Microarrays in the Diagnosis of Human Herpesvirus infections

Currently, there are nine known human herpesviruses and these viruses appear to have been a very common companion of humans throughout the millenia. Of human herpesviruses, herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2), causative agents of herpes labialis and genital herpes, and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), causative agent of chicken pox, are also common causes of central nervous system (CNS) infections. In addition, human cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesviruses 6A, 6B, and 7 (HHV-6A, HHV-6B, HHV-7), all members of the herpesvirus family, can also be associated with encephalitis and meningitis. Accurate diagnostics and fast treatment are essential for patient recovery in CNS infections and therefore sensitive and effective diagnostic methods are needed. The aim of this thesis was to develop new potential detection methods for diagnosing of human herpesvirus infections, especially in immunocompetent patients, using the microarray technique. Therefore, methods based on microarrays were developed for simultaneous detection of HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, CMV, EBV, HHV-6A, HHV-6B, and HHV-7 nucleic acids, and for HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, and CMV antibodies from various clinical samples. The microarray methods developed showed potential for efficiently and accurately detecting human herpesvirus DNAs, especially in CNS infections, and for simultaneous detection of DNAs or antibodies for multiple different human herpesviruses from clinical samples. In fact, the microarray method revealed several previously unrecognized co-infections. The microarray methods developed were sensitive and provided rapid detection of human herpesvirus DNA, and therefore the method could be applied to routine diagnostics. The microarrays might also be considered as an economical tool for diagnosing human herpesvirus infections.

Obstetric and gynaecological aspects of HIV infection

The purpose of the present study was to examine the outcome of pregnancies among HIV-infected women in Helsinki, use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) among HIV-infected women and the prevalence and risk factors of cytological and histologically proven cervical lesions in this population. Between 1993 and 2003 a total of 45 HIV-infected women delivered 52 singleton infants. HIV infection was diagnosed during pregnancy in 40% of the mothers. Seventeen of the mothers received antiretroviral (ARV) medication prior to pregnancy and in 34 cases, the medication was started during pregnancy. A good virological response (i.e. HIV RNA load <1000/mL during the last trimester) to ARV medication was achieved in 36/40 (90%) of the patients in whom HI viral load measurements were performed. Of the infants, 92% were born at term, and their mean (±SD) birth weight was 3350±395 g. The Caesarean section rate was low, 25%. All newborns received ARV medication and none of the infants born to mothers with pre-delivery diagnosis of maternal HIV infection were infected. The safety and advantages of the LNG-IUS were studied prospectively (n=12) and retrospectively (n=6). The LNG-IUS was well tolerated and no cases of PID or pregnancy were noted. Menstrual bleeding was reduced significantly during use of the LNG-IUS; this was associated with a slight increase in haemoglobin levels. Serum oestradiol concentrations remained in the follicular range in all subjects. The key finding was that genital shedding of HIV RNA did not change after the insertion of the LNG-IUS. The mean annual prevalence of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) was 15% and that of high-grade SIL was 5% among 108 systematically followed HIV-infected women during 1989 2003. A reduced CD4 lymphocyte count was associated with an increased prevalence of SIL, whereas duration of HIV infection, use of ARV medication and HI viral load were not. The cumulative risk of any type of SIL was 17% after one year and 48% after five years among patients with initially normal Pap smears. The risk of developing SIL was associated with young age and a high initial HI viral load. During the follow-up 51 subjects (n=153) displayed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), (16% CIN1 and 18% CIN 2-3). Only one case of cancer of the uterine cervix was detected. Pap smears were reliable in screening for CIN. Both nulliparity (p<0.01) and bacterial vaginosis (p<0.04) emerged as significant risk factors of CIN. In conclusion, a combination of universal antenatal screening and multidisciplinary management allows individualized treatment and prevents vertical transmission of HIV. Use of the LNG-IUS is safe among HIV-infected women and cervicovaginal shedding of HIV RNA is not affected by use of the LNG-IUS. The risk of cervical pre-malignant lesions is high among HIV-infected women despite systematic follow-up.

Total hip arthroplasty in young patients : with special references to patients under 55 years of age and to patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip

There is an ongoing controversy as to which methods in total hip arthroplasty (THA) could provide young patients with best long-term results. THA is an especially demanding operation in patients with severely dysplastic hips. The optimal surgical treatment for these patients also remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term survival of THA in young patients (<55 years at the time of the primary operation) on a nation-wide level, and to analyze the long-term clinical and radio-graphical outcome of uncemented THA in patients with severely dysplastic joints. Survival of 4661 primary THAs performed for primary osteoarthritis (OA), 2557 primary THAs per-formed for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and modern uncemented THA designs performed for primary OA in young patients, were analysed from the Finnish Arthroplasty Register. A total of 68 THAs were per-formed in 56 consecutive patients with high congenital hip dislocation between 1989-1994, and 68 THAs were performed in 59 consecutive patients with severely dysplastic hips and a previous Schanz osteotomy of the femur between 1988-1995 at the Orton Orthopaedic Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. These patients underwent a detailed physical and radiographical evaluation at a mean of 12.3 years and 13.0 years postoperatively, respectively. The risk of stem revision due to aseptic loosening in young patients with primary OA was higher for cemented stems than for proximally porous-coated or HA-coated uncemented stems implanted over the 1991-2001 period. There was no difference in the risk of revision between all-poly cemented-cups and press-fit porous-coated uncemented cups implanted during the same period, when the end point was defined as any revision (including exchange of liner). All uncemented stem designs studied in young patients with primary OA had >90% survival rates at 10 years. The Biomet Bi-Metric stem had a 95% (95% CI 93-97) survival rate even at 15 years. When the end point was defined as any revision, 10 year survival rates of all uncemented cup designs except the Harris-Galante II decreased to <80%. In young patients with RA, the risk of stem revision due to aseptic loosening was higher with cemented stems than with proximally porous-coated uncemented stems. In contrast, the risk of cup revision was higher for all uncemented cup concepts than for all-poly cemented cups with any type of cup revision as the end point. The Harris hip score increased significantly (p<0.001) both in patients with high con-genital hip dislocation and in patients with severely dysplastic hips and a previous Schanz osteotomy, treated with uncemented THA. There was a negative Trendelenburg sign in 92% and in 88% of hips, respectively. There were 12 (18%) and 15 (22%) perioperative complications. The rate of survival for the CDH femoral components, with revision due to aseptic loosening as the end point, was 98% (95% CI 97-100) at 10 years in patients with high hip dislocation and 92% (95% CI, 86-99) at 14 years in patients with a previous Schanz osteotomy. The rate of survival for press-fit, porous-coated acetabular components, with revision due to aseptic loosening as the end point, was 95% (95% CI 89-100) at 10 years in patients with high hip dislocation, and 98% (95% CI 89-100) in patients with a previous Schanz osteotomy. When revision of the cup for any reason was defined as the end point, 10 year sur-vival rates declined to 88% (95% CI 81-95) and to 69% (95% CI, 56-82), respectively. For young patients with primary OA, uncemented proximally circumferentially porous- and HA-coated stems are the implants of choice. However, survival rates of modern uncemented cups are no better than that of all-poly cemented cups. Uncemented proximally circumferentially porous-coated stems and cemented all-poly cups are currently the implants of choice for young patients with RA. Uncemented THA, with placement of the cup at the level of the true acetabulum, distal advancement of the greater trochanter and femoral shortening osteotomy provided patients with high congenital hip dislocation good long-term outcomes. Most of the patients with severely dysplastic hips and a previous Schanz osteotomy can be successfully treated with the same method. However, the subtrochanteric segmental shortening with angular correction gives better leg length correction for the patients with a previous low-seated unilateral Schanz osteotomy.

Preterm delivery and selected biomarkers : phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-8 – in cervical fluid

Premature delivery is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The incidence of premature deliveries has increased around the world. In Finland 5.3%, or about 3,000 children per year are born prematurely, before 37 weeks of gestation. The corresponding figure in the United States is about 13%. The morbidity and mortality are highest among infants delivered before 32 weeks of gestation - about 600 children each year in Finland. Approximately 70% of premature deliveries are unexplained. Preterm delivery can be caused by an asympto-matic infection between uterus and the fetal membranes, such can begin already in early pregnancy. It is difficult to predict preterm delivery, and many patients are therefore unnecessarily admitted to hospital for observation and exposed to medical treatments. On the other hand, the high risk women should be identified early for the best treatment of the mother and preterm infant. --- In the prospective study conducted at the Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital two biochemical inflammation related markers were measured in the lower genital tract fluids of asymp-tomatic women in early and mid pregnancy in an order to see whether these markers could identify women with an increased risk of preterm delivery. These biomarkers were phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (phIGFBP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8). The study involved 5180 asymptomatic pregnant women, examined during the first and second ultrasound screening visits. The study samples were taken from the vagina and cervicix. In addition, 246 symptomatic women were studied (pregnancy weeks 22 – 34). The study showed that increased phIGFBP-1 concentration in cervical canal fluid in early pregnancy increased the risk for preterm delivery. The risk for very premature birth (before 32 weeks of gestation) was nearly four-fold. Low MMP-8 concentration in mid pregnancy increased the risk of subsequent premature preterm rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM). Significantly high MMP-8 concentrations in the cervical fluid increased the risk for prema-ture delivery initiated by preterm labour with intact membranes. Among women with preterm contractions the shortened cervical length measured by ultrasound and elevated cervical fluid phIGFBP-1 both predicted premature delivery. In summary, because of the relatively low sensitivity of cervical fluid phIGFBP-1 this biomarker is not suitable for routine screening, but provides an additional tool in assessing the risk of preterm delivery. Cervical fluid MMP-8 is not useful in early or mid pregnancy in predicting premature delivery because of its dual role. Further studies on the role of MMP-8 are therefore needed. Our study confirms that phIGFBP-1 testing is useful in predicting pre-term delivery.

Complement factor C4 and immunoglobulins in recurrent or chronic mucosal infections

The study assessed whether plasma concentrations of complement factors C3, C4, or immunoglobulins, serum classical pathway hemolytyic activity, or polymorphisms in the class I and II HLA genes, isotypes and gene numbers of C4, or allotypes of IgG1 and IgG3 heavy chain genes were associated with severe frequently recurring or chronic mucosal infections. According to strict clinical criteria, 188 consecutive voluntary patients without a known immunodeficiency and 198 control subjects were recruited. Frequencies of low levels in IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 were for the first time tested from adult general population and patients with acute rhinosinusitis. Frequently recurring intraoral herpes simplex type 1 infections, a rare form of the disease, was associated with homozygosity in HLA -A*, -B*, -C*, and -DR* genes. Frequently recurrent genital HSV-2 infections were associated with low levels of IgG1 and IgG3, present in 54% of the recruited patients. This association was partly allotype-dependent. The G3mg,G1ma/ax haplotype, together with low IgG3, was more common in patients than in control subjects who lacked antibodies against herpes simplex viruses. This is the first found immunogenetic deficiency in otherwise healthy adults that predisposes to highly frequent mucosal herpes recurrences. According to previous studies, HSV effectively evades the allotype G1ma/ax of IgG1, whereas G3mg is associated with low IgG3. Certain HLA genes were more common in patients than in control subjects. Having more than one C4A or C4B gene was associated with neuralgias caused by the virus. Low levels of IgA, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 were common in the general adult population, but even more frequent in patients with chronic sinusitis. Only low IgG1 was more common chronic than in acute rhinosinusitis. Clinically, nasal polyposis and bronchial asthma were associated with complicated disease forms. The best differentiating immunologic parameters were C4A deficiency and the combination of low plasma IgG4 together with low IgG1 or IgG2, performing almost equally. The lack of C4A, IgA, and IgG4, all known to possess anti-inflammatory activity, together with a concurrently impaired immunity caused by low subclass levels, may predispose to chronic disease forms. In severe chronic adult periodontitis, any C4A or C4B deficiency combined was associated with the disease. The new quantitative analysis of C4 genes and the conventional C4 allotyping method complemented each other. Lowered levels of plasma C3 or C4 or both, and serum CH50 were found in herpes and periodontitis patients. In rhinosinusitis, there was a linear trend with the highest levels found in the order: acute > chronic rhinosinusitis > general population > blood donors with no self-reported history of rhinosinusitis. Complement is involved in the defense against the tested mucosal infections. Seemingly immunocompetent patients with chronic or recurrent mucosal infections frequently have subtle weaknesses in different arms of immunity. Their susceptibility to chronic disease forms may be caused by these. Host s subtly impaired immunity often coincides with effective immune evasion from the same arms of immunity by the disease-causing pathogens. The interpretation of low subclass levels, if no additional predisposing immunologic factors are tested, is difficult and of limited value in early diagnosis and treatment.

Uterine cervix nitric oxide and human papillomavirus infection in women

Most women acquire genital high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection during their lifetime, but seldom the infection persists and leads to cervical cancer. However, currently it is not possible to identify the women who will develop HPV mediated cervical cancer and this often results to large scale follow-up and overtreatment of the likely spontaneously regressing infection. Thus, it is important to obtain more information on the course of HPV and find markers that could help to identify HPV infected women in risk for progression of cervical lesions and ultimately cancer. Nitric oxide is a free radical gas that takes part both in immune responses and carcinogenesis. Nitric oxide is produced also by cervical cells and therefore, it is possible that cervical nitric oxide could affect also HPV infection. In the present study, including 801 women from the University of Helsinki between years of 2006 and 2011, association between HPV and cervical nitric oxide was evaluated. The levels of nitric oxide were measured as its metabolites nitrate and nitirite (NOx) by spectrophotometry and the expression of nitric oxide producing enzymes endothelial and inducible synthases (eNOS, iNOS) by Western blotting. Women infected with HPV had two-times higher cervical fluid NOx levels compared with non-infected ones. The expression levels of both eNOS and iNOS were higher in HPV-infected women compared with non-infected. Another sexually transmitted disease Chlamydia trachomatis that is an independent risk factor for cervical cancer was also accompanied with elevated NOx levels, whereas vaginal infections, bacterial vaginosis and candida, did not have any effect on NOx levels. The meaning of the elevated HPV related cervical nitric oxide was evaluated in a 12 months follow-up study. It was revealed that high baseline cervical fluid NOx levels favored HPV persistence with OR 4.1. However, low sensitivity (33%) and high false negative rate (67%) restrict the clinical use of the current NOx test. This study indicated that nitric oxide favors HPV persistence and thus it seems to be one of the cofactor associated with a risk of carcinogenesis.

Breast cancer and human papillomavirus infection: No evidence of HPV etiology of breast cancer in Indian women

Background: Two clinically relevant high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) types 16 and 18 are etiologically associated with the development of cervical carcinoma and are also reported to be present in many other carcinomas in extra-genital organ sites. Presence of HPV has been reported in breast carcinoma which is the second most common cancer in India and is showing a fast rising trend in urban population. The two early genes E6 and E7 of HPV type 16 have been shown to immortalize breast epithelial cells in vitro, but the role of HPV infection in breast carcinogenesis is highly controversial. Present study has therefore been undertaken to analyze the prevalence of HPV infection in both breast cancer tissues and blood samples from a large number of Indian women with breast cancer from different geographic regions. Methods: The presence of all mucosal HPVs and the most common high-risk HPV types 16 and 18 DNA was detected by two different PCR methods - (i) conventional PCR assays using consensus primers (MY09/11, or GP5 +/GP6+) or HPV16 E6/E7 primers and (ii) highly sensitive Real-Time PCR. A total of 228 biopsies and corresponding 142 blood samples collected prospectively from 252 patients from four different regions of India with significant socio-cultural, ethnic and demographic variations were tested. Results: All biopsies and blood samples of breast cancer patients tested by PCR methods did not show positivity for HPV DNA sequences in conventional PCRs either by MY09/11 or by GP5+/GP6+/HPV16 E6/E7 primers. Further testing of these samples by real time PCR also failed to detect HPV DNA sequences. Conclusions: Lack of detection of HPV DNA either in the tumor or in the blood DNA of breast cancer patients by both conventional and real time PCR does not support a role of genital HPV in the pathogenesis of breast cancer in Indian women.

Estudio de las estructuras anatómicas de la especie iguana verde (iguana iguana) en Nicaragua

En vista que en Nicaragua la producción de iguanas verdes se está convirtiendo en un medio de subsistencia, se determinó que existe una problemática referente al estudio de su anatomía interna, por lo cual se propuso este estudio de monografía que lleva por título: Estudio de las Estructuras Anatómicas de la Especie Iguana Verde (Iguana iguana) en Nicaragua. Para lo cual se procedió a establecer lo siguientes objetivos: Reconocimiento de estructuras anatómicas (Aparato Locomotor, Esplacnología, Aparato circulatorio, Estesiología y Órganos de los sentidos) de la especie Iguana Verde(Iguana iguana) en Nicaragua, para esto se efectuó dicho estudio en un periodo de 5 meses mediante exploración y disección de cada espécimen semanalmente, y recopilación de información, obtenida del criadero de iguanas verdes, en total se estudiaron 25 especímenes, en los cuales se aplicaron formatos específicos para la recolección de datos.. Los resultados obtenidos, demuestran algunas variaciones en la anatomía externa de cada categoria que se estudio, y muestra tambien variaciones en la anatomía interna del aparato digestivo, respiratorio y urinario. En conclusion en Nicaragua no existe un documento completo que muestre detalladamente las estructuras sistemáticas de la iguana verde, externamente como interno, lo que ayudara a la población Nicaragüense a tener un conocimiento más claro y organizado de las estructuras anatómicas de esta especie silvestre.

La participación de la mujer en las Misiones de Paz de Naciones Unidas a través de la actuación de las FF.AA

Resumen: El presente estudio es de Alcance temporal Transversal ygrado de conocimientoDescriptivo. Su tipo de diseño es Cuantitativo, acorde a la lógica de investigación Analítico-Empírica. Recurre a la Investigación Documental e Investigación de Campo. El tipo de muestreo es No Probabilístico, la selección de la muestra es Intencional, y la Unidad de Análisis es El Grado de Integración de las FFAA en cuestiones de Género. El instrumento releva tres Dimensiones: 1. Nivel de integración de género. 2. Posibilidades de desarrollo de carrera y profesional dentro de las Fuerzas Armadas para la mujer. 3. Limitaciones para el desarrollo de la mujer en las Fuerzas Armadas. Se observa en el presente, el nivel de integración de género alcanzado en las misiones de paz de la ONU1, su incidencia en la labor de dichos grupos, y los cambios que ello ha implicado en las Fuerzas Armadas que participan de dichas operaciones internacionales. Asimismo, a fin de considerar el alcance de dicha integración de la mujer en una institución tradicionalmente masculina, se ha considerado pertinente conocer qué dificultades han encontrado para alcanzar la igualdad de trato y oportunidades, a fin de conocer qué aspectos resta mejorar a fin de lograr la participación femenina en las Fuerzas Armadas nacionales y en las misiones de paz, en igualdad de condiciones. Para ello, se ha encuestado la cantidad de 47 hombres y mujeres de las Fuerzas Armadas Argentinas que han participado o que aspiran a participar de las misiones de paz de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas en el mundo, a fin de conocer sus experiencias, apreciaciones y expectativas. El instrumento ha sido diseñado ad hoc para el presente trabajo, para conocer la experiencia de hombres y mujeres de las misiones de paz argentinas en el mundo, respecto del nivel y eficacia de la integración de género. Este tema cumple con los requisitos de estudiar la participación de población local en actividades de relaciones internacionales, dado que se forman en las instituciones locales, y se desempeñan en distintos puntos del globo, como Haití, Líbano o Medio Oriente, representando a la Argentina. Se han obtenido los siguientesResultados: Se ha obtenido una muestra equilibrada en materia de edades. Las mujeres, en un margen del 1 al 10, consideran que la integración de la mujer en las FFAA alcanza una puntuación media (6.96). Los hombres le asignan un puntaje más alto (8.48). En su evaluación de la importancia de la participación de la mujer en las Misiones de Paz, ambos han asignado un puntaje alto (entre 7 y 9) Un 58.3% de las mujeres consideran que la mujer sufre desventajas y limitaciones en la institución, mientras que un 73.9% sostiene, en cambio, que gozan de privilegios, y ningún hombre ha considerado que sufran desventajas y limitaciones. La percepción al respecto es opuesta en ambos géneros. En cuanto a los tratos diferenciados, el 100% de los hombres consideran que existe igualdad en las posibilidades de ascenso; mientras que un 50% aproximadamente sostiene que la exigencia en la Instrucción y Tareas en las Mujeres es equitativa y que éstas reciben un trato menos riguroso que el hombre. Un 73.9% sostiene que existe equidad en la expectativa en las mujeres. Las mujeres tienen, respecto a estos aspectos, percepciones divididas, lo que permite apreciar diversidad en las experiencias vividas por éstas y heterogeneidad en el trato recibido: mientras que porcentajes entre 50 y 80% consideran igualdad en los tratos recibidos; porcentajes cercanos al 25 y 30% consideran que tienen menores posibilidades de ascenso, menor exigencia en tareas y evaluación y menor trato riguroso. Porcentajes de entre 12 y 30%, en cambio, consideran que la exigencia y el trato son superiores para la mujer. Para ambos géneros, la incorporación de las mujeres a las FFAA ha sido positiva, aunque algunos hombres (26.1%) la consideran negativa. Asimismo, mientras que un 73.9% de hombres calificarían el desempeño de la mujer como igual al del hombre; el 75% de las mujeres lo consideran diferente y complementario. En cuanto a las ventajas en al conformación de equipos mixtos en las misiones de paz, las mujeres han mostrado una visión estereotipada de sí mismas, valorando tareas de asistencia y cuidado, mientras el los hombres han valorado su participación para el éxito de la misión, para mejorar relaciones con la población local y otras variadas. Los hombres han reconocido la existencia de limitaciones para el desarrollo de la mujer en su carrera militar, como el machismo, la discriminación y las restricciones para el ascenso, mientras que las mujeres se centran en la maternidad y el rechazo al liderazgo femenino como principales problemas.Se concluye en el presente que: La participación de la mujer en las Fuerzas Armadas y en las misiones de paz de Argentina son alarmantemente insuficientes. Sus niveles de participación son mínimos. La necesidad de la integración de género es creciente, dado que se su presencia en las misiones de paz resulta fundamental para establecer vínculos con las poblaciones locales, empoderar a sus mujeres y atender a las necesidades de personas vulneradas bajo todo tipo de violencia. Las Fuerzas Armadas se pueden beneficiar de la integración de género, ya que se trata de una institución eminentemente heterogénea. Las misiones de paz resultan un espacio ideal para incorporar la perspectiva de género y encontrar soluciones creativas a los conflictos que la institución debe enfrentar en todos los ámbitos

Estudios de Historia de España, 2008, vol. 10 (número completo)

Contenido: El regadío sostenible en al-Andalus / José Roldán Cañas ; María Fátima Moreno Pérez ; José Luis del Pino García – Presencia jurídica femenina a través de los Ordenamientos de Cortes (Castilla – León, Siglos XII-XIV) / Diana Arauz Mercado – Santo Domingo de Caleruega. Estudio iconológico / María Jesús Baquero Martín – Un ejemplo de poder monástico femenino: las relaciones entre la villa de Tordesillas y el convento de Santa Clara / Cecilia Bahr – La exposición de la doctrina de la “Guerra Justa” en El Victorial de Gutierre Díaz de Games / Santiago Agustín Pérez – Algunas notas sobre el patrimonio de la boticaria Elvira Pérez (Santiago, 1348) / Carlos Calderón – The price of Charles V’S protection in Italy: the example of Lucca / Christine Shaw – El Imperio y las Cortes de Santiago de Compostela de 1520, la base ideológica del Absolutismo español / István Szászdi – The extradition treaties of the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions (1500-1700) / François Soyer – Las “Memorias” del general argentino Tomás de Iriarte sobre la Guerra de la Independencia Española / Miguel Ángel De Marco – Los viajes a Alemania de Ramiro de Maeztu / Ángeles Castro Montero -- Reseñas

De la rama al partido : leyes, militancias y liderazgos entre 1948-1949

Resumen: Este artículo procura dar cuenta del escenario legal y político abierto con la sanción de la ley de Derechos Políticos de la Mujer en 1947. Entre ellos, los mecanismos que el estado solventó con el empadronamiento de las mujeres y la confección de los documentos de identidad; la sanción de la normativa acorde al voto femenino en las provincias a fin de no desvirtuar el espíritu de ley nacional; y la ley de Estatutos de Partidos Políticos. Los aspectos políticos revelaban los cambios y reacomodamientos de la rama femenina que integraban los centros cívicos partidarios; la aparición en escena y el juego político que emprendieron algunas primeras damas provinciales. Todos estos temas son analizados a la luz de la incesante metamorfosis que adquiría Eva Perón, que troca de primera dama a líder popular.

La exégesis de la realidad social en los Padres de la Iglesia

Resumen: Una teología desafiada en estos tiempos no puede retrotraerse simplemente a la reedición mecánica de ideas o frases sin analizar profundamente el aparato epistemológico que da coherencia a un mensaje y que permita que el mismo pueda dialogar maduramente con su entorno. El pensamiento y la praxis de los Padres de la Iglesia permiten descubrir elementos claves de una lectura particular de la historia que protagonizaron. El presente artículo intenta señalar la exégesis de los dos textos leídos por los autores patrísticos: la Sagrada escritura y la realidad social. No se busca repetir fórmulas, sino encontrar principios inspiradores y llaves que abran a una interpretación actual de la realidad socio-cultural del mundo contemporáneo. La lectura social que los Padres hacen desde la Escritura compromete una antropología, una cosmología y una eclesiología. La integralidad de su pensamiento pone en evidencia una unidad de vida, de concebir el mundo, el hombre, y la Iglesia, con relación a Dios.

La edición crítica de Amadís de Gaula de Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo

Integran este número de la revista ponencias presentadas en Studia Hispanica Medievalia VIII: Actas de las IX Jornadas Internacionales de Literatura Española Medieval, 2008, y de Homenaje al Quinto Centenario de Amadis de Gaula

Informe de Economía e Instituciones

Resumen: En su tercer número el Informe de Economía e Instituciones cuenta con tres columnas que abordan temas teóricos y de política económica con respecto al ámbito institucional. En la primera, Retenciones, Bienes Públicos y Desarrollo Económico, Ernesto O’Connor, aborda la compleja situación que está sufriendo el país, el reclamo del campo/interior por las retenciones y la política agropecuaria. Como sabemos, el Estado debe proveer bienes públicos ante las distintas fallas de mercado, así el gasto público social es un objetivo impostergable del mismo. La clase política ofrece los bienes públicos que manifiestan las preferencias de la población. Pero la clase política no paga el costo de la prestación de los bienes públicos, sino que recauda impuestos. El reclamo del campo/interior por más fondos descentralizados y propios requiere de una serie de respuestas concretas que permitan retomar un sendero de crecimiento, con inflación a niveles internacionales; en fin, definir un programa de desarrollo de largo plazo que no debería dejar de girar en torno a una nueva política agroindustrial nacional, que abarque a todas las economías regionales del país. En la segunda columna, Redistribución del Ingreso y Función Pública, Gerardo Sanchís Muñoz, se enfoca en un tema igualmente relevante: la “redistribución del ingreso” en Argentina. El autor sostiene que la brecha entre ricos y pobres puede disminuir siempre y cuando exista un estado autónomo, y eficiente, que aplique la ley en forma imparcial. Destaca tres clases de redistribución del ingreso, la primera estructural, la segunda una redistribución directa a través de transferencias de emergencia y la tercera gravar mediante impuestos indirectos coyunturales. Finalmente señala que en Argentina se lleva a cabo la segunda y tercera en mayor medida debido a la falta de un aparato administrativo idóneo con agentes sociales profesionales de carrera. En la tercer columna, Necesitamos un Estado Fuerte y Limitado, Marcelo Resico, parte de la idea de que un Estado Moderno debe ser fuerte para sostener su independencia de los diversos grupos de presión, y al mismo tiempo limitado para no excederse ni abusar en las funciones que desempeñan. En este sentido existen varios puntos que cumplir, a saber: la existencia de una visión estratégica, consensos sobre políticas de largo plazo, independencia de los grupos de presión, prevalencia de las reglas por sobre la discrecionalidad, el fomento de la subsidiariedad-participación, la excelencia de la función pública, y la lucha contra la corrupción. Así, partiendo de instituciones sólidas y transparentes, estabilidad política, la eficacia del gobierno, la calidad de las regulaciones, el estado de derecho, y ampliar la participación de la ciudadanía se puede lograr un Estado Moderno, es decir fuerte y limitado.

Diagnóstico reproductivo de vacas destinadas al sacrificio en el rastro municipal de Camoapa, Boaco

La investigación se realizó en el rastro municipal de Camoapa, departamento de Boaco. Los objetivos fueron: Diagnosticar el estado reproductivo y patológico de las vacas destinadas al sacrificio y, proponer estrategias que permitan un adecuado control higiénico sanitario antes y después del proceso de matanza. Se evaluó una muestra de 145 animales (período: tres meses y medio) que equivale al 25 % del total de hembras sacrificadas anualmente. El trabajo consistió en visitar el rastro municipal para realizar el examen clínico general a las vacas que serian sacrificadas, determinando la triada clínica (frecuencias respiratoria, cardiaca y temperatura), revisión de mucosas y condición corporal. También se realizó el diagnóstico reproductivo a través de la palpación rectal el día antes de la matanza, y la observación directa del aparato reproductor, post mortem. También se utilizó un formulario que permitió obtener datos para enriquecer la información. La valoración de los animales evaluados indica que, a este rastro municipal llegan vacas normalmente sanas, sin embargo se encontraron animales con altas frecuencias respiratorias y cardiacas, y elevadas temperaturas. El 48.3 % de las vacas evaluadas resultaron gestadas, encontrándose un máximo de edad fetal de 252 días, faltando pocos días para un posible parto. Las vacas que llegaron vacías, en su mayoría presentaron problemas reproductivos, siendo de mayor relevancia los quistes foliculares en un 30.5%. El 79.3 % de vacas evaluadas, presentaron menos de 4 partos, consideradas como animales jóvenes aptos a la reproducción, coincidiendo con los motivos de descarte reflejados por los productores (problemas reproductivos, económicos y otros). Los resultados permitieron proponer estrategias de mejora en las condiciones de manejo, sobre el control sanitario antes y post mortem, y sobre la higiene general del rastro.