Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) as a Potential Source of Foodborne Disease.

In Mexico, bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) are produced as gourmet food. However, bullfrogs can be carriers of pathogens because the frogs' preferred living conditions occur in stagnant water. The present study aimed to identify bacteria that cause foodborne diseases or are associated with human diseases. For molecular identification, based on the sequential analysis by 16S rRNA or rpoD was conducted on all isolates obtained from bullfrog. A total of 91 bacterial isolates were obtained from bullfrogs; 14 genera and 23 species were identified, including Acinetobacter johnsonii 16.5%; Aeromonas media 14.3%; Aeromonas veronii 13.2%; Providencia rettgeri 7.7%; Citrobacter freundii 6.6%; Aeromonas caviae 4.4%; Aeromonas hydrophila and Elizabethkingia ursingii 3.3%; Pseudomonas stutzeri, Raoultella ornithinolytica, and Shewanella putrefaciens 2.2%; Acinetobacter guillouiae, Acinetobacter pseudolwoffii, Citrobacter portucalensis, Citrobacter werkmanii, Edwardsiella anguillarum, Klebsiella michiganensis, Kluyvera intermedia, Kocuria rosea, Myroides odoratimimus, Myroides odoratus, Proteus sp., and Proteus hauseri 1.1%. In this study, 49.4% of the isolates obtained cause foodborne disease, 19.8% are bacteria that play an important role in the spoilage of food, 5.5% of isolates have nosocomial significance, 13.2% of bacteria are considered to be pollutants of the ecosystem, and in the case of A. salmonicida and Edwardsiella anguillarum (12.1%) to have a negative impact on aquaculture. Acinetobacter pseudolwoffii and Citrobacter portucalensis have not been reported to cause disease. Lastly of these isolates, 97.8% (89/91) can cause disease by food consumption or by direct contact for immunocompromised persons. The presence of these bacteria in bullfrogs represents a significant problem for human health. There is evidence that these microorganisms are pathogenic and frogs may also be reservoirs.

Challenges in the Detection of SARS-CoV-2: Evolution of the Lateral Flow Immunoassay as a Valuable Tool for Viral Diagnosis.

SARS-CoV-2 is an emerging infectious disease of zoonotic origin that caused the coronavirus disease in late 2019 and triggered a pandemic that has severely affected human health and caused millions of deaths. Early and massive diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients is the key to preventing the spread of the virus and controlling the outbreak. Lateral flow immunoassays (LFIA) are the simplest biosensors. These devices are clinical diagnostic tools that can detect various analytes, including viruses and antibodies, with high sensitivity and specificity. This review summarizes the advantages, limitations, and evolution of LFIA during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the challenges of improving these diagnostic devices.

Potential Mechanisms of the Improvement of Glucose Homeostasis in Type 2 Diabetes by Pomegranate Juice.

Pomegranate is a polyphenol-rich fruit. Studies have shown that extracts prepared from its juice or from different parts of the pomegranate plant have various biological activities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, cardioprotective, and antidiabetic. The therapeutic potential has been attributed to various phytochemicals, including ellagic acid, punicic acid, flavonoids, anthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavonols, and flavones. This review focuses on the scientific evidence of pomegranate juice as hypoglycemic, emphasizing the chemical composition and the possible mechanisms of action associated with this effect. Studies were identified using the PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases to identify relevant articles focused on the hypoglycemic effect of pomegranate juice. The physiological responses to pomegranate juice are reported here, including a decrease of oxidative stress damage, an increase of insulin-dependent glucose uptake, maintenance of ß-cell integrity, inhibition of nonenzymatic protein glycation, an increase of insulin sensitivity, modulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, inhibition of α-amylase, inhibition of α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-4, and decreases in inflammation. Overall, we found a significant hypoglycemic effect of pomegranate in in vitro and in vivo studies and we summarize the potential mechanisms of action.

Bacteriocins from Lactic Acid Bacteria. A Powerful Alternative as Antimicrobials, Probiotics, and Immunomodulators in Veterinary Medicine.

In the search for an alternative treatment to reduce antimicrobial resistance, bacteriocins shine a light on reducing this problem in public and animal health. Bacteriocins are peptides synthesized by bacteria that can inhibit the growth of other bacteria and fungi, parasites, and viruses. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a group of bacteria that produce bacteriocins; their mechanism of action can replace antibiotics and prevent bacterial resistance. In veterinary medicine, LAB and bacteriocins have been used as antimicrobials and probiotics. However, another critical role of bacteriocins is their immunomodulatory effect. This review shows the advances in applying bacteriocins in animal production and veterinary medicine, highlighting their biological roles.

The role of autophagy in bacterial infections.

Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic process for the degradation of cytosolic components including damaged organelles, protein aggregates, and intracellular bacteria through a lysosome-dependent pathway. Autophagy can be induced in response to stress conditions. Furthermore, autophagy has been described as involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses, and several studies have shown that certain microorganisms can be eliminated by the autophagic route in a process known as xenophagy. However, several pathogens have developed different strategies to evade or exploit autophagy to ensure their survival. Here, we review the role of autophagy in response to bacterial pathogens.

Internalization of a non-pathogenic mycobacteria by macropinocytosis in human alveolar epithelial A549 cells.

Mycobacterium smegmatis (MSM) a non-pathogenic mycobacterium is often employed as a tool to understand many aspects of the mycobacterial infections. However, its own biology and particularly its mechanism of entry into non-phagocytic cells are not well known. Previously, we demonstrated that Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) invades epithelial cells by macropinocytosis. In the present study, we investigated whether MSM also invades human epithelial type II pneumocytes (A549) by macropinocytosis. Infection of A549 cells with MSM elicited actin filaments redistribution, lamellipodia formation and increased fluid phase uptake, suggesting macropinocytosis. Furthermore, macropinocytosis inhibitors like cytochalasin D and amiloride caused inhibition of fluid phase and bacterial uptake. We can conclude that MSM, like MTB, takes advantage of macropinocytosis for entry into epithelial cells, however, unlike MTB, internalized MSM are killed by host cells. These findings suggest that induction of macropinocytosis and cell invasion is not an exclusive feature of pathogenic organisms.

Angioleiomiomas de la mano / Hand angioleiomyomas

Los angioleiomiomas son tumores benignos poco frecuentes en la mano. Tienen mayor incidencia a partir de la cuarta década de la vida, con igual distribución por sexo. Rara vez se realiza un diagnóstico preoperatorio correcto, pues suelen confundirse con gangliones y lipomas, entre otros. Se describen 11 casos clínicos tratados en el Centro de Diagnóstico Integral "Santa Bárbara de Zulia" en la República Bolivariana de Venezuela durante un trienio. Luego de la escisión simple la evolución fue favorable y no hubo recidiva.

Angioleiomyomas are rare benign tumors of the hand. They have higher incidence from the fourth decade of life, with equal gender distribution. A correct preoperative diagnosis is rarely made, because they are usually mistaken for ganglions and lypomas, among others. Eleven clinical cases treated at "Santa Bárbara de Zulia" Comprehensive Diagnosis Center in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela during a triennium are described. After the simple excision, outcome was favorable and there were not relapses.

Técnica de incisión mínima en el tratamiento de pacientes con síndrome del túnel carpiano / Minimal incision technique for treating patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo para evaluar la eficacia de la técnica de incisión mínima en el tratamiento de 216 pacientes con síndrome de túnel carpiano, atendidos en el Centro de Diagnóstico Integral "El Bajo" perteneciente al municipio San Francisco, Maracaibo, Estado de Zulia, República Bolivariana de Venezuela, desde enero de 2008 hasta diciembre de 2011. Entre los principales hallazgos predominaron el grupo etario de 41-50 años (52,3 %), el sexo femenino (58,7 %) y el grupo II de la clasificación clínica de Dawson (68,5 %). Los síntomas desaparecieron en 72,2 % de los afectados, lo cual demuestra que los resultados fueron satisfactorios.

A descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of minimal incision technique for treating 216 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome treated at "El Bajo" Comprehensive Diagnosis Center belonging to San Francisco municipality, Maracaibo, Zulia State, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, from January 2008 to December 2011. Among the main findings prevailed the age group of 41-50 years (52.3%), female sex (58.7%) and group II of Dawson's clinical classification (68.5%). Symptoms disappeared in 72.2% of patients, which demonstrates that results were satisfactory.

Mixosarcoma de la mano / Myxosarcoma of the hand

Se presenta el caso clínico de un maestro de 51 años de edad, quien fue atendido en la consulta de Ortopedia y Traumatología del Hospital General Docente "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" de Santiago de Cuba por presentar aumento de volumen en el dorso de la mano derecha, desde hacía 12 meses aproximadamente. Los estudios clínicos e imagenológicos, además de los resultados de la biopsia, confirmaron que se trataba de un mixosarcoma. Se realizó la amputación del cuarto metacarpiano y, luego de rehabilitación durante 8 semanas, el paciente pudo reincorporarse a sus actividades sociales y laborales.

The case of a 51 year-old teacher is reported who was treated at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department of "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" General Teaching Hospital in Santiago de Cuba due to an increased volume in the back of the right hand for about 12 months. Imaging and clinical studies and the biopsy results confirmed the presence of a myxosarcoma. Amputation of the four metacarpal bone was performed and after rehabilitation during 8 weeks the patient could return to his social and work activities.

Tumor glómico gigante en un adulto / Giant glomus tumor in an adult

Se describe el caso clínico de un paciente de 61 años de edad, atendido en la consulta de Ortopedia y Traumatología del Hospital General Docente "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" de Santiago de Cuba, por presentar aumento de volumen en el grueso artejo derecho desde hacía más de un año, con elevación y deformidad de la uña, lo cual dificultaba el uso del calzado. Se realizó la exéresis de la uña y de los 2 tercios distales de la falange distal del grueso artejo. Los resultados de los exámenes complementarios efectuados y la evaluación histológica informaron que se trataba de un tumor glómico sin evidencias de malignidad. A los 30 días habían desaparecido completamente las molestias, de manera que se incorporó a sus actividades laborales habituales.

The case report of a 61 year-old patient is described, who was attended in Orthopedics and Traumatology Department of "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" General Teaching Hospital of Santiago de Cuba, due to an increased volume in the right great toe for over a year, with elevation and deformity of the nail, which prevented him from wearing shoes. Exeresis of the nail and the distal two thirds of the distal phalanx of great toe was performed. The results of complementary tests and histological evaluation revealed a glomus tumor with no evidence of malignancy. At 30 days discomfort had completely disappeared, so that he returned to his usual working activities.

Schwannomatosis del pie / Schwannomatosis of the foot

Se describe el caso clínico de un paciente de 34 años de edad, quien presentaba múltiples schwannomas en el tercer ramo de bifurcación de la rama interna del nervio musculocutáneo, así como en los nervios colateral dorsal externo e interno del segundo y tercer dedos del pie derecho, respectivamente, atendido en el Servicio de Ortopedia del Hospital General Docente "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba. Se realizó la exéresis quirúrgica de 50 lesiones de diferentes tamaños aproximadamente. A los 45 días de operado habían desaparecido las molestias y pudo reincorporarse a sus actividades laborales habituales.

The case report of a 34-year patient who presented multiple schwannomas in the third bifurcation branch of the internal ramus of the musculocutaneous nerve, as well as in the external and internal dorsal collateral nerves of the right second and third toes, respectively, assisted in the Orthopedics Service from "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba is described. The surgical exeresis of 50 lesions of approximately different sizes was carried out. Fourty five days after surgery the discomfort had disappeared and he could return to his habitual working activities.

Eficacia del Heberprot-P® en el tratamiento de las úlceras del pie diabético / Effectiveness of the Heberprot-P® in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 120 pacientes con úlceras del pie diabético, atendidos en el Centro de Diagnóstico Integral El Bajo perteneciente al municipio San Francisco, Maracaibo, Estado de Zulia, República Bolivariana de Venezuela, desde febrero de 2011 hasta igual mes de 2012, con vistas a evaluar la efectividad de la administración del factor de crecimiento epidérmico humano. En la casuística predominaron el grupo etario de 55-59 años y el sexo femenino. En todos los integrantes de la serie se logró la granulación y la cicatrización de las lesiones y no fue necesario efectuar la amputación. La administración intralesional del Heberprot-P® puede completar el cierre de la lesión, por lo cual es un medicamento seguro y conveniente para sanar dichas úlceras

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in 120 patients with diabetic foot ulcers treated at El Bajo Comprehensive Diagnosis Center belonging to San Francisco municipality, Maracaibo, State of Zulia, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, from February 2011 to February 2012 in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the administration of human epidermal growth factor. Age group of 55-59 years and the females prevailed in the case material. In all patients of the series granulation and healing of lesions was obtained and amputation was not necessary. Intralesional administration of Heberprot-P® can complete closure of the lesion; therefore it is a safe and advisable drug to heal these ulcers

Miositis osificante de los aductores de la cadera / Ossifying myositis of hip adductors

Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de 24 años de edad, asistido en la Escuela de Trabajadores Sociales de Santiago de Cuba por aumento de volumen en la cadera izquierda y limitación funcional total, no dolorosa, de esa parte del cuerpo. Se comprobó clínica y radiográficamente que se trataba de una miositis osificante de los aductores de la cadera, pero no pudo ser operado en esta provincia porque regresó a su país natal.

The clinical case of a 24-year-old patient attended at Social Workers School in Santiago de Cuba due to increased left hip size and total functional limitation without pain of that body area was presented. It was clinically and radiographically documented that the diagnosis was ossifying myositis of hip adductors. However, surgery could not be done in that province because the patient travelled back to his country.