Real-world use of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in COVID-19 outpatients during BQ.1, BQ.1.1., and XBB.1.5 predominant omicron variants in three U.S. health systems: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Ritonavir-boosted Nirmatrelvir (NMV-r), a protease inhibitor with in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2, can reduce risk of progression to severe COVID-19 among high-risk individuals infected with earlier variants, but less is known about its effectiveness against omicron variants BQ.1/BQ.1.1/XBB.1.5. We sought to evaluate effectiveness of NMV-r in BQ.1/BQ.1.1/XBB.1.5 omicron variants by comparing hospitalisation rates to NMV-r treated patients during a previous omicron phase and to contemporaneous untreated patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of non-hospitalised adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection using real-world data from three health systems in Colorado and Utah, and compared hospitalisation rates in NMV-r-treated patients in a BA.2/BA.2.12.1/BA.4/BA.5 variant-predominant (first) phase (April 3, 2022-November 12, 2022), with a BQ.1/BQ.1.1/XBB.1.5 variant-predominant (second) phase (November 13, 2022-March 7, 2023). In the primary analysis, we used Firth logistic regression with a two-segment (phase) linear time model, and pre-specified non-inferiority bounds for the mean change between segments. In a pre-specified secondary analysis, we inferred NMV-r effectiveness in a cohort of treated and untreated patients infected during the second phase. For both analyses, the primary outcome was 28-day all-cause hospitalisation. Subgroup analyses assessed treatment effect heterogeneity. Findings: In the primary analysis, 28-day all-cause hospitalisation rates in NMV-r treated patients in the second phase (n = 12,061) were non-inferior compared to the first phase (n = 25,075) (198 [1.6%] vs. 345 [1.4%], adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.76 [95% CI 0.54-1.06]), with consistent results among secondary endpoints and key subgroups. Secondary cohort analyses revealed additional evidence for NMV-r effectiveness, with reduced 28-day hospitalisation rates among treated patients compared to untreated patients during a BQ.1/BQ.1.1/XBB.1.5 predominant phase (198/12,061 [1.6%] vs. 376/10,031 [3.7%], aOR 0.34 [95% CI 0.30-0.38), findings robust to additional sensitivity analyses. Interpretation: Real-world evidence from major US healthcare systems suggests ongoing NMV-r effectiveness in preventing hospitalisation during a BQ.1/BQ.1.1/XBB.1.5-predominant phase in the U.S, supporting its continued use in similar patient populations. Funding: U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Hybrid Gold Nanorod-Based Nanoplatform with Chemo and Photothermal Activities for Bimodal Cancer Therapy.

Metal nanoparticles (NPs), particularly gold nanorods (AuNRs), appear as excellent platforms not only to transport and deliver bioactive cargoes but also to provide additional therapeutic responses for diseased cells and tissues and/or to complement the action of the carried molecules. In this manner, here, we optimized a previous developed metal-based nanoplatform composed of an AuNR core surrounded by a polymeric shell constructed by means of the layer-by-layer approach, and in which very large amounts of the antineoplasic drug doxorubicin (DOXO) in a single loading step and targeting capability thanks to an outer hyaluronic acid layer were incorporated by means of an optimized fabrication process (PSS/DOXO/PLL/HA-coated AuNRs). The platform retained its nanometer size with a negative surface charge and was colloidally stable in a range of physiological conditions, in which only in some of them some particle clustering was noted with no precipitation. In addition, the dual stimuli-responsiveness of the designed nanoplatform to both endogenous proteases and external applied light stimuli allows to perfectly manipulate the chemodrug release rates and profiles to achieve suitable pharmacodynamics. It was observed that the inherent active targeting abilities of the nanoplatfom allow the achievement of specific cell toxicity in tumoral cervical HeLa cells, whilst healthy ones such as 3T3-Balb fibroblast remain safe and alive in agreement with the detected levels of internalization in each cell line. In addition, the bimodal action of simultaneous chemo- and photothermal bioactivity provided by the platform largely enhances the therapeutic outcomes. Finally, it was observed that our PSS/DOXO/PLL/HA-coated AuNRs induced cell mortality mainly through apoptosis in HeLa cells even in the presence of NIR light irradiation, which agrees with the idea of the chemo-activity of DOXO predominating over the photothermal effect to induce cell death, favoring an apoptotic pathway over necrosis for cell death.

Effect of Different Technological Factors on the Gelation of a Low-Lectin Bean Protein Isolate.

Gelling ability of a bean protein isolate (BPI) obtained from a naturally low-lectin variety (Phaseolus vulgaris var. Almonga) was analysed. For that purpose differences on gels processing: concentration (14% and 17%), salt addition (0 and 2%), and pH (6.5 -lot A- and 7 -lot B), were studied to obtain suitable colour, mechanical and viscoelastic properties for making appropriate meat and seafood analogues. Gelation at pH 7 at both 14 and 17% BPI concentrations, produced less rigid, more flexible, time-stable and cohesive gel networks. Colour of the resulting gels was white enough to be considered as an adequate base for making plant-based analogues. The content of total galactoside, inositol phosphates and trypsin inhibitors (bioactive compounds) present in one serving (100 g) of these BPI gels were up to 0.80 mg/g, 8.06 mg/g and 239 TIUs, respectively.

The architecture of assisted colonisation in sea turtles: building new populations in a biodiversity crisis.

Due to changing environmental conditions, many species will have to migrate or occupy new suitable areas to avoid potential extinction in the current biodiversity crisis. Long-lived animals are especially vulnerable and ex-situ conservation actions can provide solutions through assisted colonisations. However, there is little empirical evidence on the process of founding new populations for such species or the feasibility of assisted colonisations as a viable conservation measure. Here, we combined genetics with reproductive data to study the rise of two wild populations of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Cayman Islands as a possible outcome of a reintroduction program started 50 years ago. We show that both populations are highly related to the captive population but rapidly diverged due to genetic drift. Individuals from the reintroduced populations showed high levels of nest fidelity, within and across nesting seasons, indicating that philopatry may help reinforce the success of new populations. Additionally, we show that reintroduction from captive populations has not undermined the reproductive fitness of first generation individuals. Sea turtle reintroduction programs can, therefore, establish new populations but require scientific evaluation of costs and benefits and should be monitored over time to ensure viability in the long-term.

The influence of diagnosed mental health conditions and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety on suicide ideation, plan, and attempt among college students: Findings from the Healthy Minds Study, 2018-2019.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 11% of 18-25 year-olds report thoughts of suicide. Additionally, suicide is the second leading cause of death in college student populations. We sought to evaluate the relationship between diagnosed mental health conditions and current symptoms of depression and/or anxiety and suicidality in the past year. METHODS: Healthy Minds Study (HMS) 2018-2019 data from 38,757 college students were analyzed. The PHQ-9, GAD-7, and prior mental health condition diagnoses were used to create a suicidality severity index and we determined how these associations varied by race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. We also assessed non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) outcomes in the past year. RESULTS: Students with both a mental health condition diagnosis and current moderate/severe symptoms of depression and/or anxiety had a higher prevalence of NSSI, 10 times the odds (95% CI 9.4-11.5) of suicide ideation, 28 times the odds (95% CI 23.8-33.1) of suicide ideation, with planning or attempt, and 47 times the odds (95% CI 31.1-71.4) of suicide ideation, with planning and attempt, compared to students with none/minimal depression and/or anxiety symptoms and no mental health condition diagnosis. LIMITATIONS: We could not clinically confirm depression or anxiety diagnoses nor infer causality of associations in this cross-sectional study. Future longitudinal studies are needed to establish temporality. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health condition diagnoses and moderate/severe symptoms of depression and/or anxiety were strongly associated with suicidality among college students. These findings identify potential opportunities to further understand and address the mental health needs of college students.

Bdellovibrio reynosensis sp. nov., from a Mexico soil sample.

A novel predatory bacterium, strain LBG001T, has been isolated from Reynosa, Mexico. The 16S rRNA shares approximately 97 % sequence identity with many reported strains in the genus Bdellovibrio including the type strain Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100T. Phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene and on 30 concatenated housekeeping genes or core genes showed that LBG001T is on a separate branch from the B. bacteriovorus group. LBG0001T has a genome size of 3 582 323 bp with a G+C content of 43.1 mol %. The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values with other members of the genus Bdellovibrio (<79, <72 and <17 %, respectively) qualifies the strain to represent a new species in the genus. Strain LBG001T formed visible plaques on all 10 tested Gram-negative bacterial species. The phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and genomic taxonomic studies support the classification of the strain as representing a new species for which the name Bdellovibrio reynosensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LBG001T(=ATCC TSD-288T =CM-CNRG 0932T).

Difference of MreBCD Complex Interactome in Salmonella Typhimurium ST19 and ST213 Genotypes on Pathogenesis and Stress Response Pathways.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella enterica is the etiological agent of salmonellosis, with a high infection rate worldwide in Mexico, ST213 genotype of S. enterica ser. Typhimurium is displacing the ancestral ST19 genotype. Bacterial cytoskeleton protein complex MreBCD plays an important role in S. enterica pathogenesis, but underlying mechanisms are unknown. RESULTS: In this study, 106 interactions among MreBCD and 15 proteins from S. Typhimurium Pathogenicity Islands 1 (SP-I) and 2 (SP-2) involved in both bacterial virulence and stress response were predicted in ST213 and ST19 genotypes, of which 12 interactions were confirmed in vitro. In addition, gene cluster analysis in 100 S. Typhimurium genomes was performed for these genes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The in silico and in vitro results showed a novel MreBCD interactome involved in regulating pathogenesis and stress response through interactions with virulence factors located at SPI-1 and SPI-2. Furthermore, both pseudogene presence and sequence variations in four tested proteins between genotypes resulted in differential interaction patterns involved in Salmonella motility and survival in eukaryotic cells, which could explain the replacement of ST19 by ST213 in Mexico.

The decolorization and degradation of azo dyes by two Stenotrophomonas strains isolated from textile effluent (Tepetitla, Mexico).

Stenotrophomonas' metabolic versatility plays important roles in the remediation of contaminated environment and plant growth promotion. We investigated two Stenotrophomonas strains isolated from textile polluted sewage for their ability to decolorize and degrade azo dyes. Two Stenotrophomonas strains (TepeL and TepeS) were isolated from textile effluents (Tepetitla, Mexico) using the selective agar Stenotrophomonas vancomycin, imipenem, amphotericin B agar (SVIA). Isolates' identity was determined by the sequencing of their partial 16S rRNA fragments. Their abilities to decolorize dyes were tested in a Luria broth supplemented with varying concentrations (50 mg/L-1 g/L) of textile dyes (acidic red, methyl orange, reactive green, acidic yellow, and reactive black). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) metabolite analyses were used to determine the effect of the isolates' growth on the dyes (acidic red, methyl orange). We also identified the enzymes that may be involved in the degradation process. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rDNA sequences showed that the isolates belong to the genus Stenotrophomonas. Stenotrophomonas sp. TepeL and TepeS respectively decolorize all the azo dyes at the tested concentration except at 1 g/L and degraded the azo dyes. The degradation resulted in the formation of N, N-dimethyl p-phenylenediamine, and sodium 4-amino-1-naphthalenesulfonate from methyl orange and acid red. TepeL and TepeS rapidly decolorized and degraded the azo dyes tested. This result showed that the two isolates have a good potential for the decontamination of textile effluents.

Comparison of Bioactive Compounds Content and Techno-Functional Properties of Pea and Bean Flours and their Protein Isolates.

Recently, legume protein isolates are increasingly of interest as ingredients for the food industry; however, in spite of their health benefits, there is a limited information about the presence of bioactive compounds in the protein isolates. The objective of this study was to establish the phytochemical composition and selected techno-functional properties of pea and bean flours and their protein isolates obtained applying different drying methods. Regarding proximate composition, bean flour contained higher amounts of total protein (23%) and fat (44%) than pea flour; bean protein isolate (BPI) contained higher total and soluble protein, fat and starch than the pea protein isolate (PPI). Both protein isolates showed a similar emulsifying capacity (around 27%). Emulsion stability and foaming capacity were higher in the PPI (around 36%). Bean flour contained lower amounts of α-galactosides (31.64 mg/g) but a higher trypsin inhibitors content (21.95 TIU/mg) than pea flour. The preparation procedure of the protein isolates affected the bioactive compound content. The PPI showed a reduction of inositol phosphates (13%), galactosides (76%), trypsin inhibitors (90%) and total phenolic compounds (35%) compared to its whole flour. The BPI contained higher amounts of inositol phosphates (137%) and total phenolic compounds (135%) than its flour, while it showed a lower content of galactosides (54%) and a similar amount of trypsin inhibitors. Thus, the bioactive compound content and the functional properties studied indicate that protein isolates can be used as ingredients with added-value in the development of new formulated food products, allowing their increasing use in the food industry.

The Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) degradation activities and genome analysis of a novel strain Stenotrophomonas sp. Pemsol isolated from Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Stenotrophomonas are ubiquitous gram-negative bacteria, which can survive in a wide range of environments. They can use many substances for their growth and are known to be intrinsically resistant to many antimicrobial agents. They have been tested for biotechnological applications, bioremediation, and production of antimicrobial agents. METHOD: Stenotrophomonas sp. Pemsol was isolated from a crude oil contaminated soil. The capability of this isolate to tolerate and degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) such as anthraquinone, biphenyl, naphthalene, phenanthrene, phenanthridine, and xylene was evaluated in Bushnell Hass medium containing PAHs as the sole carbon sources. The metabolites formed after 30-day degradation of naphthalene by Pemsol were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopic (FTIR), Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The genome of Pemsol was also sequenced and analyzed. RESULTS: Anthraquinone, biphenyl, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and phenanthridine except xylene can be used as sole carbon sources for Pemsol's growth in Bushnell Hass medium. The degradation of naphthalene at a concentration of 1 mg/mL within 30 days was tested. A newly formed catechol peak and the disappearance of naphthalene peak detected on the UPLC-MS, and GC-MS analyses spectra respectively confirmed the complete degradation of naphthalene. Pemsol does not produce biosurfactant and neither bio-emulsify PAHs. The whole genome was sequenced and assembled into one scaffold with a length of 4,373,402 bp. A total of 145 genes involved in the degradation of PAHs were found in its genome, some of which are Pemsol-specific as compared with other 11 Stenotrophomonas genomes. Most specific genes are located on the genomic islands. Stenotrophomonas sp. Pemsol's possession of few genes that are associated with bio-emulsification gives the genetic basis for its inability to bio-emulsify PAH. A possible degradation pathway for naphthalene in Pemsol was proposed following the analysis of Pemsol's genome. ANI and GGDH analysis indicated that Pemsol is likely a new species of Stenotrophomonas. It is the first report on a complete genome sequence analysis of a PAH-degrading Stenotrophomonas. Stenotrophomonas sp. Pemsol possesses features that make it a good bacterium for genetic engineering and will be an excellent tool for the remediation of crude oil or PAH-contaminated soil.

Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Stenotrophomonas species isolated from Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Stenotrophomonas species are multi-resistant bacteria with ability to cause opportunistic infections. OBJECTIVE: We isolated 45 Stenotrophomonas species from soil, sewage and the clinic with the aim of investigating their susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobial agents. METHODOLOGY: The identities of isolates were confirmed with 16S rRNA gene sequence and MALDI-TOF analysis. Anti-microbial resistance, biofilm production and clonal diversity were also evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration technique as described by Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute: CLSI Guidelines (CLSI) was employed for the evaluation of isolate susceptibility to antibiotics. RESULT: Forty-five Stenotrophomonas species which include 36 environmental strains and 9 clinical strains of S. maltophilia were considered in this study. 32 (88.9 %) environmental strains were identified to be S. maltophilia, 2 (5.6 %) were Stenotrophomonas nitritireducens, and 2 (5.6 %) cluster as Stenotrophomonas spp. Stenotrophomonas isolates were resistant to at least six of the antibiotics tested, including Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (SXT). CONCLUSION: Environmental isolates from this study were resistant to SXT which is commonly used for the treatment of S. maltophilia infections. This informs the need for good public hygiene as the environment could be a reservoir of multi-resistant bacteria. It also buttresses the importance of surveillance study in the management of bacterial resistance.

Complete Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Strain SVIA2, Isolated from Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil in Tabasco, Mexico.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain SVIA2 was isolated from crude oil-contaminated soil from Tabasco, Mexico, and displayed a good potential for the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), using naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthridine, or biphenyl as the unique source of carbon. The SVIA2 genome contains essential genes involved in the degradation of PAHs.

Genes de virulencia en Aeromonas spp. (Aeromonadales: Aeromonadaceae) aisladas de Oreochromis spp. (Perciformes: Cichlidae) para consumo humano en México / Virulence genes in Aeromonas spp. (Aeromonadales: Aeromonadaceae) isolated from Oreochromis spp. (Perciformes: Cichlidae) destined for human consumption in Mexico

Resumen Las especies del género Aeromonas se encuentran ampliamente distribuidas en ecosistemas acuáticos, son bacilos Gram negativas, oxidasa positivas y fermentadoras de glucosa que han sido consideradas patógenas emergentes en humanos. Por otra parte, Aeromonas pertenece a la microbiota normal de los peces, no obstante, estos microorganismos poseen una diversidad de factores de virulencia responsables de una variedad de infecciones en humanos, principalmente de tipo gastrointestinal. La presencia de Aeromonas en productos destinados a consumo de alta demanda comercial como la tilapia genera preocupación sanitaria por el potencial patogénico que posee esta bacteria. En este contexto, identificar genes de virulencia presentes en cepas de Aeromonas aisladas en Oreochromis spp. para consumo humano en Reynosa, Tamaulipas, México; es de importancia ante la escasez de estudios moleculares al respecto en la zona. En el presente estudio se analizó el potencial patogénico de 15 cepas de Aeromonas previamente identificadas molecularmente mediante PCR y secuenciación, procedentes de Oreochromis spp. Mediante PCR se analizaron seis genes de virulencia (alt, ast, aerA, hlyA, gcat y stx1) y las cepas utilizadas como control fueron: Aeromonas hydrophila subsp. hydrophila ATCC 7966, Aeromonas caviae 429865 INP, Escherichia coli O157:H7 y Escherichia coli K12. El 100 % (n = 15) de las cepas presentaron al menos un gen de virulencia, el gen aerA se detectó en 86.66 % de las cepas analizadas, mientras que los genes ast y stx1 no fueron identificados. Se encontró que las cepas de Aeromonas presentaban genes asociados en una misma cepa: aerA/gcat, alt/aerA, alt/ aerA/gcat/hlyA y alt/aerA/gcat, de los cuales aerA/gcat se observó con mayor frecuencia y principalmente en A. veronii, mientras que, A. hydrophila presentó el mayor número de asociaciones de genes de virulencia. Estos hallazgos indican que las cepas de Aeromonas aisladas en Oreochromis spp. tienen el potencial de causar enfermedades en humanos. Por lo tanto, es necesario proporcionar información sobre esta bacteria emergente, para tratar y controlar eficazmente cualquier posible evento epidemiológico causado por la misma.(AU)

Abstract The genus Aeromonas are widely distributed in aquatic ecosystems are Gram-negative rods, oxidase-positive, and glucose-fermenting, considered emerging pathogens in humans. Aeromonas belongs to the fish microbiota, these microorganisms have a diversity of virulence factors responsible for a variety of infections in humans mainly gastrointestinal diseases. The presence of Aeromonas in products intended for consumption with high commercial demand such as tilapia generates sanitary concern due to the pathogenic potential of this bacteria. In this context, identification of virulence genes in strains of Aeromonas isolated in Oreochromis spp. intended for human consumption in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico is important due to the lack of molecular studies in this geographical area. In the present study the pathogenic potential of 15 strains of Aeromonas (A. veronii, A. hydrophila and A. schubertii) from Oreochromis spp. for human consumption were analyzed. Through PCR six virulence genes were analyzed (alt, ast, aerA, hlyA, gcat and stx1) and the strains used as control were: Aeromonas hydrophila subsp. hydrophila ATCC 7966, Aeromonas caviae 429865 INP, Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Escherichia coli K12. El 100 % (n = 15) of the strains harbored at least one virulence gene, aerA gene was detected in 86.66 % of the analyzed strains, while ast and stx1 genes were not identified. Moreover, Aeromonas strains had associated genes in the same strain: aerA / gcat, alt / aerA, alt / aerA / gcat / hlyA and alt / aerA / gcat, of which aerA / gcat were observed mostly in A. veronii, while A. hydrophila had the highest associations. These findings indicate that the strains of Aeromonas isolated in Oreochromis spp. have the potential to cause human diseases, and therefore, this species used as food, could be a vehicle for infections caused by Aeromonas. It also allows to provide information on this emerging microorganism to effectively treat and control any epidemiological event caused by Aeromonas spp. in the future.(AU)

Draft Genome Sequence of Aeromonas caviae Strain 429865 INP, Isolated from a Mexican Patient.

Aeromonas caviae is an emerging human pathogen. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Aeromonas caviae strain 429865 INP which shows the presence of various putative virulence-related genes.

Salud Mesoamérica 2015 Initiative: design, implementation, and baseline findings.

BACKGROUND: Health has improved markedly in Mesoamerica, the region consisting of southern Mexico and Central America, over the past decade. Despite this progress, there remain substantial inequalities in health outcomes, access, and quality of medical care between and within countries. Poor, indigenous, and rural populations have considerably worse health indicators than national or regional averages. In an effort to address these health inequalities, the Salud Mesoamérica 2015 Initiative (SM2015), a results-based financing initiative, was established. METHODS: For each of the eight participating countries, health targets were set to measure the progress of improvements in maternal and child health produced by the Initiative. To establish a baseline, we conducted censuses of 90,000 households, completed 20,225 household interviews, and surveyed 479 health facilities in the poorest areas of Mesoamerica. Pairing health facility and household surveys allows us to link barriers to care and health outcomes with health system infrastructure components and quality of health services. RESULTS: Indicators varied significantly within and between countries. Anemia was most prevalent in Panama and least prevalent in Honduras. Anemia varied by age, with the highest levels observed among children aged 0 to 11 months in all settings. Belize had the highest proportion of institutional deliveries (99%), while Guatemala had the lowest (24%). The proportion of women with four antenatal care visits with a skilled attendant was highest in El Salvador (90%) and the lowest in Guatemala (20%). Availability of contraceptives also varied. The availability of condoms ranged from 83% in Nicaragua to 97% in Honduras. Oral contraceptive pills and injectable contraceptives were available in just 75% of facilities in Panama. IUDs were observed in only 21.5% of facilities surveyed in El Salvador. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide a baseline of much-needed information for evidence-based action on health throughout Mesoamerica. Our baseline estimates reflect large disparities in health indicators within and between countries and will facilitate the evaluation of interventions and investments deployed in the region over the next three to five years. SM2015's innovative monitoring and evaluation framework will allow health officials with limited resources to identify and target areas of greatest need.

Determination of ß-N-oxalyl-L-α,ß-diaminopropionic acid and homoarginine in Lathyrus sativus and Lathyrus cicera by capillary zone electrophoresis.

BACKGROUND: Lathyrus species as legumes represent an alternative protein source for human and animal nutrition. Heavy consumption of these species can lead to lathyrism, caused by the non-protein amino acid ß-N-oxalyl-l-α,ß-diaminopropionic acid (ß-ODAP). Currently, there is no well-defined level below which ß-ODAP is considered non-toxic. In this work, the ß-ODAP content was determined in L. sativus and L. cicera samples to assess their potential toxicity. Homoarginine is another non-protein amino acid found in Lathyrus spp. with interesting implications for human and animal nutrition. RESULTS: The level of ß-ODAP found in these two species ranged from 0.79 to 5.05 mg g(-1). The homoarginine content of the samples ranged from 7.49 to 12.44 mg g(-1). CONCLUSION: This paper describes an accurate, fast and sensitive method of simultaneous detection and quantification of ß-ODAP and homoarginine by capillary zone electrophoresis in L. cicera and L. sativus seeds. Moreover, several methods of extraction were compared to determine the highest performance.

Rendimiento masticatorio y nivel de satisfacción de pacientes tratados con prótesis totales en la Universidad Mayor / Masticatory performance and satisfaction level in patients treated with complete dentures

Se realizó un estudio para medir y comparar el rendimiento masticatorio empleando el Test de Manly en 2 grupos de 18 individuos cada uno. El primer grupo estaba conformado por pacientes desdentados totales tratados en la Universidad Mayor en el año 2012 con prótesis totales removibles, y el segundo grupo, por pacientes con dentadura natural completa. Además, al grupo de pacientes rehabilitados con prótesis totales se le aplicó la encuesta GOHAI para conocer el nivel de satisfacción con el uso de sus prótesis. Los resultados muestran que el rendimiento masticatorio es muy superior en los individuos dentados naturales con respecto a los portadores de prótesis totales, y esta diferencia es estadísticamente significativa. Los pacientes portadores de prótesis totales señalan un bajo nivel de satisfacción con el uso de sus dentaduras completas, en especial durante la función masticatoria.

This study was conducted in order to measure and compare the masticatory performance using the Manly Test in 2 groups of 18 people. The first group was formed by edentulous patients treated in the Universidad Mayor of Santiago, Chile, in 2012 with removable dentures, and the second group consisted of patients with complete natural dentition. In addition, the GOHAI questionnaire was also applied to determinate the level of satisfaction of the group of patients rehabilitated with complete dentures. The results showed that masticatory performance is much higher in individuals with complete natural dentition than in patients rehabilitated with complete dentures, with the difference being statistically significant. Patients with dentures indicated a low level of satisfaction with the use of their complete dentures, especially during masticatory function.

Large-scale genomic analysis of codon usage in dengue virus and evaluation of its phylogenetic dependence.

The increasing number of dengue virus (DENV) genome sequences available allows identifying the contributing factors to DENV evolution. In the present study, the codon usage in serotypes 1-4 (DENV1-4) has been explored for 3047 sequenced genomes using different statistics methods. The correlation analysis of total GC content (GC) with GC content at the three nucleotide positions of codons (GC1, GC2, and GC3) as well as the effective number of codons (ENC, ENCp) versus GC3 plots revealed mutational bias and purifying selection pressures as the major forces influencing the codon usage, but with distinct pressure on specific nucleotide position in the codon. The correspondence analysis (CA) and clustering analysis on relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) within each serotype showed similar clustering patterns to the phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences for DENV1-4. These clustering patterns are strongly related to the virus geographic origin. The phylogenetic dependence analysis also suggests that stabilizing selection acts on the codon usage bias. Our analysis of a large scale reveals new feature on DENV genomic evolution.

The detection of inherent homologous recombination between repeat sequences in H. pylori 26695 by the PCR-based method.

Helicobacter pylori infects more than half of the world's population, making it the most widespread infection of bacteria. It has high genetic diversity and has been considered as one of the most variable bacterial species. In the present study, a PCR-based method was used to detect the presence and the relative frequency of homologous recombination between repeat sequences (>500 bp) in H. pylori 26695. All the recombinant structures have been confirmed by sequencing. The inversion generated between inverted repeats showed distinct features from the recombination for duplication or deletion between direct repeats. Meanwhile, we gave the mathematic reasoning of a general formula for the calculation of relative recombination frequency and indicated the conditions for its application. This formula could be extensively applied to detect the frequency of homologous recombination, site-specific recombination, and other types of predictable recombination. Our results should be helpful for better understanding the genome evolution and adaptation of bacteria.