Bioprospection of Native Antagonistic Rhizobacteria From the Peruvian Coastal Ecosystems Associated with Phaseolus vulgaris.

Phaseolus vulgaris is originally from the American continent. It is renowned as one of the preferred legume choice in the Peruvian market, due to its high content of nutrients. The Peruvian coast valleys are key-production areas for local varieties of the common bean crops. Soil-borne plant pathogens, however, favored by soil and environmental conditions, may reduce crop production. The aim of this study was to conduct a bio prospection of the antagonistic native bacteria of the north, south and central part of the coastal areas related to the common bean. A collection of 26 strains isolated from the rhizosphere of common bean plants showed high potential to control the growth of Sclerotinia, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia due to the production of both volatile and non-volatile organic compounds. Most of the strains were able to suppress fungal growth due to the presence of non-volatile organic compounds, such as hydrolytic enzymes, siderophores and antifungal lipopeptide production. Bacillus IcBac2.1 strain showed a remarkable ability to halt the majority of phytopathogens producing antifungal lipopeptides. The crude lipopeptides were soluble in polar solvents and remained stable at high temperatures and low pH. Strains were also able to inhibit fungal growth through volatile organic compounds. Alcaligenes TvPs2.4 and Pseudomonas TvPs1.6 showed the highest inhibition strength against the tested phytopathogens. Each strain produced 21 volatile organic compounds detected by SPME/GC-MS analysis. The compounds with the highest concentration were dimethyl disulfide and D-limonene. The 16S rRNA gene sequence confirmed that the strains were closely related to Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Achromobacter, Pseudomonas, Serratia and Alcaligenes.

Laparoscopic Liver Resection: A South American Experience with 2887 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) have been increasingly performed in recent years. Most of the available evidence, however, comes from specialized centers in Asia, Europe and USA. Data from South America are limited and based on single-center experiences. To date, no multicenter studies evaluated the results of LLR in South America. The aim of this study was to evaluate the experience and results with LLR in South American centers. METHODS: From February to November 2019, a survey about LLR was conducted in 61 hepatobiliary centers in South America, composed by 20 questions concerning demographic characteristics, surgical data, and perioperative results. RESULTS: Fifty-one (83.6%) centers from seven different countries answered the survey. A total of 2887 LLR were performed, as follows: Argentina (928), Brazil (1326), Chile (322), Colombia (210), Paraguay (9), Peru (75), and Uruguay (8). The first program began in 1997; however, the majority (60.7%) started after 2010. The percentage of LLR over open resections was 28.4% (4.4-84%). Of the total, 76.5% were minor hepatectomies and 23.5% major, including 266 right hepatectomies and 343 left hepatectomies. The conversion rate was 9.7%, overall morbidity 13%, and mortality 0.7%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study assessing the dissemination and results of LLR in South America. It showed an increasing number of centers performing LLR with the promising perioperative results, aligned with other worldwide excellence centers.

Selection by mating competitiveness improves the performance of Anastrepha ludens males of the genetic sexing strain Tapachula-7.

The sexual performance of Anastrepha ludens males of the Tapachula-7 genetic sexing strain, produced via selection based on mating success, was compared with that of males produced without selection in competition with wild males. Mating competition, development time, survival, mass-rearing quality parameters and pheromone production were compared. The results showed that selection based on mating competitiveness significantly improved the sexual performance of offspring. Development time, survival of larvae, pupae and adults, and weights of larvae and pupae increased with each selection cycle. Differences in the relative quantity of the pheromone compounds (Z)-3-nonenol and anastrephin were observed when comparing the parental males with the F4 and wild males. The implications of this colony management method on the sterile insect technique are discussed.

Antipredator behavior of the new mass-reared unisexual strain of the Mexican Fruit Fly.

Tephritid pests controlled through the sterile insect technique (SIT) are mass-reared and subsequently released in affected areas. Several quality parameters are currently used to test adults, but none take into account interactions with a predator. When sterile males are released in the field, they will need to avoid predators until they reach sexual maturity and survive long enough to mate with wild females. Spiders are one of the most common predators that flies may encounter in release sites. In this study, we evaluated the antipredator behavior of a mass-reared sterile unisexual strain ('Tapachula-7') of the Mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) against their spider predators. We sampled spiders in citrus trees to determine which families could be more common. We established the baseline activity rates of sterile Tapachula-7 (Tap-7) flies in comparison with wild flies. We also tested the behavior of the fertile and sterile bisexual strain and wild flies against hunting spiders (Family Salticidae) and orb building spiders (Family Tetragnathidae). We recorded 18 spider families, with Salticidae being the most dominant. Tap-7 flies diminished their activity in comparison with wild males at 1800 h but showed similar activity levels earlier in the day. When exposed to orb-web spiders (Leucauge venusta), Tap-7, fertile and sterile males from the bisexual strain had similar rates of survival, but Tap-7 males showed lower survival than wild males. Against hunting spiders (Phidippus audax), wild males had higher probability of defensive wing displays, but there was no difference in spider attack rates. In general, sterile Tap -7 males performed as well as males from the bisexual strain, although they had lower survival than wild males. This could be due to either mass-rearing and/or irradiation effects. We recommend the use of the defensive wing display behavior as a quality parameter and propose a rapid and effective method to evaluate fly activity. The efficiency of SIT will be improved if released sterile males have the same antipredator repertoire as their wild counterparts.

Towards a full integration of vertically aligned silicon nanowires in MEMS using silane as a precursor.

Silicon nanowires present outstanding properties for electronics, energy, and environmental monitoring applications. However, their integration into microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is a major issue so far due to low compatibility with mainstream technology, which complicates patterning and controlled morphology. This work addresses the growth of 〈111〉 aligned silicon nanowire arrays fully integrated into standard MEMS processing by means of the chemical vapor deposition-vapor liquid solid method (CVD-VLS) using silane as a precursor. A reinterpretation of the galvanic displacement method is presented for selectively depositing gold nanoparticles of controlled size and shape. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis of the effects of synthesis temperature and pressure on the growth rate and alignment of nanowires is presented for the most common silicon precursor, i.e., silane. Compared with previously reported protocols, the redefined galvanic displacement together with a silane-based CVD-VLS growth methodology provides a more standard and low-temperature (<650 °C) synthesis scheme and a compatible route to reliably grow Si nanowires in MEMS for advanced applications.

Regulation of the phosphatase calcineurin by insulin-like growth factor I unveils a key role of astrocytes in Alzheimer's pathology.

Whether insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) signaling in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is beneficial or detrimental remains controversial. We now show that a competitive regulation by IGF-I of the phosphatase calcineurin in reactive, but not in quiescent astrocytes drives Alzheimer's pathology. Calcineurin de-phosphorylates the transcription factor Foxo3 in response to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), an inflammatory cytokine increased in AD, activating nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) inflammatory signaling in astrocytes. In turn, IGF-I inactivates and displaces Foxo3 from calcineurin in TNFα-stimulated astrocytes by recruiting the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, and NFκB signaling is inhibited. This antagonistic mechanism reversibly drives the course of the disease in AD mice, even at advanced stages. As hallmarks of this calcineurin/Foxo3/NFκB pathway are present in human AD brains, treatment with IGF-I may be beneficial by antagonizing it.

Prediction models of donor arrest and graft utilization in liver transplantation from maastricht-3 donors after circulatory death.

Shortage of organs for transplantation has led to the renewed interest in donation after circulatory-determination of death (DCDD). We conducted a retrospective analysis (2001-2009) and a subsequent prospective validation (2010) of liver Maastricht-Category-3-DCDD and donation-after-brain-death (DBD) offers to our program. Accepted and declined offers were compared. Accepted DCDD offers were divided into donors who went on to cardiac arrest and those who did not. Donors who arrested were divided into those producing grafts that were transplanted or remained unused. Descriptive comparisons and regression analyses were performed to assess predictor models of donor cardiac arrest and graft utilization. Variables from the multivariate analysis were prospectively validated. Of 1579 DCDD offers, 621 were accepted, and of these, 400 experienced cardiac arrest after withdrawal of support. Of these, 173 livers were transplanted. In the DCDD group, donor age < 40 years, use of inotropes and absence of gag/cough reflexes were predictors of cardiac arrest. Donor age >50 years, BMI >30, warm ischemia time >25 minutes, ITU stay >7 days and ALT ≥ 4× normal rates were risk factors for not using the graft. These variables had excellent sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of cardiac arrest (AUROC = 0.835) and graft use (AUROC = 0.748) in the 2010 prospective validation. These models can feasibly predict cardiac arrest in potential DCDDs and graft usability, helping to avoid unnecessary recoveries and healthcare expenditure.

A new generation of X ray irradiators for insect sterilization.

Recent fears of terrorism have provoked an increase in delays and denials of transboundary shipments of radioisotopes. This represents a serious constraint to sterile insect technique (SIT) programs around the world as they rely on the use of ionizing radiation from radioisotopes for insect sterilization. To validate a novel X ray irradiator, a series of studies on Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) were carried out, comparing the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) between X rays and traditional gamma radiation from 60Co. Male C. capitata pupae and pupae of both sexes of A. fraterculus, both 24-48 h before adult emergence, were irradiated with doses ranging from 15 to 120 Gy and 10-70 Gy, respectively. Estimated mean doses of 91.2 Gy of X and 124.9 Gy of gamma radiation induced 99% sterility in C. capitata males. Irradiated A. fraterculus were 99% sterile at approximately 40-60 Gy for both radiation treatments. Standard quality control parameters and mating indices were not significantly affected by the two types of radiation. The RBE did not differ significantly between the tested X and gamma radiation, and X rays are as biologically effective for SIT purposes as gamma rays are. This work confirms the suitability of this new generation of X ray irradiators for pest control programs that integrate the SIT.

The increased cost of ventral hernia recurrence: a cost analysis.

PURPOSE: Over 300,000 ventral hernia repairs (VHRs) are performed each year in the US. We sought to assess the economic burden related to ventral hernia recurrences with a focused comparison of those with the initial open versus laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: The Premier Alliance database from 2009 to 2014 was utilized to obtain patient demographics and comorbid indices, including the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Total hospital cost and resource expenses during index laparoscopic and open VHRs and subsequent recurrent repairs were also obtained. The sample was separated into laparoscopic and open repair groups from the initial operation. Adjusted and propensity score matched cost outcome data were then compared amongst groups. RESULTS: One thousand and seventy-seven patients were used for the analysis with a recurrence rate of 3.78 %. For the combined sample, costs were significantly higher during recurrent hernia repair hospitalization ($21,726 versus $19,484, p < 0.0001). However, for index laparoscopic repairs, both the adjusted total hospital cost and department level costs were similar during the index and the recurrent visit. The costs and resource utilization did not go up due to recurrence, even though these patients had greater severity during the recurrent visit (CCI score 0.92 versus 1.06; p = 0.0092). Using a matched sample, the total hospital recurrence cost was higher for the initial open group compared to laparoscopic group ($14,520 versus $12,649; p = 0.0454). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our analysis, need for recurrent VHR adds substantially to total hospital costs and resource utilization. Following initial laparoscopic repair, however, the total cost of recurrent repair is not significantly increased, as it is following initial open repair. When comparing the initial laparoscopic repair versus open, the cost of recurrence was higher for the prior open repair group.

Tratamiento exitoso de lipodermatoesclerosis aguda con doxiciclina: reporte de diez casos / Successful treatment of acute lipodermatosclerosis with doxycycline: report of ten cases

Resumen La doxiciclina, una tetraciclina semisintética de segunda generación, ampliamente usada para el tratamiento de patologías dermatológicas por sus propiedades antimicrobianas, ha demostrado en varios estudios experimentales sus acciones como un potente fármaco antiinflamatorio, aprobado por estas características por la FDA como una terapia complementaria en la periodontitis del adulto, así como en el tratamiento de la forma papulopustulosa de la rosácea. Se describen además en la literatura otras indicaciones para procesos inflamatorios, tales como, calcinosis cutis, vasculitis livedoide, patologías ampollares, entre otras. Se presenta una serie de 10 pacientes con lipodermatoesclerosis que presentaron una respuesta eficaz a su patología al recibir tratamiento con doxiciclina durante 3 meses, destacando de esta forma su eficacia terapéutica, accesibilidad y baja asociación a efectos adversos.

Abstract Doxycycline, a second generation semi-synthetic tetracycline, widely used for the treatment of dermatological diseases for its antimicrobial effects, has shown in many clinical studies its actions as a powerful anti-inflammatory drug. Approved by the FDA as a complementary therapy in adult periodontitis, and of the papulopustular form of rosacea. In addition, other indications for inflammatory processes are described in the literature, such as calcinosis cutis, livedoid vasculitis, blistering pathologies, among others. We present a series of 10 patients with lipodermatosclerosis who presented an effective response to their pathology when receiving treatment with doxycycline for 3 months. Its therapeutic efficacy, accessibility and low association with adverse effects are highlighted.

Loss of Tribbles pseudokinase-3 promotes Akt-driven tumorigenesis via FOXO inactivation.

Tribbles pseudokinase-3 (TRIB3) has been proposed to act as an inhibitor of AKT although the precise molecular basis of this activity and whether the loss of TRIB3 contributes to cancer initiation and progression remain to be clarified. In this study, by using a wide array of in vitro and in vivo approaches, including a Trib3 knockout mouse, we demonstrate that TRIB3 has a tumor-suppressing role. We also find that the mechanism by which TRIB3 loss enhances tumorigenesis relies on the dysregulation of the phosphorylation of AKT by the mTORC2 complex, which leads to an enhanced phosphorylation of AKT on Ser473 and the subsequent hyperphosphorylation and inactivation of the transcription factor FOXO3. These observations support the notion that loss of TRIB3 is associated with a more aggressive phenotype in various types of tumors by enhancing the activity of the mTORC2/AKT/FOXO axis.

Sex differences in lectin-induced interleukin-2 synthesis in aging rats.

Several aspects of T cell-mediated immune responses decline with age, but it is not known how gender affects this decline. Using 3- and 26-month-old male and female Fischer 344 rats, we examined the effects of sex and age on four different immune events that normally decline during aging: antibody synthesis to a T-dependent antigen, lectin-induced proliferative responses, IL-2 synthesis, and natural killer activity. We found that all these responses decreased with age. Spleen cells from aged females had higher spontaneous, phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and concanavalin A (Con A)-induced proliferative responses, and a two-fold increase in IL-2 synthesis than aged males, although no differences in these responses were evident between young males and females. Both natural killer (NK) activity and the ability to generate plaque-forming cells to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) declined with age, but there were no differences between males and females for these responses in either age group. These data indicate that sex-associated differences in IL-2 synthesis and spontaneous and lectin-induced proliferative responses that are not detected in young animals become evident with advancing age.

The effects of age on immune responses in the antigen-instilled dog lung. Antibody responses in the lung and lymphoid tissues following primary and secondary antigen instillation.

To evaluate the effects of age on immunity induced by lung immunization, 11 aged (12-17 years; median age = 14) and 12 young (2-5 years) male Beagle dogs were instilled with 10 mg of keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) in the right cardiac lung lobe and 10(10) sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in the left cardiac lung lobe. Five aged and six young dogs were sacrificed at day 9 after primary antigen instillation. The remainder were given challenge antigen instillations of KLH and SRBC at day 21 and sacrificed 7 days later. Serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue from immunized and control lobes, tracheobronchial, mesenteric and popliteal lymph nodes, spleen, and blood were taken at sacrifice. Anti-KLH IgA, IgG and IgM antibody production by cells in lung tissue and lavage fluid from the KLH-exposed lobe was lower at primary immunization and challenge in aged than young dogs. Lavage fluid IgA and IgG levels from the KLH exposed lobe at primary immunization and challenge were lower in aged versus young dogs, while IgM levels were lower only after primary immunization. Localized lung immune memory responses were also markedly lower in aged dogs when compared with young dogs. Anti-SRBC responses were similar to the anti-KLH responses. Our data show that systemic immune responses are significantly lower in aged dogs following primary antigen instillation, but not after antigen challenge in the lung. This was not the case for localized lung immune responses, which were significantly lower in aged dogs even following antigen challenge. The data also show that antibody production by lavage cells is a good index of interstitial lung cell antibody production.

Practice parameters for the use of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty: an update for 2000.

Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is an outpatient surgical procedure which is in use as a treatment for snoring. LAUP also has been used as a treatment for sleep-related breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea. The Standards of Practice Committee of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine reviewed the available literature, and developed these practice parameters as a guide to the appropriate use of this surgery. Adequate controlled studies on the LAUP procedure for sleep-related breathing disorders were not found in peer-reviewed journals. This is consistent with findings in the original practice parameters on LAUP published in 1994. The following recommendations are based on the review of the literature: LAUP is not recommended for treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders. However, it does appear to be comparable to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for treatment of snoring. Individuals who are candidates for LAUP as a treatment for snoring should undergo a polysomnographic or cardiorespiratory evaluation for sleep-related breathing disorders prior to LAUP and periodic postoperative evaluations for the development of same. Patients should be informed of the best available information of the risks, benefits, and complications of the procedure.

Practice parameters for the evaluation of chronic insomnia. An American Academy of Sleep Medicine report. Standards of Practice Committee of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Chronic insomnia is the most common sleep complaint which health care practitioners must confront. Most insomnia patients are not, however, seen by sleep physicians but rather by a variety of primary care physicians. There is little agreement concerning methods for effective assessment and subsequent differential diagnosis of this pervasive problem. The most common basis for diagnosis and subsequent treatment has been the practitioner's clinical impression from an unstructured interview. No systematic, evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis exist for chronic insomnia. This practice parameter paper presents recommendations for the evaluation of chronic insomnia based on the evidence in the accompanying review paper. We recommend use of these parameters by the sleep community, but even more importantly, hope the large number of primary care physicians providing this care can benefit from their use. Conclusions reached in these practice parameters include the following recommendations for the evaluation of chronic insomnia. Since the complaint of insomnia is so widespread and since patients may overlook the impact of poor sleep quality on daily functioning, the health care practitioner should screen for a history of sleep difficulty. This evaluation should include a sleep history focused on common sleep disorders to identify primary and secondary insomnias. Polysomnography, and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) should not be routinely used to screen or diagnose patients with insomnia complaints. However, the complaint of insomnia does not preclude the appropriate use of these tests for diagnosis of specific sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, and narcolepsy that may be present in patients with insomnia. There is insufficient evidence to suggest whether portable sleep studies, actigraphy, or other alternative assessment measures including static charge beds are effective in the evaluation of insomnia complaints. Instruments such as sleep logs, self-administered questionnaires, symptom checklist, or psychological screening tests may be of benefit to discriminate insomnia patients from normals, but these instruments have not been shown to differentiate subtypes of insomnia complaints.

Practice parameters for the treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Report. Standards of Practice Committee of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

These are the first clinical guidelines published for the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) providing evidence-based practice parameters. They were developed by the Standards of Practice Committee and reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The guidelines provide recommendations for the practice of sleep medicine in North America regarding the treatment of RLS and PLMD. Recommendations are based on the accompanying comprehensive review of the medical literature regarding treatment of RLS and PLMD which was developed by a task force commissioned by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Recommendations are identified as standards, guidelines, or options, based on the strength of evidence from published studies that meet criteria for inclusion. Dopaminergic agents are the best studied and most successful agents for treatment of RLS and PLMD. Specific recommendations are also given for the use of opioid, benzodiazepine, anticonvulsant, and adrenergic medications, and for iron supplementation. In general, pharmacological treatment should be limited to individuals who meet diagnostic criteria and especially who experience insomnia and/or excessive sleepiness that is thought to occur secondary to RLS or PLMD. Individuals treated with medication should be followed by a physician and monitored for clinical response and adverse effects. It would be desirable for future investigations to employ multicenter clinical trials, with expanded numbers of subjects using double-blind, placebo-controlled designs, and an assessment of long-term response, side effects, and impact of treatment on quality of life. Evaluation of special groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly is warranted.

Practice parameters for the use of light therapy in the treatment of sleep disorders. Standards of Practice Committee, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

These clinical guidelines were developed by the Standards of Practice Committee and reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The guidelines provide recommendations for the practice of sleep medicine in North America regarding the use of light therapy for treatment of various sleep disorders. This paper is based on a series of articles in the Journal of Biological Rhythms and also includes evidence tables from an updated Medline review covering the period January 1994 to December 1997. Evidence is presented by grade and level. Recommendations are identified as standards, guidelines, or options. Recommendations are provided for delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), advanced sleep phase syndrome (ASPS), non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome, jet lag, shift work, dementia, and sleep complaints in the healthy elderly. Light therapy appears generally safe if used within recommended intensity and time limits. Light therapy can be useful in treatment of DSPS and ASPS. Benefits of light therapy are less clear and treatment is an option in jet lag, shift work, and non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome in some blind patients.

Practice parameters for the nonpharmacologic treatment of chronic insomnia. An American Academy of Sleep Medicine report. Standards of Practice Committee of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint reported to physicians. Treatment has traditionally involved medication. Behavioral approaches have been available for decades, but lack of physician awareness and training, difficulty in obtaining reimbursements, and questions about efficacy have limited their use. These practice parameters review the current evidence with regards to a variety of nonpharmacologic treatments for insomnia. Using a companion paper which provides a background review, the available literature was analyzed. The evidence was graded by previously reported criteria of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine with references to American Psychological Association criteria. Treatments considered include: stimulus control, progressive muscle relaxation, paradoxical intention, biofeedback, sleep restriction, multicomponent cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene education, imagery training, and cognitive therapy. Improved experimental design has significantly advanced the process of evaluation of nonpharmacologic treatments for insomnia using guidelines outlined by the American Psychological Association (APA). Recommendations for individual therapies using the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommendation levels for each are: Stimulus Control (Standard); Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Paradoxical Intention, and Biofeedback (Guidelines); Sleep Restriction, and Multicomponent Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Options); Sleep Hygiene Education, Imagery Training, and Cognitive Therapy had insufficient evidence to be recommended as a single therapy. Optimal duration of therapy, who should perform the treatments, long term outcomes and safety concerns, and the effect of treatment on quality of life are questions in need of future research.

Practice parameters for the treatment of narcolepsy: an update for 2000.

Successful treatment of narcolepsy requires an accurate diagnosis to exclude patients with other sleep disorders, which have different treatments, and to avoid unnecessary complications of drug treatment. Treatment objectives should be tailored to individual circumstances. Modafinil, amphetamine, methamphetamine, dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, selegiline, pemoline, tricyclic antidepressants, and fluoxetine are effective treatments for narcolepsy, but the quality of published clinical evidence supporting them varies. Scheduled naps can be beneficial to combat sleepiness, but naps seldom suffice as primary therapy. Regular follow up of patients with narcolepsy is necessary to educate patients and their families, monitor for complications of therapy and emergent of other sleep disorders, and help the patient adapt to the disease.