Unilateral alacrimia as a presenting symptom of Meckel's cave tumour.

Meckel's cave tumour, a rare benign tumour originating from the Schwann cells surrounding the trigeminal nerve within the Meckel's cave region, can present with a variety of clinical manifestations. We report a case of a 44-year-old male patient who presented with symptoms of tear deficiency, including dryness, ocular discomfort, and blurred vision. Diagnostic evaluation revealed the presence of a Meckel's cave tumour harming the trigeminal nerve, leading to alacrimia. This case highlights the association between Meckel's cave tumour and tear deficiency disorders.

Oral Supplementation of Phosphatidylcholine Attenuates the Onset of a Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis in Female C57BL/6J Mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Changes in phosphatidylcholine levels in the liver have been associated with the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Here, the effects of supplementing phosphatidylcholine on the development of early signs of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis were assessed. METHODS: Male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed a liquid control or a fructose-, fat-, and/or cholesterol-rich diet for 7 or 8 weeks. The diets of female mice were fortified ± phosphatidylcholine (12.5 mg/g diet). In liver tissue and portal blood, indices of liver damage, inflammation, and bacterial endotoxemia were measured. J774A.1 cells and human monocytes preincubated with phosphatidylcholine (0.38 mmol/L) were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (50-100 ng/mL) ± the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) activator pioglitazone (10 µmol/L) or ± a liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH-1) antagonist 1-(3'-[1-(2-[4-morpholinyl]ethyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-3-biphenylyl)ethanon (1-10 µmol/L). RESULTS: In fructose-, fat-, and/or cholesterol-rich diet-fed mice the development of fatty liver and the beginning of inflammation were associated with significantly lower hepatic phosphatidylcholine levels when compared with controls. Supplementing phosphatidylcholine significantly attenuated the development of fatty liver and inflammation, being associated with protection against the induction of PPARγ2, and activation of nuclear factor of κ light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cell inhibitor α whereas Lrh1 expression was unchanged. The protective effects of phosphatidylcholine on the lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of J774A.1 cells and human monocytes were attenuated significantly by the PPARγ activator pioglitazone and the LRH-1 antagonist. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that phosphatidylcholine levels in the liver are lower in early metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis in mice and that supplementation of phosphatidylcholine can diminish the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease through mechanisms involving LRH-1/PPARγ2/ nuclear factor κ-light-chain enhancer of activated B-cell signaling.

Dry eye symptoms and signs in United States Gulf War era veterans with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

BACKGROUND: To examine ocular symptoms and signs of veterans with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) diagnosis, ME/CFS symptoms, and controls. METHODS: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of 124 South Florida veterans in active duty during the Gulf War era. Participants were recruited at an ophthalmology clinic at the Miami Veterans Affairs Hospital and evaluated for a diagnosis of ME/CFS, or symptoms of ME/CFS (intermediate fatigue, IF) using the Canadian Consensus criteria. Ocular symptoms were assessed via standardised questionnaires and signs via comprehensive slit lamp examination. Inflammatory blood markers were analysed and compared across groups. RESULTS: Mean age was 55.1 ± 4.7 years, 88.7% identified as male, 58.1% as White, and 39.5% as Hispanic. Ocular symptoms were more severe in the ME/CFS (n = 32) and IF (n = 48) groups compared to controls (n = 44) across dry eye (DE; Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI]: 48.9 ± 22.3 vs. 38.8 ± 23.3 vs. 19.1 ± 17.8, p < 0.001; 5 item Dry Eye Questionnaire [DEQ-5]: 10.8 ± 3.9 vs. 10.0 ± 4.6 vs. 6.6 ± 4.2, p < 0.001) and pain-specific questionnaires (Numerical Rating Scale 1-10 [NRS] right now: 2.4 ± 2.8 vs. 2.4 ± 2.9 vs 0.9 ± 1.5; p = 0.007; Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory modified for the Eye [NPSI-E]: 23.0 ± 18.6 vs. 19.8 ± 19.1 vs. 6.5 ± 9.0, p < 0.001). Ocular surface parameters and blood markers of inflammation were generally similar across groups. CONCLUSION: Individuals with ME/CFS report increased ocular pain but similar DE signs, suggesting that mechanisms beyond the ocular surface contribute to symptoms.

Effect of smoking on the redox status of knee osteoarthritis: A preliminary study.

Even though smoking has been scarcely studied in osteoarthritis (OA) etiology, it is considered a controversial risk factor for the disease. Exposure to tobacco smoke has been reported to promote oxidative stress (OS) as part of the damage mechanism. The aim of this study was to assess whether smoking increases cartilage damage through the generation of OS. Peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) samples from patients with OA were analyzed. The samples were stratified according to smoking habit, Kellgren-Lawrence score, pain, and cotinine concentrations in PB. Malondialdehyde (MDA), methylglyoxal (MGO), advanced protein oxidation products (APOPs), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were assessed; the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT), as well as the activity of arginase, which favors the destruction of cartilage, was determined. When stratified by age, for individuals <60 years, the levels of MDA and APOPs and the activity of MPO and GST were higher, as well as antioxidant system activity in the smoking group (OA-S). A greater degree of pain in the OA-S group increased the concentrations of APOPs and arginase activity (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Arginase activity increased significantly with a higher degree of pain (P < 0.01). Active smoking can be an important risk factor for the development of OA by inducing systemic OS in young adults, in addition to reducing antioxidant enzymes in older adults and enhancing the degree of pain and loss of cartilage.

Thermomechanical Properties of High Oleic Palm Oil Assessed Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Texture Analysis, Microscopy, and Shear Rheology.

Standard Palm Oil (SPO) is widely used as a food ingredient partially due to its unique thermophysical properties. However, the American Heart Association recommends a saturated fat consumption of <5% of the caloric intake per day. The OxG Palm hybrid yields oil known as "palm oil with a higher content of oleic acid" (HOPO), with <35% SFA and >50% oleic acid. Characterizing novel high oleic oils is the starting point to find processes that can functionalize them such as oleogelation. This study compared the thermophysical properties of HOPO to SPO using Differential Scanning Calorimetry, shear rheology, polarized light microscopy, and texture analysis to characterize the differences between these oils. HOPO had a lower onset crystallization temperature (Δ7 °C) and its rheological behavior followed similar trends to SPO; however, large viscosity offsets were observed and were correlated to differences in crystallization temperatures. The maximum peak force of SPO was an order of magnitude higher than that of HOPO. Overall similar trends between the oils were observed, but differences in firmness, crystal morphology, and viscosity were not linearly correlated with the offset in crystallization temperature. This study quantified differences between these oils that will better enable industry to use HOPO in specific applications.

TNFα is a key trigger of inflammation in diet-induced non-obese MASLD in mice.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is thought to be a critical factor in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Here, we determined the effects of a treatment with the anti-TNFα antibody infliximab and a genetic deletion of TNFα, respectively, in the development of non-obese diet-induced early metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in mice. The treatment with infliximab improved markers of liver damage in mice with pre-existing early MASH. In TNFα-/- mice, the development of early signs of MASH and insulin resistance was significantly attenuated compared to wild-type animals. While mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin 1ß (Il1b) and interleukin 6 (Il6) were significantly lower in livers of MASH-diet-fed TNFα-/- mice compared to wild-type mice with early MASH, markers of intestinal barrier function were similarly impaired in both MASH-diet-fed groups compared to controls. Our data suggest that TNFα is a key regulator of hepatic inflammation and insulin resistance associated with the development of early non-obese MASH.

The Effects of Emulsifier Addition on the Functionalization of a High-Oleic Palm Oil-Based Oleogel.

Alternatives to oils with high saturated fatty acid content are often liquid oils (high in unsaturated fatty acids) that have a modified structure created either through additives or processing. Emulsifiers are additives that can be used as structuring agents of liquid fats; this process results in products such as oleogels, which can broaden the applications of these oils. This study assessed and compared the effects of mono- and diglycerides at 3%, 5%, 7% and 10% w/w on the mechanical and thermal properties of high-oleic palm oil (HOPO) oleogels. HOPO was heated to 75 °C and mixed with mono- or diglycerides at those four concentrations. The thermomechanical properties of the melted oleogels were assessed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The melted oleogels were cooled to final temperatures of 5 °C, 10 °C and 15 °C under identical cooling rates, after which a puncture test (via a texture analyzer) was used to assess their textures. Finally, polarized light microscopy was used to assess the mechanical changes induced through emulsifier addition. The results showed that the use of mono- and diglycerides significantly modified the thermal and mechanical properties of the oleogels. The addition of saturated monoglycerides promoted a higher-temperature nucleation stage that did not previously occur in HOPO. The onset crystallization temperature increased with the addition of diglycerides, promoting crystallization at higher temperatures of the high-melting fraction of HOPO. The hardness of the oleogel generally increased with emulsifier addition and a reduction of the temperature. The effect of the temperature on the hardness was significantly greater in the diglyceride oleogel than in the monoglyceride oleogel. This study shows that the addition of mono- and diglycerides allows companies to customize their formulations to achieve desired results that may not previously have been possible, thereby facilitating novel uses for these oils within the industry.

Cost-effectiveness of Prophylactic Laser Peripheral Iridotomy in Primary Angle-Closure Suspects.

PURPOSE: To investigate the cost-effectiveness (CE) of prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in primary angle-closure (PAC) suspects (PACSs). DESIGN: Cost-effectiveness analysis utilizing Markov models. SUBJECTS: Patients with narrow angles (PACSs). METHODS: Progression from PACSs through 4 states (PAC, PAC glaucoma, blindness, and death) was simulated using Markov cycles. The cohort entered at 50 years and received either LPI or no treatment. Transition probabilities were calculated from published models, and risk reduction of LPI was calculated from the Zhongshan Angle Closure Prevention trial. We estimated costs of Medicare rates, and previously published utility values were used to calculate quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Incremental CE ratios (ICER) were evaluated at $50 000. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSAs) addressed uncertainty. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total cost, QALY, and ICER. RESULTS: Over 2 years, the ICER for the LPI cohort was > $50 000. At 6 years, the LPI cohort was less expensive with more accrued QALY. In PSA, the LPI arm was cost-effective in 24.65% of iterations over 2 years and 92.69% over 6 years. The most sensitive parameters were probability of progressing to PAC and cost and number of annual office visits. CONCLUSIONS: By 6 years, prophylactic LPI was cost-effective. The rate of progressing to PAC and differing practice patterns most impacted CE. With uncertainty of management of narrow angles, cost may be a decision management tool for providers. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Pancreatitis aguda asociada a balón intragástrico: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

La obesidad es una patología de importancia a nivel mundial porque conlleva a una alta carga de mortalidad y morbilidad. El balón intragástrico representa una técnica no quirúrgica empleada cada vez con más frecuencia para lograr pérdida de peso. Si bien, este se considera un método seguro, se han reportado algunas complicaciones desde náuseas y vómitos, hasta eventos adversos graves, tales como perforación. La pancreatitis aguda constituye una complicación muy rara del balón intragástrico y se atribuye su efecto a la compresión directa que ejerce sobre el páncreas. Presentamos el caso de una paciente mujer de 21 años, quien después de 7 meses de colocación de balón intragástrico, cursó con dolor abdominal, náuseas y vómitos, asociados a elevación de enzimas pancreáticas. Se hizo diagnóstico de pancreatitis aguda y se corroboró compresión de la cola del páncreas mediante estudio tomográfico. Se decidió retiro del balón mediante endoscopía, cursando luego con evolución favorable.

Obesity is a pathology of importance worldwide because it leads to a high burden of mortality and morbidity. The intragastric balloon represents a non-surgical technique used more and more frequently to achieve weight loss. Although this is considered a safe method, some complications have been reported, from nausea and vomiting to serious adverse events, such as perforation. Acute pancreatitis is a very rare complication of the intragastric balloon, and its effect is attributed to the direct compression it exerts on the pancreas. We present the case of a 21-year-old female patient who, after 7 months of intragastric balloon placement, developed abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, associated with elevated pancreatic enzymes. A diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was made and compression of the tail of the pancreas was confirmed by tomographic study. It was decided to remove the balloon by endoscopy, which then progressed favorably.

Quantitative Proteomics for the Identification of Differentially Expressed Proteins in the Extracellular Vesicles of Cervical Cancer Cells.

The extracellular vesicles (EVs) in a tumoral microenvironment can exert different functions by transferring their content, which has been poorly described in cervical cancer. Here, we tried to clarify the proteomic content of these EVs, comparing those derived from cancerous HPV (+) keratinocytes (HeLa) versus those derived from normal HPV (-) keratinocytes (HaCaT). We performed a quantitative proteomic analysis, using LC-MS/MS, of the EVs from HeLa and HaCaT cell lines. The up- and downregulated proteins in the EVs from the HeLa cell line were established, along with the cellular component, molecular function, biological processes, and signaling pathways in which they participate. The biological processes with the highest number of upregulated proteins are cell adhesion, proteolysis, lipid metabolic process, and immune system processes. Interestingly, three of the top five signaling pathways with more up- and downregulated proteins are part of the immune response. Due to their content, we can infer that EVs can have a significant role in migration, invasion, metastasis, and the activation or suppression of immune system cells in cancer.

Resultados de la osteosíntesis en fracturas intertrocantéricas inestables de fémur con clavo femoral proximal

Introducción: Las fracturas intertrocantéricas del extremo proximal del fémur constituyen el grupo nosológico con mayor morbilidad y mortalidad de las lesiones traumáticas del esqueleto. Objetivo: Evaluar la reducción, la colocación del implante y el tiempo de consolidación. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de 114 pacientes con diagnóstico de fracturas del extremo proximal del fémur tratadas con clavo femoral proximal, y un seguimiento posoperatorio de un año. Resultados: Se alcanzó un resultado clínico funcional de excelente a bueno en el 82,4 % de los casos. Se evidenciaron signos radiológicos de consolidación en un promedio de 4,2 meses en la mayor parte de la muestra. Conclusiones: La pérdida de la fijación constituyó la complicación más frecuente; por tanto, se considera que el enclavado femoral proximal ofrece buenos resultados en el tratamiento de fracturas intertrocantéricas inestables del fémur.

Introduction: Intertrochanteric fractures of the proximal end of the femur constitute the nosological group with the highest morbidity and mortality of traumatic skeletal injuries. Objective: To evaluate reduction, implant placement and consolidation time. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out in 114 patients with diagnosis of fractures of the proximal end of the femur treated with proximal femoral nailing, and a one-year postoperative follow-up. Results: A functional clinical result from excellent to good was achieved in 82.4% of the cases. Radiological signs of consolidation were evidenced in an average of 4.2 months in most of the sample. Conclusions: Loss of fixation was the most frequent complication; therefore, proximal femoral nailing is considered to offer good results in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the femur.

Physicians' attitudes and perceived barriers to adherence to the national breast cancer clinical practice guidelines in Mexico: a survey study.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to clinical practice guidelines improves outcomes for patients with breast cancer. However, their implementation may not be feasible in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to evaluate physicians' adherence, attitudes, and barriers towards the Colima Consensus, which is the Mexican national breast cancer clinical practice guideline. METHODS: A cross-sectional, 31-item survey was e-mailed to Consensus attendees and members of the Mexican Society of Oncology and Mexican Mastology Association. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariate analysis were used to analyze the associations between participants' characteristics, adherence, attitudes, and barriers. RESULTS: Of 439 respondents, 78% percent adhered to Consensus recommendations and 94% believed it was applicable to their clinical practice. Forty percent reported using the Consensus as their sole breast cancer guideline. This was associated with being a surgical oncologist (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.0-5.3) and practicing at a public hospital (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.7). The most common barriers to adherence were lack of resources and logistical problems. Regarding attitudes towards the Consensus, 90% considered it a good educational tool, 89% considered it a reliable source of information, and 90% thought it improved quality of care. CONCLUSIONS: We showed high levels of adherence and positive attitudes towards the Colima Consensus, with a significant proportion of physicians using it as their only guideline. Lack of resources and logistical issues were the main barriers to adherence. Our results highlight the relevance of local breast cancer guidelines and suggest a need for the creation of resource-stratified guidelines.

Reconstrucción biológica de grandes defectos óseos con autoinjerto de peroné vascularizado en huesos largos / Biological reconstruction of large bone defects with vascularized fibular autograft

Introducción: El autoinjerto vascular de peroné se presenta como una muy buena opción en la reconstrucción de grandes defectos óseos en huesos largos gracias a sus características estructurales y propiedades biológicas. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y retrospectivo que incluyó a todos los pacientes operados con un injerto vascular de peroné aislado o asociado a injerto estructural (técnica de Capanna) desde el 1 de enero de 2014 hasta el 1 de enero de 2021 en nuestro hospital. Resultados: Se realizaron 26 cirugías mediante un injerto vascular de peroné; en 8 de ellas, se utilizó el colgajo vascularizado de peroné para la reconstrucción del defecto óseo en hueso largo. El tamaño medio del defecto era de 7,7 cm. El origen del defecto era postraumático en 5 casos y tumoral en el resto. Se consiguió la consolidación completa en todos los pacientes. Los resultados clínicos y funcionales en las escalas de valoración fueron mejores en pacientes operados en el miembro inferior. Conclusiones: El uso de un colgajo vascularizado de peroné asociado o no a aloinjerto estructural es una estrategia útil en la reconstrucción de grandes defectos óseos (≥5 cm), independientemente de la causa de la lesión; la supervivencia del injerto y la función son buenas, con una tasa de complicaciones aceptable. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Background: Given its biological and structural qualities, vascular fibular autograft is a good option for the reconstruction of large defects in long bones. Materials and Methods: A descriptive and retrospective observational study was conducted. We included all cases of patients who underwent surgery in our hospital between January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2021, and who had a vascular fibula autograft either standalone or in combination with a structural graft (Capanna technique). Results:There were 26 documented vascular fibula autograft procedures. Eight of the procedures involved the reconstruction of a long bone defect. The bone defect was an average of 7.7 cm in length. In five of the cases, the origin of the bone defect was post-traumatic, and in the remaining cases, it was tumoral. In all cases, complete consolidation was achieved. Surgical procedures performed on the lower extremities yielded better clinical and functional outcomes. Conclusions:Vascular fibula autograft either on its own or in combination with a structural graft, as described in the Capanna technique, is an excellent alternative for the reconstruction of bone defects ≥ 5 cm. Radiological, clinical and functional outcomes are good, with an acceptable rate of complications. Level of Evidence: IV

[Malnutrition management of hospitalized patients with diabetes/hyperglycemia and cancer cachexia]. / Abordaje de la desnutrición en pacientes hospitalizados con diabetes/hiperglucemia y caquexia tumoral.

Introduction: Diabetes is a frequent comorbidity in cancer patients, since they share common risk factors. In cancer, the concurrence of cachexia represents a poor prognostic factor, which is aggravated by poor nutritional status. Clinically, cancer cachexia manifests as a significant reduction in body weight, accompanied by changes in body composition and alterations in the balance of the biological system, and causes progressive dysfunction. This article describes the results of the expert consensus and the responses of the panelists on the nutritional management in routine clinical practice of patients with diabetes/hyperglycemia hospitalized (non-critically ill) with cancer cachexia.

Introducción: La diabetes es una comorbilidad frecuente en pacientes con cáncer, ya que comparten factores de riesgo comunes. En la enfermedad oncológica, la presencia de caquexia tumoral representa un factor de mal pronóstico, que se ve agravado por un estado nutricional deficiente. Clínicamente, la caquexia se manifiesta como una reducción significativa del peso corporal, acompañado de cambios en la composición corporal y alteraciones en el equilibrio del sistema biológico, y causa una disfunción progresiva. El presente artículo describe los resultados del consenso de expertos y las respuestas de los panelistas sobre el manejo nutricional en la práctica clínica habitual de los pacientes con diabetes/hiperglucemia hospitalizados en planta (no críticos) con caquexia tumoral concurrente.

[Malnutrition management of hospitalized patients with diabetes/hyperglycemia and liver cirrhosis]. / Abordaje de la desnutrición en pacientes hospitalizados con diabetes/hiperglucemia y cirrosis hepática.

Introduction: Liver cirrhosis is a progressive and chronic disease of the liver, of diverse etiology, which is frequently associated with glucose intolerance and in some cases concurs with type 2 diabetes (DM2). DM2 is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with cirrhosis, including a higher rate of hospitalizations, a higher prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma, and an increased risk of mortality. Malnutrition is another frequent complication of cirrhosis, the prevalence of which increases with the degree of liver dysfunction, worsening the prognosis. This article describes the results of the expert consensus and the responses of the panelists on the nutritional management in routine clinical practice of patients with diabetes/hyperglycemia hospitalized (non-critically ill) with liver cirrhosis.

Introducción: La cirrosis hepática es una enfermedad progresiva y crónica del hígado, de etiología diversa, que se asocia frecuentemente con intolerancia a la glucosa y en algunos casos concurre con diabetes tipo 2 (DM2). La DM2 se asocia con resultados adversos en pacientes con cirrosis, incluyendo una mayor tasa de ingresos hospitalarios, una mayor prevalencia de carcinoma hepatocelular y un mayor riesgo de mortalidad. La desnutrición es otra complicación frecuente en la cirrosis, cuya prevalencia aumenta con el grado de disfunción hepática, empeorando el pronóstico. El presente artículo describe los resultados del consenso de expertos y las respuestas de los panelistas sobre el manejo nutricional en la práctica clínica habitual de los pacientes con diabetes/hiperglucemia hospitalizados en planta (no críticos) con cirrosis hepática.

Verminosis pulmonar en pequeños rumiantes, descripción de la enfermedad, prevención, control y tratamiento / Pulmonary verminosis in small ruminants, description of the disease, prevention, control and treatment

Resumen La verminosis pulmonar en ovinos y caprinos es una de las parasitosis más importantes que afectan a ambas especies. Es causada por los nematodos Dictyocaulus filaria, Protostrongylus rufescens y Muellerius capillaris. El objetivo de este trabajo fue presentar información reciente sobre verminosis en ovinos y caprinos. Su patogenicidad depende de la cantidad de larvas presentes y su ubicación en el parenquima pulmonar, lo que puede provocar una bronconeumonía, que en ocasiones es mortal. La enfermedad puede ser clínica o subclínica, con signos como tos, taquipnea, secreción nasal y retraso en el crecimiento. El diagnóstico se puede realizar mediante detección de larvas del primer estadio (L1) en heces, utilizando la técnica de Baermann. Para el tratamiento se pueden utilizar benzimidazoles, lactonas macrocíclicas e imidazotiazoles. A pesar de la poca importancia que se le suele dar como verminosis pulmonar, puede provocar afectación a los parámetros productivos y disminuir la ganancia de peso, así como, predisponer a bronconeumonías secundarias, afectando la rentabilidad de las unidades de producción.

Abstract Pulmonary verminosis is one of the most important parasites affecting sheep and goats. It is caused by Dictyocaulus filaria, Protostrongylus rufescens and Muellerius capillaris nematodes. The objective of this work was to present recent information on verminosis in sheep and goats. Its pathogenicity depends on the number of larvae and their location in the lung parenchyma, which can cause bronchopneumonia, sometimes fatal. The disease can be clinical or subclinical, with signs such as cough, tachypnea, runny nose, and growth retardation. Diagnosis can be made by detecting first-stage larvae (L1) in feces, using the Baermann technique. Benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones and imidazothiazoles can be used for treatment. Despite the little importance that is usually given to the disease, it can affect production parameters, and decrease weight gain, as well as predispose to secondary bronchopneumonia, affecting the profitability of production units.

Unusual extraconal orbital location of a cavernous hemangioma.

Cavernous hemangioma is the most common benign orbital and vascular tumor in adults. It is mostly located intraconally. Nevertheless, when the location is extraconal, the displacement of the globe is opposite the tumor's position. We describe an unusual presentation of this tumor in a 75-year-old female. The only symptom was the presence of epiphora. In the clinical examination, a mass was palpated on the lower orbital rim of the right eye. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a well-circumscribed ovoid mass with a strong T2 hyperintensity and progressive contrast filling in T1. Excisional biopsy was performed, which confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma. At five months of follow-up, there was no evidence of new symptoms.

Identification of Proteases and Protease Inhibitors in Seeds of the Recalcitrant Forest Tree Species Quercus ilex.

Proteases and protease inhibitors have been identified in the recalcitrant species Quercus ilex using in silico and wet methods, with focus on those present in seeds during germination. In silico analyses showed that the Q. ilex transcriptome database contained 2,240 and 97 transcripts annotated as proteases and protease inhibitors, respectively. They belonged to the different families according to MEROPS, being the serine and metallo ones the most represented. The data were compared with those previously reported for other Quercus species, including Q. suber, Q. lobata, and Q. robur. Changes in proteases and protease inhibitors alongside seed germination in cotyledon and embryo axis tissues were assessed using proteomics and in vitro and in gel activity assays. Shotgun (LC-MSMS) analysis of embryo axes and cotyledons in nonviable (NV), mature (T1) and germinated (T3) seeds allowed the identification of 177 proteases and 12 protease inhibitors, mostly represented by serine and metallo types. Total protease activity, as determined by in vitro assays using azocasein as substrate, was higher in cotyledons than in embryo axes. There were not differences in activity among cotyledon samples, while embryo axis peaked at germinated T4 stage. Gel assays revealed the presence of protease activities in at least 10 resolved bands, in the Mr range of 60-260 kDa, being some of them common to cotyledons and embryo axes in either nonviable, mature, and germinated seeds. Bands showing quantitative or qualitative changes upon germination were observed in embryo axes but not in cotyledons at Mr values of 60-140 kDa. Proteomics shotgun analysis of the 10 bands with protease activity supported the results obtained in the overall proteome analysis, with 227 proteases and 3 protease inhibitors identified mostly represented by the serine, cysteine, and metallo families. The combined use of shotgun proteomics and protease activity measurements allowed the identification of tissue-specific (e.g., cysteine protease inhibitors in embryo axes of mature acorns) and stage-specific proteins (e.g., those associated with mobilization of storage proteins accumulated in T3 stage). Those proteins showing differences between nonviable and viable seeds could be related to viability, and those variables between mature and germinated could be associated with the germination process. These differences are observed mostly in embryo axes but not in cotyledons. Among them, those implicated in mobilization of reserve proteins, such as the cathepsin H cysteine protease and Clp proteases, and also the large number of subunits of the CNS and 26S proteasome complex differentially identified in embryos of the several stages suggests that protein degradation via CNS/26S plays a major role early in germination. Conversely, aspartic proteases such as nepenthesins were exclusively identified in NV seeds, so their presence could be used as indicator of nonviability.

AAV-mediated BMP7 gene therapy counteracts insulin resistance and obesity.

Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity are strongly associated and are a major health problem worldwide. Obesity largely results from a sustained imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Therapeutic approaches targeting metabolic rate may counteract body weight gain and insulin resistance. Bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7) has proven to enhance energy expenditure by inducing non-shivering thermogenesis in short-term studies in mice treated with the recombinant protein or adenoviral vectors encoding BMP7. To achieve long-term BMP7 effects, the use of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors would provide sustained production of the protein after a single administration. Here, we demonstrated that treatment of high-fat-diet-fed mice and ob/ob mice with liver-directed AAV-BMP7 vectors enabled a long-lasting increase in circulating levels of this factor. This rise in BMP7 concentration induced browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) and activation of brown adipose tissue, which enhanced energy expenditure, and reversed WAT hypertrophy, hepatic steatosis, and WAT and liver inflammation, ultimately resulting in normalization of body weight and insulin resistance. This study highlights the potential of AAV-BMP7-mediated gene therapy for the treatment of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.