Level function levels and oxidative stress markers in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the Brazilian Amazon.

This study aimed to correlate the values of liver markers with oxidative stress markers in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 30 patients from the Tuberculosis clinic of a referral hospital were admitted to the study. Whole blood samples were collected for analysis of liver enzyme values and oxidative stress markers by spectrophotometry. The prevalence was male (60%) and the 18-29 age group was the most affected. Patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis presented catalase values with a median equal to 6.94 U/gHb and for glutathione, the median was equal to 14.76 µg∕ml. As for the values of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, Gamma-GT and Alkaline phosphatase) the patients had medians equal to 60.50 (U/L); 80 (U/L); 54 (U/L); and 100 (U/L) respectively (p<0.0001). The results suggest a hepatotoxic effect of the drug, which recommends further studies with a larger number of samples in order to investigate the predictors of liver damage in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Competencia clínica del personal de enfermería para el manejo de la hipotensión arterial intradialítica en el servicio de hemodiálisis del Centro Médico Naval / Clinical competence of nursing staff for the management of intradialytic hypotension in the hemodialysis service of the Naval Medical Center

Introducción: el correcto manejo de la hipotensión arterial durante la hemodiálisis es fundamental en la formación y trabajo del personal de enfermería nefrológica del Centro Médico Naval. El personal debe tener conocimientos suficientes sobre la hipotensión y sus factores asociados que le ayuden a predecirla y actuar de manera preventiva, así como con habilidades instrumentales para llevar a cabo medidas en la práctica. Objetivo: analizar la competencia clínica del personal de enfermería en el servicio de hemodiálisis del Centro Médico Naval con respecto a su formación académica y experiencia profesional en el manejo de la hipotensión arterial intradialítica. Metodología: estudio prospectivo, descriptivo y observacional. Se emplearon dos instrumentos: una adaptación del Cuestionario de conocimientos para el manejo de hemodiálisis de Miller y la Guía de observación de habilidades instrumentales en el personal de enfermería de Murillo. Resultados: se contó con una muestra de doce enfermeros pertenecientes al servicio de hemodiálisis. El 33.3% mostró un nivel regular de competencia clínica y 66.7% un nivel bueno. En promedio, la competencia clínica se ubicó en 78%. Discusión: los resultados obtenidos difieren de los reportados en otras investigaciones, tanto por el año de aplicación como de los sujetos evaluados. Limitaciones: se contó con una muestra baja debido a que el personal del servicio no es numeroso. Conclusiones: es necesario reforzar los conocimientos del personal sobre el tema. Sin embargo, se observó que las habilidades instrumentales fueron excelentes en todos los casos. No se observa relación con el nivel de estudios o la experiencia profesional.

Introduction: the correct management of arterial hypotension during hemodialysis is fundamental in the training and work of the nephrological nursing staff at the Naval Medical Center. The staff must have sufficient knowledge about hypotension and its associated factors to help them predict it and act preventively, as well as instrumental skills to carry out measures in practice. Objective: to analyze the clinical competence of the nursing staff in the hemodialysis service of the Naval Medical Center concerning their academic training and profesional experience in the management of intradialytic arterial hypotension. Methodology: a prospective, descriptive, and observational study. Two instruments were used: an adaptation of Miller's Hemodialysis Management Knowledge Questionnaire and Murillo's Guide to Observation of Instrumental Skills in Nursing Personnel. Results: There was a sample of twelve nurses belonging to the hemodialysis service. 33.3% percent showed a fair level of clinical competence and 66.7% a good level. On average, clinical competence was 78%. Discussion: the results obtained differ from those reported in other studies, in terms of both the year of application and the subjects evaluated. Limitations: there was a low sample size due to the small number of service personnel. Conclusions: it is necessary to reinforce the knowledge of the personnel on the subject. However, it was observed that instrumental skills were excellent in all cases. No relationship was observed with the level of studies or professional experience.

Epoxide of diosgenin acetate synthesis: DoE for diastereoselective yield optimization, antimicroibial, antioxidant and antiproliferative effects.

Diosgenin and its derivatives have proved a huge importance in diverse biological activities. The optimized production of the diastereoisomers of the epoxide of diosgenin acetate by means of mCPBA is reported herein. This transformation had a previous design of experiments using the application of a statistical factorial DoE of 4 parameters (nk), where one variable is varied at a time, while others stay constant. The temperature showed the greatest effect on the reaction yield; so, at 298 K the diastereomeric ratio 3:1 of α and ß-epoxides, normally found, was raised to 1:1. Time was the second significant variable, but due to its high correlation with temperature, 30 min were required for a global 90% conversion at least. These diastereoisomers were characterized both isolated and in the mixtures obtained, to determine their antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activity, finding a low antioxidant capacity by DPPH, but antimicrobial activity at the level of penicillin in gram negative bacteria by 1ß better to 1α. The antiproliferative capacity was higher for diastereoisomer ß, agreeing with the proportion of the mixture obtained by different conditions, increasing this in relation to the amount of this diastereoisomer present in hormone-dependent cancer cell lines such as Hela, PC-3 and MCF-7, with 10.0 µM obtained values of viability at 21.8 %, 35.8 % and 12.3 % respectively. DoE optimization allows to manipulate the ratio between diastereoisomers with the minimum number of experiments, extending the analysis of the effect of the ratio between diastereoisomers and the in silico potential as well as the biological activity.

Neuropsychiatric phenotypes of anti-NMDAR encephalitis: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis (ANMDARE) show a wide range of behavioral abnormalities and are often mistaken for primary psychiatric presentations. We aimed to determine the behavioral hallmarks of ANMDARE with the use of systematic neuropsychiatric and cognitive assessments. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted, with 160 patients admitted to the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery of Mexico, who fulfilled criteria for possible autoimmune encephalitis and/or red flags along a time window of seven years. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) antibodies against the NR1 subunit of the NMDAR were processed with rat brain immunohistochemistry and cell-based assays with NMDA expressing cells. Systematic cognitive, neuropsychiatric, and functional assessments were conducted before knowing NMDAR antibodies results. A multivariate analysis was used to compare patients with and without definite ANMDARE according to antibodies in CSF. RESULTS: After obtaining the CSF antibodies results in 160 consecutive cases, 100 patients were positive and classified as having definite ANMDARE. The most frequent neuropsychiatric patterns were psychosis (81%), delirium (75%), catatonia (69%), anxiety-depression (65%), and mania (27%). Cognition was significantly impaired. A total of 34% of the patients had a predominantly neuropsychiatric presentation without seizures. After multivariate analysis, the clinical hallmarks of ANMDARE consisted of a catatonia-delirium comorbidity, tonic-clonic seizures, and orolingual dyskinesia. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the notion of a neurobehavioral phenotype of ANMDARE characterized by a fluctuating course with psychotic and affective symptoms, catatonic signs, and global cognitive dysfunction, often accompanied by seizures and dyskinesia. The catatonia-delirium comorbidity could be a distinctive neurobehavioral phenotype of ANMDARE.

ABCB1 gene variants as risk factors and modulators of age of onset of demyelinating disease in Mexican patients.

INTRODUCTION: The C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T variants of the ABCB1 gene alter the functioning of P-glycoprotein and the transport of endogenous and exogenous substances across the blood-brain barrier, and act as risk factors for some neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to determine the association between demyelinating disease and the C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T variants of ABCB1 and its haplotypes and combinations of genotypes. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP) and Sanger sequencing were used to genotype 199 patients with demyelinating disease and 200 controls, all Mexicans of mixed race; frequencies of alleles, genotypes, haplotypes, and genotype combinations were compared between patients and controls. We conducted a logistic regression analysis and calculated chi-square values and 95% confidence intervals (CI); odds ratios (OR) were calculated to evaluate the association with demyelinating disease. RESULTS: The TTT and CGC haplotypes were most frequent in both patients and controls. The G2677 allele was associated with demyelinating disease (OR: 1.79; 95% CI, 1.12-2.86; P =  .015), as were the genotypes GG2677 (OR: 2.72; 95% CI, 1.11-6.68; P =  .025) and CC3435 (OR: 1.82; 95% CI, 1.15-2.90; P =  .010), the combination GG2677/CC3435 (OR: 2.02; 95% CI, 1.17-3.48; P =  .010), and the CAT haplotype (OR: 0.21; 95% CI, 0.05-0.66; P =  .001). TTTTTT carriers presented the earliest age of onset (23.0 ±â€¯7.7 years, vs 31.6 ±â€¯10.7; P =  .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The GG2677/CC3435 genotype combination is associated with demyelinating disease in this sample, particularly among men, who may present toxic accumulation of P-glycoprotein substrates. In our study, the G2677 allele of ABCB1 may differentially modulate age of onset of demyelinating disease in men and women.

Effect of the Line and Age of Female Broiler Breeder on Hatchability Performance of Eggs

An experiment was conducted to assess how hatchability performance of eggs is affected by line and age of female broiler breeders. Response variables analyzed were hatchability, infertility, pipping (i.e., pipped shell but not emerged), embryonic mortality (1st, 2nd, and 3rd wk), and embryonic malposition. The trials involved a total of 2,880 fertile eggs from two broiler breeder lines (Ross 308 and Cobb 500) at two different ages (30 and 50 wk). A 2 x 2 factorial design was used, where the broiler breeder line and broiler breeder age were the main effects. The hatchability in the Ross 308 line was higher than the Cobb 500 line, but its infertility was higher than the Ross 308 line. Hatchability in interaction (50 wk age of the hen in the Cobb 500 line) was less, and their infertility was higher. Embryonic mortality, pipping, and embryonic malposition did not present differences for the interaction between factors. The results suggest that hatchability performance of eggs can be improved, if egg management and incubation procedures are adjusted to account for the interaction between broiler breeder line and broiler breeder age.(AU)

SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF THYMIC PEPTIDES IN THE TREATMENT OF HOSPITALIZED COVID-19 PATIENTS IN HONDURAS.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) active cases continue to demand the development of safe and effective treatments. This is the first clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral thymic peptides. ; We conducted a nonrandomized phase 2 trial with a historic control group to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a daily 250-mg oral dose of thymic peptides in the treatment of hospitalized Covid-19 patients. Comparisons based on standard care from registry data were performed after propensity score matching. The primary outcomes were survival, time to recovery, and number of participants with treatment-related adverse events or side effects by day 20. ; A total of 44 patients were analyzed in this study: 22 in the thymic peptide group and 22 in the standard care group. There were no deaths in the intervention group compared to 24% mortality in standard care by day 20 (log-rank P=0.02). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significantly shorter time to recovery by day 20 in the thymic peptide group than in the standard care group (median, 6 days vs. 12 days; hazard ratio for recovery, 2.75 [95% confidence interval, 1.34 to 5.62]; log-rank P=0.002). No side effects or adverse events were reported. ; In patients hospitalized with Covid-19, the use of thymic peptides resulted in no side effects, adverse events, or deaths by day 20. Compared with the registry data, a significantly shorter time to recovery and mortality reduction were measured.

Seroprevalence of IgM and IgG anti-SARS-COV-2 and associated factors among agricultural workers in Colombia.

Background: The population of South America has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this region, during the year 2020, high seroprevalence percentages were reported, which have been associated with the socioeconomic characteristics of the population, mainly in urban areas. However, a relative lack of information on the dynamics of the pandemic in rural areas of these countries, where the population is more vulnerable, is still present. This study determined antibody prevalence against SARS-CoV-2 in urban and rural food producing workers in Colombia. Methods: A total of 1242 workers, urban and rural, linked to poultry, dairy, and meat production and supply chains, were analyzed through a sociodemographic survey and two serological tests against S and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2. Results: 78.7% were male. 50.9% of the participants were rural inhabitants, with an average age of 40.9 years old. 39.2% had IgM and IgG against SARS-CoV-2 S protein and 31.3% against N protein for the same virus; 83.6% had not been tested with an RT-PCR test for COVID-19 and 75.7% did not report symptoms related to the disease. The associated risk factors were low education, OR: 1.46, greater number of cohabitants, OR: 1.36, and contact with people infected with COVID-19, OR: 2.03. Conclusions: The seroprevalences found suggest an important interconnectivity between rural and urban areas, where asymptomatic subjects and sociodemographic factors facilitate the virus' spread in the population.

Reconstrucción del ligamento patelofemoral medial con autoinjerto de tendón cuadricipital / Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with quadricipital tendon autograft

Resumen: Introducción: Las alteraciones de la articulación patelofemoral son una de las causas más comunes de dolor e inflamación así como de daño articular e inestabilidad de la rodilla. La inestabilidad patelofemoral es una entidad común multifactorial que requiere de una realineación mediante técnicas proximales, distales o una combinación de ellas. Entre los procedimientos proximales en tejidos blandos se encuentra la plastía del ligamento patelofemoral medial (LPFM), la cual tiene como objetivo realinear la patela hacia medial y restaurar la anatomía entre el tendón cuadricipital, patela y tubérculo de la tibia. Objetivo: Demostrar que la plastía del LPFM con autoinjerto de cuádriceps es una técnica efectiva y con bajo nivel de complicaciones. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, longitudinal, retrospectivo, descriptivo, básico y clínico. Se presenta una serie de 15 pacientes operados con esta técnica entre Octubre de 2014 y Septiembre de 2019. Resultados: La plastía del LPFM con autoinjerto del cuadricipital es una técnica segura que no utiliza implantes, lo cual reduce el riesgo de complicaciones y restaura la anatomía del aparato extensor de la rodilla. Conclusión: Nuestra técnica con autoinjerto de cuádriceps es segura, con buenos resultados a mediano plazo y baja incidencia de complicaciones. Los pacientes han regresado a sus actividades deportivas previas sin episodios de reluxación.

Abstract: Introduction: Alterations of the patellofemoral joint are one of the most common causes of pain and inflammation as well as joint damage and instability of the knee. Patellofemoral instability is a common multifactorial entity, requiring realignment by proximal, distal, or a combination of techniques. Within the proximal procedures in soft tissues, is the medial patellofemoral ligament plasty (MPFL), which aims to realign the patella medially and restore the anatomy between the quadricipital tendon, patella and tubercle of the tibia. Objective: To demonstrate that the plasty of the LPFM with quadriceps autograft is an effective technique with a low level of complications. Material and methods: Observational, longitudinal, retrospective, descriptive, basic and clinical study. We present a series of 15 patients operated with this technique between October 2014 and September 2019. Results: LPFM plasty with autograft quadricipital is a safe technique, which does not use implants, which reduces the risk of complications and restores the anatomy of the extensor apparatus of the knee. Conclusion: Our technique of repair of the medial patellofemoral ligament, with quadriceps autograft is a safe, reproducible technique, with good results in the medium term, as well as a low incidence of complications. Patients have returned to their previous sports activities without episodes of re-dislocation.

Innate and humoral immune parameters at delivery in colostrum and calves from heifers experimentally infected with Neospora caninum.

Neospora caninum is a leading cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. The study of the immune response against N. caninum is critical to understand its epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and, ultimately, in preventing and controlling bovine neosporosis. Herein, we determined the gene expression of innate immune components endosomal RNA-sensing TLRs, BMAP28 cathelicidin, TNF-α and IL-10 and characterized the variation in both IgG ratio and avidity at delivery in N. caninum-infected heifers challenged at day 210 of gestation, colostrum and their calves. Increased BMAP28 expression was observed not only in colostrum but also in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and umbilical cord of calves from N. caninum-infected heifers in comparison with mock-infected control group. In addition, statistically significant decrease of TLR7 and IL-10 expression levels were observed in umbilical cord, suggesting an attempt to avoid an exacerbated immune response against the parasite. At delivery, serum and colostrum samples from infected group evidenced specific IgG anti-N. caninum. Infected heifers showed IgG1/IgG2 ratios <1 and high avidity specific IgG. As expected, colostrum samples of these animals exhibited a high IgG1 concentration and elevated avidity values. Three out of four calves from N. caninum-infected heifers had specific IgG with IgG1/IgG2 ratios>1 and lower avidity values before colostrum intake. Interestingly, both IgG1/IgG2 ratios and avidity values increased in seropositive calves after colostrum intake. Overall, this study provides novel information on neonatal immunity in congenitally infected calves, which is essential to understand how the immune pathways could be manipulated or immune components could be employed in order to improve protection against neosporosis.

[Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with quadricipital tendon autograft]. / Reconstrucción del ligamento patelofemoral medial con autoinjerto de tendón cuadricipital.

INTRODUCTION: Alterations of the patellofemoral joint are one of the most common causes of pain and inflammation as well as joint damage and instability of the knee. Patellofemoral instability is a common multifactorial entity, requiring realignment by proximal, distal, or a combination of techniques. Within the proximal procedures in soft tissues, is the medial patellofemoral ligament plasty (MPFL), which aims to realign the patella medially and restore the anatomy between the quadricipital tendon, patella and tubercle of the tibia. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that the plasty of the LPFM with quadriceps autograft is an effective technique with a low level of complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, longitudinal, retrospective, descriptive, basic and clinical study. We present a series of 15 patients operated with this technique between October 2014 and September 2019. RESULTS: LPFM plasty with autograft quadricipital is a safe technique, which does not use implants, which reduces the risk of complications and restores the anatomy of the extensor apparatus of the knee. CONCLUSION: Our technique of repair of the medial patellofemoral ligament, with quadriceps autograft is a safe, reproducible technique, with good results in the medium term, as well as a low incidence of complications. Patients have returned to their previous sports activities without episodes of re-dislocation.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las alteraciones de la articulación patelofemoral son una de las causas más comunes de dolor e inflamación así como de daño articular e inestabilidad de la rodilla. La inestabilidad patelofemoral es una entidad común multifactorial que requiere de una realineación mediante técnicas proximales, distales o una combinación de ellas. Entre los procedimientos proximales en tejidos blandos se encuentra la plastía del ligamento patelofemoral medial (LPFM), la cual tiene como objetivo realinear la patela hacia medial y restaurar la anatomía entre el tendón cuadricipital, patela y tubérculo de la tibia. OBJETIVO: Demostrar que la plastía del LPFM con autoinjerto de cuádriceps es una técnica efectiva y con bajo nivel de complicaciones. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, longitudinal, retrospectivo, descriptivo, básico y clínico. Se presenta una serie de 15 pacientes operados con esta técnica entre Octubre de 2014 y Septiembre de 2019. RESULTADOS: La plastía del LPFM con autoinjerto del cuadricipital es una técnica segura que no utiliza implantes, lo cual reduce el riesgo de complicaciones y restaura la anatomía del aparato extensor de la rodilla. CONCLUSIÓN: Nuestra técnica con autoinjerto de cuádriceps es segura, con buenos resultados a mediano plazo y baja incidencia de complicaciones. Los pacientes han regresado a sus actividades deportivas previas sin episodios de reluxación.

Perceived discrimination in patients with multiple sclerosis and depressive symptomatology.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis is the central nervous system's most common demyelinating disease and the second leading cause of neurological disability in young adults. Its natural development involves physical and cognitive impairment. Patients commonly perceive discrimination against them, regardless of its occurrence, accepting it as an inherent part of the disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the association between perceived discrimination and the depressive symptoms and physical disability present in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, treated at the Demyelinating Diseases Clinic of the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Manuel Velasco Suárez. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 98 patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Demographic and clinical variables were obtained through clinical interviews. The severity of the disease was determined using the Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS), depressive symptoms were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and perceived discrimination was rated using the King Internalized Stigma Scale. RESULTS: The studied sample's mean age was 36.3 years, schooling 13.6 years, symptoms onset was at 26.2 years (with a delay in diagnosis of 3.2 years), and a disease evolution of 10.9 years. 71.4% were single; 52% had an unpaid work activity and 57.1% were women. The EDSS average was 3.5 points; 24.5% presented moderate to severe depressive symptoms and 53.1% referred perceived discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived discrimination in patients with multiple sclerosis was associated with earlier disease onset, depressive symptoms, and the lack of caregivers. Medical care and life quality improvement for this vulnerable group require greater education regarding the disease and the establishment of patient support programs.

ABCB1 gene variants as risk factors and modulators of age of onset of demyelinating disease in Mexican patients. / Variantes del gen ABCB1 como factores de riesgo y factores moduladores de la edad de inicio en pacientes mexicanos con enfermedad desmielinizante.

INTRODUCTION: The C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T variants of the ABCB1 gene alter the functioning of P-glycoprotein and the transport of endogenous and exogenous substances across the blood-brain barrier, and act as risk factors for some neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to determine the association between demyelinating disease and the C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T variants of ABCB1 and its haplotypes and combinations of genotypes. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP) and Sanger sequencing were used to genotype 199 patients with demyelinating disease and 200 controls, all Mexicans of mixed race; frequencies of alleles, genotypes, haplotypes, and genotype combinations were compared between patients and controls. We conducted a logistic regression analysis and calculated chi-square values and 95% confidence intervals (CI); odds ratios (OR) were calculated to evaluate the association with demyelinating disease. RESULTS: The TTT and CGC haplotypes were most frequent in both patients and controls. The G2677 allele was associated with demyelinating disease (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.12-2.86; P=.015), as were the genotypes GG2677 (OR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.11-6.68; P=.025) and CC3435 (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.15-2.90; P=.010), the combination GG2677/CC3435 (OR: 2.02; 95% CI, 1.17-3.48; P=.010), and the CAT haplotype (OR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05-0.66; P=.001). TTTTTT carriers presented the earliest age of onset (23.0±7.7 years, vs. 31.6±10.7; P=.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The GG2677/CC3435 genotype combination is associated with demyelinating disease in this sample, particularly among men, who may present toxic accumulation of P-glycoprotein substrates. In our study, the G2677 allele of ABCB1 may differentially modulate age of onset of demyelinating disease in men and women.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of PLA/biphasic calcium phosphate filaments used for fused deposition modelling of scaffolds.

Ceramic materials such as calcium phosphates (CaPs) with a composition similar to the mineral phase of bones and polymeric polylactic acid (PLA) are potential candidates for the manufacturing of scaffolds to act as bone substitutes and for tissue engineering applications, due to their bioresorbability and biocompatibility. Variables such as porosity, topography, morphology, and mechanical properties play an essential role in the scaffolds response. In this paper, a polymer/ceramic composite filament of 1.7 mm in diameter based on PLA and biphasic calcium phosphates (BCPs) was obtained by hot-melt extrusion in a single screw extruder. The particles of BCP were obtained by solution-combustion synthesis, and the PLA used was commercial grade. The BCPs ceramics were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopic (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET). It was possible to confirm that the main inorganic phases were hydroxyapatite (HAP) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) with grain sizes below 100 nm and with high porosity. The Filaments obtained are a bit fragile but were able to be used in fused deposition modelling (FDM) using low-cost commercial printers. The filaments were characterized by SEM and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The in-vitro tests of filaments showed deposition of apatite phases on their surface, non-cytotoxic behavior, adequate cell proliferation and cell adhesion.

Traumatismo torácico en el adulto mayor / Thoracic trauma in the elderly

Resumen Introducción: Los traumatismos constituyen la quinta causa de muerte en el adulto mayor (60 años o más), siendo los traumatismos contusos los más frecuentes. Objetivo: Describir características, índices de gravedad de traumatismo (IGT), morbilidad y mortalidad en adultos mayores (AM) hospitalizados con traumatismo torácico (TT). Materiales y Método: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Período desde enero de 1981 a diciembre de 2017. Revisión de base de datos, protocolos quirúrgicos y fichas clínicas. Descripción de características de TT en AM hospitalizados. Se calculó IGT: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T), Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Resultados: Total 4.163 TT, AM 513 (12,3%). Hombres: 350 (68,2%), edad promedio 71,2 ± 8,4 años, mediana 70 (rango: 60-103), TT aislado 350 (68,2%), asociado a lesiones extratorácicas 163 (31,8%) y de estos 96 (18,7%) se consideraron politraumatismos. Traumatismo contuso 456 (88,9%) y penetrante 57 (11,1%). La causa más frecuente fueron las caídas en 252 (49,1%). Lesiones y/o hallazgos torácicos más frecuentes: fracturas costales 409 (79,7%), hemotórax 186 (36,3%) y neumotórax 185 (36,1%). Tratamiento definitivo: médico 287 (55,9%), pleurotomía 193 (37,6%) y cirugía 40 (7,8%). Cirugía extratorácica 33 (6,4%). Hospitalización promedio 9,0 ± 8,8 días. Según IGT: ISS promedio 12,1 ± 9,6, RTS-T promedio 11,6 ± 1,3, TRISS promedio 8,1. Morbilidad 76 (14,8%) y mortalidad 26 (5,1%). Discusión: La mayoría de los TT en AM son contusos, causados por accidentes domésticos. Las lesiones y hallazgos más frecuentes fueron fracturas costales y hemotórax. La mortalidad fue menor a la esperada según IGT.

Introduction: Trauma is the fifth leading cause of death in the elderly (60 or older), with blunt trauma being the most frequent. Objective: To describe characteristics, Trauma Severity Indices (TSI) and morbidity and mortality in hospitalized elderly for Thoracic Trauma (TT). Materials and Method: Crosssectional descriptive study was carried out. Term: from January 1981 to December 2017. Database review, surgical protocols and medical records were performed. TT description of characteristics was conducted in hospitalized elderly. TSI was calculated: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T), Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Results: Total 4.163 TT, 513 elderly (12.3%). Men: 350 (68.2%), average age 71.2 ± 8.4 years, 70 median (range 60-103). Isolated TT: 350 (68.2%), 163 associated with extrathoracic trauma (31.8%) and of these 96 (18.7%) were considered polytraumatism. Blunt trauma 456 (88.9%) and penetrating 57 (11.1%). Most frequent domestic accident mechanism was 196 (38.2%) and 158 traffic accidents (30.8%). Frequently thoracic injuries or findings: 409 rib fractures (79.7%), 186 hemothorax (36.3%), and 185 pneumothorax (36.1%). Final treatment: 287 Medical treatment (55.9%), 193 pleurotomy (37.6%), and 40 thoracic surgery (7.8%). Extrathoracic surgery 33 (6.4%). Average hospitalization: 9.0 ± 8.8 days. According IGT: ISS 12.1 ± 9.6, RTS-T 11.6 ± 1.3, TRISS 8.1. Morbidity: 76 (14.8%) and mortality: 26 (5.1%). Discussion: Most TT in elderly are blunt, caused by domestic accidents. Injuries and most frequent findings were rib fractures and hemothorax. Mortality was lower than expected according to TSI.

Bovine neosporosis in dairy cattle from the southern highlands of Ecuador.

The aim of this study was to describe bovine neosporosis in dairy cattle from the Sierra region, Ecuador. A case-control study was performed on 841 dairy cattle from 5 dairy herds. The overall seroprevalence was 23.4% having significant association between abortion and seropositivity (p < .05). Additionally, 46 fetuses were recovered from a local slaughterhouse to evaluate the frequency of vertical transmission. Seventeen and 3 fetuses were positive by PCR and had compatible histopathological lesions, respectively. N. caninum infection must be considered as a relevant cause of reproductive losses in Ecuador.

Overweight and obesity status from the prenatal period to adolescence and its association with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in young adults: cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations of maternal and child overweight status across multiple time-points with liver fat content in the offspring during young adulthood. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: ELEMENT Cohort in Mexico City. POPULATION: Pregnant women with singleton births (n = 97). METHODS: We quantified hepatic triglyceride content (liver fat content) by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) and conventional T2-weighted MRIs (3T scanner) in 97 young adults from the ELEMENT birth cohort in Mexico City. Historical records of the cohort were used as a source of pregnancy, and childhood and adolescence anthropometric information, overweight and obesity (OWOB) were defined. Adjusted structural equation models were run to identify the association between OWOB in different life stages with liver fat content (log-transformed) in young adulthood. MAIN OUTCOME: Maternal OWOB at the time of delivery was directly and indirectly associated with the liver fat content in the offspring at young adulthood. RESULTS: Seventeen percent of the participants were classified as having NAFLD. We found a strong association of OWOB between all periods assessed. Maternal OWOB at time of delivery (ß = 1.97, 95% CI 1.28-3.05), and OWOB status in the offspring at young adulthood (ß = 3.17, 95% CI 2.10-4.77) were directly associated with the liver fat content in the offspring. Also, maternal OWOB was indirectly associated with liver fat content through offspring OWOB status. CONCLUSION: We found that maternal OWOB status is related to fatty liver content in the offspring as young adults, even after taking into account OWOB status and lifestyle factors in the offspring. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: There was an association between pre-pregnancy overweight and the development of NAFLD in adult offspring.

A New Species of Praying Mantis from Peru Reveals Impaling as a Novel Hunting Strategy in Mantodea (Thespidae: Thespini).

A new species of lichen-mimicking praying mantis, Carrikerella simpira n. sp., is described from Tingo María region in Peru. The new species differs from its congeners in having reduced tergal lobes, a relatively sinuous pronotum, and it is found in the highland tropical rainforest of the Central Andes. Behavioral observations conducted on captive individuals revealed that juveniles and adults hunt by impaling prey using modified foretibial structures. Anatomical examinations of the incumbent trophic structures revealed functional adaptations for prey impaling in the foretibiae, primarily consisting of prominent, forwardly oriented, barbed spines. We provide an overall description of this novel hunting behavior in Mantodea and hypothesize on its evolutionary origin and adaptive significance for the Thespidae.

Phenotypic characterization of immune cells in fetal tissues of cattle immunized and challenged with Neospora caninum.

The purpose of this work was to characterize the cellular phenotype in inflammatory infiltrates of fetal tissues from pregnant heifers immunized and experimentally challenged with Neospora caninum. Fetuses from 20 heifers separated into 5 groups were obtained. The experiment was designed as follow: Group A, heifers inoculated intravenously with live tachyzoites of Argentine strain NC-6 (n = 4); Group B heifers inoculated subcutaneously with soluble native antigen from the same strain formulated with immune stimulant complexes (ISCOMs) (n = 4); Group C heifers inoculated with recombinant proteins, rNcSAG1, rNcHSP20, rNcGRA7 formulated with ISCOMs (n = 4), Group D heifers inoculated subcutaneously with sterile phosphate buffered solution (n = 4) and Group E heifers inoculated subcutaneously with antigen-free ISCOMs (n = 4). Experimental challenge was performed at 70 days of gestation and all heifers were euthanized 34 days later. Fetal tissues were taken for histological studies. Inflammatory lesions were observed in brain and lung, and immunhistochemistry was used to identify CD3+, CD20+ and MHC II+ cells. The majority of the cells that infiltrate and circumscribe the lesions in the brain and lung tissue expressed MHC II antigen; varying between 70-90% of the total cellular infiltrate. CD3+ cells were also present within the lesions, contributing to up to 30% of the inflammatory cells. CD20+ cells appeared as a marginal group, in some cases, with a range between 10 and 25%. As expected, the immunolabeling of MHC II + and CD3 + cells in fetal tissues was associated with fetal infection with N. caninum. There were statistically significant differences in the distribution and population of the inflammatory infiltrate in relation to the immunogenic treatment and the type of tissue, with inflammatory cells being markedly less extensive fetuses from group A (dams previously exposed to N. caninum) and in brain tissue. This work showed that Neospora-infection induced MHC II+ and CD3+ cells in bovine fetuses from dams receiving experimental vaccines.

EUS-guided tissue samples for the diagnosis of patients with a thickened gastric wall and prior negative endoscopic biopsies.

AIM: Evaluate the diagnostic yield of biopsies obtained by EUS guidance in patients with gastric wall thickening and prior negative endoscopic biopsies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data collected from October 2008 to January 2016 were analyzed in a retrospective manner. All included patients had undergone at least one endoscopy with a negative biopsy and showed evidence of gastric wall thickening by tomography, confirmed by endoscopy. All patients gave their written informed consent before the procedure. Demographics and baseline characteristics, including age, sex, number of previous endoscopies, and histopathological diagnosis were recorded. Follow-up data were obtained from a review of the electronic medical records. RESULT: In total, 22 patients with previous negative endoscopic biopsies and gastric wall thickening were included. Using EUSFNA/FNB, the diagnosis was made in the first procedure in 19/22 (86.30%) cases, while in 1/22 (4.5%) patients the diagnosis was made in the second EUS-FNA. A total of 18 (81.82%) patients with EUS-FNA were assessed using a standard Echo-tip, while the remaining four (18.18%) patients underwent EUS-FNB and using a ProCore needle. All patients with a final diagnosis of malignancy had a thickened gastric wall with impaired gastric distension and a loss of wall structure determined by EUS. Of patients with a benign final diagnosis, all (n=8) showed a thickened gastric wall by EUS but with preservation of the deep layers. CONCLUSION: EUS-FNA/FNB is necessary in patients with a thickened gastric wall and prior negative biopsy on endoscopy. The procedure is safe and has a good diagnostic.