The effects of essential oil from Lippia origanoides and herbal betaine on performance, intestinal integrity, bone mineralization and meat quality in broiler chickens subjected to cyclic heat stress.

Essential oils (EO) affect performance, intestinal integrity, bone mineralization, and meat quality in broiler chickens subjected to cyclic heat stress (HS). Day-of-hatch Cobb 500 male broiler chicks (n = 475) were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1: No heat stress (Thermoneutral) + control diets with no antibiotics; Group 2: heat stress control + control diets; Group 3: heat stress + control diets supplemented with thymol chemotype (45 ppm) and herbal betaine (150 ppm) formulation EO1; Group 4: heat stress + control diets supplemented with phellandrene (45 ppm) and herbal betaine (150 ppm) formulation EO2. From day 10-42, the heat stress groups were exposed to cyclic HS at 35°C for 12 h (8:00-20:00). BW, BWG, FI, and FCRc were measured at d 0, 10, 28, and 42. Chickens were orally gavaged with FITC-d on days 10 (before heat stress) and 42. Morphometric analysis of duodenum and ileum samples and bone mineralization of tibias were done. Meat quality was assessed on day 43 with ten chickens per pen per treatment. Heat stress reduced BW by day 28 (p < 0.05) compared to thermoneutral chickens. At the end of the trial, chickens that received both formulations of EO1 and EO2 had significantly higher BW than HS control chickens. A similar trend was observed for BWG. FCRc was impaired by EO2 supplementation. There was a significant increase in total mortality in EO2 compared with EO1 EO1 chickens had lower FITC-d concentrations at day 42 than the HS control. In addition, EO1 treatment is not statistically different if compared to EO2 and thermoneutral. Control HS broilers had significantly lower tibia breaking strength and total ash at day 42 than heat-stressed chickens supplemented with EO1 and EO2. Heat stress affected intestinal morphology more than thermoneutral chickens. EO1 and EO2 improved intestinal morphology in heat-stressed chickens. Woody breast and white striping were more common in thermoneutral chickens than heat stress chickens. In conclusion, the EO-containing diet could improve broiler chicken growth during cyclic heat stress, becoming increasingly relevant in antibiotic-free production in harsh climates.

The increase in diaphragm thickness in preterm infants is related to birth weight: a pilot study.

Diaphragm ultrasound (DU) has been used in adult and pediatric critical patients in relation to prediction of extubation success or to detect diaphragm dysfunction, but there is a lack of evidence in neonates. Our aim is to study the evolution of diaphragm thickness in preterm infants, as well as related variables. This prospective monocentric observational study included preterm infants born before 32 weeks (PT32). We performed DU to measure right and left inspiratory and expiratory thickness (RIT, LIT, RET, and LET) and calculated the diaphragm-thickening fraction (DTF) in the first 24 h of life and then weekly until 36 weeks postmenstrual age, death, or discharge. Using multilevel mixed-effect regression, we evaluated the influence of time since birth on diaphragm measurements, as well as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), birth weight (BW), and days of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). We included 107 infants, and we performed 519 DUs. All diaphragm thickness increased with time since birth, but the only additional variable that influenced this growth was BW: beta coefficients RIT = 0.00006; RET = 0.00005; LIT = 0.00005; and LET = 0.00004, p < 0.001. Right DTF values remained stable since birth but left DTF increased with time only in infants with BPD.   Conclusion: In our population we found that the higher the BW, the higher diaphragm thicknesses at birth and follow-up. Contrary to the previously published findings in adult and pediatric settings, we were unable to describe a relationship between days of IMV and diaphragm thickness in PT32. The final diagnosis of BPD does not influence this increase either, but it does increase left DTF. What is Known: • Diaphragm thickness and diaphragm thickening fraction have been related to the time on invasive mechanical ventilation in adults and pediatric patients, as well as with extubation failure. • Very few evidence is yet available on the use of diaphragmatic ultrasound in preterm infants. What is New: • Birth weight is the only variable related to diaphragm thickness in preterm infants born before 32 weeks postmenstrual age. • Days of invasive mechanical ventilation do not influence diaphragm increase in thickness in preterm infants.

Cutaneous traction as a complement to the parascapular flap in major cancer loss: case report / Tração cutânea como complemento ao retalho paraescapular em grande perda oncológica: relato de caso

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant epidermal keratinocyte tumor closely related to sun exposure. When diagnosed, through biopsy, its staging, tumor resection with oncological safety margins must be performed, and lymph node dissection and treatment of metastases, if present, may be performed. Case Report: Skin traction is reported as a complement to the parascapular flap, used reconstructively after the excision of a large SCC in the left shoulder. Conclusion: The technique used proved effective for the satisfactory correction of large dehiscence in the postoperative period of the parascapular flap, promoting partial closure of the defect, reduced time to perform, and correction of the residual defect in a single step.

Introdução: O carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) é um tumor maligno dos queratinócitos epidérmicos e está intimamente relacionado à exposição solar. Quando diagnosticado, por meio de biópsia, deve ser realizado seu estadiamento, ressecção tumoral com margens de segurança oncológica, podendo ser feito esvaziamento ganglionar e tratamento de metástases, caso presentes. Relato de Caso: Reporta-se a utilização da tração cutânea como complemento ao retalho paraescapular, utilizado reconstrutivamente pós excisão de CEC de grande dimensão em ombro esquerdo. Conclusão: A técnica utilizada mostrou-se eficaz para correção satisfatória de grandes deiscências em pós-operatório de retalho paraescapular, promovendo fechamento parcial do defeito, tempo reduzido para realização e correção do defeito residual em tempo único.

Bioelimination of Phytotoxic Hydrocarbons by Biostimulation and Phytoremediation of Soil Polluted by Waste Motor Oil.

Soils contaminated by waste motor oil (WMO) affect their fertility, so it is necessary to recover them by means of an efficient and safe bioremediation technique for agricultural production. The objectives were: (a) to biostimulate the soil impacted by WMO by applying crude fungal extract (CFE) and Cicer arietinum as a green manure (GM), and (b) phytoremediation using Sorghum vulgare with Rhizophagus irregularis and/or Rhizobium etli to reduce the WMO below the maximum value according to NOM-138 SEMARNAT/SS or the naturally detected one. Soil impacted by WMO was biostimulated with CFE and GM and then phytoremediated by S. vulgare with R. irregularis and R. etli. The initial and final concentrations of WMO were analyzed. The phenology of S. vulgare and colonization of S. vulgaris roots by R. irregularis were measured. The results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey's HSD test. The WMO in soil that was biostimulated with CFE and GM, after 60 days, was reduced from 34,500 to 2066 ppm, and the mineralization of hydrocarbons from 12 to 27 carbons was detected. Subsequently, phytoremediation with S. vulgare and R. irregularis reduced the WMO to 86.9 ppm after 120 days, which is a concentration that guarantees the restoration of soil fertility for safe agricultural production for human and animal consumption.

Biorecovery of Agricultural Soil Impacted by Waste Motor Oil with Phaseolus vulgaris and Xanthobacter autotrophicus.

Agricultural soil contamination by waste motor oil (WMO) is a worldwide environmental problem. The phytotoxicity of WMO hydrocarbons limits agricultural production; therefore, Mexican standard NOM-138-SEMARNAT/SSA1-2012 (NOM-138) establishes a maximum permissible limit of 4400 ppm for hydrocarbons in soil. The objectives of this study are to (a) biostimulate, (b) bioaugment, and (c) phytoremediate soil impacted by 60,000 ppm of WMO, to decrease it to a concentration lower than the maximum allowed by NOM-138. Soil contaminated with WMO was biostimulated, bioaugmented, and phytoremediated, and the response variables were WMO concentration, germination, phenology, and biomass of Phaseolus vulgaris. The experimental data were validated by Tukey HSD ANOVA. The maximum decrease in WMO was recorded in the soil biostimulated, bioaugmented, and phytoremediated by P. vulgaris from 60,000 ppm to 190 ppm, which was considerably lower than the maximum allowable limit of 4400 ppm of NOM-138 after five months. Biostimulation of WMO-impacted soil by detergent, mineral solution and bioaugmentation with Xanthobacter autotrophicus accelerated the reduction in WMO concentration, which allowed phytoremediation with P. vulgaris to oxidize aromatic hydrocarbons and recover WMO-impacted agricultural soil faster than other bioremediation strategies.

Nutritional quality of protein flours of fava bean (Vicia faba L.) and in vitro digestibility and bioaccesibility.

Fava bean (Vicia faba L.) is a high-protein crop consumed worldwide and is an exceptional plant-based protein source for human consumption. The present study evaluated in vitro nutritional properties of four different protein flours of fava bean: minimal processed flour (MPF), cooked flour (CF), non-polyphenol protein concentrate (NPP), and polyphenol-protein concentrate (PP). NPP showed the highest protein concentration of 94.39 ±â€¯0.76%. The heat treatment significantly increased the in vitro protein digestibility in CF (94.15 ±â€¯2.45%). NPP and PP showed the highest bioaccessibility, 29.85 ±â€¯1.88 and 33.19 ±â€¯1.65%, respectively, no significant differences. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed bioaccessible low molecular weight peptides (<15 kDa) and legumin and vicilin presence. In silico analysis of bioactive peptides of legumin and vicilin presented high occurrence frequencies of bioactivities, as angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitor and dipeptidyl peptidase III/IV inhibitor peptides. This study supports the use and further investigation of fava bean proteins for human nutrition.

Phytochemicals From Vicia faba Beans as Ligands of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor to Regulate Autoimmune Diseases.

Legumes are associated with gut health benefits, and increasing evidence indicates that their consumption reduces the risk of chronic diseases that include autoimmunity. Beans are rich sources of compounds with health-promoting effects, and recent metabolomic approaches have enabled the comprehensive characterization of the chemical composition of Vicia faba L. This article reviewed whether the phytocompounds in broad beans might modulate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which plays an essential role in autoantigen tolerance as a potential dietary strategy for autoimmune disease management. Therefore, thirty molecules present in Vicia faba of the chemical classes of flavonoids, chalcones, stilbenes, jasmonates, alkaloids, and amino acids, and either a human- or microbiome-derived product of biotransformation, retrieved from the literature or predicted in silico were evaluated by docking for affinity against the ligand-binding domain of AhR. Most analyzed compounds showed high affinity even after their metabolism which indicate that some AhR modulators remain active despite several steps in their biotransformation. Hence, our results suggest that in similitude with the gut metabolism of the tryptophan, phytocompounds mainly polyphenols also lead to metabolites that induce the AhR pathway. Furthermore, wyerone acid, wyerone epoxide, jasmonic acid, stizolamine, vicine, and convicine and their metabolite derivatives are reported for the first time as potential AhR ligands. Overall, chronic consumption of phytochemicals in Vicia faba L. and their gut biotransformation may protect against autoimmune disease pathogenesis by AhR modulation.

FACT-seq: profiling histone modifications in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples with low cell numbers.

The majority of biopsies in both basic research and translational cancer studies are preserved in the format of archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. Profiling histone modifications in archived FFPE tissues is critically important to understand gene regulation in human disease. The required input for current genome-wide histone modification profiling studies from FFPE samples is either 10-20 tissue sections or whole tissue blocks, which prevents better resolved analyses. But it is desirable to consume a minimal amount of FFPE tissue sections in the analysis as clinical tissues of interest are limited. Here, we present FFPE tissue with antibody-guided chromatin tagmentation with sequencing (FACT-seq), the first highly sensitive method to efficiently profile histone modifications in FFPE tissues by combining a novel fusion protein of hyperactive Tn5 transposase and protein A (T7-pA-Tn5) transposition and T7 in vitro transcription. FACT-seq generates high-quality chromatin profiles from different histone modifications with low number of FFPE nuclei. We proved a very small piece of FFPE tissue section containing ∼4000 nuclei is sufficient to decode H3K27ac modifications with FACT-seq. H3K27ac FACT-seq revealed disease-specific super enhancers in the archived FFPE human colorectal and human glioblastoma cancer tissue. In summary, FACT-seq allows decoding the histone modifications in archival FFPE tissues with high sensitivity and help researchers to better understand epigenetic regulation in cancer and human disease.

Protein Concentrates on Tepary Bean (Phaseolus acutifolius Gray) as a Functional Ingredient: In silico Docking of Tepary Bean Lectin to Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma.

The tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius Gray) is a US-Mexico frontier native crop, produces high yields in agriculture, and needs to be reconsidered because of its nutritional and functional properties. This study aimed to determine the technological and nutritional properties of flours and protein concentrates of tepary bean, besides determining an in silico agonist effect of tepary bean lectin to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). We evaluated the technological properties of raw samples (tepary flour and tepary protein concentrate) and cooked samples (tepary flour and tepary protein concentrate). The flours present a significant difference (p < 0.05) concerning protein concentrates in water absorption and oil absorption capacity. The raw samples' emulsifying capacity was higher than that reported in the literature for other legumes, but not the cooked samples. The samples' foaming capacity had no significant difference in treatments (p > 0.05), and cooked tepary bean protein concentrate presented complete gelation at a lower concentration (2%). Nutritionally, raw samples present a protein percentage of 23.46 ± 0.06 and 71.38 ± 0.44 and cooked samples present a protein percentage of 25.27 ± 0.04 and 62.69 ± 0.14; a chemical score of 72, 86, 82, and 72; in vitro protein digestibility (%) = 48.20 ± 0.31, 49.80 ± 0.80, 61.77 ± 1.70, and 63.61 ± 4.19; and C-PER = 0.86, 1.34, 1.93, and 1.81, respectively. All the samples showed methionine + cysteine as the limiting amino acid. All these nutritional data are very similar to the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). SDS-PAGE preserves the lectin fraction in both protein concentrates. The in silico study of tepary lectin (PDB: 6tt9) shows that there were seven peptides that presented values below -120 kcal/mol: PEW, VSVGF, PSQK, TTPW, ATSF, ITY, and TSF, with VSVGF, PSQK, and PEW having the highest affinity for active sites of the PAPRγ receptor (binding energies from -5.32 to -7.04 kcal/mol). These peptides could show antiadipogenic or antidiabetic activity based on the intermolecular bond energies and open an interesting research item.

Phenology of the endangered palm Ceroxylon quindiuense (Arecaceae) along an altitudinal gradient in Colombia / Fenología de la palma en peligro Ceroxylon quindiuense (Arecaceae) a lo largo de un gradiente altitudinal en Colombia

Abstract Introduction: Understanding the phenology of plant populations is vital for their conservation and management. We studied the vegetative and reproductive phenology of the endangered palm Ceroxylon quindiuense along an altitudinal gradient in the Central Cordillera of Colombia. Objective: We describe the leaf production rate, and flowering and fruiting cycles, and calculate food offer for the fauna, as a tool for the proper management of the palm. Methods: At each sampling site (2 400, 2 600, 2 800, 3 000 m.a.s.l.), we marked 40 adult individuals (20 pistillate, 20 staminate), which we followed bimonthly for 24 months. We studied leaf production by counting fallen leaves. We followed flower and fruit production through observations with binoculars and photographs. Results: Each adult individual produced, on average, one leaf every 69 days. Although isolated individuals flowered throughout the year, most palms flowered synchronously at each elevation in October 2016-August 2017 and in August 2018-February 2019 and had ripe fruits 7-13 months later. Flowering started at 2 600 m, followed by 2 800 and 3 000 m. Palms at 2 400 m, the lower limit of the palm stands in the area, showed a singular behavior, with scarce flower and fruit production, some individuals that changed sex, and a higher proportion of pistillate palms. Each palm produced 1-11 (x̄ = 5.3, SD = 2.2) inflorescences and 1-10 (x̄ = 5.3, SD = 2.2) infructescences. The average number of fruits per infructescence was 4 465 (SD = 1 488). With an estimated population of adult palms between 256 000 and 600 000 and an overall ratio of pistillate: staminate individuals 1:1 or 1:2, total fruit production in the area during each fruiting period is estimated as 2.0-7.1 billion fruits. Conclusions: The huge number of flowers and fruits and their gradual availability along the altitudinal gradient have a major impact on the spatial and temporal distribution of food offer for fauna associated with the palm.

Resumen Introducción: Comprender la fenología de las poblaciones de plantas es vital para su conservación y manejo. Estudiamos la fenología vegetativa y reproductiva de la palma amenazada Ceroxylon quindiuense a lo largo de un gradiente altitudinal en la Cordillera Central de Colombia. Objetivo: Describimos la tasa de producción de hojas, los ciclos de floración y fructificación, y calculamos la oferta alimentaria para la fauna, como una herramienta para el adecuado manejo de la palma. Métodos: En cada sitio de muestreo (2 400, 2 600, 2 800, 3 000 m.s.n.m.), marcamos 40 individuos adultos (20 pistilados, 20 estaminados), que seguimos bimestralmente durante 24 meses. Estudiamos la producción de hojas contando las caídas al suelo. Seguimos la producción de flores y frutos a través de observaciones con binoculares y fotografías. Resultados: Cada individuo adulto produjo, en promedio, una hoja cada 69 días. Aunque los individuos aislados florecieron durante todo el año, la mayoría de las palmas florecieron sincrónicamente en cada elevación entre octubre 2016 y agosto 2017 y de agosto 2018 a febrero 2019 y tuvieron frutos maduros entre 7-13 meses después. La floración comenzó a los 2 600 m, seguida de los 2 800 y los 3 000 m. Las palmas a 2 400 m, límite inferior de los palmares de la zona, mostraron un comportamiento singular, con escasa producción de flores y frutos, varios individuos que cambiaron de sexo y una mayor proporción de palmas pistiladas. Cada palma produjo 1-11 (x̄ = 5.3, SD = 2.2) inflorescencias y 1-10 (x̄ = 5.3, SD = 2.2) infrutescencias. El número promedio de frutos por infrutescencia fue de 4 465. Con una población estimada de palmas adultas entre 256 000 y 600 000 y una proporción total de individuos pistilados: estaminados 1:1 o 1:2, la producción total de frutos en el área durante cada período de fructificación se estima en 2.0-7.1 mil millones de frutos. Conclusiones: La gran cantidad de flores y frutos y su progresiva disponibilidad a lo largo del gradiente tienen un impacto importante en la distribución espacial y temporal de la oferta de alimento para la fauna asociada a la palma.

Effect of Ultrasound on In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) Residues cv. Tupy.

Agro-industries residues of fruit are a source of antioxidant compounds with a possible health impact. The aim of this study was to evaluate the total phenolic content (TPC), total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA), individual phenolic compounds (IPC), antioxidant capacity and in vitro intestinal bioaccessibility from blackberry residues (BR), and ultrasonicated blackberry residues (US-BR). The results showed that BR had higher TPC (4,016.43 mg GAE/100 g DM), TMA (364.53 mg Cy-3-Gl/100 g) antioxidant capacity by ABTS (5,422.38 mg AAE/100 g DM) and FRAP (12511.44 µmol Fe(II)/100 g DM) than US-BR. TPC and TMA obtained by US-BR were more bioaccessible (70 and 51%, respectively) compared to BR (37 and 34%, respectively). The use of ultrasound can aid the extraction of total phenolic compounds and improve their bioaccessibility. After acid hydrolysis, a high amount of individual phenolic compounds (IPC) in US-BR (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, apigenin, luteolin and kaempferol) was obtained compared with BR. Before in vitro digestion, total individual compounds (TIC) content was lower in the BR (29.49 mg/100 g DM) than US-BR (92.36 mg/100 g DM) and there was 5 and < 1%, respectively. Therefore, the food industry would use residues of blackberry fruits as a source of antioxidant compounds with possible health benefits.

Gamma radiation-induced grafting of n-hydroxyethyl acrylamide onto poly(3-hydroxybutyrate): A companion study on its polyurethane scaffolds meant for potential skin tissue engineering applications.

This study aimed at investigating the synthesis, characterization, and search for a biotechnological application proposal for poly [(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid] (PHB) grafted with the n-hydroxyethyl acrylamide (HEAA) monomer. The novel copolymer was prepared by 60Co gamma radiation-induced-graft polymerization. The effect of different solvents in the graft polymerization; the degree of grafting, crystallinity, and hydrophilicity; the morphology and the thermal properties were evaluated. The polyurethane fabricated from the grafted PHB was suggested as a scaffold. The enzymatic degradation behavior and the spectroscopic, morphological, mechanical, and biological properties of the composites were assessed. According to the results, the successful grafting of HEAA onto PHB was verified. The grafting was significantly affected by the type of solvent employed. A decreased crystallinity and increased hydrophilicity of the graft copolymer, concerning the PHB, was found. An increased roughness was observed in the morphology of the polymer after grafting. The thermodynamic parameters, except for the glass transition temperature, also decreased for the synthetic biopolymer. The intended use of these scaffolds for skin tissue engineering was supported by a proper degradability and degree of porosity, improved mechanical properties, the optimal culture of human fibroblasts, and its transfection with a plasmid vector containing an enhanced green fluorescent protein.

Evaluation of Perioperative High-Sensitive Cardiac Troponin I as a Predictive Biomarker of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Noncardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Various studies suggest that perioperative concentrations of high-sensitivity troponins are incremental and predictive factors of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) and all-cause mortality. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) in the development of MACE and all-cause mortality, within 30-days and 1-year follow-up after noncardiac surgery. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we included men ≥ 45 years and women ≥ 55 years with ≥ 2 cardiovascular risk factors and undergoing intermediate or high-risk noncardiac surgery. Demographic and clinical information was collected from clinical charts. We measured baseline hs-cTnI 24 h before surgery, and its post-operative concentration 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: In the entire sample, 8 patients (8.6%) developed MACE at 30-days follow-up (4 deaths), 12 (12.9%) within the 1st year (7 deaths), and 17 (18.2%) after complete post-surgical follow-up (10 deaths). We observed higher baseline and post-operative concentrations in patients who presented MACE (12 pg/ml vs. 3.5 pg/ml; p = 0.001 and 18.3 pg/ml vs. 5.45 pg/ml; p = 0.009, respectively). The hazard ratios (HRs) calculated by Cox regression analysis between the hs-cTnI baseline concentration and the post-operative development of MACE at 30-days and 1-year were 5.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-29.40) with hs-cTnI > 6.2 pg/ml and 12.86 (95% CI, 1.42-116.34) with hs-cTnI > 3.3 pg/ml, respectively. The estimated post-operative HR death risk at 1-year was 14.43 (95% CI, 1.37-151.61) with hs-cTnI > 4.5 pg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative hs-cTnI was an independent predictive risk factor for MACE at 30-days and 1-year after noncardiac surgery and for all-cause mortality at 1-year after noncardiac surgery.

EVALUATION OF PERIOPERATIVE HIGH-SENSITIVE CARDIAC TROPONIN I AS A PREDICTIVE BIOMARKER OF MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS AFTER NONCARDIAC SURGERY.

BACKGROUND: Various studies suggest that perioperative concentrations of high-sensitivity troponins are incremental and predictive factors of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) and all-cause mortality. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) in the development of MACE and all-cause mortality, within 30-days and 1-year follow-up after noncardiac surgery. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we included men ≥ 45 years and women ≥ 55 years with ≥ 2 cardiovascular risk factors and undergoing intermediate or high-risk noncardiac surgery. Demographic and clinical information was collected from clinical charts. We measured baseline hs-cTnI 24 h before surgery, and its post-operative concentration 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: In the entire sample, 8 patients (8.6%) developed MACE at 30-days follow-up (4 deaths), 12 (12.9%) within the 1st year (7 deaths), and 17 (18.2%) after complete post-surgical follow-up (10 deaths). We observed higher baseline and post-operative concentrations in patients who presented MACE (12 pg/ml vs. 3.5 pg/ml; p = 0.001 and 18.3 pg/ml vs. 5.45 pg/ml; p = 0.009, respectively). The hazard ratios (HRs) calculated by Cox regression analysis between the hs-cTnI baseline concentration and the post-operative development of MACE at 30-days and 1-year were 5.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-29.40) with hs-cTnI > 6.2 pg/ml and 12.86 (95% CI, 1.42-116.34) with hs-cTnI > 3.3 pg/ml, respectively. The estimated post-operative HR death risk at 1-year was 14.43 (95% CI, 1.37-151.61) with hs-cTnI > 4.5 pg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative hs-cTnI was an independent predictive risk factor for MACE at 30-days and 1-year after noncardiac surgery and for all-cause mortality at 1-year after noncardiac surgery.

Evaluation of perioperative high-sensitive cardiac troponin i as a predictive biomarker of major adverse cardiovascular events after noncardiac surgery

ABSTRACT Background: Various studies suggest that perioperative concentrations of high-sensitivity troponins are incremental and predictive factors of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) and all-cause mortality. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) in the development of MACE and all-cause mortality, within 30-days and 1-year follow-up after noncardiac surgery. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we included men ≥ 45 years and women ≥ 55 years with ≥ 2 cardiovascular risk factors and undergoing intermediate or high-risk noncardiac surgery. Demographic and clinical information was collected from clinical charts. We measured baseline hs-cTnI 24 h before surgery, and its post-operative concentration 24 h after surgery. Results: In the entire sample, 8 patients (8.6%) developed MACE at 30-days follow-up (4 deaths), 12 (12.9%) within the 1st year (7 deaths), and 17 (18.2%) after complete post-surgical follow-up (10 deaths). We observed higher baseline and post-operative concentrations in patients who presented MACE (12 pg/ml vs. 3.5 pg/ml; p = 0.001 and 18.3 pg/ml vs. 5.45 pg/ml; p = 0.009, respectively). The hazard ratios (HRs) calculated by Cox regression analysis between the hs-cTnI baseline concentration and the post-operative development of MACE at 30-days and 1-year were 5.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-29.40) with hs-cTnI > 6.2 pg/ml and 12.86 (95% CI, 1.42-116.34) with hs-cTnI > 3.3 pg/ml, respectively. The estimated post-operative HR death risk at 1-year was 14.43 (95% CI, 1.37-151.61) with hs-cTnI > 4.5 pg/ml. Conclusions: Pre-operative hs-cTnI was an independent predictive risk factor for MACE at 30-days and 1-year after noncardiac surgery and for all-cause mortality at 1-year after noncardiac surgery.

Mutational landscape and intra-host diversity of human papillomavirus type 16 long control region and E6 variants in cervical samples.

Human papillomavirus genotype 16 (HPV16) is the most frequent high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) identified in cervical precursor lesions and cervical cancer (CC) worldwide. The oncogenic potential of HPV16 is partly dependent on the lineage involved in the infection and the presence of clinically relevant mutations. In this report, we present the distribution of HR-HPV and the mutational profile and intra-host variability of HPV16 lineages, based on analysis of the long control region (LCR) and the E6 gene in samples with normal cytology (n = 39), squamous intraepithelial lesions (n = 25), and CC (n = 39). HR-HPV genotyping was performed using multiplex real-time PCR. HPV16 lineage assignments and mutation frequencies were determined by conventional PCR and Sanger DNA sequencing, and intra-patient viral populations were analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The most frequent HR-HPV type was HPV16, followed by HPV31 and HPV18. The frequency of HPV16 sublineages was A1/A2 > D2 > D3 and B1. Moreover, the most frequent mutations, both in samples from this study and in the available sequences from Mexican isolates in the GenBank database were LCR-G7518A, which is involved in carcinogenesis, and E6-T350G (producing L83V), associated with persistence of infection. Otherwise, deep sequencing revealed high conservation of viral lineages and mutations, independently of the stages studied. In conclusion, the high frequency and stability of these molecular markers, as well as the circulating viral lineages, could be related to the incidence of CC associated with HPV16. Hence, they deserve a broader analysis to determine the risk of specific populations for progression of the disease.

Cardiac Tamponade as an Initial Manifestation of Cervical Cancer.

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy worldwide in women and the third most common cause of cancer death in developing countries. This type of cancer spreads mainly to the lung, the bone, and the brain; however, the pericardium is an unusual site of invasion, which is associated with a poor prognosis. We present a case of a 35-year-old woman with six months of leg edema and abnormal uterine bleeding. During the initial evaluation, cardiac tamponade and a bilateral pleural effusion were found. A left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy was identified on physical examination, while gynecological examination and MRI were irrelevant. Initial cytology of the pericardial fluid showed a poorly differentiated carcinoma, and a cervical biopsy revealed a squamous cell invasive carcinoma. Chemotherapy was started with carboplatin and paclitaxel, but no clinical improvement was noted and the patient died 46 days after arrival. Cardiac tamponade in a young female patient is a harbinger to widen the differential diagnosis to include not only infectious, cardiac, or metabolic etiology but also oncological causes since this will allow appropriate treatment.

"Omics" Education in Dietetic Curricula: A Comparison between Two Institutions in the USA and Mexico.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The completion of sequencing of the human genome and a better understanding of epigenomic regulation of gene expression have opened the possibility of personalized nutrition in the near future. This has also created an immediate need for trained personnel qualified to administer personalized nutrition education. Of all the allied healthcare personnel, dietitians are the most likely to undertake this role. However, dietitians and dietetic students are still deficient in their knowledge of nutrigenomics and other "omics" technologies. Therefore, with the eventual goal of dietetic curriculum reorganization, the International Society of Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics (ISNN) has set out to evaluate nutrigenomic knowledge among dietetic students from different countries. In this study, we compared nutrition and dietetic students from Texas Woman's University (TWU) and the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) for their perceived need for, interest in, and knowledge of different topics within nutritional genomics. METHODS: Students from both universities were sent an e-mail link to the survey which was located at psychdata.com. One hundred twenty-seven students completed the survey. The survey assessed the students' knowledge of, perceived need for, and interest in different omics technologies, as well as their basic knowledge of basic nutrition and genetic topics. Differences were assessed using the χ2 test for homogeneity and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Students from TWU and UANL exhibited differences in their knowledge, desire to learn more, and perceived need for omics science in some but not all categories. CONCLUSIONS: Undergraduate nutrition students from both the USA and Mexico lack a high level of knowledge in different omics topics but recognize the role that omics will play in their future as dietitians. There were differences between the 2 universities in terms of the desire to learn more about different omics technologies and to take more classes covering different topics with nutritional genomic components. In order to make personalized nutrition a reality, future dietitians will need to become fluent in different omics technologies.