Ruminal methanogens, bacteria and ciliate protozoa of Svalbard reindeer grazing natural pastures in October (late fall) and April (late winter) were investigated using molecular-based approaches. The ...appetite of the Svalbard reindeer peaks in August (summer) and is at its lowest in March (winter). Microbial numbers, quantified by real-time PCR, did not change significantly between October and April, when food intakes are at similar levels, although the numbers of methanogens tended to be higher in October (P=0.074), and ciliate numbers tended to be higher in April (P=0.055). Similarly, no change was detected in the bacterial and protozoal population composition by rRNA gene-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis. Dominant methanogens were identified using a 16S rRNA gene library (97 clones) prepared from pooled PCR products from reindeer on October pasture (n=5). Eleven of the 22 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs) generated exhibited a high degree of sequence similarity to methanogens affiliated with Methanobacteriales (eight OTUs), Methanomicrobiales (one OTU) and Methanosarcinales (two OTUs). The remaining 11 OTUs (53% of the clones) were associated with a cluster of uncultivated ruminal archaea. This study has provided important insights into the rumen microbiome of a high-arctic herbivorous animal living under harsh nutritional conditions, and evidence suggesting that host type affects the population size of ruminal methanogens.
Intrapancreatic accessory spleen (IPAS) is a congenital anomaly usually misdiagnosed as a pancreatic neoplasm. For five years and four months, we collected seven IPASs located in the tail of the ...pancreas in four patients diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). All cases had associated cell block preparations. Each patient underwent endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. The patients ranged in age from 57 to 73 years (mean age 65.7 years old). All lesions were well-defined, 1-1.9 cm in size (mean 1.5 cm). To our knowledge, a case with four IPASs in the tail of the gland has not been previously reported. Cytological features of IPAS included a polymorphous population of hematopoietic cells admixed with occasional blood vessels. Cell blocks comprised spleen red pulp. CD8 immunostaining of cell blocks highlighted splenic endothelial cells and confirmed the diagnosis. IPAS presented as an asymptomatic lesion detected on imaging studies. It may mimic a pancreatic neoplasm, mainly a neuroendocrine tumor. The use of EUS-FNA is an essential tool in the diagnosis of the lesion. The endothelial cells of the splenic sinuses characterized by their positivity for CD8 are evident in the sections of the cell blocks. This staining is considered specific and can be used as a confirmatory marker. EUS-FNA biopsy provides a reliable diagnosis that prevents unnecessary surgery.
Fundamento. Cuantificar la incidencia de gripe en distintos grupos de la población de Navarra en la temporada 2004-2005 y evaluar la efectividad de la vacunación antigripal.
Métodos. El análisis de ...los casos de gripe del sistema de enfermedades de declaración obligatoria se ha complementado con las notificaciones individualizadas de la red de médicos centinela que atiende a una población de 22.339 habitantes. Se estudió la cobertura y efectividad de la vacuna.
Resultados. La cobertura vacunal en ³65 años alcanzó el 62%. La incidencia de gripe fue de 42,6 casos por 1.000 habitantes. Alcanzó el máximo a mediados de enero, superando 750 casos semanales por 100.000 habitantes y 1.900 casos por 100.000 niños.
La mayor tasa de gripe se observó en menores de 15 años (49,4 casos por 1.000 habitantes) y la menor en ³65 años no institucionalizados (2,6 por 1.000 habitantes), aunque fue mayor en residencias geriátricas (62,1 por 1.000; p<0,0001). El 79% de los casos de 5 a 64 años causó absentismo escolar o laboral. Se identificó el virus de la gripe en 42/65 (65%) frotis nasofaríngeos, siendo el 90% virus gripal A(H3).
La incidencia de gripe fue del 3,08% en los no vacunados y del 0,45% en vacunados (p<0,001). La efectividad global de la vacuna antigripal fue del 65%, y en ³65 años del 73%.
Conclusión. Aunque su efectividad no es total, la vacuna es la principal medida para la prevención de la gripe. La red de médicos centinela aporta información útil para la coordinación de actividades asistenciales y de salud pública frente a la gripe.
