Re-descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) with preservation of the original graft after free roll in anterior chamber: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Lamellar keratoplasties have had a great impact in the management of corneal edema due to endothelial dysfunction. Minimally invasive transplant techniques such as Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) have helped to reduce the morbidity involved in performing penetrating keratoplasty in this type of patient. Even so, these are complex techniques that are not free of complications and require a long line of surgical learning and an even more demanding experience in postoperative management. CLINICAL CASE: An 89-year-old woman suffering from Fuchs endothelial dystrophy and undergoing combined cataract and DMEK surgery presented stromal edema predominantly inferior and sectoral detachment of the graft 24 h after the intervention. After re-bubbling in consultations and 4 days later, the graft was observed rolled and free in the anterior chamber. She underwent re-DMEK with preservation of the original graft after 24 h, with de-epithelialization to optimize visualization. The graft was stained with trypan blue and the posterior stroma was protected with air. The graft was reimplanted under intraocular maneuvers and with an air bubble. 24 h after surgery, the adhered graft was observed, with a great decrease in stromal edema. One month later, the patient had a clear cornea, persistent complete graft adhesion, and visual acuity of 0.9. CONCLUSION: The discovery of free roll in the anterior chamber after DMEK surgery constitutes the most complex form of graft detachment. Corneal edema as well as the arrangement of the different intraocular structures are conditions to be considered for the surgical resolution of this complication. In many cases, surgical repositioning of the graft is feasible, which means saving costs without the need to use new donor corneal tissues.

Postnatal genetic and neurodevelopmental assessment in infants born at term with severely low birth weight of non-placental origin.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of genetic syndromes and childhood neurodevelopmental impairment in non-malformed infants born at term with severely low birth weight and no evidence of placental insufficiency. METHODS: This case series was constructed from the data of infants delivered at term between 2013 and 2018 with severely low birth weight, defined as birth weight more than 2.5 SD below the mean, with normal maternal and fetal Doppler (umbilical artery, fetal middle cerebral artery, cerebroplacental ratio and uterine artery) and no maternal hypertensive disorder during pregnancy or fetal structural anomaly on prenatal ultrasound examination. Clinical exome sequencing and copy number variation (CNV) analysis were performed using DNA extracted from the children's saliva. Cognitive and psychomotor development was evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 5th edition tests, according to the child's age at testing. RESULTS: Among the 36 405 infants born within the study period, 274 (0.75%) had a birth weight below -2.5 SD, of whom 98 met the inclusion criteria. Among the 63 families contacted, seven (11%) reported a postnatal diagnosis of a genetic syndrome and a further 18 consented to participate in the study. Median gestational age at delivery was 38.0 (interquartile range (IQR), 37.3-38.5) weeks and median birth weight was 2020 (IQR, 1908-2248) g. All 18 children showed a normal result on clinical exome sequencing and CNV analysis, but six (33%) obtained a low score on neurodevelopmental testing. CONCLUSION: Non-malformed severely small term infants with no clinical or Doppler signs of placental insufficiency present a high rate of genetic syndromes and neurodevelopmental impairment during childhood. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in first-year university students and its association with lifestyle-related factors: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Students' dietary habits are moving from Mediterranean diet guidelines towards unhealthy eating patterns. The aim of this study was to determine adherence to the Mediterranean diet in a sample of Spanish university students and its association with lifestyle factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 685 university students who completed a self-report questionnaire. The data collected included demographic characteristics, dietary habits, smoking habits, alcohol consumption and physical activity. Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed by measuring the consumption of the foods that compose this type of diet through a score (range 0-10). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was considered poor, average, or good. RESULTS: The mean adherence score for the Mediterranean diet was 4.9 (1.2) points out of 10. A higher degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was observed in physically active students (OR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.05-5.10; p=0.038). Students who performed ≥150min/week of physical activity (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.33-0.62; p<0.001) and those over 25 years old (OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.26-0.73; p=0.002) were less prone to low adherence to the Mediterranean diet than sedentary and younger students. CONCLUSION: The university students have poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The results of the current study indicate that age and physical activity are associated with Mediterranean diet adherence. It is urgent to raise awareness among university students and implement intervention programmes promoting a healthy lifestyle.

A prospective study on the efficacy of oral estrogen in female patients with acromegaly.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral estrogen therapy in female patients of childbearing age with uncontrolled acromegaly and to verify the significance of the presence of estrogen receptor α (ER-α) in somatotropinomas. METHODS: Prospective study in which biochemical and radiological evaluations were performed at baseline and after six months of treatment with an oral formulation of ethinyl-estradiol 0.03 mg and levonorgestrel 0.15 mg. ER-α was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunopositivity was considered when it was present in ≥ 1% of cells. RESULTS: Eight patients with uncontrolled acromegaly were selected. All patients underwent surgery. Four patients were on octreotide LAR 30 mg, two patients were on lanreotide autogel 120 mg, and two patients had active disease after surgery. At the end of follow-up, IGF-I normalized in 3/8 (37%), 2/8 (25%) patients presented with mean IGF-I reduction of 25% but without IGF-I normalization, and 2/8 (25%) did not respond-one had a 13% increase in IGF-I and IGF-I level remained unchanged after treatment in the other. In one patient, treatment was discontinued after 3 months due to side effects (headache), with an IGF-I reduction of 28% but without normalization. Tumor volume increase (41%) was observed in only one patient (the only tumor with positive ER-α expression). CONCLUSIONS: In uncontrolled patients with acromegaly, a trial with oral estrogen can be an option for young women. Oral estrogen was well tolerated, but the somatotropinoma that presented ER-α expression was the only somatotropinoma that presented growth during treatment.

T-wave peak-end interval and ratio of T-wave peak-end and QT intervals: novel arrhythmogenic and survival markers for dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: In the past few years, novel markers such as the interval between the peak and the end of T-wave (Tpte) and Tpte/QT ratio have been shown to have high sensitivity for ventricular arrhythmias and mortality. We analyzed these and other parameters of ventricular repolarization, such as QT interval, QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc), and QT dispersion (QTd) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Additionally, we investigated their relationship with the progression of the disease, echocardiographic parameters, and ventricular arrhythmias and assessed their prognostic value with development of clinical signs or mortality as the final outcome. ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epidemiological, clinical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic data were obtained from 236 dogs with MMVD and 15 healthy dogs. Prognostic and survival information was also recorded for the MMVD group. All ventricular repolarization indices were measured in 10 lead electrocardiographic recordings. RESULTS: With the exception of the QT interval, most repolarization markers increased along with the frequency of arrhythmias and with the progression of MMVD. The parameters that best identified ventricular arrhythmias (AUC > 0.7) were Tpte (aVR, rV2, average rV2-V10, average rV2-V4) and Tpte/QT (II, aVR, rV2). In survival analysis, statistically significant markers with the highest differences in median survival were Tpte (maximum of any lead, maximum rV2-V10), QTc aVR, and Tpte rV2. CONCLUSION: Tpte and Tpte/QT are good non-invasive markers for clinical risk stratification in dogs with MMVD.

A New Species of Moth Lacewing from the Mesoamerican Genus Adamsiana Penny 1996 (Neuroptera: Ithonidae).

The poorly studied Mesoamerican genus Adamsiana Penny, 1996 (Neuroptera: Ithonidae) was considered monotypic for more than 20 years, containing only Adamsiana curoei Penny. However, a second species was recently discovered in the southern region of Guatemala and is described here as Adamsiana alux Ardila-Camacho, Castillo-Argaez & Martinez, sp. nov. A key to the Adamsiana species and a list of the extant New World Ithonidae species are provided. This work emphasizes the necessity for more studies about not only Ithonidae but also all entomological fauna in the Neotropics.

Clinical spectrum of BICD2 mutations.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mutations in the BICD2 gene cause autosomal dominant lower extremity-predominant spinal muscular atrophy 2A (SMALED2A), a condition that is associated with a specific pattern of thigh and calf muscle involvement when studied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients may present minor clinical sensory impairment, but objective sensory involvement has yet to be demonstrated. METHODS: We collected clinical data from 11 patients from five different families carrying mutations in BICD2. Genetic diagnosis was achieved using gene panel testing and skin biopsies were taken from two patients to study the epidermal nerve fiber density. RESULTS: In the studied patients, three new pathogenic mutations were detected as well as the already defined pathogenic p.Ser107Leu mutation. The most frequent clinical picture was characterized by lower-limb weakness in combination with foot deformities. One patient manifested clinical and electrophysiological sensory impairment, and the epidermal nerve fiber density study of another patient revealed the existence of a small-fiber neuropathy. Muscle MRI showed a common pattern of fat deposition including selective involvement of gluteus medius and minimus at the pelvic level, the anterior compartment of the thigh and the posterior compartment of the calf, with only mild or no involvement of the intrinsic foot muscles. CONCLUSIONS: We report three new pathogenic mutations in the BICD2 gene. Muscle MRI confirms the existence of a selective pattern of thigh and leg muscle involvement in SMALED2A, providing additional information regarding pelvic and foot muscles. Moreover, our results raise the possibility of sensory involvement in the disease.

Assessment of antibodies against three zoonotic bacteria and associated risk factors in pig farms in Colombia. / Evaluación de anticuerpos frente a tres bacterias zoonóticas y factores de riesgo asociados en explotaciones porcinas de Colombia.

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Salmonella spp., Mycobacterium bovis and Brucella spp., together with associated risk factors, in pigs from various farms in seven regions of Colombia. A total of 350 blood samples were obtained from pigs at different stages in the production cycle of 23 farms, which were tested using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) diagnostic kits Pigtype®-Salmonella Ab (Qiagen®, Hilden, Germany), INgezim TB porcine and INgezim Brucella porcine (Ingenasa®, Madrid, Spain). The overall seroprevalence for Salmonella spp. was 42.85% (n = 150) and, for M. bovis, it was 5.42% (n = 19). No positive samples were detected for Brucella spp. In the farms evaluated, the presence of pests, such as rodents, was found to be the management variable with a statistically significant association with seropositivity for Salmonella spp. and M. bovis. The results suggest that, at some point in the primary production cycle, pigs came into contact with zoonotic bacteria, resulting in seropositivity, which may pose a risk to public health and national pig production.

Les auteurs présentent les résultats d'une étude menée en Colombie pour déterminer la prévalence sérologique de Salmonella spp., de Mycobacterium bovis et de Brucella spp. et d'identifier les facteurs de risques associés chez les porcs de différents élevages répartis dans sept régions du pays. Au total, 350 prélèvements sanguins de porcs en différentes phases du cycle de production et provenant de 23 exploitations ont été analysés en utilisant les kits de diagnostic suivants : test immuno-enzymatique (ELISA) Pigtype®-Salmonella Ab (Qiagen®, Hilden, Allemagne), INgezim TB porcina et INgezim Brucella porcina (Ingenasa®, Madrid, Espagne). La prévalence sérologique globale de Salmonella spp. était de 42,85 % (n = 150) et celle de M. bovis de 5,42 % (n = 19) ; aucun échantillon n'a été trouvé positif pour Brucella spp. En ce qui concerne les facteurs en lien avec la gestion des élevages, une corrélation significative au plan statistique a été observée dans les exploitations étudiées entre la présence de ravageurs (rongeurs notamment) et l'apparition d'anticorps dirigés contre Salmonella spp. et M. bovis. Les résultats obtenus laissent penser que les porcs ont été exposés à ces bactéries zoonotiques à un moment ou un autre du cycle de production primaire, ce qui a déclenché l'apparition d'anticorps ; il s'agit d'une situation à risque tant pour la santé publique que pour la filière porcine du pays.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la seroprevalencia respectoa Salmonella spp., Mycobacterium bovis y Brucella spp., junto con los factores de riesgo asociados, en porcinos de diferentes explotaciones de producción en siete regiones de Colombia. Se obtuvieron 350 muestras sanguíneas de porcinos de diferentes etapas del ciclo productivo provenientes de 23 explotaciones,y estas fueron analizadas utilizando los estuches de ensayo inmunoenzimático (ELISA) para diagnóstico Pigtype®-Salmonella Ab (Qiagen®, Hilden, Alemania), INgezim TB porcina e INgezim Brucella porcina (Ingenasa®, Madrid, España). La seroprevalencia general respecto a Salmonella spp. fue del 42,85% (n = 150),y para M. bovis, del 5,42% (n = 19); no se detectó ninguna muestra positiva respecto a Brucella spp. Se determinó que en las explotaciones evaluadas, la presencia de plagas, como los roedores, fue la variable de manejo con asociación estadísticamente significativa a la seropositividad respecto a Salmonella spp.y a M. bovis. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que, en algún momento del ciclo de producción primaria, los cerdos estuvieron en contacto con las bacterias zoonóticas frente a las que se obtuvo seropositividad, lo cual puede representar un riesgo para la salud pública y la producción porcina a nivel nacional.

Exposure assessment of Salmonella spp. in fresh pork meat from two abattoirs in Colombia.

Salmonella spp. prevails as the main cause of raw meat foodborne illnesses. Implementation of food safety management systems such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points in swine abattoirs can help to mitigate pathogen exposure. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the HACCP system in slaughterhouses in Colombia on reducing Salmonella spp. exposure due to the consumption of fresh pork meat. Two slaughtering plants with a different degree of HACCP implementation were selected and a quantitative microbiological mapping was built by collecting 820 samples of Salmonella spp. enumeration at different processing stages. The overall Salmonella spp. mean concentration was 1.15 ± 0.55 log MPN/g, with no significant differences among plants (P > 0.05). Deficiencies during carcass disinfection and temperature during distribution of meat cuts from the slaughterhouse lacking of HACCP resulted in a significant increase of Salmonella spp. prevalence (20-40%) (P < 0.05). Processing stages with the highest pathogen prevalence were transport (28-32%) and hanging (16-36%). The exposure assessment model estimated a higher degree of pathogen contamination at the time of consumption in meat cuts from the slaughterhouse without HACCP (3.36 versus 3.68 log MPN/g) and 10-fold increase in the probability a consumer would acquire a contaminated portion (0.011 versus 0.105). Implementation of the HACCP system in swine slaughterhouses represents tangible Salmonella spp. reduction control and public health protection measures.

Determining the probability of locating peaks using computerized peak-location methods in gamma-ray spectra as a function of the relative peak-area uncertainty.

The probabilities of locating peaks with a high relative peak-area uncertainty were determined empirically with nine types of peak-location software used in laboratories engaged in gamma-ray spectrometry measurements. It was found that it is not possible to locate peaks with a probability of 0.95, when they have a relative peak-area uncertainty in excess of 50%. Locating peaks at these relatively high peak-area uncertainties with a probability greater than 0.95 is only possible in the library-driven mode, where the peak positions are supposed a-priori. The deficiencies of the library-driven mode and the possibilities to improve the probabilities of locating peaks are briefly discussed.

Anatomical description of anaesthetic spread after deep erector spinae block at L-4. / Estudio anatómico de la distribución del volumen administrado tras bloqueo en el plano profundo del erector espinal a nivel lumbar.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic erector spinae plane (ESP) block is now used for postoperative analgesia. However, although reports of lumbar ESP have been published, the anesthetic spread and mechanism of action of this technique remains unclear. We describe the lumbar ESP block technique and evaluate the spread of 20ml of solution administered at the level of the transverse process of L4 in a cadaver model. METHODS: Observational study after 12 lumbar ESP blocks at L4 on a fresh cadaver model (6 bilaterally). The spread of 20ml of injected contrast solution was assessed by computed tomography in all 6 samples. Four of the samples were evaluated by anatomical study, 2 by plane dissection, and 2 others were frozen and cut into 2-2.5cm axial slices. RESULTS: The injected solution spread from L2 to L5 in a cranio-caudal direction in the erector spinae muscle, reaching the facet joints medially and the thoracolumbar fascia laterally. In 33% of cases the solution did not spread anterior to the transverse process; in 51%, spread was minimal and did not affect the corresponding spinal nerves, and in 2 samples (16%), spread was extensive and reached the corresponding spinal nerves. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar ESP at L4 always acts on the posterior branches of the spinal nerves, but seldom spreads to the paravertebral space to block the spinal nerve.

L4 erector spinal plane block after lumbar spine arthrodesi: A case-series. / Bloqueo del plano del erector espinal en L4 en cirugía de artrodesis lumbar: serie de casos.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic erector spinae plane block is now performed in many different surgical procedures, including lumbar spinal fusion. We evaluated the analgesic effect of lumbar ESP performed at L4 after lumbar spinal fusion surgery. METHODS AND CASE SERIES: Eight patients scheduled for lumbar spinal fusion were included in the case series. Erector spinae plane block was performed at L4 preoperatively, administering 20ml of 0.2% ropivacaine on each side. We recorded patient-reported pain intensity during the first 48 postoperative hours using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and rescue analgesia requirements. Pain at rest was controlled in all patients (VAS 0 to 3), although pain on movement ranged from mild to severe (VAS 0 to 8). Rescue analgesia consumption ranged from 1 to 22mg morphine. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar ESP appears to contribute to pain control during the first 48hours after lumbar spinal fusion.

Características y seguimiento de 38 casos de bronquiolitis obliterante post-infecciosa en Bogotá­Colombia / Characteristics and follow up of 38 Post-Infectious Bronchiolitis Obliterans cases in Bogota­Colombia

Post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) is a chronic obstructive bronchial disease that develops after a viral respiratory infection, acquired before 2 years of age. In Bogotá, Colombia our group published in 2017 the description and follow-up of 21 cases of this pathology. The purpose of this publication is to describe the evolution of 38 children with PIBO living in Bogotá, Colombia at 2640 m above sea level, with an average of 6.5 years of follow-up. The estimated prevalence of PIBO in the population group in the group studied here was at least 1 case per 10,526 children under 15 years of age. The highest frequency of oxygen dependence and pulmonary hypertension are highlighted in this group of children living at high altitude…

La bronquiolitis obliterante post-infecciosa (BOPI) es una enfermedad bronquial obstructiva crónica, que se desarrolla luego de una infección respiratoria viral, adquirida antes de los 2 años de vida. En Bogotá, Colombia nuestro grupo hizo en al año 2017 la descripción y seguimiento de 21 casos de esta patología. La presente publicación tiene como objetivo describir la evolución de 38 niños con BOPI que viven en la ciudad de Bogotá a 2640 m sobre el nivel del mar, con un segumiento de 6.5 años en promedio. Se calcula que la prevalencia de la enfermedad en el grupo poblacional de donde se refieren estos casos, es de al menos 1 caso por 10.526 menores de 15 años. Se destacan la mayor frecuencia de oxigeno dependencia e hipertensión pulmonar en este grupo de niños que viven a gran altura.

Participation of the autonomic cardiac system in dogs with chronic myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve / Participação do sistema autonômico cardíaco em cães com degeneração mixomatosa da válvula mitral

An exploratory multivariate analysis of factors of echocardiographic variables and those of the Holter test of 38 dogs with MVMD staged in three classes (class 1a, class 1b, class 2) of congestive heart failure proposed by the ISACHC. The purpose of this analysis was learning the processes that would explain the behavior of the variables described, using exploratory multivariate techniques of factors. Five independent factors were determined (PNS to SF) which altogether explain 82.17% of the shared variance of the data. It was identified that among the five factors, the first process (PNS) is the first factor in importance, recruiting the highest percentage of variance (37.96%) and represents the participation of the cardiac autonomic nervous system.(AU)

Foi realizada análise multivariada exploratória de fatores das variáveis ecocardiográficas e do exame Holter de 38 cães com DMVM estadiados em três classes (classe 1a, classe 1b, classe 2) da insuficiência cardíaca congestiva proposta pela ISACHC. O objetivo desta análise foi conhecer os processos que explicariam o comportamento das variáveis descritas, utilizando-se para esse fim técnicas multivariadas exploratórias de fatores. Foram determinados cinco fatores independentes (PNS até SF) que, em conjunto, explicam 82,17% da variância compartilhada dos dados. O primeiro processo (PNS) é o primeiro fator em importância, recrutando a maior porcentagem da variância total (37,96%) e representa a participação do sistema nervoso autônomo cardíaco.(AU)

Does Surgeon Fatigue Influence the Results of Liver Transplantation?

BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been an attempt to relate fatigue of the surgical team according to the start time of the transplant surgery and the surgeon's activity during the week, with the morbidity and mortality of liver transplant recipients. If this relationship could be demonstrated, it would be desirable to reconsider organization of transplant surgical teams. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study of 439 successive cases of adult hepatic transplant from 2012 to 2016. We divided the patients into 2 groups, bearing in mind the interval between transplant procedures. Solitary liver transplantation was defined when >12 hours had elapsed since the last transplant, and consecutive liver transplant was defined when <12 hours had passed since the previous transplant. We analyzed the morbidity and mortality of the recipient (survival, vascular and biliary complications, early bleeding, and duration of surgery). Fatigue was measured as it related to the start time of the transplant, day of the week, and accumulation of daily and weekly activity of the surgical teams. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the 2 groups with regard to donor or recipient characteristics. No variable related to the fatigue of the surgeons had an effect on the survival, biliary and vascular complications, early bleeding, or duration of the surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: We were unable to show that fatigue level of the surgical team influences the results of transplant procedures. Morbidity and mortality are likely related to other factors.

Risk factors for acquiring HCV at a healthcare center in Hidalgo, Mexico. / Factores de riesgo para adquirir VHC en una institución de salud en Hidalgo.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The approach to HCV infection begins with the directed search for risk factors linked to its acquisition. Therefore, our primary aim was to identify the prevalence of risk factors associated with HCV infections in insured individuals seen at the Hidalgo delegation of the IMSS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted through validated surveys that identified major and minor risk factors. In cases of major risk factors, the Advanced Quality™ RAPID-ANTI-HCV TEST Accutrack® tests were applied to detect anti-HCV. Patients with positive tests were referred to the Hepatology service for the diagnostic-therapeutic approach. Statistical analysis was performed through measures of central tendency and percentages. RESULTS: A total of 528 insured individuals were surveyed (95%CI with a 5% margin of error). Two hundred eighty-two rapid tests were performed. Five of them were positive (0.94%) and belonged to the patients in the dialysis/hemodialysis group. A total of 71.2% persons had positive risk factors. The association of 2 or more factors varied from 2 to 8 factors present at the same time. Of the entire study population, 6.25% presented with 4 risk factors and 4.35% presented with 5 risk factors at the same time. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly three quarters of the individuals surveyed were exposed to HCV acquisition. The association of 2 or more risk factors in patients demonstrated their collective potentiality for acquiring HCV. We identified persons receiving treatment with dialysis/hemodialysis and those with high-risk sexual practices as vulnerable groups for HCV infection and suggest that they receive promotion and prevention activities, as well as public policy management.

Anti-obesity effects of kaempferol by inhibiting adipogenesis and increasing lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells.

Kaempferol is a natural flavonoid widely found in fruits, vegetables, and tea. Kaempferol possesses beneficial biological properties such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Positive energy balance during obesity correlates with a pro-inflammatory chronic state. In this context, we hypothesized that kaempferol might promote anti-obesity effects by modulating adipogenesis and lipolytic pathways. Adipocyte viability at 24, 48, and 72 h was measured by an ATP-based assay. Pre-adipocytes (day 0) or mature adipocytes (day 12) were treated with 60 µM kaempferol until day 21 to evaluate its potential anti-adipogenic and lipolytic effect, respectively. Total lipid accumulation was assessed using Oil Red O staining assay. Gene expression was measured by RT-qPCR to evaluate the effect of kaempferol on adipogenesis and lipolysis gene expression. Our results showed a dose-dependent effect of kaempferol treatment on cell viability promoting cell death at higher than 60 µM concentration. Pre-adipocytes stimulation by 60 µM kaempferol resulted in 62% adipogenesis inhibition whereas in mature adipocytes, it reduced 39% intracellular lipid accumulation. Also, 60 µM kaempferol treatment decreased Cebpa mRNA expression when compared to control cells. In contrast, Pnpla2 and Lipe gene expression were upregulated in 3T3-L1 cells incubated with 60 µM kaempferol. In summary, our results showed that kaempferol modulates adipogenic differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells by promoting downregulation of Cebpa gene expression and decreasing lipid accumulation in mature adipocytes by its positive effects on Pnpla2 and Lipe mRNA levels. Kaempferol might display an anti-obesity effect.

The origin of the recent (2012-2016) seismic activity in the Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, area: A block boundary interaction?

The central part of Jalisco, Mexico, has experienced low-magnitude earthquake sequences and swarms. Although the effects of these earthquakes have been limited to relatively small areas, the earthquakes have caused general alarm among the population and, in some cases, have been catastrophic. These earthquake swarms are significant because they affect the most populous area of the state, including the capital city of Guadalajara. An extraordinary example is an earthquake swarm that started on 8 May 1912 and lasted until September of that year. The region remained seismically quiescent until May 2012, when seismic activity resumed, lasting to the present. We analyze the recent seismic activity, starting with the earthquake of 18 May 2012 (03:07 UT) at the western edge of Lake Chapala and ending with the magnitude 4.2 earthquake on 3 November 2016. Our analysis includes eight earthquakes with magnitudes between 3.5 and 4.8, the revision of hypocenter locations, and the determination of focal mechanism solutions using the inversion of the moment tensor method. When possible, inversion solutions are compared with solutions obtained with the first arrival polarity method. We compare our results for the recent seismicity with the distribution of reported damage associated with historical earthquakes. Our work indicates a N-S trending seismic source zone and an orientation of nodal planes that suggests reactivation of preexisting local faults induced by the interaction of the western border of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt with the eastern border of the Jalisco Block.

Atorvastatin and diacerein reduce insulin resistance and increase disease tolerance in rats with sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death among hospitalized patients. At the onset of this condition, there is an over-production of pro-inflammatory mediators that contribute to organ failure and death. The excess production of pro-inflammatory mediators also impairs insulin signaling, which may be a pathophysiological tissue marker of proinflammatory cytokine action before organ failure. Statins and diacerein have pleiotropic effects, such as the blockage of inflammatory signaling pathways, suggesting that these drugs may be an attractive therapeutic or prophylactic strategy against sepsis. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a statin or diacerein can improve insulin signaling, disease tolerance and survival in sepsis by inhibiting inflammatory pathways. METHODS: We investigated the effect of these drugs on survival, tissue insulin signaling and inflammatory pathways in the liver and muscle of rats with sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). RESULTS: The results showed that administration of medications, with anti-inflammatory ability, to septic animals increased survival and improved disease tolerance and insulin resistance in the liver and muscle. The treatment also attenuated ER stress, NF-κB, JNK activation and restored glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) levels in the liver. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that atorvastatin and diacerein treatment can modulate inflammatory pathways and, in parallel, attenuate insulin resistance in sepsis. Since these two drugs have safety profiles and minimal side effects, we suggest that these drugs may be alternative therapies for the prevention or therapies for the treatment of insulin resistance in sepsis, which could potentially reduce mortality in patients with sepsis.