Evaluation of the Effect of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Type 2 (FGF-2) Administration on Placental Gene Expression in a Murine Model of Preeclampsia Induced by L-NAME.

The abnormal implantation of the trophoblast during the first trimester of pregnancy precedes the appearance of the clinical manifestations of preeclampsia (PE), which is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. In a previous study, which was carried out in a murine model of PE that was induced by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), we observed that the intravenous administration of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) had a hypotensive effect, improved the placental weight gain and attenuated the fetal growth restriction, and the morphological findings that were induced by L-NAME in the evaluated tissues were less severe. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of FGF2 administration on the placental gene expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), placental growth factor, endoglin (ENG), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), thioredoxin (TXN), tumor protein P53 (P53), BCL2 apoptosis regulator, Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS), and caspase 3, in a Sprague Dawley rat PE model, which was induced by L-NAME. The gene expression was determined by a real-time polymerase chain reaction using SYBR green. Taking the vehicle or the L-NAME group as a reference, there was an under expression of placental VEGFA, VEGFR2, ENG, P53, FAS, SOD1, CAT, and TXN genes in the group of L-NAME + FGF2 (p < 0.05). The administration of FGF2 in the murine PE-like model that was induced by L-NAME reduced the effects that were generated by proteinuria and the increased BP, as well as the response of the expression of genes that participate in angiogenesis, apoptosis, and OS. These results have generated valuable information regarding the identification of molecular targets for PE and provide new insights for understanding PE pathogenesis.

Automated ELISA On-Chip for the Detection of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most critical public health issue in modern history due to its highly infectious and deathly potential, and the limited access to massive, low-cost, and reliable testing has significantly worsened the crisis. The recovery and the vaccination of millions of people against COVID-19 have made serological tests highly relevant to identify the presence and levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Due to its advantages, microfluidic-based technologies represent an attractive alternative to the conventional testing methodologies used for these purposes. In this work, we described the development of an automated ELISA on-chip capable of detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in serum samples from COVID-19 patients and vaccinated individuals. The colorimetric reactions were analyzed with a microplate reader. No statistically significant differences were observed when comparing the results of our automated ELISA on-chip against the ones obtained from a traditional ELISA on a microplate. Moreover, we demonstrated that it is possible to carry out the analysis of the colorimetric reaction by performing basic image analysis of photos taken with a smartphone, which constitutes a useful alternative when lacking specialized equipment or a laboratory setting. Our automated ELISA on-chip has the potential to be used in a clinical setting and mitigates some of the burden caused by testing deficiencies.

ADIPOQ single nucleotide polymorphisms and breast cancer in northeastern Mexican women.

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) polymorphisms have been shown to affect adiponectin serum concentration and some have been associated with breast cancer (BC) risk. The aims of this study were to describe the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ADIPOQ in Mexican women with BC and to determine if they show an association with it. METHODS: DNA samples from 397 patients and 355 controls were tested for the ADIPOQ gene SNPs: rs2241766 (GT) and rs1501299 (GT) by TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was tested. Multiple SNP inheritance models adjusted by age and body mass index (BMI) were examined for the SNP rs1501299. RESULTS: We found that in the frequency analysis of rs1501299 without adjusting the BMI and age, the genotype distribution had a statistically significant difference (P = 0.003). The T allele was associated with a BC risk (OR, 1.99; 95% CI 1.13-3.51, TT vs. GG; OR, 1.53; 95% CI 1.12-2.09, GT vs. GG). The SNP rs2241766 was in HW disequilibrium in controls. In conclusion, the rs1501299 polymorphism is associated with a BC risk. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of the genotype of these polymorphisms in patients with BC can contribute to integrate the risk profile in both patients and their relatives as part of a comprehensive approach and increasingly more personalized medicine.

Expression of growth hormone and growth hormone receptor genes in human eye tissues.

In humans, the polygenic growth hormone (GH) locus is located on chromosome 17 and contributes with three types of proteins: pituitary GH which consists of at least two isoforms one of 22 kDa and the other of 20 kDa, placental GH, which also exhibits isoforms, and chorionic somatomammotropin hormone (CSH). While pituitary GH results from the expression of the GH-1 (GH-N) gene, placental GH is produced by the expression of the GH-2 (GH-V) gene and CSH is contributed by expression of the CSH-1 and CSH-2 genes. The location where GH-1 is expressed is the anterior pituitary and the rest of the genes in the locus are expressed in placenta. On the other hand, expression and synthesis of GH in extra-pituitary tissues, including the eye, has been recently described. However, the physiological role of GH in the eye has not yet been elucidated, although a possible neuroprotective role has been hypothesized. Thus, we analyzed GH-1, GH-2, CSH1/2, Pit-1, GHR, GHRH, GHRHR, SST, SSTR1, SSTR2, SSTR3, SSTR4, and SSTR5 to elucidate the expression and regulation of the GH locus in the human eye. Through qPCR analysis, we only found evidence of GH-1 expression in retina, choroid and trabecular meshwork; its transcript turned out to be the same as pituitary GH mRNA found in major species, and no splicing variants were detected. PIT1 was absent in all the ocular tissues implying an independent GH-1 expression mechanism. We found evidence of GHR in the cornea, choroid coat and retina. These results suggest autocrine and/or paracrine regulation, possibly exerted by GHRH and SSTs (since their mRNAs and receptors were found predominantly in retinal, choroidal and corneal tissues) since expression of both molecules was detected in different ocular tissues, as well as in the same tissues where GH-1 expression was confirmed. Our results add solid evidence about the existence of a regulatory local system for GH expression and release in the human eye.

Olfactomedin-like 2 A and B (OLFML2A and OLFML2B) profile expression in the retina of spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) and bioinformatics mining.

Olfactomedin-like (OLFML) proteins are members of the olfactomedin domain-containing secreted glycoprotein (OLF) family. OLFML2A and OLFML2B are representative molecules of these glycoproteins. Olfactomedins are critical for the development and functional organization of the nervous system and retina, which is a highly conserved structure in vertebrates, having almost identical anatomical and physiological characteristics in multiple taxa. Spotted gar, a member of the Lepisosteidae family, is a freshwater fish that inhabits rivers, bayous, swamps, and brackish waters. Recently, the complete genome has been sequenced, providing a unique bridge between fish medical models to human biology, making it an excellent animal model. This study was aimed to understanding the evolution OLFML2A and OLFML2B in the retina of spotted gar through looking for the expression of these genes. Spotted gar retina was analyzed with hematoxylin-eosin staining assays to provide an overall view of the retina structure and an immunofluorescence assay to identify OLFML2A and OLFML2B protein expression. A phylogenetic tree was created using the neighbor-joining method. Forces that direct the evolution of the fish genes were tested. Spotted gar retina, as in other vertebrates, is made of several layers. OLFML2A and OLFML2B proteins were detected in the rod and cone photoreceptor layer (PRL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), and inner nuclear layer (INL). Phylogenetic tree analysis confirms the orthology within the OLFML2A gene. Purifying selection is the evolutionary force that directs the OLFML2A genes. OLFML2A genes have a well-conserved function over time and species.

Expression of growth hormone gene in the baboon eye.

The human growth hormone (GH) locus is comprised by two GH (GH1 and GH2) genes and three chorionic somatomammotropin (CSH1, CSH2 and CSH-L) genes. While GH1 is expressed in the pituitary gland, the rest are expressed in the placenta. However, GH1 is also expressed in several extrapituitary tissues, including the eye. So to understand the role of this hormone in the eye we used the baboon (Papio hamadryas), that like humans has a multigenic GH locus; we set up to investigate the expression and regulation of GH locus in adult and fetal baboon ocular tissues. We searched in baboon ocular tissues the expression of GH1, GH2, CSH1/2, Pit1 (pituitary transcription factor 1), GHR (growth hormone receptor), GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone), GHRHR (growth hormone releasing hormone receptor), SST (somatostatin), SSTR1 (somatostatin receptor 1), SSTR2 (somatostatin receptor 2), SSTR3 (somatostatin receptor 3), SSTR4 (somatostatin receptor 4), and SSTR5 (somatostatin receptor 5) mRNA transcripts and derived proteins, by qPCR and immunofluorescence assays, respectively. The transcripts found were characterized by cDNA cloning and sequencing, having found only the one belonging to GH1 gene, mainly in the retina/choroid tissues. Through immunofluorescence assays the presence of GH1 and GHR proteins was confirmed in several retinal cell layers. Among the possible neuroendocrine regulators that may control local GH1 expression are GHRH and SST, since their mRNAs and proteins were found mainly in the retina/choroid tissues, as well as their corresponding receptors (GHRH and SSTR1-SSTR5). None of the ocular tissues express Pit1, so gene expression of GH1 in baboon eye could be independent of Pit1. We conclude that to understand the regulation of GH in the human eye, the baboon offers a very good experimental model.

Olfactomedin-like 2 A and B (OLFML2A and OLFML2B) expression profile in primates (human and baboon).

BACKGROUND: The olfactomedin-like domain (OLFML) is present in at least four families of proteins, including OLFML2A and OLFML2B, which are expressed in adult rat retina cells. However, no expression of their orthologous has ever been reported in human and baboon. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of OLFML2A and OLFML2B in ocular tissues of baboons (Papio hamadryas) and humans, as a key to elucidate OLFML function in eye physiology. METHODS: OLFML2A and OLFML2B cDNA detection in ocular tissues of these species was performed by RT-PCR. The amplicons were cloned and sequenced, phylogenetically analyzed and their proteins products were confirmed by immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS: OLFML2A and OLFML2B transcripts were found in human cornea, lens and retina and in baboon cornea, lens, iris and retina. The baboon OLFML2A and OLFML2B ORF sequences have 96% similarity with their human's orthologous. OLFML2A and OLFML2B evolution fits the hypothesis of purifying selection. Phylogenetic analysis shows clear orthology in OLFML2A genes, while OLFML2B orthology is not clear. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of OLFML2A and OLFML2B in human and baboon ocular tissues, including their high similarity, make the baboon a powerful model to deduce the physiological and/or metabolic function of these proteins in the eye.

Molecular evolution and expression profile of the chemerine encoding gene RARRES2 in baboon and chimpanzee.

BACKGROUND: Chemerin, encoded by the retinoic acid receptor responder 2 (RARRES2) gene is an adipocytesecreted protein with autocrine/paracrine functions in adipose tissue, metabolism and inflammation with a recently described function in vascular tone regulation, liver, steatosis, etc. This molecule is believed to represent a critical endocrine signal linking obesity to diabetes. There are no data available regarding evolution of RARRES2 in non-human primates and great apes. Expression profile and orthology in RARRES2 genes are unknown aspects in the biology of this multigene family in primates. Thus; we attempt to describe expression profile and phylogenetic relationship as complementary knowledge in the function of this gene in primates. To do that, we performed A RT-PCR from different tissues obtained during necropsies. Also we tested the hypotheses of positive evolution, purifying selection, and neutrality. And finally a phylogenetic analysis was made between primates RARRES2 protein. RESULTS: RARRES2 transcripts were present in liver, lung, adipose tissue, ovary, pancreas, heart, hypothalamus and pituitary tissues. Expression in kidney and leukocytes were not detectable in either species. It was determined that the studied genes are orthologous. CONCLUSIONS: RARRES2 evolution fits the hypothesis of purifying selection. Expression profiles of the RARRES2 gene are similar in baboons and chimpanzees and are also phylogenetically related.

CDX-2, MUC-2 and B-catenin as intestinal markers in pure mucinous carcinoma of the breast.

BACKGROUND: Pure mucinous adenocarcinoma of the breast is a rare entity characterized by the production of variable amounts of mucin comprising 1% to 6% of breast carcinomas. Some mucinous adenocarcinomas have shown expression of intestinal differentiation markers such as MUC-2. This study examines the expression of intestinal differentiation markers in this type of breast carcinoma. RESULTS: Twenty-two cases of pure mucinous adenocarcinoma of the breast were assessed. Immunochemistry was performed for beta-catenin, CDX-2 and MUC-2. All cases were positive for B-catenin. MUC-2 positivity was observed in all cases; 63. 6% were 3 plus positive. All cases were negative for CDX-2. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that mucinous breast carcinomas express some markers of intestinal differentiation, such as MUC-2 and beta-catenin; however, future studies with a larger series of cases and using molecular techniques that help affirm these results are needed.

Self-Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 from Saliva Samples at Home: Isothermal Amplification Enabled by Do-It-Yourself Portable Incubators and Laminated Poly-ethyl Sulfonate Membranes.

COVID-19 made explicit the need for rethinking the way in which we conduct testing for epidemic emergencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the dependence on centralized lab facilities and resource-intensive methodologies (e.g., RT-qPCR methods) greatly limited the deployment of widespread testing efforts in many developed and underdeveloped countries. Here, we illustrate the development of a simple and portable diagnostic kit that enables self-diagnosis of COVID-19 at home from saliva samples. We describe the development of a do-it-yourself (DIY) incubator for Eppendorf tubes that can be used to conduct SARS-CoV-2 detection with competitive sensitivity and selectivity from saliva at home. In a proof-of-concept experiment, we assembled Eppendorf-tube incubators at our home shop, prepared a single-tube mix of reagents and LAMP primers in our lab, and deployed these COVID-19 detection kits using urban delivery systems (i.e., Rappifavor or Uber) to more than 15 different locations in Monterrey, México. This straightforward strategy enabled rapid and cost-effective at-home molecular diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 from real saliva samples with a high sensitivity (100%) and high selectivity (87%).

Nine-Month Trend of IgG Antibody Persistence and Associated Symptoms Post-SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Between 2 and 8.5% of patients who recover from COVID-19 do not develop antibodies, and the durability of IgG antibodies is under scrutiny. Therefore, the presence and persistence of IgM and IgG antibodies were evaluated in a group of patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 from May to August 2020. Out of 2199 suspected COVID-19 cases, 1264 were confirmed for SARS-CoV-2 by rRT-PCR; 328 consented to participate in the study, with 220 participants followed for 9 months, including 124 men (56%) and 96 women (44%). The primary symptoms were headache, dry cough, and fever. IgG antibodies developed in 95% of patients within 4 weeks post-diagnosis, and a second evaluation at 9 months showed that 72.7% still had detectable IgG antibodies. The presence of IgM in one individual (0.45%) suggested the possibility of reinfection.

Gene Content and Coding Diversity of the Growth Hormone Loci of Apes.

The growth hormone (GH) locus has experienced a dramatic evolution in primates, becoming multigenic and diverse in anthropoids. Despite sequence information from a vast number of primate species, it has remained unclear how the multigene family was favored. We compared the structure and composition of apes' GH loci as a prerequisite to understanding their origin and possible evolutionary role. These thorough analyses of the GH loci of the chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan were done by resorting to previously sequenced bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) harboring them, as well as to their respective genome projects data available in GenBank. The GH loci of modern man, Neanderthal, gibbon, and wild boar were retrieved from GenBank. Coding regions, regulatory elements, and repetitive sequences were identified and compared among species. The GH loci of all the analyzed species are flanked by the genes CD79B (5') and ICAM-1 (3'). In man, Neanderthal, and chimpanzee, the loci were integrated by five almost indistinguishable genes; however, in the former two, they rendered three different hormones, and in the latter, four different proteins were derived. Gorilla exhibited six genes, gibbon seven, and orangutan four. The sequences of the proximal promoters, enhancers, P-elements, and a locus control region (LCR) were highly conserved. The locus evolution might have implicated duplications of the ancestral pituitary gene (GH-N) and subsequent diversification of the copies, leading to the placental single GH-V gene and the multiple CSH genes.

Tick-Borne Pathogens Screening Using a Multiplex Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Method.

PURPOSE: This study aims to develop and evaluate a cost-effective, user-friendly multiplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method for detecting multiple tick-borne pathogens associated with human and veterinary diseases. METHODS: In silico PCR was performed to design and evaluate primer sequences reported for amplifying Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., and Ehrlichia spp. Single and multiplex qPCR assays were then standardized to detect individual pathogens and multiple pathogens in a single reaction. Positive controls were generated to determine the dynamic range of the methods. In the validation phase, a total of 800 samples were screened for the presence of tick-borne pathogens. RESULTS: Identification in a single qPCR reaction (multiplex) of Ehrlichia spp., and Borrelia spp. with a limit of detection of 10 copies and Rickettsia spp. with 100 copies, a PCR efficiency (E) of 90-100% and a coefficient of correlation (R2) of 0.998-0.996 for all pathogens. CONCLUSION: The ability to detect three significant pathogens (Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia spp.) in a single qPCR reaction offers a significant advantage in the field of molecular diagnostics for tick-borne diseases. This advancement has a profound impact on public health as it facilitates the selection of appropriate treatment protocols, thereby reducing complications associated with disease progression. The streamlined approach provided by this method simplifies the diagnostic process and enables timely intervention, ultimately improving patient outcomes and mitigating the potential risks associated with untreated or misdiagnosed tick-borne infections.

Genomic Analysis of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Strains Isolated in Tamaulipas, Mexico.

The global spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) is a major public health concern. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are the main drivers of this spread by horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Escherichia coli is widespread in various environments and serves as an indicator for monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the whole genome of multidrug-resistant E. coli strains isolated from human clinical, animal, and environmental sources. Four E. coli strains previously isolated from human urine (n = 2), retail meat (n = 1), and water from the Rio Grande River (n = 1) collected in northern Tamaulipas, Mexico, were analyzed. E. coli strains were evaluated for antimicrobial susceptibility, followed by whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Several ARGs were detected, including blaCTX-M-15, blaOXA-1, blaTEM-1B, blaCMY-2, qnrB, catB3, sul2, and sul3. Additionally, plasmid replicons (IncFIA, IncFIB, IncFII, IncY, IncR, and Col) and intact prophages were also found. Insertion sequences (ISs) were structurally linked with resistance and virulence genes. Finally, these findings indicate that E. coli strains have a large repertoire of resistance determinants, highlighting a high pathogenic potential and the need to monitor them.

The S/S Genotype of the 5-HTTLPR (Serotonin-Transporter-Linked Promoter Region) Variant of the SLC6A4 Gene Decreases the Risk of Pre-Eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a disorder characterized by hypertension in the second trimester of pregnancy that results from abnormal placentation affecting fetal development and maternal health. Previous studies have shown the role of serotonin (5-HT) that leads to poor placental perfusion, where S/S and S/L polymorphisms promote the solute carrier family 6 member 4 (SLC6A4) gene associated with the risk of developing changes in the microvasculature of the placenta. This study looked at the association between the gene variant 5-HTTLPR (serotonin-transporter-linked promoter region) of the SLC6A4 gene and the occurrence of PE. A total of 200 women were included: 100 cases (pregnant with PE) and 100 controls (pregnant without complications). Genotyping of the 5-HTTLPR variant was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Associations between the presence of the genetic variant of interest and PE and other clinical features were evaluated statistically. The frequencies of S/S, S/L, and L/L genotypes were 32%, 53%, and 15% for the cases and 55%, 25%, and 20% in the control group. Compared to the controls, the genotype frequencies S/S vs. S/L + L/L (recessive model) in the cases group were different (p = 0.002). The S/S genotype decreased the probability of PE (OR = 0.39, 95% IC: 0.22-0.69, p = 0.002) and PE with severity criteria (OR = 0.39, 95% IC: 0.17-0.91, p = 0.045). The 5-HTTLPR gene variant of the SLC6A4 gene modifies the risk of PE development among the studied population.

Evaluation of the Potential Risk of Mortality from SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Hospitalized Patients According to the Charlson Comorbidity Index.

Background: The pandemic of COVID-19 has represented a major threat to global public health in the last century and therefore to identify predictors of mortality among COVID-19 hospitalized patients is widely justified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible usefulness of Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) as mortality predictor in patients hospitalized because COVID-19. Methods: This study was carried out in Zacatecas, Mexico, and it included 705 hospitalized patients with suspected of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinical data were collected, and the CCI score was calculated online using the calculator from the Sociedad Andaluza de Medicina Intensiva y Unidades Coronarias; the result was evaluated as mortality predictor among the patients with COVID-19. Results: 377 patients were positive for SARS-COV-2. Obesity increased the risk of intubation among the study population (odds ratio (OR) = 2.59; 95 CI: 1.36-4.92; p = 0.003). The CCI values were higher in patients who died because of COVID-19 complications than those observed in patients who survived (p < 0.001). Considering a CCI cutoff > 31.69, the area under the ROC curve was 0.75, with a sensitivity and a specificity of 63.6% and 87.7%, respectively. Having a CCI value > 31.69 increased the odds of death by 12.5 times among the study population (95% CI: 7.3-21.4; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The CCI is a suitable tool for the prediction of mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The presence of comorbidities in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 reflected as CCI > 31.69 increased the risk of death among the study population, so it is important to take precautionary measures in patients due to their condition and their increased vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Correlation Between CD133+ Stem Cells and Clinical Improvement in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders Treated with Intrathecal Bone Marrow-derived Mononuclear Cells.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental pathologies characterized by social and communication deficits, for which treatments are limited. Cell therapies, including intrathecal (IT) administration of bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells (BM-MNC), improves symptoms in patients with ASD. Twenty-four patients diagnosed with ASD, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Text Revision Fourth Edition (DSM-IV-TR) criteria, were autologously treated with IT BM-MNC, and the clinical effect was evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) on Days 30 (n=24) and 180 (n=14) post-treatment. IT BM-MNC improved clinical outcomes by Day 30 (p=0.0039), and those benefits remained and were further accentuated by Day 180 post-treatment (n=14; p=<0.0001). Clinical benefit at Days 30 (p=0.001; r= -0.51) and 180 (p=0.01; r= -0.60) posttreatment positively correlated with the enrichment of a putative BM stem cell population expressing the cluster of differentiation 133+ (CD133+) surface marker.

Prolactin Expression in the Baboon (Papio hamadryas) Eye.

Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone expressed in lactotrophs cells of the pituitary gland in primates. Extra pituitary expression of PRL has been reported, including the eye; however, expression in the developing eye of primates is limited. The aim of the study was determining the expression of PRL and PRL receptor (PRLR) (mRNAs and proteins) in adult and fetal baboon (Papio hamadryas) ocular tissues. METHODS: We analyzed PRL and PRLR in baboon eyes tissues by immunofluorescence. The mRNAs of PRL and PRLR were detected by RT-PCR, cDNA was cloned, and sequenced. Furthermore, we performed a phylogenetic analysis to identify the evolutionary forces that underlie the divergence of PRL and PRLR primate genes. RESULTS: We observed the expression of PRL and PRLR (mRNAs and proteins) in all retinal cell lineages of fetal and adult baboon. PRL and PRLR fit the hypothesis of evolutionary purifying gene selection. CONCLUSIONS: mRNA and protein of PRL and PRLR are expressed in fetal and adult baboon retinal tissue. PRL may trigger autocrine and paracrine-specific actions in retinal cell lines.

Evaluation of respiratory anatomical-functional sequelae in patients who recovered from COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has been a global public health emergency, with 209.89 million cases of infection with SARS-CoV-2 recorded, resulting in 4,401,675 deaths. After recuperation, it is probable that COVID-19 patients have sequelae of the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the respiratory anatomical-functional sequelae in Mexican patients who recovered from COVID-19. METHODOLOGY: This study included twenty-four patients who recovered from COVID-19 and eight non-infected patients (controls). Participants were screened for SARS-CoV-2 and the presence of IgM/IgG antibodies. Pulmonary function and lung anatomical abnormalities were evaluated by spirometry and computerized tomography. RESULTS: A total of 45.8% of the patients had pulmonary function with obstructive patterns: 70.8% of recovered cases had COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) 1, 20.8% CO-RADS 3 and 16.7% CO-RADS 4. A total of 35.3% of patients with CO-RADS 1 also showed bilateral nodal growth; 70.8% of patients tested positive for IgG and 8.4% for IgG/IgM, and 20.8% tested negative for both antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: There were respiratory anatomical and functional sequelae in Mexican patients who recovered from COVID-19, with a high occurrence of pulmonary obstructive patterns in the study population. These observations indicate the importance of the routine evaluation of sequelae in Mexican patients who recovered from COVID-19 and the need for strict follow-up to improve the quality of life of these patients.

Colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for cost-effective and quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2: the change in color in LAMP-based assays quantitatively correlates with viral copy number.

We demonstrate a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method to detect and amplify SARS-CoV-2 genetic sequences using a set of in-house designed initiators that target regions encoding the N protein. We were able to detect and amplify SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids in the range of 62 to 2 × 105 DNA copies by this straightforward method. Using synthetic SARS-CoV-2 samples and RNA extracts from patients, we demonstrate that colorimetric LAMP is a quantitative method comparable in diagnostic performance to RT-qPCR (i.e., sensitivity of 92.85% and specificity of 81.25% in a set of 44 RNA extracts from patients analyzed in a hospital setting).