Ammonium depletion associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in the Mexican Caribbean.

The Mexican Caribbean contributes significantly to Mexico's gross national product. The number of tourists declined from 16.7 million in 2019 to 8.8 million in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a rapid recovery of 13.5 million in 2021. Wastewater discharge is the primary contamination source associated with the tourism sector's demand for goods and services. Water quality could improve due to fewer tourists arriving during the COVID-19 sanitary emergency. This study aimed to quantify ammonium concentrations at eleven locations to evaluate water quality during the sanitary restriction due to the pandemic in the Mexican Caribbean. The ammonium concentrations were 85 % (Nov-2019), 89 % (Feb-2020), and 86 % (Feb-2021) higher than in Nov-2020, where six of the eleven sampled stations were below the detection limit (0.15 µM). Lower ammonium concentrations coincide with the sanitary restriction period and a decrease in affluent tourists.

Cortical-subcortical interactions in goal-directed behavior.

Flexibly selecting appropriate actions in response to complex, ever-changing environments requires both cortical and subcortical regions, which are typically described as participating in a strict hierarchy. In this traditional view, highly specialized subcortical circuits allow for efficient responses to salient stimuli, at the cost of adaptability and context specificity, which are attributed to the neocortex. Their interactions are often described as the cortex providing top-down command signals for subcortical structures to implement; however, as available technologies develop, studies increasingly demonstrate that behavior is represented by brainwide activity and that even subcortical structures contain early signals of choice, suggesting that behavioral functions emerge as a result of different regions interacting as truly collaborative networks. In this review, we discuss the field's evolving understanding of how cortical and subcortical regions in placental mammals interact cooperatively, not only via top-down cortical-subcortical inputs but through bottom-up interactions, especially via the thalamus. We describe our current understanding of the circuitry of both the cortex and two exemplar subcortical structures, the superior colliculus and striatum, to identify which information is prioritized by which regions. We then describe the functional circuits these regions form with one another, and the thalamus, to create parallel loops and complex networks for brainwide information flow. Finally, we challenge the classic view that functional modules are contained within specific brain regions; instead, we propose that certain regions prioritize specific types of information over others, but the subnetworks they form, defined by their anatomical connections and functional dynamics, are the basis of true specialization.

Three-dimensional microscale hanging drop arrays with geometric control for drug screening and live tissue imaging.

Existing three-dimensional (3D) culture techniques are limited by trade-offs between throughput, capacity for high-resolution imaging in living state, and geometric control. Here, we introduce a modular microscale hanging drop culture where simple design elements allow high replicates for drug screening, direct on-chip real-time or high-resolution confocal microscopy, and geometric control in 3D. Thousands of spheroids can be formed on our microchip in a single step and without any selective pressure from specific matrices. Microchip cultures from human LN229 glioblastoma and patient-derived mouse xenograft cells retained genomic alterations of originating tumors based on mate pair sequencing. We measured response to drugs over time with real-time microscopy on-chip. Last, by engineering droplets to form predetermined geometric shapes, we were able to manipulate the geometry of cultured cell masses. These outcomes can enable broad applications in advancing personalized medicine for cancer and drug discovery, tissue engineering, and stem cell research.

Histidine Self-assembly and Stability on Mineral Surfaces as a Model of Prebiotic Chemical Evolution: An Experimental and Computational Approach.

The abiotic synthesis of histidine under experimental prebiotic conditions has proven to be chemically promising and plausible. Within this context, the present results suggest that histidine amino acid may function as a simple prebiotic catalyst able to enhance amino acid polymerization. This work describes an experimental and computational approach to the self-assembly and stabilization of DL-histidine on mineral surfaces using antigorite ((Mg, Fe)3Si2O5(OH)4), pyrite (FeS2), and aragonite (CaCO3) as representative minerals of prebiotic scenarios, such as meteorites, and subaerial and submarine hydrothermal systems. Experimental results were obtained through polarized-light microscopy, IR spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Molecular dynamics was performed through computational simulations with the MM + method in HyperChem software. IR spectra suggest the presence of peptide bonds in the antigorite-histidine and aragonite-histidine assemblages with the presence of amide I and amide II vibration bands. The FTIR second derivative inspection supports this observation. Moreover, DSC data shows histidine stabilization in the presence of antigorite and aragonite by changes in histidine thermodynamic properties, particularly an increase in histidine decomposition temperature (272ºC in antigorite and 275ºC in aragonite). Results from molecular dynamics are consistent with DSC data, suggesting an antigorite-histidine closer interaction with decreased molecular distances (cca. 5.5 Å) between the amino acid and the crystal surface. On the whole, the experimental and computational outcomes support the role of mineral surfaces in prebiotic chemical evolution as enhancers of organic stability.

Distinct prefrontal top-down circuits differentially modulate sensorimotor behavior.

Sensorimotor behaviors require processing of behaviorally relevant sensory cues and the ability to select appropriate responses from a vast behavioral repertoire. Modulation by the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is thought to be key for both processes, but the precise role of specific circuits remains unclear. We examined the sensorimotor function of anatomically distinct outputs from a subdivision of the mouse PFC, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Using a visually guided two-choice behavioral paradigm with multiple cue-response mappings, we dissociated the sensory and motor response components of sensorimotor control. Projection-specific two-photon calcium imaging and optogenetic manipulations show that ACC outputs to the superior colliculus, a key midbrain structure for response selection, principally coordinate specific motor responses. Importantly, ACC outputs exert control by reducing the innate response bias of the superior colliculus. In contrast, ACC outputs to the visual cortex facilitate sensory processing of visual cues. Our results ascribe motor and sensory roles to ACC projections to the superior colliculus and the visual cortex and demonstrate for the first time a circuit motif for PFC function wherein anatomically non-overlapping output pathways coordinate complementary but distinct aspects of visual sensorimotor behavior.

Endocarditis bacteriana a propósito de un caso / Bacterial endocarditis case report

OBJETIVO: informar acerca de un caso de endocarditis bacteriana. Paciente varón de 34 años de edad, con único antecedente de rinitis alérgica con tratamiento irregular. Él es procedente de Valparaiso Chile, se encuentra en sus vacaciones en la ciudad de La Paz, acude al servicio de medicina interna ­ emergencias, con clínica compatible con edema agudo de pulmón de la altura y edema cerebral de la altura, asociado a sepsis de foco pulmonar, que progresa a choque séptico, durante su internación intercurre con alzas térmicas continuas, asociado a hallazgo ecocardiográfico de vegetación en ventrículo derecho con hemocultivo positivo, por lo que se llega al diagnóstico de endocarditis bacteriana, se realizó el tratamiento correspondiente, y resolución del cuadro.

OBJECTIVE: to report a case of bacterial endocarditis A 34-year-old male patient with a unique history of allergic rhinitis with irregular treatment. He comes from Valparaiso Chile, is on vacation in the city of La Paz, goes to the service of internal medicine - emergencies with compatible clinical with acute pulmonary edema of height and cerebral edema of height, associated with sepsis of focus pulmonary disease, which progresses to septic shock, during internment with continuous hyperthermia, associated vegetation in right ventricle for echocardiography, also positive blood culture, so that a diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis is reached, Corresponding treatment was carried out, and resolution of pathology..

Behavioral effects of Bj-PRO-7a, a proline-rich oligopeptide from Bothrops jararaca venom.

The heptapeptide Bj-PRO-7a, isolated and identified from Bothrops jararaca (Bj) venom, produces antihypertensive and other cardiovascular effects that are independent on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, possibly relying on cholinergic muscarinic receptors subtype 1 (M1R). However, whether Bj-PRO-7a acts upon the central nervous system and modifies behavior is yet to be determined. Therefore, the aims of this study were: i) to assess the effects of acute administration of Bj-PRO-7a upon behavior; ii) to reveal mechanisms involved in the effects of Bj-PRO-7a upon locomotion/exploration, anxiety, and depression-like behaviors. For this purpose, adult male Wistar (WT, wild type) and spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) received intraperitoneal injections of vehicle (0.9% NaCl), diazepam (2 mg/kg), imipramine (15 mg/kg), Bj-PRO-7a (71, 213 or 426 nmol/kg), pirenzepine (852 nmol/kg), α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (200 mg/kg), or chlorpromazine (2 mg/kg), and underwent elevated plus maze, open field, and forced swimming tests. The heptapeptide promoted anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects and increased locomotion/exploration. These effects of Bj-PRO-7a seem to be dependent on M1R activation and dopaminergic receptors and rely on catecholaminergic pathways.

Toward the improvement of total nitrogen deposition budgets in the United States.

Frameworks for limiting ecosystem exposure to excess nutrients and acidity require accurate and complete deposition budgets of reactive nitrogen (Nr). While much progress has been made in developing total Nr deposition budgets for the U.S., current budgets remain limited by key data and knowledge gaps. Analysis of National Atmospheric Deposition Program Total Deposition (NADP/TDep) data illustrates several aspects of current Nr deposition that motivate additional research. Averaged across the continental U.S., dry deposition contributes slightly more (55%) to total deposition than wet deposition and is the dominant process (>90%) over broad areas of the Southwest and other arid regions of the West. Lack of dry deposition measurements imposes a reliance on models, resulting in a much higher degree of uncertainty relative to wet deposition which is routinely measured. As nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions continue to decline, reduced forms of inorganic nitrogen (NHx = NH3 + NH4+) now contribute >50% of total Nr deposition over large areas of the U.S. Expanded monitoring and additional process-level research are needed to better understand NHx deposition, its contribution to total Nr deposition budgets, and the processes by which reduced N deposits to ecosystems. Urban and suburban areas are hotspots where routine monitoring of oxidized and reduced Nr deposition is needed. Finally, deposition budgets have incomplete information about the speciation of atmospheric nitrogen; monitoring networks do not capture important forms of Nr such as organic nitrogen. Building on these themes, we detail the state of the science of Nr deposition budgets in the U.S. and highlight research priorities to improve deposition budgets in terms of monitoring and flux measurements, leaf- to regional-scale modeling, source apportionment, and characterization of deposition trends and patterns.

Compression stiffening in biological tissues: On the possibility of classic elasticity origins.

Compression stiffening, or an increase in shear modulus with increasing compressive strain, has been observed in recent rheometry experiments on brain, liver, and fat tissues. Here we extend the known types of biomaterials exhibiting this phenomenon to include agarose gel and fruit flesh. The data reveal a linear relationship between shear storage modulus and uniaxial prestress, even up to 40% strain in some cases. We focus on this less-familiar linear relationship to show that two different results from classic elasticity theory can account for the phenomenon of linear compression stiffening. One result is due to Barron and Klein, extended here to the relevant geometry and prestresses; the other is due to Birch. For incompressible materials, there are no adjustable parameters in either theory. Which one applies to a given situation is a matter of reference state, suggesting that the reference state is determined by the tendency of the material to develop, or not develop, axial stress (in excess of the applied prestress) when subjected to torsion at constant axial strain. Our experiments and analysis also strengthen the notion that seemingly distinct animal and plant tissues can have mechanically similar behavior at the quantitative level under certain conditions.

Behavioral effects of Bj-PRO-7a, a proline-rich oligopeptide from Bothrops jararaca venom

The heptapeptide Bj-PRO-7a, isolated and identified from Bothrops jararaca (Bj) venom, produces antihypertensive and other cardiovascular effects that are independent on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, possibly relying on cholinergic muscarinic receptors subtype 1 (M1R). However, whether Bj-PRO-7a acts upon the central nervous system and modifies behavior is yet to be determined. Therefore, the aims of this study were: i) to assess the effects of acute administration of Bj-PRO-7a upon behavior; ii) to reveal mechanisms involved in the effects of Bj-PRO-7a upon locomotion/exploration, anxiety, and depression-like behaviors. For this purpose, adult male Wistar (WT, wild type) and spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) received intraperitoneal injections of vehicle (0.9% NaCl), diazepam (2 mg/kg), imipramine (15 mg/kg), Bj-PRO-7a (71, 213 or 426 nmol/kg), pirenzepine (852 nmol/kg), α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (200 mg/kg), or chlorpromazine (2 mg/kg), and underwent elevated plus maze, open field, and forced swimming tests. The heptapeptide promoted anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects and increased locomotion/exploration. These effects of Bj-PRO-7a seem to be dependent on M1R activation and dopaminergic receptors and rely on catecholaminergic pathways.

[Postoperative functional angular anatomy in patients with anterior cruciate ligament with autologous graft]. / Anatomía angular funcional postquirúrgica en pacientes con sustitución del ligamento cruzado anterior con injerto autólogo.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) aims to restore the original anatomy. The clinical outcome could be imperfect when graft placement is not in an anatomical position; moreover, the conventional transtibial reconstruction of the ACL often locates the graft away from the anatomical site, leading to abnormal biomechanical behavior and kinematics of the knee. The objective of this work was to assess the importance of the angular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament during arthroscopic replacement and to compare the postoperative functional results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 21 patients to whom the IKDC 2000 form of objective and subjective evaluation was applied; radiographic evaluation in anteroposterior and lateral bending at 30o. We made an statistical analysis with Pearson P, correlating the anteroposterior and lateral angulation of the graft direction and the subjective projection of the operated knee function, as well as age and time of evolution with the operated knee. RESULTS: We included 21 patients of 18 to 56 years of age; follow-up: one to three years. Objective evaluation: 95.24% normal and 4.76% almost normal. Subjective assessment: average 84.31% (range 70.93 to 97.99%), CI 95%. AP angle: 68.8o, range: 62o to 77o. Average sagittal angle: 64.9o, range: 58o to 75o. Correlations: AP angle and subjective function -0.19, angle in sagittal and subjective function -0.54, age and subjective function -0.77, duration and subjective function -0.74. Function average: 84.31%. DISCUSSION: The anatomical angular reconstruction of the ACL graft is key to the stability of the knee; the evaluated patients got a more similar direction to that of the native ACL, better stability and knee function.

ANTECEDENTES: La reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) tiene como objetivo la restauración de la anatomía original. El resultado clínico puede ser imperfecto cuando la colocación del injerto no se encuentra en una posición anatómica; además, la reconstrucción del LCA transtibial convencional que a menudo localiza el injerto lejos de la ubicación anatómica conduce a un comportamiento biomecánico y cinemática anormal de la rodilla. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comprobar la importancia de la reconstrucción angular del ligamento cruzado anterior durante la sustitución artroscópica y compararla con los resultados funcionales postquirúrgicos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron 21 pacientes; se aplicó formulario IKDC 2000 de valoración objetiva y subjetiva; evaluación radiográfica en proyección anteroposterior y lateral a 30o de flexión. Se realizó análisis estadístico con P de Pearson, correlacionando la angulación en proyección anteroposterior y lateral de la dirección del injerto y la función subjetiva de la rodilla intervenida, así como la edad y el tiempo de evolución con la función subjetiva de la rodilla intervenida. RESULTADOS: Fueron 21 pacientes de 18 a 56 años, tiempo de seguimiento: de uno a tres años. Evaluación objetiva: 95.24% normales y 4.76% casi normales. Valoración subjetiva promedio: 84.31% (rango: de 70.93 a 97.99%), IC 95%. Ángulo AP: 68.8o, rango: de 62o a 77o. Ángulo sagital promedio: 64.9o, rango: de 58o a 75o. CORRELACIONES: ángulo en AP y función subjetiva -0.19, ángulo en sagital y función subjetiva -0.54, edad y función subjetiva -0.77, tiempo de evolución y función subjetiva -0.74. DISCUSIÓN: La reconstrucción angular anatómica del injerto LCA es punto clave para la estabilidad de la rodilla, los pacientes estudiados obtuvieron una dirección más parecida a la del LCA nativo, mejores resultados de estabilidad y función de la rodilla.

Anatomía angular funcional postquirúrgica en pacientes con sustitución del ligamento cruzado anterior con injerto autólogo / Postoperative functional angular Anatomy in patients with anterior cruciate ligament with autologous graft

Resumen: Antecedentes: La reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) tiene como objetivo la restauración de la anatomía original. El resultado clínico puede ser imperfecto cuando la colocación del injerto no se encuentra en una posición anatómica; además, la reconstrucción del LCA transtibial convencional -que a menudo localiza el injerto lejos de la ubicación anatómica- conduce a un comportamiento biomecánico y cinemática anormal de la rodilla. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comprobar la importancia de la reconstrucción angular del ligamento cruzado anterior durante la sustitución artroscópica y compararla con los resultados funcionales postquirúrgicos. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron 21 pacientes; se aplicó formulario IKDC 2000 de valoración objetiva y subjetiva; evaluación radiográfica en proyección anteroposterior y lateral a 30o de flexión. Se realizó análisis estadístico con P de Pearson, correlacionando la angulación en proyección anteroposterior y lateral de la dirección del injerto y la función subjetiva de la rodilla intervenida, así como la edad y el tiempo de evolución con la función subjetiva de la rodilla intervenida. Resultados: Fueron 21 pacientes de 18 a 56 años, tiempo de seguimiento: de uno a tres años. Evaluación objetiva: 95.24% normales y 4.76% casi normales. Valoración subjetiva promedio: 84.31% (rango: de 70.93 a 97.99%), IC 95%. Ángulo AP: 68.8o, rango: de 62o a 77o. Ángulo sagital promedio: 64.9o, rango: de 58o a 75o. Correlaciones: ángulo en AP y función subjetiva -0.19, ángulo en sagital y función subjetiva -0.54, edad y función subjetiva -0.77, tiempo de evolución y función subjetiva -0.74. Discusión: La reconstrucción angular anatómica del injerto LCA es punto clave para la estabilidad de la rodilla, los pacientes estudiados obtuvieron una dirección más parecida a la del LCA nativo, mejores resultados de estabilidad y función de la rodilla.

Abstract: Background: Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) aims to restore the original anatomy. The clinical outcome could be imperfect when graft placement is not in an anatomical position; moreover, the conventional transtibial reconstruction of the ACL often locates the graft away from the anatomical site, leading to abnormal biomechanical behavior and kinematics of the knee. The objective of this work was to assess the importance of the angular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament during arthroscopic replacement and to compare the postoperative functional results. Material and methods: We studied 21 patients to whom the IKDC 2000 form of objective and subjective evaluation was applied; radiographic evaluation in anteroposterior and lateral bending at 30o. We made an statistical analysis with Pearson P, correlating the anteroposterior and lateral angulation of the graft direction and the subjective projection of the operated knee function, as well as age and time of evolution with the operated knee. Results: We included 21 patients of 18 to 56 years of age; follow-up: one to three years. Objective evaluation: 95.24% normal and 4.76% almost normal. Subjective assessment: average 84.31% (range 70.93 to 97.99%), CI 95%. AP angle: 68.8o, range: 62o to 77o. Average sagittal angle: 64.9o, range: 58o to 75o. Correlations: AP angle and subjective function -0.19, angle in sagittal and subjective function -0.54, age and subjective function -0.77, duration and subjective function -0.74. Function average: 84.31%. Discussion: The anatomical angular reconstruction of the ACL graft is key to the stability of the knee; the evaluated patients got a more similar direction to that of the native ACL, better stability and knee function.

First molecular detection of Mycobacterium bovis in environmental samples from a French region with endemic bovine tuberculosis.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis (the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, bTB) in environmental matrices within a French region (Côte d'Or) affected by this zoonotic disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report here the development and the use of molecular detection assays based on qPCR (double fluorescent dye-labelled probe) to monitor the occurrence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) or Myco. bovis in environmental samples collected in pastures where infected cattle and wildlife had been reported. Three qPCR assays targeting members of the MTBC (IS1561' and Rv3866 loci) or Myco. bovis (RD4 locus) were developed or refined from existing assays. These tools were validated using Myco. bovis spiked soil, water and faeces samples. Environmental samples were detected positive for the presence of MTBC strains and Myco. bovis in the environment of bTB-infected farms in the Côte d'Or region. CONCLUSIONS: The development of molecular assays permitted testing of several types of environmental samples including spring water, sediment samples and soils from badger setts entrance located in the vicinity of these farms, which were repeatedly contaminated with Myco. bovis (up to 8·7 × 10(3) gene copies per gram of badger sett soil). For the first time, direct spoligotyping of soil DNA enabled identification of Myco. bovis genotypes from environmental matrices. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: All together, these results suggest that Myco. bovis occurs at low levels in environmental matrices in Côte d'Or within the bTB-infected area. Drinking contaminated water or inhaling contaminated bioaerosols might explain cattle infection in some cases.

Associating high intensity and modulated frequency of TENS delays analgesic tolerance in rats.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive analgesic resource extensively used in painful conditions. However, preclinical studies suggest that the prolonged use of TENS results in the development of tolerance to its analgesic effect. The present study investigated the analgesic effect and development of tolerance to TENS with four different stimulation protocols. METHODS: Male Wistar rats induced with joint inflammation were divided into four groups: sensory intensity, low motor intensity, high motor intensity and sham groups. TENS was applied daily for 20 min with alternating frequency between 4 and 100 Hz until tolerance development was evidenced. Mechanical hyperalgesia was measured before and after each TENS daily application. RESULTS: After TENS, tolerance was evidenced There was a significant reduction in the mechanical withdrawal threshold in all groups 24 h after induction of inflammation (p < 0.01). We observed a loss of analgesic efficacy of TENS around the 12th, 19th and 19th days in the groups treated with sensory intensity, low motor intensity and high motor intensity, respectively (p < 0.02) when analysed using paired measurements and compared with the control. CONCLUSIONS: The association between frequency variation and intensity at motor level promotes a delay in the development of analgesic tolerance to TENS, optimizing and extending its therapeutic effectiveness.

Esophageal motor disorders in subjects with incidentally discovered Chagas disease: a study using high-resolution manometry and the Chicago classification.

In patients with chronic indeterminate Chagas disease, conventional manometry has shown that 25-48% had esophageal motor disorders. Recently, esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) has revolutionized the assessment of esophageal motor function. In this study, we performed esophageal HRM in a group of subjects with incidentally positive serological findings for Trypanosoma cruzi. In this prospective observational study, we evaluated subjects who had positive serological tests for Chagas disease detected during a screening evaluation for blood donation. All subjects underwent symptomatic evaluation and esophageal HRM with a 36 solid-state catheter. Esophageal abnormalities were classified using the Chicago classification. Forty-two healthy subjects (38 males) aged 18-61 years (mean age, 40.7 years) were included. When specific symptoms questionnaire was applied, 14 (33%) subjects had esophageal symptoms. Esophageal high-resolution manometry revealed that 28 (66%) of the subjects had an esophageal motility disorder according to the Chicago classification. Most common findings were hypocontractile disorders in 18 subjects (43%) and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) outflow obstruction in 6 (15%). Esophageal high-resolution manometry reveals that up to two thirds of the subjects with an incidental diagnosis of Chagas disease have esophageal abnormalities. This technology increases the detection and allows a more complete assessment of esophageal motor function in subjects infected with T. cruzi even in the early stages of the disease.

Experimental hypothyroidism during pregnancy affects nociception and locomotor performance of offspring in rats.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid hormones (THs) play a crucial role in the development of several organic systems. An adequate support of maternal THs may be required to ensure a normal nociceptive function of offspring into adulthood. We investigated the impact of experimental gestational hypothyroidism (EGH) on nociceptive threshold and motor performance in the offspring at different post-natal days (PND) in both male and female rats. METHODS: EGH was induced by the administration of 0.02% methimazole (MMI) in the drinking water from the ninth day of gestation until birth. The offspring from MMI-treated dams (OMTDs) or from water-treated dams (OWTDs) were assessed for thermal and mechanical nociception using the tail-flick test and von Frey filaments, respectively. Both rota-rod and grip strength were used to assess motor function. RESULTS: OMTD had reduced thermal (p<0.05) but not mechanical threshold at all studied ages (60 and 120 PND). Sixty-day-old OMTD presented reduced latency to the tail-flick test (p=0.01). Grip strength in 120-day-old OMTD was reduced (p<0.01). However, only male OMTD presented a lower locomotor performance on the rota-rod test when analysed on the 60th PND (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: EGH promotes hypersensitivity to noxious thermal but not mechanical stimulus. Moreover, motor force is similarly reduced in male and female OMTDs, whereas motor performance is reduced only in mature male OMTD, suggesting the presence of a protective factor in females.

Polymorphisms of catechol estrogens metabolism pathway genes and breast cancer risk in Mexican women.

Breast cancer is associated to estrogen exposure. Allelic variants involved in estrogen metabolism might change the risk of developing this neoplasia. We examined the potential association of breast cancer risk in Mexican women with the polymorphisms CYP1A1 rs1048943, CYP1B1 rs1056836, COMT rs4680, GSTP1 rs1695, GSTT1 null and GSTM1 null which are involved in estrogen metabolism pathway. This study included 150 cases and 150 controls. A significant association was observed between, CYP1A1 rs1048943 (OR = 1.95, C.I. 1.13-3.36) and GSTP1 rs1695 (OR = 2.39, C.I. 1.24-4.24) polymorphisms with the risk of breast cancer. This risk was increased when the women were stratified according to their menopausal status. The results show that breast cancer risk significantly increases in women with 3-6 risk polymorphisms (OR = 3.75, C.I. 1.44-9.74).

Potential of ceragenin CSA-13 and its mixture with pluronic F-127 as treatment of topical bacterial infections.

AIMS: Ceragenin CSA-13 is a synthetic mimic of cationic antibacterial peptides, with facial amphiphilic morphology reproduced using a cholic acid scaffold. Previous data have shown that this molecule displays broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, which decreases in the presence of blood plasma. However, at higher concentrations, CSA-13 can cause lysis of erythrocytes. This study was designed to assess in vitro antibacterial and haemolytic activity of CSA-13 in the presence of pluronic F-127. METHODS AND RESULTS: CSA-13 bactericidal activity against clinical strains of bacteria associated with topical infections and in an experimental setting relevant to their pathophysiological environment, such as various epithelial tissue fluids and the airway sputum of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF), was evaluated using minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC) measurements and bacterial killing assays. We found that in the presence of pluronic F-127, CSA-13 antibacterial activity was only slightly decreased, but CSA-13 haemolytic activity was significantly inhibited. CSA-13 exhibits bacterial killing activity against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa present in CF sputa, and biofilms formed by different Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria. CSA-13 bactericidal action is partially compromised in the presence of plasma, but is maintained in ascites, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The synergistic action of CSA-13, determined by the use of a standard checkerboard assay, reveals an increase in CSA-13 antibacterial activity in the presence of host defence molecules such as the cathelicidin LL-37 peptide, lysozyme, lactoferrin and secretory phospholipase A (sPLA). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that CSA-13 may be useful to prevent and treat topical infection. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Combined application of CSA-13 with pluronic F-127 may be beneficial by reducing CSA-13 toxicity.

Incremento de los niveles de interleuquina 6 en personas expuestas a le±a cuando chacchan coca / Increased IL-6 levels in persons exposed to firewood while chewing (chacchar) coca leaves

Introducción: 4 000 a±os que el hombre utiliza la hoja de coca. Su principal constituyente activo es la cocaína. No se conoce exactamente cómo ejerce su efecto en el organismo humano. Objetivo: Determinar los niveles sericos de IL-6 en personas con el hßbito de chacchar coca que ademßs estßn expuestas a combustibles de biomasa. Material y métodos: Se estudió en Chancay a 100 personas que utilizaban combustibles de biomasa para cocinar seleccionadas por muestreo no probabilistico. Dentro de este grupo se separó a las que ademßs chacchaban coca, que fueron 6, las que se aparearon con no chacchadores de la misma edad e índice de exposición. Se determinó los niveles séricos de IL-6 en ambos grupos. Resultados: La población de chacchadores estuvo formada por cinco mujeres, que chacchaban coca desde 27,3 (intervalo de 10 ß 50) a±os atrßs, con un promedio de edad de 50,16 (intervalo de 30 ß 75) a±os y con un índice de exposición a combustibles de biomasa de 196 horas-a±o. Fue apareada con 15 personas todas de sexo femenino, con un promedio de edad de 42 (intervalo de 29 ß 73) a±os y con un índice de exposición 161,4 de horas-a±o. Todos los chacchadores refirieron sentirse enfermos, lo que sucedió sólo entre el 15,4 por ciento de los no chacchadores. (p = 0,011) Los niveles séricos de IL-6b fueron mßs elevados en los chacchadores de coca. (2,659 vs. 0,952; p = 0,001). Conclusiones: Los chacchadores de ccoca expuestos ademßs a biomasa tenían casi tres veces mßs elevado los niveles séricos de IL-6 comparados con los no chacchadores, por lo que ambas exposiciones con llevarían a una desfavorable respuesta inmune e inflamatoria y a un mayor riesgo de enfermedades vasculares.

Introduction: 4 OOO-year-old man used the coca leaf. Its main active constituent is cocaine. It is not known exactly how it exerts its effect on the human body. Aim: To determine serum levels of IL-6 in people with the habit of coca chacchar are also exposed to biomass fuels. Materials and methods: Chancay was studied in 100 people using biomass fuels for cooking selected by non-probability sampling. Within this group broke away to further chacchaban coca, which were 6, which mated with chacchadores not of the same age and rate of exposure. It was determined the serum levels of IL-6 in both groups. Results: The population of chacchadores consisted of five women who chacchaban coca from 27.3 (range 10 to 50) years ago, with an average age of 50.16 (range 30 to 75) years and with an index of exposure biomass fuels to 196 hours annually. He was paired with 15 people all female, with an average age of 42 (range 29 to 73) years and with an index of 161.4 hours of exposure-year. All spoke chacchadores feel sick, what happened just 15.4 per cent of non chacchadores. (p = 0011) Serum levelsof IL-6 were higher in the chacchadores coca. (2.659 vs. 0.952, P = 0.001) Conclusions: The chacchadores of ccoca also exposed to biomass were almost three times higher serum levels of IL-6 compared with non chacchadores, so that both exposures lead to an adverse immune and inflammatory response and an increased risk of vascular disease.