M(527-651) binds single-stranded poly(A) and identified the contact area with this RNA on the protein surface, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays then confirmed that SUD-M has higher affinity for purine bases than for pyrimidine bases. In a further search for clues to the function, we found that SUD-M(527-651) has the closest three-dimensional structure homology with another domain of nsp3, the ADP-ribose-1 ''-phosphatase nsp3b, although the two proteins share only 5% sequence identity in the homologous sequence regions. SUD-M(527-651) also shows three-dimensional structure homology with several helicases and nucleoside triphosphate-binding proteins, but it does not contain the motifs of catalytic residues found in these structural homologues. The combined results from NMR screening of potential substrates and the structure-based homology studies now form a basis for more focused investigations on the role of the SARS-unique domain in viral infection.