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The fern test is a method for assessing the characteristics of the nasal section in the treatment of patients with mucous dysfunction of the airway.The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the fern test in patients with rhinitis and to assess the classification of each type of rhinitis (types I-IV) in clinical practice.A cross-sectional study, which included consecutive patients from a third level Rhinology Unit, worked with 182 patients with rhinitis and 30 healthy subjects as control. The patients were subdivided according to their type of rhinitis: allergic rhinitis (59), infectious rhinitis (32), polyps (31), NARES (Non-allergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome) (30) and NARNE (non-allergic rhinitis with neutrophils) (30).The control subjects had only type I or II rhinitis, whereas patients with rhinitis usually showed type III or IV. Allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps had the most serious deterioration according to the fern test (type IV).The fern test is effective for assessing mucus alterations in patients with rhinitis and it could be included as a new parameter in the study of rhinitis as a potential biomarker of the function of damaged epithelial cells.Antecedentes: La prueba de “helecho” es un método que sirve para evaluar las características de la secreción nasal en el tratamiento de pacientes con disfunción de la mocosa de la vía aérea. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar el papel de la prueba de helecho en pacientes con rinitis y evaluar la clasificación de cada tipo de rinitis (tipos I a IV) en la práctica clínica. Métodos: Estudio transversal en el que se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos de una unidad de rinología de tercer nivel. Se incluyeron 182 pacientes con rinitis y 30 sujetos sanos como controles. Los pacientes se subdividieron según el tipo de rinitis: alérgica (59), infecciosa (32), pólipos (31), rinitis eosinofílica no alérgica (30) y rinitis no alérgica con neutrófilos (30). Resultados: Los sujetos control solo presentaron rinitis tipo I o II, mientras que los pacientes con rinitis generalmente mostraban tipo III o IV. La rinitis alérgica y los pólipos nasales tuvieron el deterioro más grave según la prueba de helecho (tipo IV). Conclusiones: La prueba de helecho es efectiva para evaluar las alteraciones del moco en pacientes con rinitis y podría incluirse como un nuevo parámetro en el estudio de la rinitis como biomarcador potencial de la función de las células epiteliales dañadas.

Mucus is one of the most important components of fish immunity, it contains components of innate immunity such as glycoproteins, lysozyme, complement proteins, proteolytic enzymes, antimicrobial peptides and immunoglobulins. Current information concerning the generation, physiology and effects of mucus in Atlantic salmon is reviewed, as well as possible mucogenic additives for the control of parasites that may be attractive for future use in the reduction of Caligus rogercresseyi. A full-text multidisciplinary data search was carried out. The topics included in the research process correspond to salmon, mucus, and mucogenic additives. It was found that the additive that generates a greater increase of the mucus components is the probiotic Bacillus sp. The findings suggest that more research is needed to unravel the implications of skin mucosal immunity on fish welfare and diseases of biological importance, El mucus es uno de los componentes más importantes de la inmunidad del pescado, contiene componentes de la inmunidad innata como glicoproteínas, lisozima, proteínas del complemento, enzimas proteolíticas, péptidos antimicrobianos e inmunoglobulinas. Se revisa información actualizada concerniente a la generación, fisiología y efectos del mucus en el salmón del Atlántico, así como de posibles aditivos mucogénicos para el control de parásitos que puedan ser atractivos para ser utilizados a futuro en la disminución de Caligus rogercresseyi. En virtud del cometido se realizó una búsqueda de datos multidisciplinarios de texto completo. Los tópicos incluidos en el proceso de investigación corresponden al salmón, mucus y aditivos mucogénicos. Se encontró que el aditivo que genera un mayor aumento de los componentes del mucus es el probiótico Bacillus sp. Los hallazgos sugieren que se necesita más investigación para desentrañar las implicaciones de la inmunidad de la mucosa de la piel sobre el bienestar de los peces y las enfermedades de importancia biológica.

El uso de nebulizaciones de solución salina hipertónica es beneficioso en enfermedades pediátricas, como bronquiolitis y fibrosis quística, sin embargo, no se ha estudiado su efecto en pacientes pediátricos traqueostomizados. Nuestro propósito fue determinar la utilidad de las nebulizaciones con solución hipertónica al 5% (SSH5%) en esta población. Pacientes y Método: Estudio prospectivo ‘cross over’, doble ciego, aleatorizado, controlado por placebo. Aprobado por comité de ética. De 37 pacientes traqueostomizados internados en el Hospital Josefina Martínez desde febrero a mayo de 2013, se seleccionaron 34 que fueron sometidos a un período de ‘wash out’ de un mes, posteriormente se dividieron en forma aleatoria, en grupo tratamiento y grupo placebo. El grupo tratamiento recibió solución salina hipertónica al 5% (SSH5%) y el grupo placebo solución salina al 0,9% (SSF). Ambos grupos recibieron nebulización una vez al día durante 30 días. Luego, hubo un segundo período de ‘wash out’ con posterior cross over. Los datos recolectados fueron: identificación del paciente, número de aspiraciones/día, tipo de secreciones aspiradas, tapón mucoso, fiebre, flujo de oxígeno suministrado y presiones del ventilador mecánico. La primera nebulización grupo SSH5% se definió como prueba de tolerancia. El análisis de datos se realizó con pruebas chi cuadrado, Mann-Whitney y t de Student. El efecto principal medido fue presencia y número de exacerbaciones respiratorias, evaluado con test de Prescott. Resultados: 50% de los pacientes fueron de sexo femenino, su media de edad fue 3,94 años y 82% de ellos estaban con ventilación mecánica. No encontramos diferencias significativas en edad, sexo o uso de ventilación mecánica entre ambos grupos. El grupo tratamiento SSH5% presentó menor número de exacerbaciones respiratorias que el grupo SSF (p = 0,00595). No se observaron efectos adversos con el uso de SSH5%. Conclusiones: Las nebulizaciones SSH5% disminuyeron las exacerbaciones respiratorias en pacientes traqueostomizados con y sin ventilación mecánica, siendo segura su aplicación. Nebulized hypertonic saline solution is useful in pediatric diseases such as bronchiolitis and cystic fibrosis. However its usefulness in pediatric patients with tracheostomy has not been studied. Our aim was to determine the usefulness of nebulized hypertonic solution 5% (SSH5%) in this population. Methods: Prospective cross over, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study It was approved by ethics committee. 34 out of 37 tracheostomized pediatric patients hospitalized from February to May 2013, were selected for this study. They underwent a period of wash out a month later They were randomly divided into a treatment group and a placebo group. Treatment group received hypertonic saline solution 5% (SSH5%) and placebo group saline solution 0.9% (SSF). Both groups received nebulization once daily for 30 days. Then there was a second washout with subsequent crossover Data collected were: patients identification, number of aspirations per day, type of aspirated secretions, mucus plug, fever, oxygen flow supplied and pressure of mechanical ventilator The first nebulization on group SSH5% was defined as a tolerance test. Data analysis was performed using chi-square, Mann-Whitney and t Student tests. The main measured effect was presence and number of respiratory exacerbations, evaluated with Prescott test. Results: 50% of patients were female, their mean age was 3.94 years-old and 82% were with mechanical ventilation. We did not find significant differences between both groups in age, sex or mechanical ventilation. Treatment group SSH5% had less number of respiratory exacerbations than SSF group (p = 0.00595). No adverse effects were observed with the use of SSH5%. Conclusions: Nebulized SSH5% decreased pulmonary exacerbations in patients with tracheostomy with or without mechanical ventilation, being safe its application.

Introducción: El caracol gigante africano Achatina fulica es reconocido como una plaga que afecta la biodiversidad, la Salud Pública y la productividad. Sin embargo, se ha demostrado que su secreción mucosa tiene propiedades cosméticas, cicatrizantes y antimicrobianas. Objetivo: Determinar las características físico-químicas y evaluar la actividad antimicrobiana de la secreción mucosa de Achatina fulica. Metodología: Se hicieron pruebas bioquímicas para la determinación cualitativa y cuantitativa de glúcidos, proteínas y lípidos. Se determinó el contenido de Calcio, Potasio, cloruros, Sodio y Magnesio. Se midieron los parámetros de conductividad eléctrica, potencial óxido-reducción, saturación de oxígeno, oxígeno total disuelto, pH, sólidos disueltos totales. Se realizó un ensayo de actividad antibacteriana por la técnica de microdilución en caldo. Resultados: Se encontraron glúcidos en concentraciones de 582 μg/mL en la fracción soluble y de 62.1 μg/mL en la fracción de mucinas, y proteínas en concentraciones de 836 μg/mL en la fracción soluble y de 1413 μg/mL en la fracción de mucinas. Se observó actividad antimicrobiana frente a las tres cepas ensayadas. Streptococcus agalactiae alcanzó un MIC90 a una concentración de 3,6 mg/mL con la fracción de mucinas; Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina tuvo un MIC50 de 3,3 mg/mL y Escherichia coli un MIC 70 de 3.8 mg/mL. Conclusiones: Se reportan por primera vez las características físicas y los oligoelementos presente en la secreción de Achatina fulica. La actividad antibacteriana obtenida frente a cepas Gram positivas y Gram negativas plantea la necesidad de realizar estudios para purificar las moléculas con dicha actividad, conocer los mecanismos de acción y establecer la inocuidad, entre otros. Introduction: The giant African snail Achatina fulica is recognized as a scourge affecting biodiversity, public health and productivity. However, it has been shown that the mucus has cosmetic, healing and antimicrobial properties. Objective: Determine physico-chemical characteristics and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the mucus. Methodology: Qualitative and quantitative determinations of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids were made by biochemical tests. Using multiparameter meter parameters of electrical conductivity, redox potential, oxygen saturation, the total dissolved oxygen, pH, total dissolved solids were measured. Content of Calcium, Potassium, chloride, Sodium and Magnesium was determined. Antibacterial activity assay was performed by broth microdilution method against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Results: Carbohydrates were found in concentrations of 582 μg/mL in soluble fraction and 62.1 μg/mL in mucin fraction, and protein concentration of 836 μg/mL in the soluble fraction and 1413 μg/mL in mucin fraction. Antimicrobial activity was demonstrated against the three strains tested. Streptococcus agalactiae reached MIC90 at a concentration of 3.6 μg/mL with mucin fraction; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus had a MIC50 of 3.3 mg / mL and Escherichia coli had a MIC70 of 3.8 mg / mL. Conclusions: This is the first report of the physical and trace elements in the secretion of Achatina fulica. The antibacterial activity obtained against Gram positive and Gram negative strains raises the need for studies to purify the molecules with such activity, understanding the mechanisms of action and establish the safety, among others.

Las afecciones del sistema respiratorio, tienen un papel fundamental en la disminución del desempeño atlético de los equinos, los exámenes como la broncoscopia que se realiza con endoscopio flexible, y citológicos (lavados transtraqueales y broncoalveolares), han sido usados como métodos de diagnóstico en animales con sintomatología de deficiencia respiratoria. Durante los últimos años su implementación ha tenido un notable aumento debido a su eficacia en los dictámenes, lo que se traduce, en disminución de tiempo y costos de tratamientos. En el presente estudio, se tomaron muestras a diez equinos sin raza definida, con edades entre los 7 y 15 años, provenientes de la clínica de grandes animales del hospital veterinario de la Universidad Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), los cuales nueve eran usados para la tracción de carrosa en la zona metropolitana y uno para carreras hípicas de Porto Alegre. A todos los animales se les realizó examen clínico general, enfatizando en las vías respiratorias, se realizaron cuatro endoscopias y se colectaron diez muestras de secreciones traqueales por medio de lavado y aspirado percutáneo. La suspensión celular de los lavados fue centrifugada, para realizar extendidos sobre láminas, que fueron coloreados por el método panóptico rápido (tinción diferencial), que permite la observación de células sanguíneas. Se realizó estadística descriptiva de las variables analizadas. Los animales presentaron frecuencia cardiaca 39.2 ± 1.44 latidos por minuto (lpm), frecuencia respiratoria 19.7 ± 2.37 respiraciones por minuto (rpm), temperatura 38.25 ± 0.08°C, hematocrito 34.7 ± 1.09%, recuento de eritrocitos 7.25 ± 0.27 x 106/ml, hemoglobina 11.34 ± 0.042 g/dl, volumen corpuscular medio 49.85 ± 0.96 fentolitros (fl), concentración de hemoglobina corpuscular media 32.77 ± 0.45 g/dl, plaquetas 183.8 ± 10.98 x 103/ml, proteínas plasmáticas totales 7.3 ± 0.13 g/dl, leucocitos totales 9.880 ± 470/ml, neutrófilos 5.910 ± 560/ml, eosinófilos 359.2 ± 70.8/ml, linfocitos 3.420 ± 420/ml y monocitos 339.8 ± 50.12/ml. En la citología del lavado traqueal se determinaron los porcentajes de células epiteliales en 42.3 ± 9.35, linfocitos 3.3 ± 1.13, macrófagos 20.1 ± 5.35, neutrófilos 26.4 ± 8.37 y eosinófilos 2.7 ± 1.78. Finalmente los resultados del examen endoscópico en los equinos fueron: 1) cantidad normal de moco y ausencia de bacterias (sanos), 2) aumento de la producción de moco y de bacterias en el medio extracelular y superficie de células escamosas, 3) degeneración celular y picnosis, 4) fagocitos y restos celulares, y 5) fungosis (hongos conídeos) en el fondo extracelular y fagocitosis, observándose cristales de hematoidina y procesos apoptóticos. Se concluye que la endoscopia y la citología del lavado traqueal son herramientas fundamentales para el diagnóstico de las enfermedades respiratorias, ya que permiten la identificación de trastornos funcionales, vislumbrando el tipo celular predominante, que ocasiona el proceso inflamatorio existente. Disorders of the respiratory system have a key role in reducing the athletic performance of horses, tests such as bronchoscopy that is performed with flexible endoscope, and cytological (tracheal washings) have been used as diagnostic methods in animals with symptoms of respiratory failure. In recent years its implementation has had a significant increase due to its effectiveness in the opinions, resulting in decreased treatment time and costs. In this study, samples were taken to ten horses without defined breed, aged between 7 and 15 years, from clinical large animal veterinary hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), which nine were used for pulling in the metropolitan area and one for horse racing in Porto Alegre. All animals underwent clinical examination, emphasizing airway four endoscopies were performed and ten samples of tracheal secretions were collected by washing and percutaneous aspiration. The washed cell suspension was centrifuged for extended on slides, which were stained by the method of panoptical fast (differential staining), which allows the observation of blood cells. Descriptive statistics of the variables analyzed was performed. The animals showed heart rate 39.2 ± 1.44 beats per minute (bpm), respiratory rate 19.7 ± 2.37 breaths per minute (rpm), temperature 38.25 ± 0.08°C, hematocrit 34.7 ± 1.09%, erythrocyte count 7.25 ± 0.27 x 106/ml, hemoglobin 11.34 ± 0.042 g/dl, mean corpuscular volume average 49.85 ± 0.96 fentoliters (fl), 32 corpuscular hemoglobin concentration 77 ± 0.45 g/dl, platelets 183.8 ± 10.98 x 103/ml, total plasma proteins 7.3 ± 0.13 g/dl, total leukocytes 9,880 ± 470/ml, neutrophils 5,910 ± 560/ml, eosinophils 359.2 ± 70.8/ml, lymphocytes 3,420 ± 420/ml and monocytes 339.8 ± 50.12/ml. In tracheal wash cytology were determined the percentages of epithelial cells in 42.3 ± 9.35, lymphocytes 3.3 ± 1.13, macrophages 20.1 ± 5.35, neutrophils 26.4 ± 8.37 and eosinophils 2.7 ± 1.78. Finally the results of endoscopic examination in horses were: 1) normal amount of mucus and absence of bacteria (healthy), 2) increased production of mucus and bacteria in the extracellular medium and squamous cell surface, 3) cellular degeneration and picnosis, 4) phagocytes and cell debris, and 5) fungus in the extracellular background and phagocytosis, observed Hematoidin crystals and apoptotic processes. It is concluded that endoscopy and tracheal wash cytology are essential tools for the diagnosis of respiratory diseases, allowing the identification of functional disorders, glimpsing the predominant cell type, which causes the existing inflammatory process.

La mucina representa la barrera de protección más importante del tracto gastrointestinal contra los patógenos que generan enfermedades entéricas. Debido a lo anterior, surge la necesidad de implementar estrategias nutricionales que mejoren la producción de mucinas y salud intestinal, y a su vez, la disminución en el uso de antibióticos para mitigar las enfermedades propias de la etapa de levante. Por tanto, se evaluó el efecto de la adición de diferentes cepas probióticas (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus o Enterococcus faecium) sobre la producción de Mucinas Ácidas Sulfatadas (MAS), Mucinas Ácidas no Sulfatadas (MANS) y Mucinas Neutras (MN) en lechones recién destetos. Se realizó eutanasia humanitaria a 35 lechones los días 1 (21 días de edad), 15 y 30 posdetete, y se les extrajo la porción del íleon para evaluar la producción de las diferentes mucinas intestinales. Se les suministró a los animales una dieta comercial con adición de antibióticos y otra sin adición de antibiótico a la cual se le adicionaron los diferentes probióticos en el agua de bebida. El diseño estadístico utilizado fue de bloques al azar en un arreglo de parcelas divididas. Se observó un aumento significativo (P

Human intestinal mucus essentially consists of a network of Mucin2 glycoproteins embedded in many lower molecularweight proteins. This paper contributes to the proteomic study of human intestinal mucus by comparing two sample collectionmethods (transanal irrigation and brush cytology during proctosigmoidoscopy) and analysis techniques (electrophoresis anddigestion in solution). The entire sample collection and treatment process is explained, including protein extraction, digestion anddesalination and peptide characterisation using a nanoAcquity UPLC chromatograph coupled to an HDMS spectrometer equipped with a nanoESI source. Collecting mucus via transanal irrigation provided a larger sample volume and protein concentration from a single patient. The proctosigmoidoscopy sample could be analysed via digestion in solution after depleting albumin. The analysisindicates that a simple mucus lysis method can evaluate the electrophoresis and digestion in solution techniques. Studying human intestinal mucus complexes is important because they perform two essential survival functions for humans as the first biochemical and physical defences for the gastrointestinal tract and a habitat for intestinal microbiota, which are primarily hosted in the colon and exceeds the human genetic information and cell number 100- and 10-fold (1). Human intestinal mucus essentially consistsof a network of Mucin2 glycoproteinsembedded in many lower molecularweight proteins. This paper contributes tothe proteomic study of human intestinalmucus by comparing two sample collectionmethods (transanal irrigation and brushcytology during proctosigmoidoscopy) andanalysis techniques (electrophoresis anddigestion in solution). The entire samplecollection and treatment process is explained,including protein extraction, digestion anddesalination and peptide characterisationusing a nanoAcquity UPLC chromatographcoupled to an HDMS spectrometer equippedwith a nanoESI source. Collecting mucus viatransanal irrigation provided a larger samplevolume and protein concentration from asingle patient. The proctosigmoidoscopysample could be analysed via digestion insolution after depleting albumin. The analysisindicates that a simple mucus lysis methodcan evaluate the electrophoresis and digestionin solution techniques. Studying humanintestinal mucus complexes is importantbecause they perform two essential survivalfunctions for humans as the first biochemicaland physical defences for the gastrointestinaltract and a habitat for intestinal microbiota,which are primarily hosted in the colon andexceeds the human genetic information andcell number 100- and 10-fold (1).

Bovine cervical mucus (BCM) is important for selection and transport of spermatozoa. When air-dried, BCM obtained at oestrus exhibits arborescent crystallizations, among other arrangements. Considering the relevant endocrine and reproductive information indirectly obtained from BCM crystallization, a morphological investigation was carried out to study its crystalline patterns. BCM samples were collected from healthy Holstein Friesian heifers at oestrus, their crystalline patterns photographed and its morphology analyzed. The majority of the crystallizations obtained showed the typical tree-like patterns reported for BCM. However, a highly symmetrical arrangement was found, characteri zed by a star-like morphology with six straight, highly defined axes that protrude from the same central point, forming 60o angles. In terms of current knowledge, this short report is the first to show this crystallization geometry in BCM, which, additionally, is remarkably similar to P6 B mucus reported for periovulatory human cervical mucus. Even though the role of mucus presenting this type of crystallization is as yet unknown for bovines, its possible functions are also briefly discussed here.

The first line of defense to maintain the sterility of the intrapulmonary airways is the mucociliary clearance system. This rapidly responding, non-specific, immune defensive system is challenged by approximately 12,000 liters of air filtered by the lungs each day, containing millions of particles like spores, environmental and eventually toxic pollutants. The main components of this system are the floating mucus "blanket", the underlying mucus propelling cilia with periciliary fluid, and the airway epithelium with secretory and ciliated type of cells. The fine and coordinated regulation of these three components is critical for an effective performance. Deregulation resulting from continuous insults, inherited ion channel disease, infections or abnormal immune response may lead to mucus alterations, goblet cell hyperplasia and metaplasia, airway obstruction, air trapping and chronic lung disease. Options for treatment are limited. Understanding this system may reveal new targets for treatment of lung disease.

A wide range of food-derived bioactive peptides have been shown to exert health-promoting actions and are therefore considered functional foods or nutraceuticals. Some of these actions are related to the maintenance, reinforcement or repairment of the intestinal barrier function (IBF) whose role is to selectively allow the absorption of water, nutrients and ions while preventing the influx of microorganisms from the intestinal lumen. Alterations in the IBF have been related to many disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease or metabolic syndrome. Components of IBF are the intestinal epithelium, the mucus layer, secretory immunoglobulin A and cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Here we review the effects of food derived bioactive peptides on these IBF components. In vitro and in vivo effects, both in healthy and disease states, have been reviewed. Although limited, the available information indicates a potential for food-derived peptides to modify IBF and to contribute to disease treatment, but further research is needed to better isolate responsible peptides, and to help define their mode of action.