Effect of creep feeding with rice bran and temporary weaning on cow-calf performance.

This study was conducted to investigate if calves supplemented with rice bran in a creep feeding (CF) system associated with temporary weaning (TW) affects the performance of the cow-calf pair grazing natural grasslands during summer. Two experiments were performed using 275 cow-calf pairs of British breeds and their crosses of different parities (primiparous [n = 188] in Experiment 1 and multiparous [n = 87] in Experiment 2). In both experiments, the factors evaluated were: (1) supplementation of calves with rice bran using CF: yes (+CF) or no (-CF); (2) TW for 14 days using nose plates: yes (+TW) or no (-TW). Four experimental groups were formed in both experiments: -CF - TW, -CF + TW, +CF - TW and +CF + TW. TW decreased the average daily weight gain and live weight of calves independently of the age of their mothers. The use of CF decreased both of these parameters in calves born to primiparous cows, and there was no response in the case of calves born to multiparous cows. A greater proportion of primiparous cows that received +CF conceived in the first 21 days of mating (+CF - TW = 63.5% and +CF + TW = 50%) than the other groups. The final pregnancy rate was similar among groups in both experiments. In conclusion, TW decreased the average daily weight gain and weaning weight of calves. Supplementation of calves born to primiparous cows with rice bran decreased their daily weight gain during the period of TW and their weaning weight, but their dams were conceived earlier.

Hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel: The Mexican experience of rapid desensitization.

BACKGROUND: Taxanes adjuvant therapy is recommended in certain high risk or metastatic tumors, particularly in lung and breast cancer, but also in other types of cancer like ovarian. The incidence of severe adverse drug reactions to paclitaxel is of approximately 10%. OBJECTIVES: Analyze type I hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel and their management in the Mexican population. METHOD: It is a retrospective, observational and descriptive study that included type I hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel reported from our database. Symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel were classified and skin testing was performed with a 6 mg/mL paclitaxel concentration. The desensitization procedure consisted of a 12-steps, 3-bags of 250 mL protocol with a 6-7-hour duration. RESULTS: A total of 60 desensitization procedures were performed and were all completed successfully. All participants in our group were female, their median age was 44.5 years.All of our patients had hypersensitivity adverse drug reaction to paclitaxel during their first exposure and within the first 10 minutes of infusion. 63.6% of the patients had a moderate hypersensitivity reaction to paclitaxel and 36.4% had a severe reaction. CONCLUSIONS: Paclitaxel continues to be a common use drug and has a high rate of adverse drug reactions. This is the first study of hypersensitivity to paclitaxel in a Mexican population.

Larvicidal Effect of Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. Essential Oil Nanoemulsion on Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Mosquitoes can be vectors of pathogens and transmit diseases to both animals and humans. Species of the genus Culex are part of the cycle of neglected diseases, especially Culex quinquefasciatus, which is an anthropophilic vector of lymphatic filariasis. Natural products can be an alternative to synthetic insecticides for vector control; however, the main issue is the poor water availability of some compounds from plant origin. In this context, nanoemulsions are kinetic stable delivery systems of great interest for lipophilic substances. The objective of this study was to investigate the larvicidal activity of the Hyptis suaveolens essential oil nanoemulsion on Cx. quinquefasciatus. The essential oil showed a predominance of monoterpenes with retention time (RT) lower than 15 min. The average size diameter of the emulsions (sorbitan monooleate/polysorbate 20) was ≤ 200 nm. The nanoemulsion showed high larvicidal activity in concentrations of 250 and 125 ppm. CL50 values were 102.41 (77.5253−149.14) ppm and 70.8105 (44.5282−109.811) ppm after 24 and 48 h, respectively. The mortality rate in the surfactant control was lower than 9%. Scanning micrograph images showed changes in the larvae's integument. This study achieved an active nanoemulsion on Cx. quinquefasciatus through a low-energy-input technique and without using potentially toxic organic solvents. Therefore, it expands the scope of possible applications of H. suaveolens essential oil in the production of high-added-value nanosystems for tropical disease vector control.

Long-term PM2.5 exposure before diagnosis is associated with worse outcome in breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Increasingly epidemiological evidence supports that environmental factors are associated with breast cancer (BC) outcomes after a BC diagnosis. Although evidence suggests that air pollution exposure is associated with higher mortality in women with BC, studies investigating potential mechanisms have been lacking. METHODS: We evaluated women with BC (N = 151) attended at the National Cancer Institute-Mexico from 2012 to 2015. We calculated 1-year average exposures to particulate matter < 2.5 µm (PM2.5) at home address before diagnosis. We used linear and logistic regression models to determine the associations between PM2.5 exposure and BC aggressiveness (tumor size, molecular phenotype). RESULTS: Average annual PM2.5 exposure of this population was 23.0 µg/m3 [standard deviation (SD)]: 1.90 µg/m3]. PM2.5 levels were positively correlated with tumor size at diagnosis (r = 0.22; p = 0.007). Multivariable linear models had a similar inference [risk ratio (RR): 1.32; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.04, 1.674]. We did not observe differences in this association by age or menopause status. Further, women with triple-negative BC (TNBC) had significantly higher PM2.5 levels compared with other phenotypes (p = 0.015). Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models assessing the association between PM2.5 and tumor size had a similar inference (RR 1.41; 95% CI 1.05, 1.89) overall for all ages and also for women who were ≤ 50 years old at diagnosis (RR 1.63; 95% CI 1.036, 2.57). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a significant association between long-term PM2.5 exposure and BC aggressiveness based on tumor size and phenotype, as well as a worse outcome.

Heat tolerance in cows of British breeds and their crosses with bonsmara under grazing conditions.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the increasing temperature-humidity index (THI) on the body temperature of cows from different breed groups. Vaginal temperature was monitored in cows from two breed groups: a) British breeds (Hereford, Angus and their crosses, n=4); and b) their crosses with Bonsmara (BO, n=6). Vaginal temperature in cows of British breeds was always higher (P < 0.05), and the higher temperature picks coincide with afternoon hours. British cows maintained stable their vaginal temperature if THI was lower than 72.8, but for higher values, they showed linear increases. Moreover, the threshold THI associated to increase in vaginal temperature in British breeds was 72.8. However, vaginal temperature remained unchanged in Bonsmara crosses. The present work suggests that THI greater than 72.8 could affect the body temperature in grazing cattle of British breeds but not its crosses with Bonsmara.

Acute pancreatitis in Chile: A multicenter study on epidemiology, etiology and clinical outcome. Retrospective analysis of clinical files.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiology of acute pancreatitis (AP) is variable in different geographical regions. OBJECTIVES: To compare etiology and severity of AP to published data from South America and the rest of world, study impact of demographical factors and treatment on its outcome in Chilean hospitals. METHODS: Multicenter observational study. Data of consecutive patients with AP were collected at the moment of discharge from 11 centers and retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Data of 962 patients were included in the analysis, 447 men and 515 women. Mean age was 48,2 years. Biliary etiology was significantly more frequent in women (70%) than in men (52%). Conversely, alcohol was responsible for about 17% of AP in men but exceptional in women. Mild AP was seen in 73.4%, moderately severe in 14.1% and severe in 13%. The overall mortality was 2.5% (24 of 962): 0.3%, 3.1% and 15.1% in mild, moderately severe and severe cases, respectively. No difference was found in the mortality and severity of biliary versus alcoholic AP, while hypertriglyceridemia induced AP was more severe, without increased mortality. Severity and mortality increased with age. ERCP was performed in 16% of biliary pancreatitis. Adherence to main guidelines was heterogeneous: more than half of mild AP patients were admitted to critical care units and antibiotics were used in about 25% them. CONCLUSION: This is the first multicenter study in Chile on AP. When compared to literature, we found similar severity distribution and an acceptably low mortality. Biliary etiology was dominant, but alcohol was also important in men.

Fasting insulin resistance affects the prevalence of metabolically healthy obesity in Brazilian adolescents.

AIM: We aimed to assess the influence of fasting insulin resistance on metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) prevalence in adolescents and to identify associated factors. METHODS: This retrospective, registry-based, cross-sectional study included 418 (51.9% girls) 10- to 18-year-old adolescents with obesity from a tertiary outpatient clinic in Sao Paulo, Brazil, between 2009 and 2013. The prevalence of MHO was estimated according to two definitions: (i) no cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) by the International Diabetes Federation parameters and (ii) no CMRF and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance <3.16. Adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) evaluated the association of gender, age, pubertal stages, skin colour and degree of obesity with MHO. RESULTS: Metabolically healthy obesity prevalence was lower in definition II than definition I (12.7%; 95% CI 9.1-16.3% versus 43.1%; 95% CI 38.0-48.2%, respectively). Adjusted results showed negative association between severe obesity and MHO by both definitions (p ≤ 0.01). Male and later pubertal stages were also less likely to have MHO, but neither remained significant in definition II. CONCLUSION: Metabolically healthy obesity prevalence decreased when insulin resistance was part of the definition. Detecting pre-clinical insulin resistance may improve the management of treatment-seeking adolescents, especially when they present no CMRF.

Anti-inflammatory and antialgic actions of a nanoemulsion of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil and a molecular docking study of its major chemical constituents.

We evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antialgic potency of a nanoemulsion (NEORO) containing the essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (EORO), which is composed primarily of limonene, camphor and 1,8-cineole. The EORO and NEORO were administered orally 30 min prior to starting the experiments. In a test of rat paw oedema induced by carrageenan, NEORO was effective in doses of 498 µg/kg, and it inhibited 46% of the maximum peak of the oedema; in a dose of 300 mg/kg, EORO inhibited 50% of the maximum peak of the oedema. In an acetic acid-induced writhing test, NEORO yielded a dose-dependent effect, and a dose of 830 µg/kg inhibited 84% of the algesic process; a dose of 100 mg/kg of EORO inhibited 55%. In an assay for H2S production in rat stomachs, a dose of 498 µg/kg of NEORO inhibited H2S production in all of the measurement phases, and a dose of 100 mg/kg EORO inhibited 60% and influenced the effect of the ethanol significantly, reducing the production of H2S. We suggest that NEORO potentiated the effect of EORO, demonstrating effectiveness in doses 600 times lower than those applied with EORO. Among the major compounds of EORO, the camphor molecule exhibited the largest number of interactions with the therapeutic targets related to the inflammatory process, suggesting that it is responsible for EORO's anti-inflammatory and antialgic effects. This work paves the way for future investigations related to the therapeutic role of NEORO in the inflammation process.

Pterodon emarginatus oleoresin-based nanoemulsion as a promising tool for Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) control.

BACKGROUND: Preparation of nanoformulations using natural products as bioactive substances is considered very promising for innovative larvicidal agents. On this context, oil in water nanoemulsions develop a main role, since they satisfactorily disperse poor-water soluble substances, such as herbal oils, in aqueous media. Pterodon emarginatus, popularly known as sucupira, has a promising bioactive oleoresin. However, to our knowledge, no previous studies were carried out to evaluate its potential against Culex quinquefasciatus, the main vector of the tropical neglected disease called lymphatic filariasis or elephantiasis. Thus, we aimed to investigate influence of different pairs of surfactants in nanoemulsion formation and investigate if a sucupira oleoresin-based nanoemulsion has promising larvicidal activity against this C. quinquefasciatus. We also evaluated morphological alteration, possible mechanism of insecticidal action and ecotoxicity of the nanoemulsion against a non-target organism. RESULTS: Among the different pairs of surfactants that were tested, nanoemulsions obtained with polysorbate 80/sorbitan monooleate and polysorbate 80/sorbitan trioleate presented smallest mean droplet size just afterwards preparation, respectively 151.0 ± 2.252 and 160.7 ± 1.493 nm. They presented high negative zeta potential values, low polydispersity index (<0.300) and did not present great alteration in mean droplet size and polydispersity index after 1 day of preparation. Overall, nanoemulsion prepared with polysorbate 80/sorbitan monooleate was considered more stable and was chosen for biological assays. It presented low LC50 value against larvae (34.75; 7.31-51.86 mg/L) after 48 h of treatment and some morphological alteration was observed. The nanoemulsion did not inhibit acetylcholinesterase of C. quinquefasciatus larvae. It was not toxic to green algae Chlorella vulgaris at low concentration (25 mg/L). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that optimal nanoemulsions may be prepared with different surfactants using a low cost and low energy simple method. Moreover, this prototype proved to be effective against C. quinquefasciatus, being considered an ecofriendly novel nanoproduct that can be useful in integrated control programs of vector control.

Baccharis reticularia DC. and Limonene Nanoemulsions: Promising Larvicidal Agents for Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Control.

Baccharis reticularia DC. is a plant species from the Asteraceae family that is endemic to Brazil. Despite the great importance of Baccharis genus, no study has been carried out regarding either the phytochemical composition of B. reticularia or the evaluation of its larvicidal potential. Considering the intrinsic immiscibility of essential oils, this study shows larvicidal nanoemulsions containing the B. reticularia phytochemically characterized essential oil and its main constituent against Aedes aegypti. The major compound found was d-limonene (25.7%). The essential oil inhibited the acetylcholinesterase, one of the main targets of insecticides. The required hydrophile-lipophile balance of both nanoemulsions was 15.0. The mean droplet sizes were around 90.0 nm, and no major alterations were observed after 24 h of preparation for both formulations. After 48 h of treatment, the estimated LC50 values were 118.94 µg mL-1 and 81.19 µg mL-1 for B. reticularia essential oil and d-limonene nanoemulsions, respectively. Morphological alterations evidenced by scanning electron micrography were observed on the larvae treated with the d-limonene nanoemulsion. This paper demonstrated a simple and ecofriendly method for obtaining B. reticularia essential oil and d-limonene aqueous nanoemulsions by a non-heating and solvent-free method, as promising alternatives for Aedes aegypti control.

Isolation and characterization of Flexilinea flocculi gen. nov., sp. nov., a filamentous, anaerobic bacterium belonging to the class Anaerolineae in the phylum Chloroflexi.

A novel obligately anaerobic bacterium, designated strain TC1T, was isolated from methanogenic granular sludge in a full-scale mesophilic upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating high-strength starch-based wastewater. Cells had a multicellular filamentous morphology, stained Gram-negative and were non-motile. The filaments were flexible, generally >100 µm long and 0.3-0.4 µm wide. Growth of the isolate was observed at 25-43 °C (optimum 37 °C) and pH 6.0-8.5 (optimum pH 7.0). Strain TC1T grew chemo-organotrophically on a range of carbohydrates under anaerobic conditions. Yeast extract was required for growth. The major fermentative end products of glucose, supplemented with yeast extract, were acetate, lactate, succinate, propionate, formate and hydrogen. Co-cultivation with the hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanospirillum hungatei DSM 864T enhanced growth of the isolate. The DNA G+C content was determined experimentally to be 42.1 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain TC1T belonged to the class Anaerolineae in the phylum Chloroflexi, in which Ornatilinea apprima P3M-1T was its closest phylogenetic relative (88.3 % nucleotide identity). Phylogenomic analyses using 38 and 83 single-copy marker genes also supported the novelty of strain TC1T at least at the genus level. Based on phylogenetic, genomic and phenotypic characteristics, we propose that strain TC1T represents a novel species of a new genus, for which we suggest the name Flexilinea flocculi gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Flexilinea flocculi is strain TC1T ( = JCM 30897T = CGMCC 1.5202T).

Lentimicrobium saccharophilum gen. nov., sp. nov., a strictly anaerobic bacterium representing a new family in the phylum Bacteroidetes, and proposal of Lentimicrobiaceae fam. nov.

A novel, strictly anaerobic, short rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain TBC1T, was isolated from methanogenic granular sludge in a full-scale mesophilic upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating high-strength starch-based organic wastewater. Cells of this strain were 2-4 µm long and 0.4-0.6 µm wide. They were non-motile and Gram-stain-negative. The optimum growth temperature was 30-37 °C, with a range of 20-40 °C. The optimum pH for growth was around pH 7.0, while growth occurred in a range of pH 6.5-9.0. Strain TBC1T grew chemo-organotrophically on a narrow range of carbohydrates under anaerobic conditions. Yeast extract was required for its growth. The major fermentative end products from glucose, supplemented with yeast extract, were acetate, malate, propionate, formate and hydrogen. Doubling time under optimal growth conditions was estimated to be 1 day. The DNA G+C content of strain TBC1T was 49.2 mol% as determined by HPLC. Major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 0, C16 : 1ω9c and C18 : 1ω9c. Based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain TBC1T was shown to represent a distinct lineage at the family level in the phylum Bacteroidetes. Among previously described species of this phylum, Mucilaginibacter boryungensis BDR-9T (Sphingobacteriaceae) displayed the highest sequence similarity (85.9 %) with strain TBC1T. Phylogenomic analyses using 38-83 single copy marker genes also supported the novelty of strain TBC1T at the family level. Based on its characteristics, strain TBC1T (=JCM 30898T=DSM 100618T) is considered to be the type strain of a novel species of a new genus, Lentimicrobium saccharophilum gen. nov., sp. nov. A new family, Lentimicrobiaceae fam. nov., is also proposed encompassing the strain and related environmental 16S rRNA gene clone sequences.

A new tropane alkaloid from the leaves of Erythroxylum subsessile isolated by pH-zone-refining counter-current chromatography.

Tropane alkaloids are bioactive metabolites with great importance in the pharmaceutical industry and the most important class of natural products found in the Erythroxylum genus. However, these compounds are usually separated by traditional chromatographic techniques, in which the sample is progressively purified in multiple chromatographic steps, resulting in a time- and solvent-consuming procedure. In this work we present the isolation of a novel alkaloid, 6ß,7ß-dibenzoyloxytropan-3α-ol, together with the two known 3α-benzoyloxynortropan-6ß-ol and 3α,6ß-dibenzoyloxytropane alkaloids, directly from the crude alkaloid fraction from the leaves of Erythroxylum subsessile, by using a single run pH-zone-refining counter-current chromatography method. The ethyl acetate/water (1:1, v/v) biphasic solvent system with triethylamine and HCl as retention and eluter agents, respectively, was used to isolate tropane alkaloids for the first time. The structures of the isolated alkaloids were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

Identification of immunogenic proteins from ovarian tissue and recognized in larval extracts of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, through an immunoproteomic approach.

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites of cattle and act as vectors for disease-causing microorganisms. Conventional tick control is based on the use of chemical acaricides; however, their uncontrolled use has increased tSresistant tick populations, as well as food and environmental contamination. Alternative immunological tick control has shown to be partially effective. The only anti-tick vaccine commercially available at present in the world is based on intestinal Bm86 protein, and shows a variable effectiveness depending on tick strains or geographic isolates. Therefore, there is a need to characterize new antigens in order to improve immunological protection. The aim of this work was to identify immunogenic proteins from ovarian tissue extracts of R. microplus, after cattle immunization. Results showed that ovarian proteins complexed with the adjuvant Montanide ISA 50 V generated a strong humoral response on vaccinated cattle. IgG levels peaked at fourth post-immunization week and remained high until the end of the experiment. 1D and 2D SDS-PAGE-Western blot assays with sera from immunized cattle recognized several ovarian proteins. Reactive bands were cut and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. They were identified as Vitellogenin, Vitellogenin-2 precursor and Yolk Cathepsin. Our findings along with bioinformatic analysis indicate that R. microplus has several Vitellogenin members, which are proteolytically processed to generate multiple polypeptide fragments. This apparent complexity of vitellogenic tick molecular targets gives the opportunity to explore their potential usefulness as vaccine candidates but, at the same time, imposes a challenge on the selection of the appropriate set of antigens.

Protective Effect of the Plant Extracts of Erythroxylum sp. against Toxic Effects Induced by the Venom of Lachesis muta Snake.

Snake venoms are composed of a complex mixture of active proteins that induce toxic effects, such as edema, hemorrhage, and death. Lachesis muta has the highest lethality indices in Brazil. In most cases, antivenom fails to neutralize local effects, leading to disabilities in victims. Thus, alternative treatments are under investigation, and plant extracts are promising candidates. The objective of this work was to investigate the ability of crude extracts, fractions, or isolated products of Erythroxylum ovalifolium and Erythroxylum subsessile to neutralize some toxic effects of L. muta venom. All samples were mixed with L. muta venom, then in vivo (hemorrhage and edema) and in vitro (proteolysis, coagulation, and hemolysis) assays were performed. Overall, crude extracts or fractions of Erythroxylum spp. inhibited (20%-100%) toxic effects of the venom, but products achieved an inhibition of 4%-30%. However, when venom was injected into mice before the plant extracts, hemorrhage and edema were not inhibited by the samples. On the other hand, an inhibition of 5%-40% was obtained when extracts or products were given before venom injection. These results indicate that the extracts or products of Erythroxylum spp. could be a promising source of molecules able to treat local toxic effects of envenomation by L. muta venom, aiding in the development of new strategies for antivenom treatment.

[Pulmonary non invasive infection by Scedosporium apiospermum]. / Infección pulmonar no invasora por Scedosporium apiospermum.

We reported a case of non-invasive pulmonary infection by Scedosporium apiospermum in 67 years old female with bronchiectasis and caverns secondary to tuberculosis. Diagnosis was made with lung CT and bronchial lavage cultures. The patient was initially treated with itraconazole for six weeks without success and then voriconazole for 16 weeks, with good clinical response.

[Invasive fungal disease (IFD) by filamentous fungi in the Valparaíso Region, Chile, since implementation of rapid laboratory diagnosis]. / Enfermedad fúngica invasora (EFI) por hongos filamentosos en la Región de Valparaíso, Chile, desde la implementación del diagnóstico rápido de laboratorio.

INTRODUCTION: Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) by filamentous fungi are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, especially those with myeloid leukemia. In 2011 a protocol for the rapid diagnosis of IFD by filamentous fungi was implemented in Valparaiso Region. OBJECTIVES: To describe cases of IFD by filamentous fungi of the Valparaíso Region, since the implementation of rapid diagnosis and to compare results with the period 2004-2009. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Descriptive and prospective study conducted in two public hospitals: Carlos van Buren at Valparaiso and Gustavo Fricke at Viña del Mar. We selected patients with a diagnosis of filamentous fungal diseases considering the EORTC/MSG criteria. Demographics, underlying diseases, risk factors for EFI, galactomannan (GM) results in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage, cultures and biopsies, treatment and overall lethality rates at 30 days were registered. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were detected, 6 with proven and 12 probable IFD. Nine were diagnosed by GM, 8 by culture and two with both methods. In cases which the agent (9/18) was isolated from Rhizopus oryzae was the most frequent. When comparing overall lethality with the period 2004-2009, there was a reduction of 47.8%, which was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to data previously published in the region, demographic and comorbidities of patients with IFD caused by filamentous fungi are similar, however the currently rapid diagnosis protocol has improved survival of patients and lethality experienced overall decrease.

Molecular cloning and characterization of two novel autophagy-related genes belonging to the ATG8 family from the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is an obligate haematophagous arthropod and the major problem for cattle industry due to economic losses it causes. The parasite shows a remarkable adaptability to changing environmental conditions as well as an exceptional ability to survive long-term starvation. This ability has been related to a process of intracellular protein degradation called autophagy. This process in ticks is still poorly understood and only few autophagy-related (ATG) genes have been characterized. The aim of the present study was to examine the ESTs database, BmiGI, of R. microplus searching for ATG homologues. We predicted five putative ATG genes, ATG3, ATG4, ATG6 and two ATG8s. Further characterization led to the identification of RmATG8a and RmATG8b, homologues of GABARAP and MAP1LC3, respectively, and both of them belonging to the ATG8 family. PCR analyses showed that the expression level of RmATG8a and RmATG8b was higher in egg and larval stages when compared to ovary and midgut from adult ticks. This up-regulation coincides with the period in which ticks are in a starvation state, suggesting that autophagy is active in R. microplus.

[Laboratory guidelines for diagnosis of invasive fungal disease caused by filamentous fungi]. / Guía para el diagnóstico de laboratorio de enfermedad fúngica invasora por hongos filamentosos.

Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical in Invasive Fungal Disease (IFD) caused by filamentous fungi in immunocompromised patients. Clinical features of IFD are nonspecific; therefore, images (CT scan), direct microscopic examination, staining and cultures of clinical samples and galactomannan determination in blood or BAL, are substantial. This guideline provides recommendations on transport and sample processing, including stains and culture media requirements. It also describes clues for diagnosis of major genera and species of Aspergillus.

Inclusion of Anti-Tick Vaccines into an Integrated Tick Management Program in Mexico: A Public Policy Challenge.

Acaricides are the most widely used method to control the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. However, its use increases production costs, contaminates food and the environment, and directly affects animal and human health. The intensive use of chemical control has resulted in the selection of genes associated with resistance to acaricides, and consumers are increasingly less tolerant of food contamination. This scenario has increased the interest of different research groups around the world for anti-tick vaccine development, in order to reduce the environmental impact, the presence of residues in food, and the harmful effects on animal and human health. There is enough evidence that vaccination with tick antigens induces protection against tick infestations, reducing tick populations and acaricide treatments. Despite the need for an anti-tick vaccine in Mexico, vaccination against ticks has been limited to one vaccine that is used in some regions. The aim of this review is to contribute to the discussion on tick control issues and provide a reference for readers interested in the importance of using anti-tick vaccines encouraging concerted action on the part of Mexican animal health authorities, livestock organizations, cattle producers, and academics. Therefore, it is suggested that an anti-tick vaccine should be included as a part of an integrated tick management program in Mexico.