Multiple biomarker approach in the fiddler crab to assess anthropogenic pollution in tropical coastal environments.

CONTEXT: Fiddler crabs are important to the ecology of estuarine systems around the world, however, few studies have incorporated them as bioindicators. Urias estuary represents one of the most urbanized lagoons in the Gulf of California region and received discharges from different sources: shrimp farm, thermoelectric plant, fish processing plants, and untreated domestic and sewage wastes. OBJECTIVE: Assess the effects on anthropogenic contamination on female fiddler crabs reproduction, survival and genetic stability. METHODS: Exposition of wild crabs from a less impacted (reference) site to naturally contaminated sediments on under controlled laboratory conditions. Reproductive parameters, levels of DNA damage and mortality rates were measured, together with chemical analyses of sediments. RESULTS: The most contaminated sediments corresponded to the site where fish processing plants were located and the integrated biomarker response analysis revealed that the most adverse effects were produced by exposure to sediments from this site; these crabs showed higher mortality (67%) and poorer ovarian development than those crabs exposed to sediments from other sites. CONCLUSIONS: Female crabs under pollution stress are able to trade-off reproduction for survival, and surviving animals were able to restore genetic stability possibly by activating DNA repair mechanisms. Multiple biomarker approach discriminates different coastal contamination scenarios.

Potential Antidiabetic Activity of Apis mellifera Propolis Extraction Obtained with Ultrasound.

Recent studies have linked phenolic compounds to the inhibition of digestive enzymes. Propolis extract is consumed or applied as a traditional treatment for some diseases. More than 500 chemical compounds have been identified in propolis composition worldwide. This research aimed to determine Mexican propolis extracts' total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and digestive enzyme inhibitory activity (ɑ-amylase and ɑ-glucosidase). In vitro assays measured the possible effect on bioactive compounds after digestion. Four samples of propolis from different regions of the state of Oaxaca (Mexico) were tested (Eloxochitlán (PE), Teotitlán (PT), San Pedro (PSP), and San Jerónimo (PSJ)). Ethanol extractions were performed using ultrasound. The extract with the highest phenolic content was PE with 15,362.4 ± 225 mg GAE/100 g. Regarding the flavonoid content, the highest amount was found in PT with 8084.6 ± 19 mg QE/100 g. ABTS•+ and DPPH• radicals were evaluated. The extract with the best inhibition concentration was PE with 33,307.1 ± 567 mg ET/100 g. After simulated digestion, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity decreased by 96%. In contrast, antidiabetic activity, quantified as inhibition of ɑ-amylase and ɑ-glucosidase, showed a mean decrease in enzyme activity of approximately 50% after the intestinal phase. Therefore, it is concluded that propolis extracts could be a natural alternative for treating diabetes, and it would be necessary to develop a protective mechanism to incorporate them into foods.

Current MRI Methods for the Assessment of Pathologic Prostate: A Brief Review for Clinicians.

The application of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have helped in different modalities for prostate cancer management, from early detection to treatment planning and follow-up, the evolution of MRI techniques allows to obtain not only anatomical but also functional information to take advantage of prostate cancer detection and staging while supplying prognostic and predictive biomarkers. This review presents conventional and advanced MRI techniques (known as multiparametric MRI) that allow functional and quantitative assessment of the normal prostate gland and its correlation with prostate cancer. Additional topics include the epidemiology of prostate cancer following the Global Burden Diseases Cancer Collaboration 2018, the clinical anatomy of the prostate gland, and the lower urinary tract; we also mention some aspects of the diagnosis performance in ultrasound. We end the review with a brief explanation about the anatomical foundation of external-beam planning radiotherapy.

Aerobic degradation of mercaptosuccinate by the gram-negative bacterium Variovorax paradoxus strain B4.

The Gram-negative bacterium Variovorax paradoxus strain B4 was isolated from soil under mesophilic and aerobic conditions to elucidate the so far unknown catabolism of mercaptosuccinate (MS). During growth with MS this strain released significant amounts of sulfate into the medium. Tn5::mob-induced mutagenesis was successfully employed and yielded nine independent mutants incapable of using MS as a carbon source. In six of these mutants, Tn5::mob insertions were mapped in a putative gene encoding a molybdenum (Mo) cofactor biosynthesis protein (moeA). In two further mutants the Tn5::mob insertion was mapped in the gene coding for a putative molybdopterin (MPT) oxidoreductase. In contrast to the wild type, these eight mutants also showed no growth on taurine. In another mutant a gene putatively encoding a 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (paaH2) was disrupted by transposon insertion. Upon subcellular fractionation of wild-type cells cultivated with MS as sole carbon and sulfur source, MPT oxidoreductase activity was detected in only the cytoplasmic fraction. Cells grown with succinate, taurine, or gluconate as a sole carbon source exhibited no activity or much lower activity. MPT oxidoreductase activity in the cytoplasmic fraction of the Tn5::mob-induced mutant Icr6 was 3-fold lower in comparison to the wild type. Therefore, a new pathway for MS catabolism in V. paradoxus strain B4 is proposed: (i) MPT oxidoreductase catalyzes the conversion of MS first into sulfinosuccinate (a putative organo-sulfur compound composed of succinate and a sulfino group) and then into sulfosuccinate by successive transfer of oxygen atoms, (ii) sulfosuccinate is cleaved into oxaloacetate and sulfite, and (iii) sulfite is oxidized to sulfate.

Genotyping of Chlamydia trachomatis from endocervical specimens of infertile Mexican women.

INTRODUCTION: It has been reported in several countries that Chlamydia trachomatis genotypes D, E, and F are the ones more frequently associated with urogenital infections. In Mexico, the prevalence of serovars and genotypes is unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty-two endocervical swabs were collected from infertile women to test for C. trachomatis. The PCR-based RFLP and automated-sequencing methods of ompA gene was used to identify the C. trachomatis genotypes. Sequences of 891 pb obtained were aligned with currently available chlamydial sequences from GenBank to identify the corresponding genotype. RESULTS: Twenty-four women with infertility (15.8%) were positive for C. trachomatis. According to the RFLP and nucleotide sequences results the most prevalent ompA genotype corresponded to serovar F (n=13 [54.2%]), followed by serovars E (n=2 [8.7%]), G (n=2 [8.7%]), K (n=2 [8.7%]) and LGV (n=2 [8.7%]), while serovars D, H and Ia were less prevalent (all n=1 [4.2%]). None of the patients who were positive to genovar L2 had symptoms of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). Nucleotide sequences analysis showed a new genovariant of L2, which was different to L2b to L2f. Mutation points were observed in VS1 domain of Omp A. CONCLUSIONS: In this study the most common genotypes were F. Furthermore, the L2 genovariants were demonstrated in infertile women without signs and symptoms of LGV disease. Presence of point mutations in L2 genotype sequences were seen by which there is a need for further research in order to identify new L2 genetic variants that exist in Latin America.

Efficacy of physical and chemical treatments on the inactivation of bovine leukosis virus present in milk.

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of pasteurization, freezing, the addition of formaldehyde and peroxymonosulfate on the inactivation of the bovine leukemia virus (BLV) present in milk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sheep bioassay was carried out in 40 sheep, which were intraperitoneally inoculated with leukocytes from milk infected by the BLV previously treated with one of the virus inactivation methods. Five study groups were evaluated: (1) control group: milk without previous treatment, (2) pasteurization group: milk treated by pasteurization, (3) freezing group: milk treated by freezing for 36 hours, (4) formaldehyde group: 0.1% formaldehyde, and (5) peroxymonosulfate group: 0.05% peroxymonosulfate. The inoculated animals were followed for 10 weeks. RESULTS: At week 10 post-inoculation, all the animals (8/8) of the control group and the peroxymonosulfate group were seropositive to BLV, while no animals were seropositive (0/8) to BLV in the remaining three groups. Statistically significant differences were found between the pasteurization, freezing and formaldehyde groups with respect to the control (p<0.001) and peroxymonosulfate groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that pasteurization, freezing and formaldehyde processes are efficient in inactivating the BLV and can be used in milk to prevent the transmission of the virus.

Diagnosis of acute HIV infection in Connecticut.

Acute HIV infection (AHI) is the earliest stage of HIV disease, when plasma HIV viremia, but not HIV antibodies, can be detected. Acute HIV infection often presents as a nonspecific viral syndrome. However, its diagnosis, which enables linkage to early medical care and limits further HIV transmission, is seldom made. We describe the experience of Yale's Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS with AHI diagnosis in Connecticut, as a participating center in the National Institute of Mental Health Multisite AHI Study. We sought to identify AHI cases by clinical referrals and by screening for AHI at two substance abuse care facilities and an STD clinic. We identified one case by referral and one through screening of 590 persons. Screening for AHI is feasible and probably cost effective. Primary care providers should include AHI in the differential diagnosis when patients present with a nonspecific viral syndrome.

Biological and technical variables affecting immunoassay recovery of cytokines from human serum and simulated vaginal fluid: a multicenter study.

The increase of proinflammatory cytokines in vaginal secretions may serve as a surrogate marker of unwanted inflammatory reaction to microbicide products topically applied for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV-1. Interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6 have been proposed as indicators of inflammation and increased risk of HIV-1 transmission; however, the lack of information regarding detection platforms optimal for vaginal fluids and interlaboratory variation limit their use for microbicide evaluation and other clinical applications. This study examines fluid matrix variants relevant to vaginal sampling techniques and proposes a model for interlaboratory comparisons across current cytokine detection technologies. IL-1beta and IL-6 standards were measured by 12 laboratories in four countries, using 14 immunoassays and four detection platforms based on absorbance, chemiluminescence, electrochemiluminescence, and fluorescence. International reference preparations of cytokines with defined biological activity were spiked into (1) a defined medium simulating the composition of human vaginal fluid at pH 4.5 and 7.2, (2) physiologic salt solutions (phosphate-buffered saline and saline) commonly used for vaginal lavage sampling in clinical studies of cytokines, and (3) human blood serum. Assays were assessed for reproducibility, linearity, accuracy, and significantly detectable fold difference in cytokine level. Factors with significant impact on cytokine recovery were determined by Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance with Dunn's multiple comparison test and multiple regression models. All assays showed acceptable intra-assay reproducibility; however, most were associated with significant interlaboratory variation. The smallest reliably detectable cytokine differences ( P < 0.05) derived from pooled interlaboratory data varied from 1.5- to 26-fold depending on assay, cytokine, and matrix type. IL-6 but not IL-1beta determinations were lower in both saline and phosphate-buffered saline as compared to vaginal fluid matrix, with no significant effect of pH. The (electro)chemiluminescence-based assays were most discriminative and consistently detected <2-fold differences within each matrix type. The Luminex-based assays were less discriminative with lower reproducibility between laboratories. These results suggest the need for uniform vaginal sampling techniques and a better understanding of immunoassay platform differences and cross-validation before the biological significance of cytokine variations can be validated in clinical trials. This investigation provides the first standardized analytic approach for assessing differences in mucosal cytokine levels and may improve strategies for monitoring immune responses at the vaginal mucosal interface.

Genital tract interleukin-8 but not interleukin-1beta or interleukin-6 concentration is associated with bacterial vaginosis and its clearance in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women.

Genital tract infections and cytokine perturbations are associated with increased HIV acquisition and transmission. We measured the relationship between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and concentrations of Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) specimens collected longitudinally from 16 HIV-infected and 8 HIV-uninfected high-risk women. CVL samples were analyzed when women presented with BV, and at their next visit, after successful treatment, when BV was cleared. A subset of participants had cytokine levels evaluated at three consecutive clinic visits: before developing BV, at the time of BV diagnosis, and after clearing BV. Significantly higher IL-8, but not IL-1beta or IL-6 levels were present when women had active BV compared to when BV was absent. Trends in cytokine levels were similar for HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women. BV in these women was associated with significantly higher concentrations of genital tract IL-8 which decreased 2.4 fold when BV was cleared.

Recomendaciones para el monitoreo continuo de la glucosa en pacientes embarazadas con diabetes mellitus tipos 1, 2 y gestacional / Recommendations for continuous glucose monitoring in pregnant patients with type 1, 2 and gestational diabetes mellitus

Resumen OBJETIVO: Emitir recomendaciones para la vigilancia y seguimiento de pacientes embarazadas con diabetes mellitus tipos 1, 2 y gestacional con base en la experiencia de un grupo de especialistas y en lo reportado en la bibliografía, desde la perspectiva del sistema de salud mexicano. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizó la metodología del panel Delphi modificado, mediante la unanimidad de criterios de un grupo de especialistas en Ginecoobstetricia, Biología de la Reproducción y Medicina Materno Fetal mexicanos, tomando en cuenta un nivel de unanimidad del 80% de los participantes. RESULTADOS: Con base en un ejercicio de consenso se recomienda el monitoreo continuo de la glucosa en todas las pacientes embarazadas con diabetes mellitus tipos 1 y 2 a partir del primer trimestre de la gestación. En pacientes con diabetes gestacional considerar, a partir del segundo o tercer trimestre, el monitoreo continuo de la glucosa en usuarias de insulina o en descontrol glucémico, dependiendo del momento en que se diagnostique la diabetes gestacional, del descontrol glucémico y de la necesidad de insulina. La hemoglobina glucosilada y el tiempo en las concentraciones límite también son métricas de control glucémico. CONCLUSIONES: El monitoreo continuo de la glucosa tiene ventajas en: menos complicaciones perinatales, detección oportuna y reducción de eventos de hiper o hipoglucemia, menor descontrol, ajuste de dosis respecto del tratamiento con insulina y mejora en los hábitos para controlar las concentraciones de glucosa.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To issue recommendations for the surveillance and follow-up of pregnant patients with types 1, 2 and gestational diabetes mellitus based on the experience of a group of experts and on what is reported in the literature, from the perspective of the Mexican health system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A modified Delphi Panel methodology was performed, through consensus among gynecology, reproductive biologist, and fetal-maternal specialists, and an 80% consensus of all participants. RESULTS: Based on the consensus exercise, we recommend continuous glucose monitoring in all pregnant patients with type I and II diabetes starting on the first trimester; meanwhile in patients with gestational diabetes, continuous monitoring should be considered in patients treated with insulin or uncontrolled glycemia, starting in the second or third trimester, depending on the moment of diagnosis, glycemic levels and insulin requirements, taking into account HbA1c levels and time in range as well as glycemic control metrics. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous glucose monitoring has advantages including the reduction of perinatal complications, timely detection, reduction in the number of hyper/hypoglycemia events, fewer uncontrolled patients, and the capacity for insulin dosage adjustments and improvement of habits for glucose control.

Novel antihelmintic activity of tinidazole coordination compounds. Relevance of the metal ion and structural properties.

The in vitro and in vivo antihelmintic activity of cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) coordination compounds of tinidazole (tnz) were investigated in cultivated spotted rose snapper, infested with dactylogyrid monogeneans. The tinidazole coordination compounds [Co(tnz)2Cl2], [Co(tnz)2Br2], [Cu(tnz)2Cl2], [Cu(tnz)2Br2], [Zn(tnz)2Cl2] and [Zn(tnz)2Br2] were synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. Their molecular structures were determined by their single crystal X-ray diffraction. The metal ions presented distorted tetrahedral geometries, with an intramolecular bifurcated lone pair SO⋯π, from the sulfone group with the imidazolic ring, which contributed to the stability of the compounds in solid state and in solution. Adults of dactylogyrids were exposed in vitro to tinidazole and its coordination compounds. The effective median concentrations of copper(II) coordination compounds were lower than those of cobalt(II) and zinc(II), tnz showed no activity. In vivo oral intubation tests were carried out with [Cu(tnz)2Br2], [Zn(tnz)2Br2] and tnz on snappers infected with dactylogyrids, where the copper(II) compound showed better activity. The absorption and distribution assessment for the [Cu(tnz)2Br2], showed that copper concentrations in liver were significantly higher than in blood and gills, indicating bioaccumulation in this organ. In vivo baths of [Cu(tnz)2Br2] at 25mg/L showed an effective (95% at 8h) antihelmintic effect, while [Zn(tnz)2Br2] had low antihelmintic efficacy. This study indicates that [Cu(tnz)2Br2] has an effective antihelmintic activity towards dactylogyrids monogeneans affecting cultivated spotted red snapper.

A pilot study of treatment of bacterial vaginosis with a buffering vaginal microbicide.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an extremely common problem for women and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and HIV infection. Currently available antibiotic treatments are moderately effective but may need to be repeated frequently because of the recurrent nature of the disease. We undertook a pilot study of a buffering vaginal microbicide in the treatment of BV. METHODS: Women with clinically diagnosed BV were recruited to receive seven applications (5 g per application) of BufferGel trade mark (ReProtect, LLC, Baltimore, MD), a topical vaginal microbicide, and had clinical and gram stain evaluation of response. Subjects were evaluated at 2-3 days after the last application of BufferGel as a test of cure and again at 1 month to assess for relapse. Subjects with BV at test of cure were offered oral metronidazole. RESULTS: Thirty-one women were screened, 16 were offered enrollment, and 10 completed the study. Treatment with BufferGel was clinically effective in 70% of women at 2-3 days after treatment and in 40% of women by 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that 5 g of BufferGel vaginally once a day appears to be a moderately effective treatment for BV.

Dried blood spots (DBS): a valuable tool for HIV surveillance in developing/tropical countries.

Dried blood spots (DBS) on filter paper have been used as a practical method of sample collection in sero-surveillance studies of numerous diseases. DBS may be particularly useful for HIV screening in remote areas, in which unrefrigerated transfer time to a laboratory may take a number of days. In this study, we evaluate the ability to detect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type-1 antibodies from DBS that have been subjected to a tropical climate in southern India for 6 days. DBS were prepared from blood samples of 59 known HIV-positive individuals and 30 known HIV-negative individuals. ELISA and Western blot results from DBS that were subjected to a mean temperature of 35.8 degrees C and humidity of 73% for 6 days had a sensitivity of 100% and 92%, respectively, and a specificity of 100% and 100%, respectively. Based on these findings, we conclude that DBS sampling could serve as a cost-effective and convenient tool for widespread HIV sero-surveillance in remote areas within tropical countries.

An unusually severe case of dermatosis neglecta: a diagnostic challenge.

Dermatosis neglecta is a condition secondary to lack of cleanliness, characterized by the formation of hyperkeratotic plaques located in a particular region of the body, usually due to a disability, and it is considered a diagnostic challenge because it can mimic other entities. We present the case of an 18-year-old woman with a 2-month history of progressive brown verrucous plaque in her face. Our first impression was seborrheic dermatitis and she was treated with facial cleanser soap and topic hydrocortisone 1%. One month later, she arrived with new lesions. Because of this our diagnosis changed to Darier's disease versus seborrheic pemphigus versus foliaceus pemphigus. Histopathology and immunofluorescence studies were compatible with seborrheic dermatitis. The patient complained of depression and social withdrawal and denied facial cleansing. Facial cleansing was performed during consultation presenting resolution of the lesions, which confirmed the diagnosis of dermatosis neglecta. Dermatosis neglecta is a disease that can be frequently misdiagnosed, since it has many differential diagnoses, such as hyperkeratotic syndromes. It should be recognized early and aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic methods should be avoided.

[Malignant neoplasms in the neonate]. / Neoplasias malignas en el neonato.

Cancer in children has characteristics that differentiate it from other types reported in later ages. Overall survival at 3 years is up to 70% depending on the tumor studied. Major organs and systems affected are the hematopoietic system, central nervous system and sympathetic and mesenchymal tissues. The increased incidence of neonatal tumors observed in this and other studies is based on the increasing number of solid tumors (teratomas and neuroblastomas) because cases of central nervous system tumors and leukemias have remained constant. Ultrasonography is the first line of approach and can detect up to 70% of fetal anomalies. The physiology of the newborn causes the necessary multidisciplinary treatment in neoplastic disease to be modified substantially in this age group to avoid toxicity and sequelae. The most common treatment is surgery. Achieving timely diagnostic treatment options are effective in improving the survival of these patients.

Hyperpigmentation following Treatment of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia.

INTRODUCTION: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia characterized by progressive recession of the frontotemporal hairline. Current treatment is aimed at stopping progression, and the combination of dutasteride and pimecrolimus is the most effective therapy. Side effects associated with dutasteride are erectile dysfunction as well as breast tenderness and enlargement, while pimecrolimus produces a burning sensation. CASE REPORT: We present a 57-year-old postmenopausal female with a 3-year history of a scarring alopecic plaque in her frontotemporal region. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of FFA, and she was started on dutasteride 0.5 mg p.o. q.d., and later, topical pimecrolimus 1% b.i.d. was added. Eight months after initiating treatment, she showed hyperpigmentation on her metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints, as well as on the cheeks and on the chin; dutasteride and pimecrolimus were discontinued. After 5 months of follow-up, her hyperpigmentation improved by 80% only by using photoprotection. CONCLUSION: Because of the variable clinical course of FFA, treatment is focused on halting its progression. Several therapeutic agents have been evaluated and the combination of dutasteride and pimecrolimus has shown a high response rate. There is no reported evidence of hyperpigmentation associated with this combination.

Unprotected sex, underestimated risk, undiagnosed HIV and sexually transmitted diseases among men who have sex with men accessing testing services in a New England bathhouse.

American men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to have increased rates of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Between 2004 and 2010, 1155 MSM were tested for HIV and/or STDs at Providence, RI bathhouse. The prevalence of HIV was 2.3%; syphilis, 2.0%; urethral gonorrhea, 0.1%; urethral chlamydia, 1.3%; 2.2% of the men had hepatitis C antibodies. Although 43.2% of the men engaged in unprotected anal intercourse in the prior 2 months, the majority of the men thought that their behaviors did not put them at increased risk for HIV or STDs. Multivariate analyses found that men who engaged in unprotected anal intercourse were more likely to have had sex with unknown status or HIV-infected partners; have sex although under the influence of drugs; tended to find partners on the internet; and were more likely to have a primary male partner. Men who were newly diagnosed with HIV or syphilis tended to be older than 30 years; had sex with an HIV-infected partner; had a prior STD diagnosis; and met partners on the internet. For 10.5% of the men, bathhouse testing was the first time that they had ever been screened for HIV. Of 24 men who were newly diagnosed with HIV infection, only 1 was not successfully linked to care. These data suggest that offering HIV and STD testing in a bathhouse setting is effective in attracting MSM who are at increased risk for HIV and/or STD acquisition or transmission.

Solitary Apical Lung Mass in a Patient With Cervical Cancer.

We present the case of a 40 years old female presenting with a solitary apical lung mass, associated Horner syndrome and evidence of medullary compression. Although she had a history of cervical cancer, a primary lung tumor was suspected. Tissue biopsy confirmed cervical cancer metastasis, highlighting the fact that although metastasis usually presents as multiple lung nodules, solitary lesions can be the presenting sign.