Determination of the appropriate concentration of sodium alginate used for in vitro culture of cat preantral follicles in a serum-free medium containing FSH, EGF and IGF-I.

Culture of domestic cat preantral follicles can be a suitable technology to assist oocyte conservation strategies in the family Felidae. This research was aimed to comparatively analyse cat preantral follicular development of follicles directly seeded on growth surface or encapsulated in 0.5 or 1% of sodium alginate in a serum-free medium containing FSH, EGF and IGF-I. Preantral follicles were isolated from cat ovarian cortical tissue after ovariectomy. Alginate was dissolved at 0.5 or 1% in PBS. Follicles, 4 per well, with 0% (G-0%), 0.5% (G-0.5%) or 1% (G-1%) of sodium alginate were cultured in M199 with FSH (100 ng/mL), EGF (100 ng/mL) and IGF-I (100 ng/mL) for 7 days at 37°C, 5% CO2 and 99% humidity. Culture medium was replaced every 48 h and samples were stored at -20°C until ELISA of steroid hormones. Morphometric evaluation of follicles was performed every 24 h. G-0% follicles showed granulosa cell migration away from the oocyte and disrupted morphology, whereby they reached apparently larger diameters (203.70 ± 5.82 µm; p < .05) than G-0.5% and G-1% follicles (157.89 ± 8.47 µm and 95.23 ± 1.67 µm, respectively) which maintained three-dimensional organization, being larger in G-0.5% than in G-1% (p < .05). G-0.5% follicles attained the multi-layer preantral follicle stage on day 7 of culture, whereas G-1% follicles underwent progressive atresia. On day 6, steroid concentrations were higher (p < .05) in G-0% than in G-1%: 60 ± 19 vs 0.88 ± 0.32 pg/mL oestradiol; 2.6 ± 0.84 vs 0.04 ± 0.02 ng/mL progesterone; 1.3 ± 0.22 vs 0.61 ± 0.04 ng/mL testosterone and 1.6 ± 0.54 vs 0.22 ± 0.07 ng/mL androstenedione respectively. Steroid concentrations in G-0.5% were comprised between those of G-0% and G-1% (p > .05). In conclusion, two-layer cat preantral follicles encapsulated in 0.5% alginate cultured in medium containing FSH, EGF and IGF-I can develop up to the multi-layer preantral stage in 7 days of culture, whereas follicles directly seeded on growth surface or encapsulated in 1% alginate lost their three-dimensional organization, and experienced regression with compromised steroidogenesis, respectively.

Can physiological stimulation prior to ileostomy closure reduce postoperative ileus? A prospective multicenter pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of ileostomy closure following preoperative physiological stimulation (PPS) on postoperative ileus (POI) in patients with loop ileostomy after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. METHODS: Patients who underwent ileostomy closure between January 2017 and February 2020 in two tertiary referral centers were prospectively included. PPS stimulation was compared to standard treatment. Stimulation was carried out daily during the 15 days prior to ileostomy closure by the patient's self-instillation of 200 ml of fecal contents from the ileostomy bag via the efferent loop, using a rectal catheter. Standard treatment (ST) consisted of observation. Outcomes measures were POI, morbidity, stimulation feasibility, and predictors to ileus. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients were included [42 males and 16 females, median age 67 (43-85) years]. PPS was used in 24 patients, who completed the entire stimulation process, and ST in 34 patients. No differences in preoperative factors were found between the two groups. POI was significantly lower in the PPS group (4.2%) vs the ST group (32.4%); p < 0.01, OR: 0.05 (CI 95% 0.01-0.65). The PPS group had a shorter time to restoration of bowel function (1 day vs 3 days) p = 0.02 and a shorter time to tolerance of liquids (1 day vs 2 days), p = 0.04. Age (p = 0.01), open approach at index surgery, p = 0.03, adjuvant capecitabine (p = 0.01). and previous abdominal surgeries (p = 0.02) were associated with POI in the multivariate analysis. C-reactive-protein values on the 3rd (p = 0.02) and 5th (p < 0.01) postoperative day were also associated with POI. CONCLUSIONS: PPS for patients who underwent ileostomy closure after low anterior resection for rectal cancer is feasible and might reduce POI.

Cacalol Acetate, a Sesquiterpene from Psacalium decompositum, Exerts an Anti-inflammatory Effect through LPS/NF-KB Signaling in Raw 264.7 Macrophages.

Inflammatory diseases remain critical health problems worldwide. The search for anti-inflammatory drugs is a primary activity in the pharmaceutical industry. Cacalol is a sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory potential that is isolated from Psacalium decompositum, a medicinal plant with several scientific reports supporting its anti-inflammatory activity. Cacalol acetate (CA) is the most stable form. Nevertheless, the participation of CA in the main signaling pathway associated with inflammation is unknown. Our aim was to study the anti-inflammatory effect of CA and to determine its participation in NF-κB signaling. In TPA-induced edema in mice, CA produced 70.3% inhibition. To elucidate the influence of CA on the NF-κB pathway, RAW 264.7 macrophages were pretreated with CA and then stimulated with LPS, evaluating NF-ΚB activation, IKK phosphorylation, IΚB-α, p65, cytokine expression, and COX-2 release and activity. CA inhibited NF-κB activation and its upstream signaling, decreasing phosphorylation IKB-α and p65 levels. CA also reduced expression and secretion of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6. Additionally, it decreased the activity and expression of COX-2 mRNA. These data support that CA regulates the NF-κB signaling pathway, which might explain, at least in part, its anti-inflammatory effect. CA is a bioactive molecule useful for the development of anti-inflammatory agents with innovative mechanisms of action.

Arsenic exposure: A public health problem leading to several cancers.

Arsenic, a metalloid and naturally occurring element, is one of the most abundant elements in the earth's crust. Water is contaminated by arsenic through natural sources (underground water, minerals and geothermal processes) and anthropogenic sources such as mining, industrial processes, and the production and use of pesticides. Humans are exposed to arsenic mainly by drinking contaminated water, and secondarily through inhalation and skin contact. Arsenic exposure is associated with the development of vascular disease, including stroke, ischemic heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. Also, arsenic increases the risk of tumors of bladder, lungs, kidneys and liver, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Food and Drug Administration. Once ingested, an estimated 70-90% of inorganic arsenic is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and widely distributed through the blood to different organs, primarily to the liver, kidneys, lungs and bladder and secondarily to muscle and nerve tissue. Arsenic accumulates in the organs, especially in the liver. Its excretion mostly takes place through urination. The toxicokinetics of arsenic depends on the duration of exposure, pathway of ingestion, physicochemical characteristics of the compound, and affected biological species. The present review outlines of arsenic toxic effects focusing on different cancer types whit highest prevalence's by exposure to this metalloid and signaling pathways of carcinogenesis.

Water remediation contaminated with MTBE using a catalytic oxidation process in batch reactor: influence of the cerium loading on the activity and CO2 selectivity.

Destruction of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in liquid phase and in a batch reactor was studied using ruthenium catalysts over alumina support, modified with different cerium loadings. Ce loading increment causes an increase in the particle size from 1.26 nm to 2.3 nm, enhancing the MTBE oxidation (at 150 °C), and the selectivity toward CO2. The high catalytic activity of Ru/ACe10 is attributed to the species Ce4+-O2--M that could favor the oxygen transfer between the catalyst surface and the adsorbed species by a redox mechanism. Thus, CeOx plays an important role in both enhancing the affinity between MTBE and catalyst during MTBE adsorption and promoting the catalytic activity for MTBE oxidation.

Burden of serious fungal infections in Guatemala.

Guatemala is a developing country in Central America with a high burden of HIV and endemic fungal infections; we attempted to estimate the burden of serious fungal infections for the country. A full literature search was done to identify epidemiology papers reporting fungal infections from Guatemala. We used specific populations at risk and fungal infection frequencies in the population to estimate national rates. The population of Guatemala in 2013 was 15.4 million; 40% were younger than 15 and 6.2% older than 60. There are an estimated 53,000 adults with HIV infection, in 2015, most presenting late. The estimated cases of opportunistic fungal infections were: 705 cases of disseminated histoplasmosis, 408 cases of cryptococcal meningitis, 816 cases of Pneumocystis pneumonia, 16,695 cases of oral candidiasis, and 4,505 cases of esophageal candidiasis. In the general population, an estimated 5,568 adult asthmatics have allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) based on a 2.42% prevalence of asthma and a 2.5% ABPA proportion. Amongst 2,452 pulmonary tuberculosis patients, we estimated a prevalence of 495 for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in this group, and 1,484 for all conditions. An estimated 232,357 cases of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is likely. Overall, 1.7% of the population are affected by these conditions. The true fungal infection burden in Guatemala is unknown. Tools and training for improved diagnosis are needed. Additional research on prevalence is needed to employ public health measures towards treatment and improving the reported data of fungal diseases.

Cucurbita ficifolia (Cucurbitaceae) modulates inflammatory cytokines and IFN-γ in obese mice.

This study investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché on systemic chronic inflammation in an obesity model induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) via modulating the expression of adipokines (TNF-α, IL-6, resistin, and adiponectin) and immune-regulatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-10). Cucurbita ficifolia extract was administered daily by gavage to lean and MSG-obese mice for 30 days. At the end of treatment, cytokine mRNA expression in adipose tissue was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the protein levels of these cytokines were also quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cucurbita ficifolia extract decreased body mass and inflammation in MSG-obese mice by reducing the expression of TNF-α and IL-6; these decreases were parallel to significant reductions in protein levels. The extract also increased protein levels of IL-10 in lean mice and IFN-γ in both lean and MSG-obese mice. In conclusion, C. ficifolia extract modulates systemic chronic inflammation in MSG-obese mice and could have a beneficial effect on the adaptive immune system in obesity.

Post-fundoplication symptoms and complications: Diagnostic approach and treatment. / Síntomas y complicaciones posfunduplicatura: abordaje diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is currently considered the surgical treatment of choice for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its long-term effectiveness is above 90%. Adequate patient selection and the experience of the surgeon are among the predictive factors of good clinical response. However, there can be new, persistent, and recurrent symptoms after the antireflux procedure in up to 30% of the cases. There are numerous causes, but in general, they are due to one or more anatomic abnormalities and esophageal and gastric function alterations. When there are persistent symptoms after the surgical procedure, the surgery should be described as "failed". In the case of a patient that initially manifests symptom control, but the symptoms then reappear, the term "dysfunction" could be used. When symptoms worsen, or when symptoms or clinical situations appear that did not exist before the surgery, this should be considered a "complication". Postoperative dysphagia and dyspeptic symptoms are very frequent and require an integrated approach to determine the best possible treatment. This review details the pathophysiologic aspects, diagnostic approach, and treatment of the symptoms and complications after fundoplication for the management of GERD.

Protothecal bursitis after simultaneous kidney/liver transplantation: a case report and review.

Solid organ transplantation is an accepted therapy for end-stage diseases of the kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs. Unfortunately, transplantation is associated with infectious complications. Here, we present a case report of Prototheca wickerhamii olecranon bursitis and review all of the cases in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients published in the literature to date. In our patient, the infection resolved with surgical therapy and limited antifungal therapy, and no symptoms have recurred over 24 months of follow-up. A review of the literature suggests that 50% of SOT recipients with Prototheca infection present with disseminated infection, and the overall mortality is 75%. More studies are required to determine the optimal management of protothecosis in this population.

A review of the impact of oxidative stress and some antioxidant therapies on renal damage.

An increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) leads to complications during chronic kidney disease (CKD). This increase essentially derives from the impairment of natural antioxidant systems of the organism. The resulting oxidative stress produces damage to kidney tissue, especially by affecting nephrons and more generally by disrupting the function and structure of the glomerulus and interstitial tubule. This leads to a rapid decline in the condition of the patient and finally renal failure. Possible causes of kidney tissue damage are explored, as are different therapies, especially those related to the administration of antioxidants.

The Mexican consensus on irritable bowel syndrome. / Consenso mexicano sobre el síndrome de intestino irritable.

BACKGROUND: Since the publication in 2009 of the Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome of the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología (2009 Guidelines), there have been significant advances in our knowledge of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease. AIMS: To present a consensus review of the most current knowledge of IBS, updating the 2009 Guidelines by incorporating new internationally published scientific evidence, with a special interest in Mexican studies. METHODS: The PubMed literature from January 2009 to March 2015 was reviewed and complemented through a manual search. Articles in English and Spanish were included and preference was given to consensuses, guidelines, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Statements referring to the different aspects of the disease were formulated and voted upon by 24 gastroenterologists employing the Delphi method. Once a consensus on each statement was reached, the quality of evidence and strength of recommendation were determined through the GRADE system. RESULTS: Forty-eight statements were formulated, updating the information on IBS and adding the complementary data that did not appear in the 2009 Guidelines regarding the importance of exercise and diet, diagnostic strategies, and current therapy alternatives that were analyzed with more stringent scientific vigor or that emerged within the last 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: We present herein a consensus review of the most relevant advances in the study of IBS, updating and complementing the 2009 Guidelines. Several studies conducted in Mexico were included.

Electromagnetic energy transport in finite photonic structures.

We have derived, for oblique propagation, an equation relating the averaged energy flux density to energy fluxes arising in the process of scattering by a lossless finite photonic structure. The latter fluxes include those associated with the dispersion relation of the structure, reflection, and interference between the incident and reflected waves. We have also derived an explicit relation between the energy flux density and the group velocity, which provides a simple and systematical procedure for studying theoretically and experimentally the properties of the energy transport through a wide variety of finite photonic structures. Such a relation may be regarded as a generalization of the corresponding one for infinite periodic systems to finite photonic structures. A finite, N-period, photonic crystal was used to illustrate the usefulness of our results.

Postoperative pain in dogs undergoing either laparoscopic or open ovariectomy.

A prospective, quasi-experimental, clinical trial was performed to assess acute postoperative pain in healthy female dogs following elective ovariectomy by either laparoscopy (n=13) or laparotomy (n=14). Pain was assessed by both a veterinarian at the hospital, and by the owner once the patient was discharged. The Spanish version of the short form of the Glasgow Composite Measuring Pain Scale (CMPS-SF) was used. Pain scores were assessed by the veterinarian preoperatively and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 h after extubation, whilst owner-assessed scores were performed preoperatively and at postoperative days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7. Data were compared with Mann-Whitney-U test. Veterinarian-assessed CMPS-SF scores were different between both groups at all postoperative times but not at baseline, being below 6/24 in all dogs in the laparoscopy group, but equal to or greater than 6/24 in the laparotomy group at 1 h (n=12), and 4 h (n=4) (P<0.001 and P=0.029, respectively). There were also differences in pain scores between both groups at 2 h (P=0.012) and 6 h (P=0.007), being below 6/24 in all of them. However, there were no differences in owner assessments between groups. In conclusion, ovariectomy performed by laparoscopy induced lower pain scores that were below the pain threshold set by the CMPS-SF during the first 6 h postoperatively. After discharge, and up to one week later, ongoing owner-assessed scores suggest no pain was induced with neither of the techniques. Owners were proactive allowing real-time pain assessment to be reported. The development and validation of instruments for acute pain assessment by owners is warranted, as these tools are currently lacking.

Nature of subproton scale turbulence in the solar wind.

The nature of subproton scale fluctuations in the solar wind is an open question, partly because two similar types of electromagnetic turbulence can occur: kinetic Alfvén turbulence and whistler turbulence. These two possibilities, however, have one key qualitative difference: whistler turbulence, unlike kinetic Alfvén turbulence, has negligible power in density fluctuations. In this Letter, we present new observational data, as well as analytical and numerical results, to investigate this difference. These results show, for the first time, that the fluctuations well below the proton scale are predominantly kinetic Alfvén turbulence, and, if present at all, the whistler fluctuations make up only a small fraction of the total energy.

Mutations in ACTN4, encoding alpha-actinin-4, cause familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common, non-specific renal lesion. Although it is often secondary to other disorders, including HIV infection, obesity, hypertension and diabetes, FSGS also appears as an isolated, idiopathic condition. FSGS is characterized by increased urinary protein excretion and decreasing kidney function. Often, renal insufficiency in affected patients progresses to end-stage renal failure, a highly morbid state requiring either dialysis therapy or kidney transplantation. Here we present evidence implicating mutations in the gene encoding alpha-actinin-4 (ACTN4; ref. 2), an actin-filament crosslinking protein, as the cause of disease in three families with an autosomal dominant form of FSGS. In vitro, mutant alpha-actinin-4 binds filamentous actin (F-actin) more strongly than does wild-type alpha-actinin-4. Regulation of the actin cytoskeleton of glomerular podocytes may be altered in this group of patients. Our results have implications for understanding the role of the cytoskeleton in the pathophysiology of kidney disease and may lead to a better understanding of the genetic basis of susceptibility to kidney damage.

Projections of wildfire weather danger in the Canary Islands.

Climate change is expected to enhance weather conditions prone to wildfires. Climate regionalized projections for the Canary Islands were performed, using as boundary conditions some of the results provided by the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) initiative, and covering the recent past (1980-2009) and future (2070-2099) periods, under two Representative Concentration Pathways, 4.5 and 8.5. All fire risk indicators derived from the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index (FWI) are foreseen to worsen by the end of the century. The fire season could increase its length up to 75 days per year, being more noticeable as altitude increases. The extreme risk days (FWI > 60) show an average increase of 58%, reaching 12 days a year, and the area with high risk could increase by 44%. Analyzing the contribution of the different meteorological variables, it is observed that the main parameter in the fire danger index result is the temperature (currently weights 46%). However, in the future, the importance of precipitation will increase, since the rainfall reduction in some areas could reach 41%. The high dependence of the expected changes on land height, and the small size of the islands, demonstrates the necessity of using high-resolution climate regionalizations.

Diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk: an update of the recommendations of the Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Working Group of the Spanish Society of Diabetes (SED, 2021). / Diabetes mellitus y riesgo cardiovascular: actualización de las recomendaciones del Grupo de Trabajo de Diabetes y Enfermedad Cardiovascular de la Sociedad Española de Diabetes (SED, 2021).

This document is an update to the clinical practice recommendations for the management of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in diabetes mellitus. The consensus has been developed by a multidisciplinary team made up of members of the Cardiovascular Risk Group of the Spanish Diabetes Society (SED). The work is a necessary update as, since the last review three years ago, there have been many clinical trials that have studied the cardiovascular outcomes of numerous drugs in the diabetic population. We believe that this guideline update may be of interest to all clinicians treating patients with diabetes.

Modeling type 2 diabetes in rats by administering tacrolimus.

The prevalence of diabetes is rapidly increasing. The current number of diagnosed cases is ~422 million, expected to reach ~640 million by 2040. Type 2 diabetes, which constitutes ~95% of the cases, is characterized by insulin resistance and a progressive loss of ß-cell function. Despite intense research efforts, no treatments are yet able to cure the disease or halt its progression. Since all existing animal models of type 2 diabetes have serious drawbacks, one is needed that represents the complete pathogenesis, is low cost and non-obese, and can be developed relatively quickly. The aim of this study was to evaluate a low-cost, non-obese model of type 2 diabetes engendered by administering a daily high dose of tacrolimus (an immunosuppressant) to Wistar rats for 4 weeks. The biochemical and antioxidant markers were measured at basal and after the 4-week tacrolimus treatment. At week 4, the values of these parameters closely resembled those observed in human type 2 diabetes, including fasting blood glucose at 141.5 mg/dL, blood glucose greater than 200 mg/dL at 120 min of the glucose tolerance test, blood glucose at varied levels in the insulin tolerance test, and elevated levels of cholesterol and triglyceride. The tacrolimus treatment produced hypoinsulinemia and sustained hyperglycemia, probably explained by the alteration found in pancreatic ß-cell function and morphology. This model should certainly be instrumental for evaluating possible type 2 diabetes treatments, and for designing new immunosuppressants that do not cause pancreatic damage, type 2 diabetes, or new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT).

Photodegradation of 2,4-D (dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) with Rh/TiO2; comparative study with other noble metals (Ru, Pt, and Au).

In this work the effect of noble metal on the photodegradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide using TiO2 as support was studied. The metals and concentration were: Rh, Ru, Pt and Au and 1, 0.98, 1.89, and 1.91 wt% respectively. Rhodium was taken as reference for this experiment. The samples were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-vis absorption spectra, N2 physisorption (BET Specific Surface Area), High Annular Angle Analysis Darkfield (HAADF) and Transmission Electron Microscopy Scanning (STEM), H2 chemisorption, optical emission spectroscopy with inductive coupling plasma analysis (ICP-OES), solid fluorescence, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and OH quantification. The presence of the anatase crystalline phase was mostly confirmed in all samples. The band gap decreased with the presence of metal (from 3.24 to 2.92 eV). The specific area was a function of the metal particle size. The metal particle diameter showed the following sequence Pt > Ru > Au > Rh. By XPS, TiO2 does not manifest changes in oxidation states, but when impregnated with metals, only Pt shows the highest abundance of any oxidized state (Pt2+). The presence of metal reveals less electron-hole recombination compared with titanium oxide. The results of photocatalytic activity showed that Pt and Rh are the two metals with the highest mineralization (99.0 and 98.3%, respectively).

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) associate with zwitterionic phospholipids: insight into the mechanism and reversal of NSAID-induced gastrointestinal injury.

The molecular basis of the injurious actions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is only partly understood. In this study we have obtained evidence, employing both in vitro and in vivo systems, that five NSAIDs have the ability to form a chemical association with zwitterionic phospholipids. Since this same class of phospholipids line the luminal aspects of the mucus gel layer to provide it with non-wettable properties, this intermolecular association may be the mechanism by which NSAIDs attenuate the hydrophobic barrier properties of the upper GI tract. Preassociating a number of NSAIDs with exogenous zwitterionic phospholipids prevented this increase in surface wettability of the mucus gel layer and protected rats against the injurious GI side-effects of these drugs, while enhancing their lipid permeability, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity.