Development and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoites.

This is the first report on the development and characterization of eight monoclonal antibodies (MABs) generated against whole- and membrane-enriched tachyzoite extracts of the apicomplexan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti. Confocal laser scanning immunofluorescence microscopy was used to localize respective epitopes in B. besnoiti tachyzoites along the lytic cycle. A pattern compatible with dense granule staining was observed with MABs 2.A.12, 2.F.3 and 2.G.4, which could be confirmed by immunogold electron microscopy for MABs 2.A.12 and 2.F.3. In particular, MABs 2.F.3 and 2.G.4 were secreted during early invasion, proliferation and egress phases. MABs 3.10.8 and 5.5.11 labelled the tachyzoite surface, whilst MABs 1.17.8, 8.9.2 and 2.G.A recognized the apical tip, which is reminiscent for microneme localization. Besides, the epitopes recognized by the latter two (MABs 8.9.2 and 2.G.A) exhibited a redistribution from the anterior part across the parasite surface towards the posterior end during invasion. Most MABs developed were genus-specific. Indeed, the MABs cross-reacted neither with T. gondii nor with N. caninum tachyzoites. In summary, we have generated MABs that will be useful to study the key processes in the lytic cycle of the parasite and with additional promising diagnostic value. However, the molecular identity of the antigens recognized remains to be elucidated.

Degradation of Chloramphenicol in Synthetic and Aquaculture Wastewater Using Electrooxidation.

Chloramphenicol (CAP) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic widely used in animal farming and aquaculture industries. Despite its ban in many countries around the world, it is still used in several developing countries, with harmful effects on the surrounding aquatic environment. In this study, an electrooxidation process using a Ti/PbO anode was used to investigate the degradation of CAP in both synthetic solution and real aquaculture wastewater. A central composite design was used to determine the optimum conditions for CAP removal. Current intensity and treatment time had the most impact on the CAP removal. These two factors accounted for ∼90% of CAP removal. The optimum conditions found in this study were current intensity of 0.65 A, treatment time of 34 min, and CAP initial concentration of 0.5 mg L. Under these conditions, 98.7% of CAP removal was achieved with an energy consumption of 4.65 kW h m. The antibiotic was not present in the aquaculture wastewater, which received 0.5 mg L of CAP and was treated (by electrooxidation) under the optimum conditions. A complete removal of CAP was obtained after 34 min of treatment. According to these results, electrooxidation presents an option for the removal of antibiotics, secondary compounds, and other organic and inorganic compounds from solution.

RUNX1 amplification in AML with myelodysplasia-related changes and ring 21 chromosomes.

Ring 21 is an unstable structural abnormality of chromosome 21 that can lead to RUNX1 gene amplification. We present a unique case with a carrier patient of a constitutional ring chromosome 21 (partial monosomy and trisomy 21) with dysmorphic features and congenital malformations phenotype, who developed acute myeloid leukaemia with myelodysplasia-related changes and two ring 21 chromosomes with RUNX1 amplification. The patient's constitutional ring 21 chromosome showed alterations in tumour suppressor genes, and oncogenes, but not in RUNX1. RUNX1 gene expression at acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosis, showed no upregulation, so other genes may also be the genetic amplification targets in this patient. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Host alkaloids differentially affect developmental stability and wing vein canalization in cactophilic Drosophila buzzatii.

Host shifts cause drastic consequences on fitness in cactophilic species of Drosophila. It has been argued that changes in the nutritional values accompanying host shifts may elicit these fitness responses, but they may also reflect the presence of potentially toxic secondary compounds that affect resource quality. Recent studies reported that alkaloids extracted from the columnar cactus Trichocereus terscheckii are toxic for the developing larvae of Drosophila buzzatii. In this study, we tested the effect of artificial diets including increasing doses of host alkaloids on developmental stability and wing morphology in D. buzzatii. We found that alkaloids disrupt normal wing venation patterning and affect viability, wing size and fluctuating asymmetry, suggesting the involvement of stress-response mechanisms. Theoretical implications are discussed in the context of developmental stability, stress, fitness and their relationship with robustness, canalization and phenotypic plasticity.

Identification of seven novel SMPD1 mutations causing Niemann-Pick disease types A and B.

Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) types A and B are autosomal, recessively inherited, lysosomal storage disorders caused by deficient activity of acid sphingomyelinase (E.C. 3.1.4.12) because of mutations in the sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase-1 (SMPD1) gene. Here, we present the molecular analysis and clinical characteristics of 15 NPD type A and B patients. Sequencing the SMDP1 gene revealed eight previously described mutations and seven novel mutations including four missense [c.682T>C (p.Cys228Arg), c.1159T>C (p.Cys387Arg), c.1474G>A (p.Gly492Ser), and c.1795C>T (p.Leu599Phe)], one frameshift [c.169delG (p.Ala57Leufs*20)] and two splicing (c.316+1G>T and c.1341delG). The most frequent mutations were p.Arg610del (21%) and p.Gly247Ser (12%). Two patients homozygous for p.Arg610del and initially classified as phenotype B showed different clinical manifestations. Patients homozygous for p.Leu599Phe had phenotype B, and those homozygous for c.1341delG or c.316+1G>T presented phenotype A. The present results provide new insight into genotype/phenotype correlations in NPD and emphasize the difficulty of classifying patients into types A and B, supporting the idea of a continuum between these two classic phenotypes.

Is on-demand treatment effective in patients with severe haemophilia?

On-demand therapy enables stopping haemorrhages rapidly, reducing joint pain and restoring joint mobility, but does not prevent the beginning and subsequent development of haemophilic arthropathy. The main objective of this study was to identify the clinical and orthopaedic status of severe haemophilic patients with bleeding phenotype receiving on-demand treatment in Spain. We conducted an epidemiological, observational, retrospective study, recruiting 167 patients from 36 centres (92% of them with haemophilia A), median age at enrolment of 35 years. Forty per cent of the patients received a combination of on-demand and short-term prophylaxis regimen; the rest was under on-demand treatment. One hundred and forty-five patients (87%) reported at least one bleeding episode and 22 (13%) of the biologically severe patients had no bleeding phenotype. Seventy-one per cent of the studied population presented established haemophilic arthropathy, reaching 80% if we exclude patients without bleeding phenotype. Forty-three per cent of these patients had one or two joints affected, 28% of them had three or four affected joints, 20% reported five or six affected joints and 9% more than six injured joints. An increase in established haemophilic arthropathy with age was observed. Forty-six patients underwent orthopaedic surgery at least once. These data show that on-demand therapy is not effective in preventing the development of haemophilic arthropathy in severe haemophilic population with bleeding phenotype. Therefore, we suggest that the optimal treatment in these patients should be based on prophylaxis. We recommend analysing the reasons for ending prophylaxis, in case its reinstatement should be necessary.

[Impact of physical activity on glycemic variability in people with diabetes mellitus type 2]. / Impacto de la actividad física en la variabilidad glucémica en personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

One of the main roles of the prescription of physical activity for people with type 2 diabetes is to reduce hyperglycemia. The beneficial effect of physical training on glycemic levels is considered as the sum of the effects of each exercise session. A better understanding of acute responses to exercise, through short-term glycemic variability, could explain the differences in the results of distinct training protocols. The objective of this study was to analyze the scientific information on different exercise protocols and their association with short-term glycemic variability in patients with type 2 diabetes. A systematic review of studies published in English and Spanish was carried out. The databases used were PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and Medline. Only studies conducted in adults (older than 18 years) were included. A total of 36 studies were identified, which were analyzed and completed using the Covidence® platform. The final analysis included 10 articles with 296 patients. The 10 included articles were divided according to the type of intervention protocol used: group 1, acute exercise, and group 2, training. Significant differences were found in glycemic variability in 71.4% of the articles in group 1 and in 100% of the articles included in group 2. Positive effects of acute exercise and physical training on short-term glycemic variability were demonstrated. The findings were more pronounced in the intervention protocols than in physical training.

Primary and secondary retinal capillary haemangioma in Mexico.

A series is presented of sixteen cases of retinal capillary haemangioma (RCH) from consecutive patients at an ophthalmology teaching hospital in Mexico City. There were seven primary haemangioblastomas, and nine due to von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL). All cases associated with VHL already had systemic manifestations, such as, cerebellar, medullary and renal tumours. Treatment of capillary haemangiomas must be individualised, based on several factors, including the number of lesions, exudation, or presence of retinal detachment. A multidisciplinary approach is essential.

Wing morphology and fluctuating asymmetry depend on the host plant in cactophilic Drosophila.

As in most insect groups, host plant shifts in cactophilic Drosophila represent environmental challenges as flies must adjust their developmental programme to the presence of different chemical compounds and/or to a microflora that may differ in the diversity and abundance of yeasts and bacteria. In this context, wing morphology provides an excellent opportunity to investigate the factors that may induce changes during development. In this work, we investigated phenotypic plasticity and developmental instability of wing morphology in flies on the cactophilic Drosophila buzzatii and Drosophila koepferae raised on alternative breeding substrates. We detected significant differences in wing size between and within species, and between flies reared on different cactus hosts. However, differences in wing shape between flies emerged from different cactus hosts were not significant either in D. buzzatii or in D. koepferae. Our results also showed that morphological responses involved the entire organ, as variation in size and shape correlated between different portions of the wing. Finally, we studied the effect of the rearing cactus host on developmental instability as measured by the degree of fluctuating asymmetry (FA). Levels of FA in wing size were significantly greater in flies of both species reared in non-preferred when compared with those reared in preferred host cacti. Our results are discussed in the framework of an integrative view aimed at investigating the relevance of host plant shifts in the evolution of the guild of cactophilic Drosophila species that diversified in South America.

Divergent Axial Carpal Dislocation and Its Pathomechanics.

Background Axial carpal dislocations and fracture dislocations are 1.4 to 2.08% of all the fractures and dislocations of the wrist. These injuries are caused by high-energy blast or compression mechanisms. Only 11 cases of axial-radial-ulnar (ARU) fracture dislocations have been described in the literature. Case Description We describe a case with a traumatic transtrapezoid, peritrapezium, transhamate, peripisiform ARU in a patient with acute compartment syndrome, traumatic transverse flexor retinaculum (TFR) rupture, and radial nerve palsy. Literature Review The ARU fractures are injuries where the carpus is torn into three columns. ARU injuries have a high incidence of neurovascular, soft-tissue cover, and muscular-associated injuries. Depending on the injuries mentioned earlier, a bad functional prognosis can be expected. Nearly without exception, in ARU cases, a traumatic TFR rupture takes place. Garcia-Elias mentioned that the injury pattern is given by the speed, magnitude, and energy entry point. Clinical Relevance We describe a case of an ARU injury which has not been previously described. In an analysis of the 12 ARU cases previously reported, we observed that when two or more applied forces converge, an ARU injury pattern can occur. That suggests that in ARU injuries, one side of the injury occurs before the other. Due to the extensive carpal damage, in patients with ARU, a restricted range of motion is more likely to happen than residual instability. Thus, in all these cases, an early mobilization and intensive rehabilitation is highly necessary.

Arbitrar después del confinamiento por COVID-19: efectos psicológicos en árbitros de élite / Arbitrar após o confinamento por COVID-19: efeitos psicológicos em árbitros de elite / Refereeing after COVID-19 lockdown: psychological effects on elite referees

El presente trabajo explora los efectos que el confinamiento por COVID-19 tuvo en el colectivo de árbitros de élite españoles que fueron designados para la finalización de las competiciones de la temporada 2019-2020 de las máximas categorías de sus respectivos deportes: la liga de baloncesto ACB (N= 19) y las principales ligas de fútbol sala (N= 32), que se llevaron a cabo en régimen de concentración, tras levantarse las primeras medidas de aislamiento, durante la primera ola de la pandemia. Para conocer los efectos del confinamiento, los participantes respondieron un cuestionario ad hoc, y el cuestionario PANAS para conocer su estado de ánimo. Los resultados mostraron que los aspectos que el colectivo más echó en falta por el cese de la actividad deportiva fueron la competición, el arbitraje y los compañeros. Se hallaron diferencias significativas entre árbitros de ambos colectivos, siendo el tamaño del efecto de estas diferencias pequeño en la variable competición (r = 0.278) y medio en compañeros (r =0.446). Los aspectos que más les preocuparon fueron la salud de sus seres queridos y la economía global, encontrándose diferencias significativas y un tamaño del efecto medio entre árbitros de ambos deportes respecto a la salud de sus seres queridos (r = 0.44). Las competencias que esperaban tener más afectadas debido a la inactividad eran las físicas y las psicológicas,hallándose diferencias significativas entre ambos deportes y con un tamaño del efecto pequeño en las psicológicas (r = 0.44). Dentro de las competencias psicológicas, esperaban tener más afectadas la concentración y la toma de decisiones, hallándose diferencias significativas y un tamaño del efecto medio entre los árbitros de ambos deportes en cuanto a la toma de decisiones (r= 0.321). (AU)

This work explores the effects that lockdown by COVID-19 had on the group of elite Spanish referees who were selected to officiate the completion of the 2019-2020 season competitions of the highest categories of their respective sports: the ACB basketball league (N= 19) and the main futsal leagues (N= 32), which were carried out with all participants, athletes and referees, coming together in special health measures conditions, after lifting the first lockdown measures, during the first wave of the pandemic. To know the effects of the lockdown, respondents answered an ad hoc survey, and the PANAS scales to know their mood. The results showed that the aspects the group missed the most due to the cessation of sporting activity were competition, refereeing and teammates. Significant differences were found between referees of both groups, the effect size of these differences wassmall in the competition variable (r= 0.278) and medium in teammates (r= 0.446). The aspects that concerned them the most were their loved ones’ health and the global economy, finding significant differences and a medium effect size between referees of both sports regarding the health of their loved ones (r= 0.44). The competencies that they expected to be most affected by inactivity were physical and psychological, finding significant differences between both sports, with a small effect size in the psychological ones (r= 0.44). Among the psychological competences, they expected to be most affected concentration and decision making, finding significant differences and a medium effect size between the referees of both sports in terms of decision making (r= 0.321). (AU)

Este trabalho explora os efeitos que o confinamento devido ao COVID-19 teve sobre os árbitros de elite espanhóis que foram nomeados para arbitrar a conclusão das competições da temporada 2019-2020 das categorias mais altas de basquete: Liga ACB (N=19); e as principais ligas de futsal (N= 32), que foram realizadas em regime de confinamento, reunindo-se em condições especiais de medidas de saúde, após o levantamento das primeiras medidas de isolamento, durante a primeira onda da pandemia. Para conhecer os efeitos do confinamento, os participantes responderam a um questionário ad hoc, e ao questionário PANAS para conhecer seu estado de espírito. Os resultados mostraram que os aspectos que o grupo mais sentiu falta com a cessação da atividade esportivaforam competição, arbitragem e companheiros de equipe. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas entre os árbitros de ambos os grupos, sendo o tamanho do efeito dessas diferenças pequeno na variável competição (r = 0.278) e médio nos pares (r = 0.446). Os aspectos que mais os preocupavam eram a saúde de seus entes queridos e a economia global, encontrando se diferenças significativas e um tamanho de efeito médio entre árbitros de ambos os esportes em relação à saúde de seus entes queridos (r = 0.44). As faculdades que esperavam ser mais afetadas pela inatividade eram físicas e psicológicas, encontrando diferenças significativas entre os dois esportes e com tamanho de efeito pequeno nos psicológicos (r = 0.44). Dentro das habilidades psicológicas, espera-se que seja mais afetado a concentração e tomada de decisão, encontrando diferenças significativas e um tamanho de efeito médio entre os árbitros de ambos os esportes em termos de tomada de decisão (r= 0.321). (AU)

Arsenic removal from high-arsenic water by enhanced coagulation with ferric ions and coarse calcite.

Arsenic removal from high-arsenic water in a mine drainage system has been studied through an enhanced coagulation process with ferric ions and coarse calcite (38-74 microm) in this work. The experimental results have shown that arsenic-borne coagulates produced by coagulation with ferric ions alone were very fine, so micro-filtration (membrane as filter medium) was needed to remove the coagulates from water. In the presence of coarse calcite, small arsenic-borne coagulates coated on coarse calcite surfaces, leading the settling rate of the coagulates to considerably increase. The enhanced coagulation followed by conventional filtration (filter paper as filter medium) achieved a very high arsenic removal (over 99%) from high-arsenic water (5mg/l arsenic concentration), producing a cleaned water with the residual arsenic concentration of 13 microg/l. It has been found that the mechanism by which coarse calcite enhanced the coagulation of high-arsenic water might be due to attractive electrical double layer interaction between small arsenic-borne coagulates and calcite particles, which leads to non-existence of a potential energy barrier between the heterogeneous particles.

First Record of Drosophila buzzatii (Patterson & Wheeler) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Emerging from a Non-Cactus Host.

Drosophila buzzatii (Patterson & Wheeler), a typical cactophilic species of the repleta group, is registered for the first time emerging from Melon (Cucumis melo) in western Argentina. The analysis of inversion polymorphism and genetic diversity of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (mtCOI) provided additional evidence that corroborated the presence of a high proportion of D. buzzatii among the flies emerged from melon. This finding set the scenario for a broader range of possible hosts and host-related distribution and dispersion for this widespread species.

Methionine synthase reductase deficiency (CblE): A report of two patients and a novel mutation.

IMPORTANCE: Functional methionine synthase reductase deficiency, also known as cobalamin E disorder, is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disease that results in an impaired remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. It presents with macrocytic anemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, and hypomethioninemia, and may also be accompanied with neurological impairment. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We describe two new cases of unrelated girls with megaloblastic anemia misclassified at first as congenital dyserythropoietic anemia with development of neurologic dysfunction in one of them. INTERVENTION: The posterior finding of biochemical features (hyperhomocysteinemia and hypomethioninemia) focused the diagnosis on the inborn errors of intracellular vitamin B12. Subsequent molecular analysis of the methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) gene revealed compound heterozygosity for a transition c.1361C > T (p.Ser454Leu) and another, not yet described in literature, c.1677-1G > A (p.Glu560fs) in one patient, and a single homozygosis mutation, c.1361C > T (p.Ser545Leu) in the other one. These mutations confirmed the diagnosis of cobalamin E deficiency. CONCLUSION: Treatment with hydroxocobalamin in combination with betaine appears to be useful for hematological improvement and prevention of brain disabilities in CblE-affected patients. Our study widens the clinical, molecular, metabolic, and cytological knowledge of deficiency MTRR enzyme.

Hemopoietic stem cell transplantation in childhood: reduction in mortality and improvement of survival over the years.

Stem cell transplantation (SCT) is an effective treatment for life-threatening hematologic and nonhematologic pediatric diseases. Reducing transplant-related mortality (TRM), a major complication of SCT, to improve long-term survival, therefore, is one of the main objectives of transplantation teams. We analyzed TRM and overall survival (OS) over the years in children undergoing SCT in our center. From June 1998 to October 2002, 156 consecutive children, 105 boys and 51 girls, median age 10 years (range, 2-18), with different diagnoses underwent SCT (100 autologous and 56 allogeneic). OS and TRM were analyzed in 2 different periods (June 1989-December 1998 and January 1999-October 2002) and grouped according to the different SCT modalities. The median follow-up was 18 months (range, 1-160). Autologous TRM showed a statistically significant improvement within 1999-2002 (0%) compared with 1989-1998 (12.2%) (P < .05). There were no statistical differences for allogeneic SCT. OS was 34% in the first period and 80.4% in the second period (P < .01), the improvement being for both autologous and allogeneic SCT. In our study, TRM decreased significantly for those children receiving autologous SCT in recent years. OS was significantly better in the latter period (1999-2002), both globally and for each SCT modality.

Diabetes mellitus y covid-19: epidemiología, fisiopatología, manejo ambulatorio e intrahospitalario: revisión / Diabetes mellitus and covid-19: epidemiology, pathophysiology, outpatient and inpatient management: review

La diabetes mellitus ha sido asociado a una mayor probabilidad de enfermedad más grave por Covid-19. Los estudios epidemiológicos evidencian que los pacientes diabéticos tienen un riesgo mayor de un cuadro grave que requiera UCI, ventilación mecánica y probabilidad de morir. Un buen control metabólico parece fundamental para disminuir este riesgo. En el caso del manejo ambulatorio es importante asegurar la continuidad de los tratamientos crónicos, medir los niveles de glicemia capilar y minimizar la posibilidad de infección. En caso de infección por SARS-Cov2 el paciente diabético deberá hacer los ajustes necesarios en su tratamiento tanto para lograr un control glicémico adecuado como para disminuir los riesgos de algunos fármacos antidiabéticos. El uso de telemedicina constituye una excelente herramienta para facilitar el logro de los objetivos terapéuticos. En caso de requerir hospitalización, se ha evidenciado que los pacientes diabéticos tienen altos requerimientos de insulina y rápida tendencia a producir cetosis. Considerando la situación actual de pandemia las metas intrahospitalarias pueden ser más laxas y seguras, en especial en pacientes no críticos. En caso de pacientes críticos idealmente se debe mantener las metas glicémicas entre 140-180 mg/dL.

Diabetes mellitus has been associated with a higher probability of severe disease due to Covid-19. Epidemiological studies show that diabetic patients have an increased risk of a serious condition requiring ICU, mechanical ventilation and of course the probability of dying. Good metabolic control seems essential to reduce this risk. In the case of outpatient management, it is very important to ensure the continuity of chronic treatments, measure capillary blood glucose levels and minimize the possibility of infection. In case of SARS-Cov2 infection, the diabetic patient should make the necessary adjustments in their treatment, both to achieve adequate glycemic control and to reduce the risks of some antidiabetic drugs. Telemedicine is an excellent tool to facilitate the achievement to therapeutic goals. In case of requiring hospitalization, it has been shown that diabetic patients have high insulin requirements and rapid tendency to produce ketosis. Considering the current situation of a pandemic, intrahospital goals may be laxer and safer, especially in non-critically ill patients. In the case of critically ill patients, the glycemic goals should ideally be maintained between 140-180 mg/dL.

Influence of human immunodeficiency virus infection on pelvic inflammatory disease.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on clinical and microbiologic characteristics of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). METHODS: Forty-four HIV-infected women and 163 HIV noninfected women diagnosed with PID by standard case definition were evaluated by using clinical severity scores, transabdominal sonograms, and endometrial biopsies. After testing for bacterial infections, patients were prescribed antibiotics as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). RESULTS: Symptoms of PID and analgesic use before enrollment did not differ by HIV serostatus. More HIV-infected women had received antibiotics before enrollment (40.9% versus 27.2%, P =.08), a factor associated with milder signs regardless of serostatus. More HIV-infected women had sonographically diagnosed adnexal masses at enrollment (45.8% versus 27.1%, P =.08), a difference that yielded higher median severity scores (17.5 of 42 points versus 15 of 42 points, P =.07). However, those differences were not significant at the P <.05 level. Mycoplasma (50% versus 22%, P <.05) and streptococcus species (34% versus 17%, P <.05) were isolated more commonly from biopsies of HIV-infected women. Within 30 days after enrollment, HIV-infected women generally responded as well to therapy as HIV-noninfected women did, regardless of initial CD4 T-lymphocyte percentage. CONCLUSION: Among women with acute PID, HIV infection was associated with more sonographically diagnosed adnexal masses. Clinical response to CDC-recommended antibiotics did not differ appreciably by serostatus. Mycoplasmas and streptococci were isolated more commonly from HIV-infected women, but those organisms also might be associated with PID in immunocompetent women.