Seasonal prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in northern Mexico.

This study aimed to describe the shedding pattern of gastrointestinal parasite eggs by a wild population of desert bighorn sheep (DBS; Ovis canadensis) in northern Mexico. Seventy-five fresh faecal samples were collected from the ground in each season within an hour after being expelled by these animals. The generalized linear mixed model showed that eggs per gram of faeces were highest in winter (577 ± 399) and lowest in summer (260 ± 198). Generalized linear models revealed that Strongyloides spp. predominated during most seasons with a peak in summer (85% of faecal samples analysed) and the absence of this helminth in winter. Nematodirus spp. was another helminth present in three seasons, with the presence of this nematode in 35% of the faecal samples in spring and 0% in summer. Other parasites in DBS faeces included Bunostomun spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Cooperia spp., Mecistocirrus digitatus, Haemonchus contortus, Chabertia ovina and Eimeria ovinoidalis. There were differences among seasons in the percentage of these helminths and coccidia in faecal samples for all these parasites. It was concluded that helminths egg output in DBS in a semi-arid rangeland is lowest in summer and spring and highest in autumn and winter. Furthermore, it was shown that DBS in the study site do not suffer from severe parasite burden. Therefore, this nematode parasite burden is compatible with the conservation and well-being of this particular population.

The burn severity and plant recovery relationship affect the biological and chemical soil properties of Pinus halepensis Mill. stands in the short and mid-terms after wildfire.

In the Mediterranean Basin, changes in climate and fire regime (increased recurrence and severity) reduce ecosystem services after wildfires by increasing soil degradation and losses in plant diversity. Our study was a biological approach to relate soil properties to vegetation recovery and burn severity. We focused our study on the natural recovery of the soil-plant interphase in Pinus halepensis Mill. forests located in the SE of Iberian Peninsula, a semiarid climate. We included some chemical properties 3 years after fire (available phosphorus (P) and soil organic carbon (Corg), among others), and biological soil indicators 3 and 5 years after fire (i.e. basal soil respiration (BSR), microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), carbon mineralization coefficient (Cmineral), metabolic quotient (qCO2) and microbial quotient (Cmic:Corg)). We analyzed the activity of three different enzymes: urease (UR), phosphatase (PHP) and ß-glucosidase (GLU). The changes in most chemical properties were ephemeral, but P and Corg showed higher values in burned areas, and the highest were found for low-moderate severity. Plant recovery was the triggering factor for the recovery of Corg and biological soil function. Burn severity and time after fire influenced Cmic and the Cmic:Corg, which were higher for moderate-high severity 3 years later, but were below the unburned values 5 years after fire. The microbial activities of GLU and UR were recovered in burned areas 5 years after fire. The PHP values lowered according to higher burn severity and time after fire. The soil ecological trends obtained by a principal component analysis revealed a relationship linking GLU, BSR and qCO2 that explained soil response to burn severity. PHP, Cmic and Cmic:Corg explained most of the variability related to time after fire. Our results provide insights into how burn severity, in Mediterranean fire-prone Aleppo pine stands, modulated the natural plant recovery linked to soil biochemical and microbiological response to fire. High burn severity limited natural vegetation recovery, and both reduced biological soil functionality. This knowledge can be implemented in post-fire planning to apply post-fire management (for mitigation and restoration) in which the "no intervention" tool should be contemplated. These findings provide information to be applied in adaptive forest management to improve the resilience of vulnerable ecosystems and to reduce burn severity in future fire events.

Differential effects of FXR or TGR5 activation in cholangiocarcinoma progression.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive tumor type affecting cholangiocytes. CCAs frequently arise under certain cholestatic liver conditions. Intrahepatic accumulation of bile acids may facilitate cocarcinogenic effects by triggering an inflammatory response and cholangiocyte proliferation. Here, the role of bile acid receptors FXR and TGR5 in CCA progression was evaluated. METHODS: FXR and TGR5 expression was determined in human CCA tissues and cell lines. An orthotopic model of CCA was established in immunodeficient mice and tumor volume was monitored by magnetic resonance imaging under chronic administration of the specific FXR or TGR5 agonists, obeticholic acid (OCA) or INT-777 (0,03% in chow; Intercept Pharmaceuticals), respectively. Functional effects of FXR or TGR5 activation were evaluated on CCA cells in vitro. RESULTS: FXR was downregulated whereas TGR5 was upregulated in human CCA tissues compared to surrounding normal liver tissue. FXR expression correlated with tumor differentiation and TGR5 correlated with perineural invasion. TGR5 expression was higher in perihilar than in intrahepatic CCAs. In vitro, FXR was downregulated and TGR5 was upregulated in human CCA cells compared to normal human cholangiocytes. OCA halted CCA growth in vivo, whereas INT-777 showed no effect. In vitro, OCA inhibited CCA cell proliferation and migration which was associated with decreased mitochondrial energy metabolism. INT-777, by contrast, stimulated CCA cell proliferation and migration, linked to increased mitochondrial energy metabolism. CONCLUSION: Activation of FXR inhibits, whereas TGR5 activation may promote, CCA progression by regulating proliferation, migration and mitochondrial energy metabolism. Modulation of FXR or TGR5 activities may represent potential therapeutic strategies for CCA.

Compatibility of Beauveria bassiana and alternative phytosanitary products.

AIMS: To assess the compatibility of alternative phytosanitary products (APPs) with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuillemin. METHODS AND RESULTS: The APPs used were Baicao, Orobor® , Topneem, Rotenat and Compostonat at concentrations recommended by the manufacturers (CR), and then half (1/2CR) and double (2CR). To evaluate the compatibility, the following parameters were analysed: germination, colony forming units (CFUs), vegetative growth and conidia production. Compatibility was assessed using rates of toxicity and biological index. The association of APPs and B. bassiana was also evaluated for pathogenicity against larvae of third instar Anagasta kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) (1·0 × 108 conidia per ml). The germination of conidia of B. bassiana was reduced only by the product Orobor® . The CFUs were not affected by any products. The colony diameter was reduced when in contact with the products Baicao and Orobor® . For conidia production per colony, all products reduced this parameter. None of the products affected the pathogenicity of the fungus on A. kuehniella. CONCLUSIONS: All APPs tested are compatible with B. bassiana. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The natural products tested and used in the field are considered compatible with B. bassiana under laboratory conditions, making possible new studies and the use of these in insect control.

Action of natural phytosanitary products on Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki S-1905.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of natural phytosanitary products (NPs) on spores and crystals of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki S-1905 (Btk S-1905). For the spore assay, NPs and bacteria were applied in combination and individually. For the combined application, Btk S-1905 + NP mixtures were inoculated on nutrient agar (NA), and for the separate applications, the NPs were spread on NA plates, which were later inoculated with the pathogen. The number of colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter was quantified after 18 h of incubation. For the crystal protein degradation assay, the Btk S-1905 + NP mixtures were added to the diet of Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), and mortality was evaluated at the following time points: 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Scanning electron microscopy and agarose gel electrophoresis were carried out. Biogermex and Ecolife® reduced the CFU ml-1 in both combined and separate applications. Biogermex, Ecolife®, and Planta Clean were antagonistic to the action of bacterial toxins, and no product affected the morphology or resulted in the degradation of the crystal proteins. The remaining products evaluated did not reduce the CFU ml-1 and had additive effect when combined with the crystal toxin.

Influence of Mitochondrial Genetics on the Mitochondrial Toxicity of Linezolid in Blood Cells and Skin Nerve Fibers.

The antibiotic linezolid is a ribosomal inhibitor with excellent efficacy. Although the administration period has been reduced to 28 days, side effects, usually of hematologic or neuropathic origin, are still reported due to secondary inhibition of mitochondrial protein synthesis. Susceptibility to linezolid toxicity remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to gain an understanding of clinical heterogeneity in response to identical linezolid exposures through exhaustive examination of the molecular basis of tissue-dependent mitotoxicity, consequent cell dysfunction, and the association of mitochondrial genetics with adverse effects of linezolid administered for the recommended period. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and skin nerve fibers from 19 and 6 patients, respectively, were evaluated before and after a 28-day linezolid treatment in order to assess toxic effects on mitochondria and cells. Mitochondrial DNA haplotypes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ribosomal sequences where linezolid binds to mitochondrial ribosomes were also analyzed to investigate their genetic contributions. We found that linezolid reduced mitochondrial protein levels, complex IV activity, and mitochondrial mass in PBMC and was associated with a trend toward an increase in the rate of apoptosis. In skin tissue, mitochondrial mass increased within nerve fibers, accompanied by subclinical axonal swelling. Mitochondrial haplogroup U, mutations in 12S rRNA, and the m.2706A→G, m.3197T→C, and m.3010G→A polymorphisms in 16S rRNA showed a trend toward an association with increased mitochondrial and clinical adverse effects. We conclude that even when linezolid is administered for a shorter time than formerly, adverse effects are reported by 63% of patients. Linezolid exerts tissue-dependent mitotoxicity that is responsible for downstream cellular consequences (blood cell death and nerve fiber swelling), leading to adverse hematologic and peripheral nervous side effects. Multicentric studies should confirm genetic susceptibility in larger cohorts.

[Frequency and maternal complications of the criteria of hemolysis in preeclamptic patients with HELLP syndrome treated in an intensive care unit]. / Frecuencia y complicaciones maternas de los criterios de hemólisis en pacientes con preeclampsia y síndrome de HELLP tratadas en una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

BACKGROUND: HELLP syndrome is an aggressive form of preeclampsia related with hemolysis and its complications. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of the appearance of criteria of hemolysis and maternal complications in preeclamptic patients with HELLP syndrome treated in an intensive care unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study in 50 preeclamptic women with HELLP syndrome admitted to intensive care unit to determine the presence of the following criteria of hemolysis: peripheral blood schistocytes, anemia (hemoglobin ≤ 10 g/dL), lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 600 U/L, indirect bilirubin ≥ 0.6 mg/dL and hemoglobinuria. We also studied maternal complications in patients with lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 600 U/L and positive for schistocytes. Descriptive (mean, median, range, standard deviation) and inferential (Student t test) statistics were used. RESULTS: Lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 600 U/L was found in 36%, indirect bilirubin 0.6 mg/dL in 20%, positive schistocytes in 16%, hemoglobinuria in 4% and anemia in 0%. Patients with lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 600 U/L had more clinical and laboratory deterioration as well as prolonged intensive care unit stay (p = 0.0025). Patients positive for schistocytes did not demonstrate adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Biochemical criteria of hemolysis were more frequent than schistocytes, hemoglobinuria and anemia. Patients with lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 600 U/L was alterations more serious than patients with positive schistocytes so its usefulness as a biomarker may be higher.

An abietane diterpene from Salvia cuspidata and some new derivatives are active against Trypanosoma cruzi.

The Plant Kingdom is an excellent source for obtaining natural compounds with antiprotozoal activity. In the present work, we studied the effect of the diterpene 12-hydroxy-11,14-diketo-6,8,12-abietatrien-19,20-olide (HABTO) obtained from the aerial parts of Salvia cuspidata on Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes. This compound was found to inhibit parasite growth even at low concentrations (IC50 5 µg/mL) and with low toxicity on mammalian cells. In addition, this diterpene induced an intense vacuolization within the parasites. In order to obtain analogs with greater lipophilicity, chemical modifications on the enol moiety were carried out to obtain the acetyl (AABTO), the sylil (SABTO) and the allyl (ALLABTO) derivatives. We observed that the SABTO was the most effective one on the parasites, and the effect could be attributed to a greater lipophilicity of this compound. Taking into account these data we conclude that the increase of lipophilicity by chemical modifications is an adequate strategy for improving the trypanocidal activity of this kind abietane diterpenes.

Intraventricular hemorrhage treated with intraventricular fibrinolysis. A 10-year experience.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the results and complications of our intraventricular fibrinolysis protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of the cases of intraventricular hemorrhage with 13-bed Intensive Care Unit. Graeb score 6 or above subjected to intraventricular fibrinolysis. We gathered demographic parameters, clinical risk scores, tomography data and case histories showing neurological status and complications related to intraventricular treatment. The results between those who died and the survivors were compared. RESULTS: Intraventricular fibrinolysis was performed in 42 patients (69% males) with intraventricular hemorrhage. The average age was 58.36 years (SD 16.67), with a median APACHE II score of 17.5 (r 3-29). A total of 16.7% were receiving acenocoumarol, and 7.1% were on antiplatelet drugs. The median Glasgow Coma Score at the start of treatment was 8 (r 3-13). The median Graeb score was 9 (r 6-12), and was severe (Graeb 9-12) in almost 62%. In turn, 26.2% of the patients developed ventriculitis, and there was further bleeding in 7.1%. Death occurred in 50% of the cases. None of the analyzed variables were significantly related to increased mortality. In the 21 survivors, the Glasgow Outcome Score at 3 months was 2 in 23.8% of the cases, 3 in 28.57%, 4 in 23.8% and 5 in 28.57% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Intraventricular fibrinolysis does not appear to involve a high rate of complications, and may result in lesser mortality, with a better functional outcome after three months than that estimated and published in the literature in reference to intraventricular hemorrhage.

Chronotype delay and sleep disturbances shaped by the Antarctic polar night.

Chronotype is a reliable biomarker for studying the influence of external zeitgebers on circadian entrainment. Assessment of chronotype variation in participants exposed to extreme photoperiods may be useful to investigate how changes in light-dark cycle modulate the circadian system. This study aimed to examine chronotype and sleep changes during a winter campaign at the Argentine Antarctic station Belgrano II. A sample of 82 men who overwintered in Antarctica completed the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire during March (daylight length: 18.6 h), May (daylight length: 2.8 h), July (daylight length: 0 h), September (daylight length: 14.5 h), November (daylight length: 24 h). The main results showed a decrease in sleep duration and a delay in chronotype and social jetlag during the polar night, highlighting the influence of social cues and the impact of the lack of natural light on circadian rhythms.

No correlation between the expression of FXR and genes involved in multidrug resistance phenotype of primary liver tumors.

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) has been recently reported to enhance chemoresistance through bile acid-independent mechanisms. Thus, FXR transfection plus activation with GW4064 resulted in reduced sensitivity to cisplatin-induced toxicity. This is interesting because primary tumors of the liver, an organ where FXR is expressed, exhibit marked refractoriness to pharmacological treatment. Here we have determined whether FXR is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CGC) and hepatoblastoma (HPB) and whether this is related with the expression of genes involved in mechanisms of chemoresistance. Using RT-QPCR and Taqman low density arrays we have analyzed biopsies from healthy livers or surgically removed tumors from naive patients and cell lines derived from HCC (SK-HEP-1, Alexander and Huh7), CGC (TFK1) and HPB (HepG2), before and after exposure to cisplatin at IC50 for 72 h. In liver tumors FXR expression was not enhanced but significantly decreased (healthy liver > HCC > HPB ≈ CGC). Except for CGC, this was not accompanied by changes in the proportions of FXR isoforms. Changes in 36 genes involved in drug uptake/efflux and metabolism, expression/function of molecular targets, and survival/apoptosis balance were found. Changes affecting SLC22A1, CYP2A1 and BIRC5 were shared by HCC, CGC and HPB. Similarity in gene expression profiles between cell lines and parent tumors was found. Pharmacological challenge with cisplatin induced changes that increased this resemblance. This was not dependent upon FXR expression. Thus, although FXR may play a role in inducing chemoresistance under certain circumstances, its upregulation does not seem to be involved in the multidrug resistance phenotype characteristic of HCC, CGC and HPB.

Two-stage bone and meniscus allograft and autologous chondrocytes implant for unicompartmental osteoarthritis: midterm results.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the clinical and radiographic evolution of patients with knee unicompartmental osteoarthritis and axis alteration and osteochondral lesions in the femoral condyle, treated with tibial plateau and meniscus allograft and cultured autologous chondrocyte implantation in the femur in two steps. PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical results with the first patients treated with this two-stage technique to avoid knee prosthesis in patients with unicompartmental osteoarthritis. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: Sixteen patients, average age 56 years, were included in a cohort study. We performed an osteotomy with tibia plateau allograft, including the meniscus. In a second surgery, the chondrocyte fibrin scaffold was placed in the femur. Clinical symptoms and function were measured using KSSR and KOOS scores. Wilcoxon's test was performed to compare the results over the 2-year follow-up period. RESULTS: Mean KSSR before surgery was 35.69 (SD: 3.75) points, rising to 67 (SD: 15.42) at 3 months, 95.88 at 12 months (SD: 2.68) and 96.31 at 24 months (SD: 2.24). The KOOS before surgery was 65.14 (SD: 16.34), rising to 72.68 after 3 months (SD: 19.15), 76.68 at 12 months (SD: 18.92) and 64.28 at 24 months (SD: 11.79). Four of 5 patients returned to engaging in the activity that they had stopped practicing. Three patients experienced collapse of the tibia allograft, and they needed later a prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous tibia plateau allograft and autologous chondrocyte implantation in the femur, after correction of the angular deformity, were performed, restoring the anatomy of the medial compartment and knee function in 82% of the patients 2 years after the operation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Environmental status of marine plastic pollution in Spain.

The excessive use of plastic in our society is causing a massive accumulation, since it is a non-biodegradable product and with still poor recycling rates. This effect can be observed in the seas, which more and more plastic waste are accumulating. The present work is a critical review, based on all currently available literature, that reports environmental status of marine plastic pollution, especially microplastic pollution, in Spain. The three Spanish water areas with the highest presence of plastics are the Alboran Sea, the Gulf of Alicante and the vicinity of Barcelona probably related to fishing and industrial activities and high population densities. With regard to microplastic contamination on beaches in Spain, annual monitoring by the Spanish government shows contamination along the entire coast of the country, with particularly high concentrations in the Canary Islands (between 800 and 8800 particles/m2 in spring). Between 40 and 50% of the particles analyzed were pellets and the main factors postulated for the distribution of these particles are marine currents and the geomorphological characteristics. With regards to biota, ingestion of microplastics by fish has been intensely confirmed and, important differences were observed between the locations of the sampling, being bogues (Boops boops) one of the fish species more studied in Spain. Finally, the work includes a revision of European and Spanish legislation about plastics and marine pollution and some strategies to reduce this kind of contamination in Spain.

Increased expression of the endothelin system in arterial lesions from patients with giant-cell arteritis: association between elevated plasma endothelin levels and the development of ischaemic events.

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 15-20% of patients with giant-cell arteritis (GCA) develop ischaemic complications often preceded by transient ischaemia. The expression of the endothelin (ET) system in GCA lesions was investigated to assess its relationship with the development of ischaemic complications. METHODS: Plasma ET-1 was quantified by immunoassay in 61 patients with biopsy-confirmed GCA and 16 healthy donors. ET-1, endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE-1) and endothelin receptor (ET(A)R and ET(B)R) messenger RNA were measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR in temporal arteries from 35 of these patients and 19 control arteries. Proteins were measured by immunoassay and Western blot. RESULTS: ET-1 concentration was increased at the protein level in temporal artery samples from GCA patients compared with controls (0.98 (SEM 0.32) vs 0.28 (SEM 0.098) fmol/mg, p = 0.028). ECE-1, ET(A)R and ET(B)R/actin ratios (Western blot) were also significantly higher in GCA patients. Intriguingly, mRNA expression of ET-1, ECE-1 and both receptors was significantly reduced in GCA lesions compared with control arteries. When investigating mechanisms underlying these results, platelet-derived growth factor and IL-1beta, present in GCA lesions, were found to downregulate ET-1 mRNA in cultured human temporal artery-derived smooth muscle cells. Glucocorticoid treatment for 8 days did not result in significantly decreased endothelin tissue concentration (0.87 (SEM 0.2) vs 0.52 (SEM 0.08); p = 0.6). Plasma endothelin concentrations were higher in patients with ischaemic complications (1.049 (SEM 0.48) vs 1.205 (SEM 0.63) pg/ml, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: The endothelin system is increased at the protein level in GCA lesions creating a microenvironment prone to the development of ischaemic complications. Recovery induced by glucocorticoids is delayed, indicating persistent exposure to endothelin during initial treatment.

[External validity of a relevant model for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) using chronic stress by water avoidance in Wistar rats]. / Validez externa de un modelo experimental para síndrome de intestino irritable (SII) mediante estrés crónico por evitación al agua en ratas Wistar.

BACKGROUND: Development of animal models has been one of the most remarkable achievements for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) research. These models need to exhibit face validity, construct and predictive validity, as well as internal (replicability) and external validity (generalizability). Among these models, chronic stress induced by water avoidance exposure (WA) has been validated in rats through increasing visceral hypersensitivity, motility impairment, anxiety and, colonic immune activity, all related to IBS. OBJECTIVE: To assess the external validity of WA indirectly on colonic motility in Wistar rats. METHOD: Ten male-Wistar rats were exposed to WA and compared with ten Wistar rats not exposed (controls). At the end of each exposure, the quantity of fecal pellets were determined and considered as a sign of autonomic regulation of colonic motility. Data was analyzed with a general linear model for repeated measures. RESULTS: Rats exposed to WA had higher number or pellets than controls: 7.46 ± 0.45 (95%CI: 6.51, 8.41) vs. 2.88 ± 0.45 (1.93, 3.83), p < 0.001. The higher number of pellets was related to WA exposure as there were no other significant interactions. In both groups, the number of pellets was higher during the first day and then decreased progressively. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic stress induced through WA in Wistar rats, exhibits external validity as an experimental model for IBS research and our findings of increased number of fecal pellets coincide with the appearance hypermotility related to IBS. The model is optimum for research studies on this disorder.

Clinical-radiological correlations in a de novo cavernous angioma with pseudotumor-like behavior. / Correlato clínico-radiológico de un angioma cavernoso de novo con comportamiento seudotumoral.

Cavernous angiomas are cerebral vascular malformations that are usually congenital. These lesions are characterized as dynamic. The most common phenomenon in the course of these lesions is bleeding, which can result in significant fluctuations in their size and even lead to their disappearance. This article aims to describe the behavior of a cavernous angioma in its natural history, documenting: a) its de novo appearance, a very uncommon observation, and b) its changes on imaging studies, where it grew progressively like an expanding lesion but had no clinical repercussions. On magnetic resonance imaging, atypical signs can orient the etiological diagnosis of cavernous angioma versus other alternatives: de novo appearance, fluid-fluid or air-fluid level, incomplete hypointense ring due to hemosiderin deposition, pseudotumor-like growth, pseudocyst-like or multiloculated shape, vasogenic edema, mass effect, and size greater than 3cm.

Molecular signatures of atherosclerotic plaques: An up-dated panel of protein related markers.

Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of ischemic syndromes such as myocardial infarction or brain stroke, mainly promoted by plaque rupture and subsequent arterial blockade. Identification of vulnerable or high-risk plaques constitutes a major challenge, being necessary to identify patients at risk of occlusive events in order to provide them with appropriate therapies. Clinical imaging tools have allowed the identification of certain structural indicators of prone-rupture plaques, including a necrotic lipidic core, intimal and adventitial inflammation, extracellular matrix dysregulation, and smooth muscle cell depletion and micro-calcification. Additionally, alternative approaches focused on identifying molecular biomarkers of atherosclerosis have also been applied. Among them, proteomics has provided numerous protein markers currently investigated in clinical practice. In this regard, it is quite uncertain that a single molecule can describe plaque rupture, due to the complexity of the process itself. Therefore, it should be more accurate to consider a set of markers to define plaques at risk. Herein, we propose a selection of 76 proteins, from classical inflammatory to recently related markers, all of them identified in at least two proteomic studies analyzing unstable atherosclerotic plaques. Such panel could be used as a prognostic signature of plaque instability.

Metagenomic Profiling and Microbial Metabolic Potential of Perdido Fold Belt (NW) and Campeche Knolls (SE) in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Gulf of Mexico (GoM) is a particular environment that is continuously exposed to hydrocarbon compounds that may influence the microbial community composition. We carried out a metagenomic assessment of the bacterial community to get an overall view of this geographical zone. We analyzed both taxonomic and metabolic markers profiles to explain how the indigenous GoM microorganims participate in the biogeochemical cycling. Two geographically distant regions in the GoM, one in the north-west (NW) and one in the south-east (SE) of the GoM were analyzed and showed differences in their microbial composition and metabolic potential. These differences provide evidence the delicate equilibrium that sustains microbial communities and biogeochemical cycles. Based on the taxonomy and gene groups, the NW are more oxic sediments than SE ones, which have anaerobic conditions. Both water and sediments show the expected sulfur, nitrogen, and hydrocarbon metabolism genes, with particularly high diversity of the hydrocarbon-degrading ones. Accordingly, many of the assigned genera were associated with hydrocarbon degradation processes, Nitrospira and Sva0081 were the most abundant in sediments, while Vibrio, Alteromonas, and Alcanivorax were mostly detected in water samples. This basal-state analysis presents the GoM as a potential source of aerobic and anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation genes important for the ecological dynamics of hydrocarbons and the potential use for water and sediment bioremediation processes.