Transcriptomic analysis of Chaetoceros muelleri in response to different nitrogen concentrations reveals the activation of pathways to enable efficient nitrogen uptake.

Nitrogen is the principal nutrient deficiency that increases lipids and carbohydrate content in diatoms but negatively affects biomass production. Marine diatom Chaetoceros muelleri is characterized by lipid and carbohydrate accumulation under low nitrogen concentration without affecting biomass. To elucidate the molecular effects of nitrogen concentrations, we performed an RNA-seq analysis of C. muelleri grown under four nitrogen concentrations (3.53 mM, 1.76 mM, 0.44 mM, and 0.18 mM of NaNO3). This research revealed that changes in global transcription in C. muelleri are differentially expressed by nitrogen concentration. "Energetic metabolism", "Carbohydrate metabolism" and "Lipid metabolism" pathways were identified as the most upregulated by N deficiency. Due to N limitation, alternative pathways to self-supply nitrogen employed by microalgal cells were identified. Additionally, nitrogen limitation decreased chlorophyll content and caused a greater response at the transcriptional level with a higher number of unigenes differentially expressed. By contrast, the highest N concentration (3.53 mM) recorded the lowest number of differentially expressed genes. Amt1, Nrt2, Fad2, Skn7, Wrky19, and Dgat2 genes were evaluated by RT-qPCR. In conclusion, C. muelleri modify their metabolic pathways to optimize nitrogen utilization and minimize nitrogen losses. On the other hand, the assembled transcriptome serves as the basis for metabolic engineering focused on improving the quantity and quality of the diatom for biotechnological applications. However, proteomic and metabolomic analysis is also required to compare gene expression, protein, and metabolite accumulation.

Efficient and Sustainable Bidentate Amines-Functionalized Resins for Removing Ag+, Cu2+, Pb2+, and Fe3+ from Water.

We evaluate the effectiveness of chelating resins (CR) derived from Merrifield resin (MR) and 1,2-phenylenediamine (PDA), 2,2'-dipyridylamine (DPA), and 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine (AMP) as adsorbent dosimeters for Ag+, Cu2+, Fe3+, and Pb2+ cations from water under competitive and noncompetitive conditions. MR-PDA, MR-DPA, and MR-AMP were obtained in a 95-97% yield and characterized by IR, fluorescence, and SEM. The ability of CRs as adsorbents was determined by batch and flow procedures. MR-PDA showed a batch adsorption capacity order of Fe3+ (29.8 mg/g) > Ag+ (2.7 mg/g) > Pb2+ (2.6 mg/g) at pH 3.4. The flow adsorption showed affinity towards the Ag+ cation at pH 7 (18.4 mg/g) and a reusability of 10 cycles. In MR-DPA, the batch adsorption capacity order was Ag+ (9.1 mg/g) > Pb2+ (8.2 mg/g) > Cu2+ (3.5 mg/g) at pH 5. The flow adsorption showed affinity to the Cu2+ cation at pH 5 (2.2 mg/g) and a reuse of five cycles. In MR-AMP, the batch adsorption capacity was Ag+ (17.1 mg/g) at pH 3.4. The flow adsorption showed affinity to the Fe3+ cation at pH 2 (4.3 mg/g) and a reuse of three cycles. The three synthesized and reusable CRs have potential as adsorbents for Ag+, Cu2+, Fe3+, and Pb2+ cations and showed versatility in metal removal for water treatment.

Erythroprotective Potential of Phycobiliproteins Extracted from Porphyridium cruentum.

There are multiple associations between the different blood groups (ABO and RhD) and the incidence of oxidative stress-related diseases, such as certain carcinomas and COVID-19. Bioactive compounds represent an alternative to its prevention and treatment. Phycobiliproteins (PBP) are bioactive compounds present in the microalga Porphyridium cruentum and, despite its antioxidant activity, their inhibitory effect on hemolysis has not been reported. The aim of this work was to evaluate the erythroprotective potential of phycobiliproteins from P. cruentum in different blood groups. The microalga was cultured in F/2 medium under controlled laboratory conditions. Day 10 of culture was determined as the harvest point. The microalgal biomass was lyophilized and a methanolic (MetOH), Tris HCl (T-HCl), and a physiological solution (PS) ultrasound-assisted extraction were performed. Extract pigments were quantified by spectrophotometry. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated with the ABTS+•, DPPH•, and FRAP methods, finding that the main antioxidant mechanism on the aqueous extracts was HAT (hydrogen atom transfer), while for MetOH it was SET (single electron transfer). The results of the AAPH, hypotonicity, and heat-induced hemolysis revealed a probable relationship between the different antigens (ABO and RhD) with the antihemolytic effect, highlighting the importance of bio-directed drugs.

Association of Different ABO and Rh Blood Groups with the Erythroprotective Effect of Extracts from Navicula incerta and Their Anti-Inflammatory and Antiproliferative Properties.

Previous studies have reported that different blood groups are associated with the risk of chronic degenerative diseases that mainly involve inflammation and neoplastic processes. We investigate the relationship between blood groups and the erythroprotective effect of extracts from Navicula incerta against oxidative damage as a proposal to develop drugs designed for people with a specific blood type related to chronic pathology. The study was carried out through the elucidation of the erythroprotective potential, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activity of Navicula incerta. Research suggests that the presence or absence of certain blood groups increases or decreases the abilities of certain phytochemicals to inhibit oxidative stress, which is related to the systemic inflammatory response involved in the development of different types of cancer. The pigment-rich extracts from Navicula incerta inhibit ROO•- induced oxidative stress in human erythrocytes on the A RhD+ve antigen without compromising the structure of the cell membrane. This result is very important, since the A antigen is related to the susceptibility of contracting prostate cancer. Similarly, it was possible to inhibit the proliferation of cervical (HeLa) and prostate (PC-3) carcinoma. The combinatorial analysis of different biological activities can help design phytochemicals as new candidates for preventive drugs treating the chronic degenerative diseases associated with a specific blood group.

Physiological and antioxidant response of Litopenaeus vannamei against Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection after feeding supplemented diets containing Dunaliella sp. flour and ß-glucans.

The presence of pathogen agents in shrimp farming is the main obstacle for successful aquaculture. Vibrio species are naturally part of water because they play an important role as opportunistic bacteria. Vibrio parahaemolyticus was identified as the causative agent of the Early Mortality Syndrome in 2009, causing the loss of shrimp farming worldwide. Dunaliella sp. flour has been tested against Vibrio infection proving to be an effective prophylactic method that decreases mortality and improves physiological and immune response in Litopenaeus vannamei. Juvenile shrimp were exposed to 2% Dunaliella sp. flour and commercial 1.1% ß -glucan diet provided every other day for 15 days and a posterior infection with V. parahaemolyticus (1 × 106 CFU/mL). To evaluate shrimp stress status, some parameters as glucose, lactate, cholesterol, triglycerides, relative superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene expression and circulating hemocytes were analyzed in hemolymph at zero and seven days before infection and at 0, 24, and 48 h post-infection. L. vannamei fed with Dunaliella sp. showed 93% and ß -glucan 87% survival, compared with 79% in the infected control group. Additionally, Dunaliella sp. improved hemocyte and lipid concentrations compared to ß -glucan while both immunostimulants showed an increase in SOD response against bacteria. The addition of 2% Dunaliella sp. every other day in L. vannamei diet enhanced stress response against V. parahaemolyticus infection.

Percepção do aprendizado nas disciplinas de programação do ensino técnico baseada em modelos mentais / Perception of learning in the programming lectures of technical education based on mental models

As Ciências Cognitivas têm como objeto de estudo a compreensão da mente humana e de sua capacidade de aprendizado. Uma maneira de entender esse aprendizado é por meio de modelos mentais, que podem ser vistos como um conjunto de regras, pensamentos e formas de interação com a realidade. Neste trabalho, é apresentado um estudo sobre a percepção do aprendizado nas disciplinas de programação do Ensino Técnico Integrado, por meio de uma investigação indireta de modelos mentais construídos pelos alunos na resolução de problemas computacionais. Como principais contribuições deste trabalho, destacam-se uma análise baseada em questionário para identificar pontos fortes e fracos na estruturação de modelos mentais e a validação das inferências realizadas através de testes de significância estatística. Os resultados obtidos mostram que, embora as turmas analisadas encontrarem-se abaixo dos níveis desejados, comprovou-se uma evolução dos modelos mentais observados de uma série para a seguinte.

Cognitive Sciences have as their object of study the understanding of the human mind and its ability to learn. One way to understand this learning is through mental models, which can be seen as a set of rules, thoughts, and ways of interacting with reality. In this paper, we present a study about the perception of learning in the programming disciplines of Integrated Technical Education, through an indirect investigation of mental models built by students in solving computational problems. The main contributions of this work are an analysis based on questionnaire to identify strengths and weakness in the structuring of mental models, and the validation of the inferred conclusions through statistical tests. The obtained results show that although the analyzed classes are raked in levels lower than the expected, an evolution of the observed mental models from a grade to the following was observed.

Biochemical and Molecular Aspects of Phosphorus Limitation in Diatoms and Their Relationship with Biomolecule Accumulation.

Diatoms are the most abundant group of phytoplankton, and their success lies in their significant adaptation ability to stress conditions, such as nutrient limitation. Phosphorus (P) is a key nutrient involved in the transfer of energy and the synthesis of several cellular components. Molecular and biochemical mechanisms related to how diatoms cope with P deficiency are not clear, and research into this has been limited to a few species. Among the molecular responses that have been reported in diatoms cultured under P deficient conditions is the upregulation of genes encoding enzymes related to the transport, assimilation, remobilization and recycling of this nutrient. Regarding biochemical responses, due to the reduction of the requirements for carbon structures for the synthesis of proteins and phospholipids, more CO2 is fixed than is consumed by the Calvin cycle. To deal with this excess, diatoms redirect the carbon flow toward the synthesis of storage compounds such as triacylglycerides and carbohydrates, which are excreted as extracellular polymeric substances. This review aimed to gather all current knowledge regarding the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of diatoms related to managing P deficiency in order to provide a wider insight into and understanding of their responses, as well as the metabolic pathways affected by the limitation of this nutrient.

N95 respirator reuse, decontamination methods, and microbial burden: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and ease of N95 respirator decontamination methods in a clinic setting and to identify the extent of microbial colonization on respirators associated with reuse. METHODS: In a prospective fashion, N95 respirators (n = 15) were randomized to a decontamination process (time, dry heat, or ultraviolet C light [UVC]) in outpatient clinics. Each respirator was re-used up to 5 separate clinic sessions. Swabs on each respirator for SARS-CoV-2, bacteria, and fungi were obtained before clinic, after clinic and post-treatment. Mask integrity was checked after each treatment (n = 68). Statistical analyses were performed to determine factors for positive samples. RESULTS: All three decontamination processes reduced bacteria counts similarly. On multivariate mixed model analysis, there were an additional 8.1 colonies of bacteria (95% CI 5.7 to 10.5; p < 0.01) on the inside compared to the outside surface of the respirators. Treatment resulted in a decrease of bacterial load by 8.6 colonies (95% CI -11.6 to -5.5; p < 0.01). Although no decontamination treatment affected the respirator filtration efficiency, heat treatments were associated with the breakdown of thermoplastic elastomer straps. Contamination with fungal and SARS-CoV-2 viral particles were minimal to non-existent. CONCLUSIONS: Time, heat and UVC all reduced bacterial load on reused N95 respirators. Fungal contamination was minimal. Heat could permanently damage some elastic straps making the respirators nonfunctional. Given its effectiveness against microbes, lack of damage to re-treated respirators and logistical ease, UVC represents an optimal decontamination method for individual N95 respirators when reuse is necessary.

Optimization of growing conditions for pigments production from microalga Navicula incerta using response surface methodology and its antioxidant capacity.

Navicula incerta is a marine microalga distributed in Baja California, México, commonly used in aquaculture nutrition, and has been extended to human food, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries due to its high biological activity. Therefore, the study aimed to optimize culture conditions to produce antioxidant pigments. A central composite experimental design and response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to analyze the best culture conditions. The medium (nitrogen-deficient concentrations), salinity (PSU = Practical Salinity Unity [g/kg]), age of culture (days), and solvent extraction (ethanol, methanol, and acetone) were the factors used for the experiment. Chlorophyll a (Chl a) and total carotenoids (T-Car), determined spectroscopically, were used as the response variables. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH• and ABTS•+ radical inhibition, FRAP, and anti-hemolytic activity. According to the overlay plots, the optimum growth conditions for Chl a and T-Car production were the following conditions: medium = 0.44 mol·L-1 of NaNO3, salinity = 40 PSU, age of culture: 3.5 days, and solvent = methanol. The pigment extracts obtained in these optimized conditions had high antioxidant activity in ABTS•+ (86.2-92.1% of inhibition) and anti-hemolytic activity (81.8-96.7% of hemolysis inhibition). Low inhibition (33-35%) was observed in DPPH•. The highest value of FRAP (766.03 ± 16.62 µmol TE/g) was observed in the acetonic extract. The results demonstrated that RSM could obtain an extract with high antioxidant capacity with potential applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry, which encourages the use of natural resources for chemoprevention of chronic-degenerative pathologies.

Agreeing with moral disengagement statements: an experimental study with young adults / Concordância com afirmativas de desengajamento moral: um estudo experimental com jovens

How do individuals react to statements that condone acts of corruption and violence? This article contributes to the understanding of how people respond to discourses related to antisocial practices by examining how (1) information about the person who made the statement, and (2) the use of additional information as justification for the antisocial statement affect individuals' agreement with this type of discourse. Relying on moral disengagement theory, we present an experimental study conducted with 487 high school students that assesses the level of agreement with statements made by Brazilian politicians that illustrate different mechanisms of moral disengagement. While overall results indicate low levels of agreement with these statements, comparisons across experimental groups suggest that providing case-based arguments as justification increases agreement with statements in favor of violence but reduces agreement with statements that condone acts of corruption.

Como indivíduos reagem a declarações que aceitam atos de corrupção e violência? Este artigo contribui para a compreensão de como indivíduos respondem a discursos de práticas antissociais ao examinar como (1) a informação sobre o emissor da frase e (2) o uso de dados adicionais como justificativa para a afirmação antissocial afetam sua concordância com este tipo de discurso. Utilizando-se da teoria de desengajamento moral, apresenta-se um estudo experimental conduzido com 487 estudantes de Ensino Médio, o qual avalia o grau de concordância com declarações feitas por políticos brasileiros que representam diferentes tipos de desengajamento moral. Enquanto os resultados gerais apontam um nível baixo de concordância com as declarações, as comparações entre os grupos experimentais sugerem que o uso de argumentos baseados em casos como justificação aumenta a concordância com afirmações em favor de violência, mas reduz a concordância com afirmações que aceitam atos de corrupção.

Parkinsonismo inducido por telmisartán: Reporte de caso / Induced parkinsonism for telmisartan: case report

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El parkinsonismo es un síndrome clínico, caracterizado por temblor, rigidez y bradicinesia, debido a la alteración en el circuito dopaminérgico ganglio-basal, específicamente a nivel nigroestriatal. A continuación se presenta un caso de parkinsonismo inducido por telmisartán. PRESENTACIÓN DE CASO: Hombre de 78 años, con antecedentes de enfermedad de Parkinson de dos años de evolución, controlada con levodopa, pramipexol ER y amantadina, ingresa al servicio de urgencias por empeoramiento del parkinsonismo en las dos semanas previas a la consulta. Tenía antecedente de infarto cerebral en el territorio de la arteria cerebral posterior izquierda, hipertensión arterial crónica y diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Al examen neurológico presentaba bradicinesia y rigidez severa en las cuatro extremidades, con limitación significativa de la marcha, asociado a mioclonías. Se descartaron alteraciones infecciosas, metabólicas y lesiones agudas en la tomografía cerebral, por lo que se suspendió el telmisartán, posteriormente a lo cual los síntomas mejoraron. DISCUSIÓN: El parkinsonismo secundario a fármacos constituye la primera causa de este síndrome, en varios modelos farmacológicos se describe la acción que estos ejercen sobre los receptores dopaminérgicos. Así, el parkinsonismo inducido por telmisartán se considera desencadenado por disrupción dopaminérgica secundaria al antagonismo de los receptores de la angiotensina II a nivel de la sustancia gris periacueductal.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Parkinsonism is a clinical syndrome characterized by tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia due to alteration in the basal-ganglia dopaminergic circuit, specifically at the nigrostriatal level. The following is a case of parkinsonism induced by telmisartan. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-year-old man with a 2-year history of Parkinson's disease of controlled evolution with levodopa, pramipexole ER, amantadine was admitted to the emergency department due to worsening of parkinsonism in the two weeks prior to consultation. He had a history of cerebral infarction in the territory of the left posterior cerebral artery, chronic arterial hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. On neurological examination, he presented bradykinesia and severe stiffness in all four limbs with significant limitation of gait, associated with myoclonus. Infectious and metabolic alterations and acute lesions were ruled out in the brain tomography, so telmisartan was suspended, after which the symptoms improved. DISCUSSION: Drug-induced parkinsonism is the first cause of this syndrome, and the action they exert on dopaminergic receptors has been described in several pharmacological models. Telmisartan-induced parkinsonism is considered triggered by dopaminergic disruption secondary to angiotensin II receptor antagonism at the periaqueductal gray substance level.

Acute Type B Aortic Dissection One Month After Fenestrated EVAR Procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Acute aortic dissection after endovascular repair of an aortic aneurysm is a rare but serious condition, with potential complications that can result in the death of the patient. REPORT: This is the case of a patient diagnosed with a type IV thoraco-abdominal aneurysm with involvement of both iliac arteries who underwent endovascular repair with a four fenestration device and a left iliac branch. One month after the procedure, the patient presented with a type B acute aortic dissection that extended from the left subclavian artery to the proximal stent of the fenestrated graft. This dissection was treated by thoracic endovascular aortic repair, and after a problematic post-operative period, the patient was discharged after 30 days. DISCUSSION: Occurrence of an acute aortic dissection after endovascular repair of an aortic aneurysm has rarely been reported in the literature. Development of these dissections has been related to factors such as excessive oversizing, use of devices with active fixation systems, or injuries during the procedure, although it is believed that the late onset would indicate that it was a de novo dissection. The presence of an aortic dissection can lead to the collapse and occlusion of the previous endograft and even to aortic rupture, and mortality in reported cases reaches 30%. The authors suggest that endovascular treatment should be considered in these patients.

Biofilm-forming capacity of two benthic microalgae, Navicula incerta and Navicula sp., on three substrates (Naviculales: Naviculaceae)

Benthic microalgae have the natural capacity to adhere to a diversity of fixed submerged substrates to form biofilms, which have important roles not only in natural ecosystems, but also in aquaculture systems. An experimental investigation was performed to assess the biofilm-forming capacity of two microalgae (Navicula incerta and Navicula sp.) on three different substrates (plastic net, fabric, and wood) under controlled temperature and light conditions. The substrates were arranged on curtains suspended from a wood stick, into plastic aquariums (45 L in capacity) filled with filtered marine water enriched with F/2 medium. The trial was carried out until the exponential growing phase of the microalgae was reached. After that, the incorporated biomass was gravimetrically calculated, and its biochemical composition was determined by standard methods. The greatest amount of incorporated dry matter was observed for Navicula sp. on fabric and the lowest was observed for wood. The highest number of cells associated with the biofilm was obtained for Navicula sp. on the plastic net (1.24 x 109 cells/m2), while the lowest was recorded for Navicula sp. on the wood (1.43 x 108 cells/m2). Significant differences in organic matter were found among the substrates, with the highest values for N. incerta on the fabric (3.22 g/m2) and the lowest for Navicula sp. on the wood (0.02 g/m2). The best biochemical profiles among the formed biofilms were observed for N. incerta on the plastic net and Navicula sp. on the fabric. The plastic net was considered the best substrate because of the stability of the biofilm and the easiness of harvesting the biomass.

Las microalgas bentónicas tienen la capacidad natural de adherirse a diversos sustratos fijos sumergidos para formar biopelículas, las cuales tienen roles importantes no solo en ecosistemas naturales sino también en sistemas de producción acuícolas. Se llevó a cabo una investigación experimental para evaluar la capacidad formadora de biopelículas de dos microalgas bentónicas (Navicula incerta y Navicula sp.) en tres diferentes sustratos (malla plástica, tela y madera), bajo condiciones controladas de temperatura y luz. Los sustratos fueron arreglados a manera de cortinas suspendidas de un tubo de PVC dentro de acuarios de plástico (45 L de capacidad) con agua marina enriquecida con el medio F/2. El experimento se llevó hasta que la fase de crecimiento exponencial de la microalga fue alcanzada. Posteriormente la biomasa incorporada fue calculada gravimétricamente, y su composición bioquímica fue determinada por métodos estándar. La mayor cantidad de materia seca se observó para N. incerta en el sustrato de tela y la menor se encontró en el de madera. El mayor número de células asociadas a la biopelícula fue registrado para Navicula sp. en malla plástica (1.24 x 109 cel/m2), mientras que el menor se encontró para Navicula sp. en madera (1.43 x 108 cels/m2). Diferencias significativas en cuanto a materia orgánica se encontraron entre los sustratos y las especies, con valores más altos para N. incerta en tela (3.22 g/m2) y más bajos para Navicula sp. en madera (0.02 ± 0.05 g/m2). Los mejores perfiles bioquímicos para las biopelículas correspondieron a las formadas por N. incerta sobre malla plástica y Navicula sp. sobre tela. La red de plástico se consideró el mejor sustrato debido a la estabilidad de la biopelícula y la facilidad para cosechar la biomasa.

Synthesis and anion recognition studies of new oligomethylene bis(nitrophenylureylbenzamide) receptors.

A new series of oligomethylene bis(nitrophenylureylbenzamide) receptors were synthesized varying the relative position of the urea and amide groups (ortho4 and meta8) and the length of the oligomethylene chain (C2 to C8). An anion recognition study was performed with TBAX salts (X = AcO-, BzO-, F-, H2PO4 -, and HP2O7 3-) by UV-vis and 1H NMR. The flexibility of these receptors allows a cooperative effect of both ureylbenzamide units in the receptors. Noteworthy, the ortho position favored the 1 : 1 stoichiometry in the complexes with the carboxylates. The formation of 2 : 1 receptor-anion complexes with both types of receptors 4 and 8 and with hydrogen pyrophosphate and high log K values obtained were very significant in this work. The NMR studies evidenced the formation of supramolecular complexes, even in a competitive solvent, such as DMSO.

Dosage and frequency effects of the microalgae Dunaliella sp. on the diet of Litopenaeus vannamei challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Carotenoid sources in shrimp diets have shown to be effective for improving survival, growth, reproductive capacity, stress resistance, and also for diminishing disease. Dunaliella sp. is known to have high levels of ß-carotenes, which works as pro-vitamin A, enhancing the immune response in shrimp. However, the administration of Dunaliella sp. in shrimp diet needs to be evaluated to determine the appropriate dose and frequency of administration needed to optimize performance in cultured white shrimp. Diets with three different concentrations of Dunaliella sp. flour (1.5, 2 and 3%) were tested, and each one was administered at three different time frequencies: daily, and at 3- and 7-days intervals. Shrimp fed for 20 days were then infected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus (1 × 106 CFU/mL). Hemolymph parameters including protein, glucose, lactate, cholesterol and triglycerides were analyzed to evaluate shrimp stress status. Additionally, L. vannamei innate non-specific immune response was examined by evaluating the activity of prophenoloxidase (proPO), phenoloxidase (PO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in hemolymph; shrimp survival was also recorded. Survival after infection with V. parahaemolyticus was higher for shrimp fed with diets consisting of 2% Dunaliella sp. administered every 3 and 7 days. Shrimp fed a diet consisting of 2% or 3% Dunaliella sp. administered every third day showed positive physiological and immune responses to infection. A decrease in lipid oxidation in plasma triglycerides was observed at 48 h post inoculation in shrimp fed at all diets regimes due to Dunaliella sp. antioxidant action. Experimental results suggest the importance of Dunaliella sp. dosage and feeding frequency in L. vannamei diet to improve the survival and immune response.

El recién nacido de madre adolescente / The newborn of an adolescent mother

RESUMEN Objetivos: Determinar las características de los recién nacidos de madres adolescentes. Materiales y métodos: Es un estudio descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo en el cual se revisaron las historias clínicas de los recién nacidos de las madres adolescentes que nacieron en el año 2014. Resultados: Hubo un total de 644 recién nacidos. Del total de las madres el 89.5% tuvieron control prenatal. 97.20% tuvo presentación cefálica al momento del parto. El 61.44% de los recién nacidos de madres adolescentes tardías nació por cesárea. Con respecto al líquido amniótico, fue normal en el 85.55% y en el 14.44% el líquido amniótico fue meconial. Según el sexo fueron en su mayoría de sexo masculino (51.70%). El 6.83% de los recién nacidos fueron de pretérminos; el 92,54% fueron a término y en el 0,31% fueron postérmino. Según diagnóstico pediátrico el 86.56% de los recién nacidos de madres adolescentes tardía fueron adecuados para la edad gestacional (AEG) y el 10.52% de los recién nacidos de madres adolescentes temprana fueron pequeños para la edad gestacional (PEG). El 96.89% presentaron un APGAR al minuto entre 7-10 y el 99.22% un APGAR entre 7-10 a los 5 minutos. Conclusiones: La mayoría de neonatos fueron a término, y nacieron por cesárea. No hubo fallecidos.

ABSTRACT Objectives: Determinate the characteristics of newborn from teenage mothers. Materials and methods: It is a descriptive, observational, retrospective study. Data were collected from clinical histories of newborn from teenage mothers who were born in 2014 Results: There were a total of 644 of newborn. About the total of mothers, the 89.5% had prenatal control. According to the type of presentation in the 97.20% were cephalic. 61.44% of newborn from teenage mothers, were born by C-section. Respect to the amniotic fluid of newborn from teenage mothers, the 85.55% was normal and 14.44% was meconial. The majority were male in the (51.70%). The 6.83% were preterm, the 92.54% were upon maturity and the 0.31% were post term. According to the pediatric diagnostic, the 86.6% of newborn from late teen mothers were adecuate for gestational age (AGA), and the 10.52% of newborn from early teen mothers were small for gestational age (SGA). The 96.89% of newborns had APGAR at first minute between 7-10 and 99.22% had APGAR between 7-10 at five minutes. Conclusions: The majority of newborn were upon maturity and were born by C-section. There weren't deaths.

Survival of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp fed on diets supplemented with Dunaliella sp. is improved after challenges by Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Survival of Litopenaeus vannamei was evaluated during a Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection. This bacteria has been causing significant economic losses in the shrimp industry due to the appearance of early mortality syndrome (EMS), also known as acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). Control of bacteria in ponds is difficult to achieve with antibiotics due to environmental infections and antibiotic resistance. New methods have been proposed to control and prevent the impact of bacterial infections. The physiological response indicated by plasma biochemical parameters in shrimp can determine their health and stress status. Meanwhile, shrimp immunology is the key factor in establishing strategies to control diseases. Immunostimulants are the best alternative to antibiotics to prevent or minimize disease damage, and at the same time, these stimulants improve the immune system in shrimp. Four diets containing 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3% of Dunaliella sp. with high ß-carotene content were tested in the present study. After 20days of feeding, organisms were infected with V. parahaemolyticus. Protein, glucose, lactate, triglyceride and cholesterol levels, as well as activity of prophenoloxidase and phenoloxidase, were determined 48 h post-infection (hpi). Shrimp fed a diet with 3% Dunaliella sp. showed the highest survival. Glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, as well as prophenoloxidase and phenoloxidase activity, were not observed to be suitable indicators during this bacterial infection. The results indicated that the inclusion of Dunaliella sp. in diet increases survival in L. vannamei infected with V. parahaemolyticus.

New Entamoeba group in howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.) associated with parasites of reptiles.

Our knowledge of the parasite species present in wildlife hosts is incomplete. Protozoans such as amoebae of the genus Entamoeba infect a large variety of vertebrate species, including NHPs. However, traditionally, their identification has been accomplished through microscopic evaluation; therefore, amoeba species have not always been identified correctly. We searched for Entamoeba spp. using a fragment of the small subunit rDNA in free-ranging howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata and A. pigra) from southeast Mexico. One hundred fifty five samples were collected, with 46 from A. palliata and 109 from A. pigra and 8 of the total samples were positive. We detected a new clade of Entamoeba, which was separated from other described species but closer to E. insolita, as well as an unnamed sequence typically found in iguana species with low shared identity values (<90%). We designated this new clade as conditional lineage 8 (CL8) and we have shown that members of this group are not exclusive to reptiles.

Clarifying the Cryptic Host Specificity of Blastocystis spp. Isolates from Alouatta palliata and A. pigra Howler Monkeys.

Although the presence of cryptic host specificity has been documented in Blastocystis, differences in infection rates and high genetic polymorphism within and between populations of some subtypes (ST) have impeded the clarification of the generalist or specialist specificity of this parasite. We assessed the genetic variability and host specificity of Blastocystis spp. in wild howler monkeys from two rainforest areas in the southeastern region of Mexico. Fecal samples of 225 Alouatta palliata (59) and A. pigra (166) monkeys, belonging to 16 sylvatic sites, were analyzed for infection with Blastocystis ST using a region of the small subunit rDNA (SSUrDNA) gene as a marker. Phylogenetic and genetic diversity analyses were performed according to the geographic areas where the monkeys were found. Blastocystis ST2 was the most abundant (91.9%), followed by ST1 and ST8 with 4.6% and 3.5%, respectively; no association between Blastocystis ST and Alouatta species was observed. SSUrDNA sequences in GenBank from human and non-human primates (NHP) were used as ST references and included in population analyses. The haplotype network trees exhibited different distributions: ST1 showed a generalist profile since several haplotypes from different animals were homogeneously distributed with few mutational changes. For ST2, a major dispersion center grouped the Mexican samples, and high mutational differences were observed between NHP. Furthermore, nucleotide and haplotype diversity values, as well as migration and genetic differentiation indexes, showed contrasting values for ST1 and ST2. These data suggest that ST1 populations are only minimally differentiated, while ST2 populations in humans are highly differentiated from those of NHP. The host generalist and specialist specificities exhibited by ST1 and ST2 Blastocystis populations indicate distinct adaptation processes. Because ST1 exhibits a generalist profile, this haplotype can be considered a metapopulation; in contrast, ST2 exists as a set of local populations with preferences for either humans or NHP.

Navicula sp. Sulfated Polysaccharide Gels Induced by Fe(III): Rheology and Microstructure.

A sulfated polysaccharide extracted from Navicula sp. presented a yield of 4.4 (% w/w dry biomass basis). Analysis of the polysaccharide using gas chromatography showed that this polysaccharide contained glucose (29%), galactose (21%), rhamnose (10%), xylose (5%) and mannose (4%). This polysaccharide presented an average molecular weight of 107 kDa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that the lyophilized Navicula sp. polysaccharide is an amorphous solid with particles of irregular shapes and sharp angles. The polysaccharide at 1% (w/v) solution in water formed gels in the presence of 0.4% (w/v) FeCl3, showing elastic and viscous moduli of 1 and 0.7 Pa, respectively. SEM analysis performed on the lyophilized gel showed a compact pore structure, with a pore size of approximately 150 nm. Very few studies on the gelation of sulfated polysaccharides using trivalent ions exist in the literature, and, to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to describe the gelation of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from Navicula sp.