Restoration and recovery of hurricane-damaged mangroves using the knickpoint retreat effect and tides as dredging tools.

In 2001, a hurricane moved a large sand dune, blocking the sole outlet channel of a mangrove. In the absence of daily tidal flow, the two ponds containing the mangrove vegetation evaporated, the secondary drainage channels were lost, and a salt crust formed on the bed of the ponds. The mangrove lost most of its trees and the remaining suffered from osmotic shock that led to defoliation. Restoration involved creating a knickpoint retreat (waterfall retreat effect) and tidal flow as a dredging mechanism to restore the outlet and form secondary channels in the ponds. During a very low tide, we deepened the mouth of the outlet channel by 1 m below high tide level to form a small waterfall when high tides receded. During successive tides, this one-step knickpoint deteriorated and formed a series of low rapids. With a steep gradient, the rapids retreated upstream into the ponds, first reopening the outlet channel and then carving new secondary channels in the pond mud flat. The excavation process of the outlet channel was repeated three times and was sufficient to effectively improve the hydrology of the entire pond system; allowing adequate flooding and draining of the mangrove ponds. Hydrology analysis tested by the Engelund-Hansen sediment transport formula established that the output of sediment from the ecosystem is greater than the input of sand into the mangroves. This is keeping the main channel continuously open. After eight years, tidal flow continues to keep the channels open; the salt crust has disappeared; the trees have recovered, and a large area of new vegetation has emerged.

High Vitamin D Concentrations Restore the Ability to Express LL37 by M. tuberculosis-Infected Human Macrophages.

Vitamin D has an immunomodulatory function and is involved in eliminating pathogens. Vitamin D deficiencies reported in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients make them more susceptible to developing tuberculosis (TB). The macrophages are the immune cells that control intracellular pathogens by producing the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin-LL37. This pathway involves TLR activation by pathogens, vitamin D receptor (VDR) ligation, and the enzyme 1α-hydroxylase Cytochrome P450 Family 27 Subfamily B Member 1 (CYP27B1). However, it is not clear whether the biological actions of vitamin D are affected by high glucose concentrations. This study aimed to evaluate the vitamin D contribution in the expression of VDR and CYP27B1, involved in the conversion of an inactive to an active form of vitamin D in the infected macrophages using M. tuberculosis as an infection model. The expression of LL37 and the nucleus translocation of VDR were evaluated as the readout of the response of vitamin D and determined if those processes are affected by glucose concentrations. Macrophages from healthy donors were cultured under glucose concentrations of 5.5, 15, or 30 mM, stimulated with vitamin D in inactive (25(OH)D3) or active (1,25(OH)2D3) forms, and infected with M. tuberculosis. The vitamin D-dependent induction of LL37 and the expression of VDR and CYP27B1 genes were analyzed by qPCR, and VDR translocation was analyzed in nuclear protein extracts by ELISA. M. tuberculosis downregulated the expression of LL37 regardless of the glucose concentration, whereas VDR and CYP27B1 upregulated it regardless of the glucose concentration. After evaluating two concentrations of vitamin D, 1 nM or 1 µM, the high concentration (1 µM) was necessary to restore the induction of LL37 expression in M. tuberculosis-infected macrophages. High concentrations of the inactive form of vitamin D restore the infected macrophages' ability to express LL37 regardless of the glucose concentration. This finding supports the idea that vitamin D administration in patients with T2DM could benefit TB control and prevention.

SLPI in the perfusion solution helps to identify graft quality in kidney transplants.

Aim: It is important to find biomarkers that identify the graft quality in kidney transplantation. Results & methodology: The level of SLPI in the cold preservation solution was used as a marker to predict early kidney graft function after transplantation. Before transplantation, kidneys were washed and SLPI was measured in the discarded solution. A retrospective analysis showed that patients with delayed graft function or rejection episodes in post-trasplant, had higher SLPI concentrations in the perfusion solution than patients without delayed graft function or rejections. Furthermore, SLPI could discriminate between patients with better or worse estimated glomerular filtration rate among low-risk patients (kidney donor profile index <80). Discussion & conclusion: These results suggest that the SLPI concentration in the perfusion solutions could be a predictor of short-term organ function and a complement to the kidney donor profile index score.

An N-bridged high-valent diiron-oxo species on a porphyrin platform that can oxidize methane.

High-valent oxo-metal complexes are involved in key biochemical processes of selective oxidation and removal of xenobiotics. The catalytic properties of cytochrome P-450 and soluble methane monooxygenase enzymes are associated with oxo species on mononuclear iron haem and diiron non-haem platforms, respectively. Bio-inspired chemical systems that can reproduce the fascinating ability of these enzymes to oxidize the strongest C-H bonds are the focus of intense scrutiny. In this context, the development of highly oxidizing diiron macrocyclic catalysts requires a structural determination of the elusive active species and elucidation of the reaction mechanism. Here we report the preparation of an Fe(IV)(µ-nitrido)Fe(IV) = O tetraphenylporphyrin cation radical species at -90 °C, characterized by ultraviolet-visible, electron paramagnetic resonance and Mössbauer spectroscopies and by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. This species exhibits a very high activity for oxygen-atom transfer towards alkanes, including methane. These findings provide a foundation on which to develop efficient and clean oxidation processes, in particular transformations of the strongest C-H bonds.

Problemáticas en salud mental y prácticas de atención de adolescentes de un municipio de Querétaro, México / Mental health problems and adolescent healthcare practices in a town located in Querétaro, México

Este trabajo se enmarca en un estudio cuyo propósito fue abordar la Accesibilidad a la Atención en Salud en Adolescentes en San Juan del Río (SJR), Querétaro. Objetivos: describir y analizar las problemáticas de salud mental de los adolescentes de SJR, Querétaro, desde su propia perspectiva, así como la forma en la que buscan dar solución a las mismas. Metodología: Se aplicó una encuesta a una muestra de 345 adolescentes de 12 a 19 años de zonas urbanas y rurales de SJR, 24 entrevistas semidirigidas a adolescentes y un mapeo de servicios. Resultados: En SJR no existen programas de salud mental para adolescentes. En los servicios de salud general realizan este tipo de valoraciones y los adolescentes asisten enviados por las escuelas o sus padres. El 44% de los encuestados asistió alguna vez a un psicólogo, en general, por problemáticas familiares. El 62% identifica que sentirse triste, ansioso, nervioso, estresado o tener pensamientos negativos durante varios días está relacionado con la salud, y el 89% mencionó haberse sentido así al menos una vez en los últimos 6 meses. El 80% buscan actividades con amigos o platicar con sus padres, amigos o maestros cuando tienen malestares de este tipo. Los adolescentes en general consideran que no hay posibilidad de recibir atención psicológica en los servicios públicos. Refieren que las principales problemáticas de los adolescentes son: cutting, problemas emocionales y consumo de drogas. Conclusiones: Si bien los adolescentes muestran recursos para resolver sus problemáticas en salud mental, existe una necesidad de ampliar la oferta para garantizar el acceso a la atención en servicios públicos y disminuir la inequidad.

This paper is based on the framework of a study that aimed at approaching Accessibility to Adolescent Healthcare in San Juan del Río (SJR), Querétaro. Objectives: To describe and analyze mental health problems in adolescents in SJR, Querétaro, from their own perspective, as well as the way in which they try to solve these problems. Methodology: A survey was applied to a sample of 345 adolescents aged 12 to 19 from both urban and rural areas in SJR, 24 semi-directed interviews to adolescents were carried out as well as a service mapping. Results: In SJR there are no mental health programs for adolescents. In general healthcare units this kind of assessments are performed and adolescents are referred by their schools or parents. 44% of the adolescents surveyed had received psychological treatment sometime in their lives, in general, because of family issues. 62% identified that feelings of sadness, anxiety, nervousness, stress or negative feelings for several days are related to health, and 89% mentioned feeling this way at least once in the last 6 months. 80% looked for activities with friends or talked to their parents, friends or teachers when they had such feelings. In general, adolescents consider that there are no possibilities for obtaining psychological care in public healthcare services. They refer that the main problems they have are: cutting, emotional problems, and drug use. Conclusions: Although adolescents show resources to solve their mental health problems, there is a need to increase the offer to ensure access to healthcare in public services and thus reduce inequity.

Representaciones sobre el Gobierno en niños, niñas y adolescentes de Bucaramanga / Children and adolescents´ mental representations about Government in the city of Bucaramanga

Mi objetivo en el presente estudio no experimental-transversal-genético estructural fue caracterizar las representaciones mentales sobre el Gobierno en un grupo de 55 participantes entre los 7 a los 17 años de edad, de la ciudad de Bucaramanga. Realicé a cada participante una entrevista clínica piagetiana. Las respuestas las protocolicé, clasifiqué y analicé para obtener las clasificaciones a que pertenecían en contenido y estructura intra e inter períodos cronológicos. Encontré que los niños y niñas entre los 7 a 9 años de edad poseen comprensiones proteccionistas, moralistas y presidencialistas del Gobierno. En los sujetos de edades entre los 9 a 11 años, el Gobierno es comprendido entre los tres poderes públicos, destacándose menos idealizadamente la figura presidencial. Entre los 12 a 15 años de edad el Gobierno se comprende como un conjunto de personas dirigidas por el presidente, que organizan la vida social emitiendo leyes morales y sociales y haciendo cumplir la Constitución. Entre los 15 a los 17 años de edad el Gobierno garantiza los derechos ciudadanos mediante su acción en los tres poderes públicos; se entiende la participación empoderada de la sociedad en la reflexión, deliberación y decisión sobre los asuntos, lo cual se asocia a la comprensión del concepto de gobernanza.

Evaluación histológica de la reparación tisular post palatectomía parcial equina / Histologic evaluation of tissue repair post-partial palectomy equine

Objetivo. Evaluar la reparación tisular posterior a la realización de técnicas de palatectomía parcial, como tratamiento de la palatitis en equinos. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 12 caballos, divididos aleatoriamente en dos grupos, ambos con seis animales, a los del primer grupo se les practicó palatectomía parcial con suturación y a los del segundo grupo, se les realizó palatectomía parcial y luego cauterización. Los grupos fueron divididos en tres subgrupos de dos animales cada uno. A los primeros subgrupos, suturados y cauterizados, se les tomó biopsia el día 5; a los segundos subgrupos, el día 15 y a los terceros el día 30 posquirúrgico. Resultados. El día 5 posquirúrgico,en ambos grupos se observó la presencia de infiltrado celular inflamatorio de tipo mononuclear (macrófago), inicio del proceso de epitelización, proliferación fibroblástica y formación de nuevos vasos sanguíneos; notándose severa ulceración del epitelio con abundantes detritos celulares solo en los animales cauterizados. El día 15 posquirúrgico, en los animales suturados, se observó infiltrado celular mononuclear, proliferación epitelial y fibroblástica, y presencia de nuevos vasos sanguíneos. Las muestras de los animales cauterizados, presentaron además, ulceración epitelial, detrituscelulares y formación de tejido de granulación desorganizado. El día 30 posquirúrgico, los animalessuturados, no mostraron inflamación evidente, el epitelio se observó con características normalesaunque más grueso que el adyacente. En los animales cauterizados, no se observó infiltrado celularmononuclear, aunque continuaba la ulceración epitelial, igualmente existía, proliferación fibroblástica desorganizada y abundantes fibras colágenas. Conclusión. Es posible concluir que el proceso de reparación tisular se vio favorecido por la técnica de palatectomía parcial con suturación.

Objective. To evaluate the tissue repair posterior to realization of technical partial paladin, as treatment of palatitis in equine. Materials and methods. 12 horses were used, divided aleatorily intwo groups, both with six animals, to those of first group were practiced partial paladin with saturation and to those of the second group, partial paladin were practiced and then cauterization. The groups were divided in three subgroups of two animals each one. To the first ones sutured and cauterized, biopsy were taken the day 5; to the second ones the day 15 and at the third ones the day 30 postsurgeon. Results. The day 5 post surgeon, in both groups the presence of cellular infiltrate inflammatory was observed of mononuclear type, initiation of the epithelization process, fibroblasticproliferation and formation of new sanguine vessels; being noticed severe ulceration of the epithelium with abundant cellular detrituses in the cauterized animals. The day 15 post surgeon, in the sutured animals was observed infiltrated cellular mononuclear, epithelial proliferation and fibroblastic, and presence of new sanguine vessels. Samples of the cauterized animals also presented epithelial ulceration, cellular detritus and formation of disorganized granulation tissue. The day 30 post surgeon the sutured animals didn’t show evident inflammation, the epithelium was observed with normal characteristics although thicker that the adjacent one. In the cauterized animals, infiltrated cellular mononuclear was not observed, although the epithelial ulceration continued, equally existeddisorganized fibroblastic proliferation and abundant collagen fibers. Conclusion. It is possible to conclude that the process of tissue repair was favored by the technique of partial paladin with suturation.

Evaluación de promotores del crecimiento para pollos de engorda / Evaluation of growth promotores in broiler chicks

Se evaluó el efecto promotor del crecimiento de probióticos y antibióticos en pollos de engorda de 1 a 49 días de edad. Se emplearon dietas sorgo + soya e iniciación y finalización sin suplementación testigo, o con la adición de 100 ppm de Bacillus subtilis (10 esporas viables por gramo), Bacitracina zinc 100 ppm y 1000 ppm de un producto a base de cultivos vivos de Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus faecium, Sacharomyces cerevisiae y enzimas (amilasas, proteasas y celulasas). Los datos obtenidos de ganancia de peso (1904, 1933 y 1948g) fueron similares (P> 0.05) entre tratamientos. Sin embargo, numéricamente fue mayor el aumento de peso con el antibiótico respecto a los probióticos. Para conversión alimenticia (1.96, 1.94, 1.90 y 1.93) existió respuesta más favorable a la adicción del antibiótico y la mezcla de lactobacilos levaduras y enzimas. Los datos obtenidos en este estudio sugieren un efecto benéfico mayor en pollos de engorda del antibiótico respecto a los probióticos usados en el estudio

Diagnóstico bioquímico de 2 niños con galactosemia / Biochemical diagnosis of two children with galactosemia

Se presenta un estudio bioquímico realizado en el Centro Nacional de Genénica Médica a 2 niños remitidos por sospecha clínica de padecer galactosemia. Se realizó la cromatrografía en capa fina para la detección de carbohidratos en orina, y se halló una banda al nivel de galactosa. Posteriormente se procedió a la cuantificación del metabolito en orina y suero, y se detectó éste elevado de ambos fluidos. El diagnóstico bioquímico final consistió en comprobar la deficiencia de la enzima galactosa-1-fosfato uridil transferasa eritrocitaria por el método espectrofotométrico; se comprobó también el carácter de portadores del gen deficiente en los padres de ambos niños