A model of traumatic brain injury in rats is influenced by neuroprotection of diurnal variation which improves motor behavior and histopathology in white matter myelin.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant public health concern and has been associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. TBI generates two types of brain damage: primary and secondary. Secondary damage originates a series of pathophysiological processes, which include metabolic crisis, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation, which have deleterious consequences for neuronal function. However, neuroprotective mechanisms are also activated. The balance among these tissue responses, and its variations throughout the day determines the fate of the damage tissue. We have demonstrated less behavioral and morphological damage when a rat model of TBI was induced during the light hours of the day. Moreover, here we show that rats subjected to TBI in the dark lost less body weight than those subjected to TBI in the light, despite no change in food intake. Besides, the rats subjected to TBI in the dark had better performance in the beam walking test and presented less histological damage in the corpus callosum and the cingulum bundle, as shown by the Klüver-Barrera staining. Our results suggest that the time of day when the injury occurs is important. Thus, this data should be used to evaluate the pathophysiological processes of TBI events and develop better therapies.

Two predicted α-helices within the prion-like domain of TIAR-1 play a crucial role in its association with stress granules in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Stress granules (SGs) are sites for mRNA storage, protection, and translation repression. TIA1 and TIAR1 are two RNA-binding proteins that are key players in SGs formation in mammals. TIA1/TIAR have a prion-like domain (PrD) in their C-terminal that promotes liquid-phase separation. Lack of any TIA1/TIAR has severe consequences in mice. However, it is not clear whether the failure to form proper SGs is the cause of any of these problems. We disrupted two predicted α-helices within the prion-like domain of the Caenohabditis elegans TIA1/TIAR homolog, TIAR-1, to test whether its association with SGs is important for the nematode. We found that tiar-1 PrD mutant animals continued to form TIAR-1 condensates under stress in the C. elegans gonad. Nonetheless, TIAR-1 condensates appeared fragile and disassembled quickly after stress. Apparently, the SGs continued to associate regularly as observed with CGH-1, an SG marker. Like tiar-1-knockout nematodes, tiar-1 PrD mutant animals exhibited fertility problems and a shorter lifespan. Notwithstanding this, tiar-1 PrD mutant nematodes were no sensitive to stress. Our data demonstrate that the predicted prion-like domain of TIAR-1 is important for its association with stress granules. Moreover, this domain may also play a significant role in various TIAR-1 functions unrelated to stress, such as fertility, embryogenesis and lifespan.

Insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti from Tapachula, Mexico: Spatial variation and response to historical insecticide use.

BACKGROUND: Insecticide use continues as the main strategy to control Aedes aegypti, the vector of dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. In the city of Tapachula, Mexico, mosquito control programs switched from pyrethroids to organophosphates for outdoor spatial spraying in 2013. Additionally, the spraying scheme switched from total coverage to focused control, prioritizing areas with higher entomological-virological risk. Five years after this strategy had been implemented, we evaluated the status and variability of insecticide resistance among Ae. aegypti collected at 26 sites in Tapachula. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We determined the lethal concentrations at 50% of the tested populations (LC50) using a bottle bioassay, and then, we calculated the resistance ratio (RR) relative to the susceptible New Orleans strain. Permethrin and deltamethrin (pyrethroids), chlorpyrifos and malathion (organophosphates), and bendiocarb (carbamate) were tested. The frequencies of the substitutions V1016I and F1534C, which are in the voltage-gated sodium channel and confer knockdown-resistance (kdr) to pyrethroid insecticides, were calculated. Despite 5 years having passed since the removal of pyrethroids from the control programs, Ae. aegypti remained highly resistant to permethrin and deltamethrin (RR > 10-fold). In addition, following 5 years of chlorpyrifos use, mosquitoes at 15 of 26 sites showed moderate resistance to chlorpyrifos (5- to 10-fold), and the mosquitoes from one site were highly resistant. All sites had low resistance to malathion (< 5-fold). Resistance to bendiocarb was low at 19 sites, moderate at five, and high at two. Frequencies of the V1016I ranged from 0.16-0.71, while C1534 approached fixation at 23 sites (0.8-1). Resistance profiles and kdr allele frequencies varied across Tapachula. The variability was not associated with a spatial pattern at the scale of the sampling. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Mosquito populations respond to selection pressure at a focal scale in the field. Spatial variation across sites highlights the importance of testing multiple sites within geographical regions.

[Prevalence of asthma and associated risk factors in schoolchildren from an area of indigenous population]. / Prevalencia de asma y factores de riesgo asociados en escolares provenientes de una zona de pueblos indígenas.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of asthma in Chile ranges from 10.2 to 14.9%. In previous studies, the Araucanía Region has not been included. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of asthma in the school po pulation of the Araucanía Region. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The ISAAC questionnaires were used for asthma symptoms in addition to a questionnaire for recording sociodemographic data, belonging to the Mapuche ethnicity, type of heating, exposure to indoor air pollution, and family history. The Binomial Regression Model was used to evaluate the effect of each of the different variables of inter est, adjusting by age groups (6-7 and 13-14 years). The model also evaluated the additive interaction between these variables and age. RESULTS: 823 surveys were applied, where the prevalence of asthma was 14.2% and 23.2% in the 6-7 year old group and the 13-14 year old group, respectively. 43.7% de clare to be Mapuche, 32.9% live in rural areas, and 81.4% use firewood as a heating method. Through binomial regression model analysis, where for the study group, living in the coastal commune was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of asthma (-13.2% [CI: -17.7 to -8.6]. The history of an asthmatic mother was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of asthma (17.9% [CI: 2.7 to 33.1]. Living in a rural area, to be Mapuche or the type of heating used, showed differences statistically significant (p 0.18, p 0.609 and p 0.480, respectively) Conclusion: 13-14 year-olds school children in the Araucanía Region presented a higher prevalence of asthma. There was an association with asthma in the mother where this increase is not associated with living in a rural area, to be Ma puche or type of heating.

Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Fear of COVID-19 scale in Paraguayan population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to test the psychometric properties of the Spanish validation of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in a Paraguayan population. METHODS: Participants were recruited through an Internet-based survey. All participants whose scores in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and The Fear Questionnaire (FQ) were greater than zero were included. 1245 subjects responded voluntarily: 1077 subjects, scoring >0, were considered. RESULTS: To establish construct validity of the FCV-19S, an exploratory factor analysis was performed using the KMO test, which was adequate, and the Bartlett sphericity test, which was significant (p <.0001). The CFI, NFI, GFI, TLI and RMSEA indices were used to evaluate the model and showed good adjustment. Cronbach's α showed valid internal consistency (α = 0.86). This validation was supported by significant correlation (p <.001) with the HADS scale for anxiety and depression and with the FQ scale for specific phobia. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the FCV-19S is a 7-item scale with two dimensions, psychological symptoms and physiological symptoms, which demonstrated robust psychometric properties in a Paraguayan population.

Composition and abundance of anopheline species according to habitat diversity in Mexico / Composición y abundancia de especies de anofelinos según la diversidad de hábitats en México

Abstract: Objective: To determine the abundance and geographic distribution of the main malaria vectors, which are influenced by habitat characteristics and ecological factors that directly impact adult density and the dynamics of malaria transmission in Mexico. Materials and methods: Samples of larvae were collected from 19 states in Mexico. Each larval habitat was characterized in situ determining the following parameters: water depth, turbidity, percentage of vegetation cover, amount of detritus, presence of algae, light intensity, type of vegetation, amount of predators, habitat stability, altitude, and hydrologic type. Results: A total of 21 687 larvae corresponding to 13 anopheline species were obtained from 149 aquatic habitats. The most abundant species were Anopheles pseudopunctipennis (52.91%), An. albimanus (39.14%) and An. franciscanus (5.29%). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed a negative association between An. pseudopunctipennis and water turbidity (ß=-1.342; Wald=6.122; p=0.013) and the amount of detritus (ß=-2.206; Wald=3.642; p=0.050). While in An. albimanus, there was a significant positive association with water turbidity (ß=1.344; Wald=4.256; p=0.039), a negative correlation was found with the altitude (ß=-3.445; Wald=5.407; p=0.020). The highest mosquito species diversity index was found in Chiapas (Fisher's α=1.20) and the lowest diversity in Chihuahua (Fisher's α=0.26). The greatest richness was found in streams (n=11). Conclusions: The two most abundant species were: An. albimanus and An. pseudopunctipennis. Detailed knowledge of the distribution and characteristics of their larval habitats will be useful for the effective implementation of control strategies in Mexico.

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la abundancia y la distribución geográfica de los principales vectores de la malaria, las cuales están influenciadas por las características del hábitat y los factores ecológicos que afectan directamente la densidad de los adultos y la dinámica de la transmisión de la malaria en México. Material y métodos: Se obtuvieron muestras de larvas de 19 estados de México. Cada hábitat larvario se caracterizó in situ determinando los siguientes parámetros: profundidad del agua, turbidez, porcentaje de cobertura vegetal, cantidad de detritus, presencia de algas, intensidad de luz, tipo de vegetación, cantidad de depredadores, estabilidad del hábitat, altitud y tipo hidrológico. Resultados: Se identificaron un total de 21 687 larvas pertenecientes a 13 especies de anofelinos, de 149 hábitats acuáticos. Las tres especies más abundantes fueron Anopheles pseudopunctipennis (52.91%), An. albimanus (39.14%) y An. franciscanus (5.29%). El análisis de regresión logística múltiple mostró una asociación negativa para An. pseudopunctipennis y la turbidez del agua (ß=-1.342; Wald= 6.122; p=0.013) y la cantidad de detritus (ß=-2.206; Wald= 3.642; p=0.050). Para An. albimanus se encontró una asociación positiva significativa con la turbidez del agua (ß=1.344; Wald= 4.256; p=0.039) y una correlación negativa con la altitud (ß=-3.445; Wald=5.407; p=0.020). El índice de diversidad más alto se encontró en Chiapas (α de Fisher=1.20) y la diversidad más baja en Chihuahua (α de Fisher=0.26). La mayor riqueza se encontró en los arroyos (n=11). Conclusiones: Las dos especies más abundantes fueron An. albimanus y An. pseudopunctipennis. El conocimiento detallado de la distribución y características de sus hábitats larvales será útil para la implementación efectiva de las estrategias de control en México.

Determination of insecticides' lethal concentrations and metabolic enzyme levels in Triatoma dimidiata / Determinación de concentraciones letales y niveles de enzimas metabólicas de insecticidas en Triatoma dimidiata

Abstract: Objective: The feasibility of the use of WHO impregnated paper and biochemical assays to determine lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC99) and insecticide metabolic enzyme levels of Triatoma dimidiata. Materials and methods: LC50 and LC99 were calculated with WHO papers impregnated at different concentrations of malathion, propoxur and deltamethrin; the percentage of insensitive acetylcholinesterase (iAChE); and the levels of esterases, glutathione S-transferases, and monooxygenases in laboratory nymphs of the first stage (5 to 7 days), were undertaken using the WHO biochemical assays. Results: Respectively the LC50 and LC99 µg/cm2 obtained for malathion were 43.83 and 114.38, propoxur 4.71 and 19.29, and deltamethrin 5.80 and 40.46. A 30% of the population had an iAChE, and only a few individuals had high P450 and β-eterase levels. Conclusion: Impregnated papers and biochemical tests developed by WHO for other insects, proved to be feasible methods in monitoring insecticide resistance and metabolic enzymes involved in T. dimidiata.

Resumen: Objetivo: La factibilidad de usar los papeles impregnados y ensayos bioquímicos según la OMS para determinar concentraciones letales (CL50 y CL99) y niveles enzimáticos en la resistencia a insecticidas en Triatoma dimidiata. Material y métodos: Se calcularon la CL50 y CL99 con papeles impregnados según la OMS a diferentes concentraciones de malatión, propoxur y deltametrina; el porcentaje de acetilcolinesterasa insensible (iAChE); y los niveles de esterasas, glutatión S-transferasas, y monooxigenasas en ninfas de laboratorio del estadio I (5-7 días) se determinaron usando los ensayos bioquímicos según la OMS. Resultados: Se obtuvieron las CL50 y CL99 µg / cm2 respectivamente para malatión 43.83 y 114.38, propoxur 4.71 y 19.29, y deltametrina 5.80 y 40.46. Un 30% de las chinches tuvo iAChE, y sólo pocos individuos tuvieron niveles superiores de P450 y β-eterasas. Conclusión: Los papeles impregnados y ensayos bioquímicos que describe la OMS para otros insectos demostraron ser métodos factibles para monitorear la resistencia a insecticidas y las enzimas metabólicas involucradas en T. dimidiata.

Composition and abundance of anopheline species according to habitat diversity in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the abundance and geographic distribution of the main malaria vectors, which are influenced by habitat characteristics and ecological factors that directly impact adult density and the dynamics of malaria transmission in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of larvae were collected from 19 states in Mexico. Each larval habitat was characterized in situ determining the following parameters: water depth, turbidity, percentage of vegetation cover, amount of detritus, presence of algae, light intensity, type of vegetation, amount of predators, habitat stability, altitude, and hydrologic type. RESULTS: A total of 21 687 larvae corresponding to 13 anopheline species were obtained from 149 aquatic habitats. The most abundant species were Anopheles pseudopunctipennis (52.91%), An. albimanus (39.14%) and An. franciscanus (5.29%). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed a negative association between An. pseudopunctipennis and water turbidity (ß=-1.342; Wald=6.122; p=0.013) and the amount of detritus (ß=-2.206; Wald=3.642; p=0.050). While in An. albimanus, there was a significant positive association with water turbidity (ß=1.344; Wald=4.256; p=0.039), a negative correlation was found with the altitude (ß=-3.445; Wald=5.407; p =0.020). The highest mosquito species diversity index was found in Chiapas (Fisher's α=1.20) and the lowest diversity in Chihuahua (Fisher's α=0.26). The greatest richness was found in streams (n=11). CONCLUSIONS: The two most abundant species were: An. albimanus and An. pseudopunctipennis. Detailed knowledge of the distribution and characteristics of their larval habitats will be useful for the effective implementation of control strategies in Mexico.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la abundancia y la distribución geográfica de los principales vectores de la malaria, las cuales están influenciadas por las características del hábitat y los factores ecológicos que afectan directamente la densidad de los adultos y la dinámica de la transmisión de la malaria en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se obtuvieron muestras de larvas de 19 estados de México. Cada hábitat larvario se caracterizó in situ determinando los siguientes parámetros: profundidad del agua, turbidez, porcentaje de cobertura vegetal, cantidad de detritus, presencia de algas, intensidad de luz, tipo de vegetación, cantidad de depredadores, estabilidad del hábitat, altitud y tipo hidrológico. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron un total de 21 687 larvas pertenecientes a 13 especies de anofelinos, de 149 hábitats acuáticos. Las tres especies más abundantes fueron Anopheles pseudopunctipennis (52.91%), An. albimanus (39.14%) y An. franciscanus (5.29%). El análisis de regresión logística múltiple mostró una asociación negativa para An. pseudopunctipennis y la turbidez del agua (ß=-1.342; Wald= 6.122; p=0.013) y la cantidad de detritus (ß=-2.206; Wald= 3.642; p=0.050). Para An. albimanus se encontró una asociación positiva significativa con la turbidez del agua (ß=1.344; Wald= 4.256; p=0.039) y una correlación negativa con la altitud (ß=-3.445; Wald=5.407; p=0.020). El índice de diversidad más alto se encontró en Chiapas (α de Fisher=1.20) y la diversidad más baja en Chihuahua (α de Fisher=0.26). La mayor riqueza se encontró en los arroyos (n=11). CONCLUSIONES: Las dos especies más abundantes fueron An. albimanus y An. pseudopunctipennis. El conocimiento detallado de la distribución y características de sus hábitats larvales será útil para la implementación efectiva de las estrategias de control en México.

Determination of insecticides' lethal concentrations and metabolic enzyme levels in Triatoma dimidiata.

OBJECTIVE: The feasibility of the use of WHO impregnated paper and biochemical assays to determine lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC99) and insecticide metabolic enzyme levels of Triatoma dimidiata. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LC50 and LC99 were calculated with WHO papers impregnated at different concentrations of malathion, propoxur and deltamethrin; the percentage of insensitive acetylcholinesterase (iAChE); and the levels of esterases, glutathione S-transferases, and monooxygenases in laboratory nymphs of the first stage (5 to 7 days), were undertaken using the WHO biochemical assays. RESULTS: Respectively the LC50 and LC99 µg/cm2 obtained for malathion were 43.83 and 114.38, propoxur 4.71 and 19.29, and deltamethrin 5.80 and 40.46. A 30% of the population had an iAChE, and only a few individuals had high P450 and ß-eterase levels. CONCLUSIONS: Impregnated papers and biochemical tests developed by WHO for other insects, proved to be feasible methods in monitoring insecticide resistance and metabolic enzymes involved in T. dimidiata.

OBJETIVO: La factibilidad de usar los papeles impregnados y ensayos bioquímicos según la OMS para determinar concentraciones letales (CL50 y CL99) y niveles enzimáticos en la resistencia a insecticidas en Triatoma dimidiata. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se calcularon la CL50 y CL99 con papeles impregnados según la OMS a diferentes concentraciones de malatión, propoxur y deltametrina; el porcentaje de acetilcolinesterasa insensible (iAChE); y los niveles de esterasas, glutatión S-transferasas, y monooxigenasas en ninfas de laboratorio del estadio I (5-7 días) se determinaron usando los ensayos bioquímicos según la OMS. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron las CL50 y CL99 µg / cm2 respectivamente para malatión 43.83 y 114.38, propoxur 4.71 y 19.29, y deltametrina 5.80 y 40.46. Un 30% de las chinches tuvo iAChE, y sólo pocos individuos tuvieron niveles superiores de P450 y ß-eterasas. CONCLUSIONES: Los papeles impregnados y ensayos bioquímicos que describe la OMS para otros insectos demostraron ser métodos factibles para monitorear la resistencia a insecticidas y las enzimas metabólicas involucradas en T. dimidiata.

NaStEP, an essential protein for self-incompatibility in Nicotiana, performs a dual activity as a proteinase inhibitor and as a voltage-dependent channel blocker.

The S-specific pollen rejection response in Nicotiana depends on the interaction between S-RNase and a suite of SLF proteins. However, the biochemical pathway requires other essential proteins. One of them is the stigmatic protein NaStEP, which belongs to the Kunitz-type protease inhibitor family. Within the pollen tubes, NaStEP is a positive regulator of HT-B stability, likely inhibiting its degradation and, additionally, interacts with NaSIPP, a mitochondrial phosphate carrier. To gain a deeper understanding of the biochemical role of NaStEP in pollen rejection, we evaluated whether the activity of NaStEP as protease inhibitor is specific to a particular type of protease and whether it has the function of a voltage-dependent channel (VDC) blocker. Our findings indicate that, in vitro, NaStEP inhibits a subtilisin-like protease in an irreversible manner, but not other proteases, such as thermolysin and papain. Furthermore, we found that subtilisin processes the native NaStEP (24 kDa) into two lower molecular weight peptides of 21 and 14 kDa. Moreover, when we incubated NaStEP along with Xenopus leavis oocytes expressing the voltage-dependent potassium channel Kv 1.3, the current was blocked, indicating that NaStEP acts as a VDC blocker. These data allow us to propose NaStEP acts as a key molecule with two functions, one protecting HT-B from degradation by inhibiting a subtilisin-like protease and the second one by forming a complex with a mitochondrial VDC that could destabilize the mitochondria to trigger cell death, which would reinforce S-specific pollen rejection in Nicotiana.

Silver Nanoparticles Enhance Thermoluminescence and Photoluminescence Response in Li2B4O7 Glass Doped with Dy3+ and Yb3.

Lithium borate glass matrices doped with Dy3+ and Yb3+, containing silver nanoparticles in different concentrations are synthesized and characterized in this work. The Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy confirms formation of silver nanoparticles in the samples. Absorption spectra of the samples show the presence of a broadband spectrum associated due to the surface plasmon effect of the silver nanoparticles. A strong surface plasmon band bellow 400 nm appears after the annealing process, due to the formation of silver nanoparticles with radius of 5-15 nm. The transition peaks of Dy3+ are also observed at 386, 446, 798, 917, 1088, 1265 and 1669 nm. Additionally, a large peak at 976 nm belonging to the absorption band corresponding to the Yb3+ is observed. Emission spectra under 406 nm pumping show two prominent bands at 506 and 590 nm belonging to the Dy3+ transitions 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 and 4F9/2 → 6H13/2, respectively. The fluorescence in the 480 nm and 525 nm spectral ranges enhanced with the silver nanoparticles contained in the samples. Is the first time, the luminescence studies of the lithium borate matrix doped with Dy3+ and Yb3+ containing silver nanoparticles is done. The basic parameters defining the lasing-amplifying potential of the glass matrices as a function of silver nanoparticles concentration are calculated. The Thermoluminescence response to UV irradiation also exhibits significant enhancement with the increment of silver nanoparticles in the samples.

Ultraestrutura e criopreservação de sêmen de jundiá amazônico (Leiarius marmoratus) em cativeiro / Ultrastructure and sperm cryopreservation of the amazon catfish (Leiarius marmoratus) in captivity

Os objetivos do presente estudo foram analisar a ultraestrutura do espermatozoide do jundiá amazônico e avaliar a sua criopreservação com três agentes crioprotetores (metanol 10%, DMSO 10% e etilenoglicol 10%) e duas soluções ativadoras (NaCl 0,29% e NaHCO3 1%). Como diluente, foi utilizada uma solução de glicose a 5%, sendo o sêmen envasado em palhetas de 0,25mL e congelado em vapor de nitrogênio (botijão dry shipper). No sêmen fresco, o espermatozoide apresentou comprimento de 25,46±2,54µm, cabeça esférica (1,51±0,18µm), ausência de acrossoma, peça intermediária com formato cônico (0,93±0,17µm), ligeiramente assimétrica, com presença de vesículas, e flagelo único (21,48±2,45µm). O sêmen descongelado apresentou valores mais altos (P<0,05) para duração, vigor e taxa de motilidade espermática com os crioprotetores metanol 10% e DMSO 10%. A duração da motilidade espermática foi maior (P<0,05) com o ativador NaHCO3 1% (21-96 s). O sêmen de Leiarius marmoratus criopreservado com DMSO e metanol apresentou, respectivamente, 7,32±4,21% e 8,94±6,69% de taxa de motilidade. No entanto, os resultados não foram satisfatórios para estabelecer um protocolo para a espécie.(AU)

The aims of this study were to describe the spermatozoon ultrastructure and to evaluate the sperm cryopreservation of the amazon catfish with three cryoprotectant agents (10% methanol, 10% DMSO, and 10% ethylene glycol) and two activator agents (0.29% NaCl and 1% NaHCO3). Glucose 5% extender was used as a diluent solution and sperm loaded in 0.25 straws was frozen in nitrogen vapor (dry shipper). Fresh spermatozoon was 25.46±2.54µm long, the head was spherical (1.51±0.18µm) with no acrosome, the midpiece was cone shaped (0.93±0.17µm) with presence of vesicles, slightly asymmetric, and the flagellum was single (21.48±2.45µm). Post-thawed semen presented higher values (P< 0.05) for duration, vigor and sperm motility rate with cryoprotectants 10% methanol and 10% DMSO. The duration of sperm motility was longer (P< 0,05) when triggered in 1% NaHCO3 (96-21 s). Leiarius marmoratus semen cryopreserved with DMSO and methanol, presented respectively 7.32±4.21% and 8.94±6.69% of motility. However, the results were not satisfactory to establish a protocol for the specie.(AU)

Ultraestrutura e criopreservação de sêmen de jundiá amazônico (Leiarius marmoratus) em cativeiro / Ultrastructure and sperm cryopreservation of the amazon catfish (Leiarius marmoratus) in captivity

Os objetivos do presente estudo foram analisar a ultraestrutura do espermatozoide do jundiá amazônico e avaliar a sua criopreservação com três agentes crioprotetores (metanol 10%, DMSO 10% e etilenoglicol 10%) e duas soluções ativadoras (NaCl 0,29% e NaHCO3 1%). Como diluente, foi utilizada uma solução de glicose a 5%, sendo o sêmen envasado em palhetas de 0,25mL e congelado em vapor de nitrogênio (botijão dry shipper). No sêmen fresco, o espermatozoide apresentou comprimento de 25,46±2,54µm, cabeça esférica (1,51±0,18µm), ausência de acrossoma, peça intermediária com formato cônico (0,93±0,17µm), ligeiramente assimétrica, com presença de vesículas, e flagelo único (21,48±2,45µm). O sêmen descongelado apresentou valores mais altos (P<0,05) para duração, vigor e taxa de motilidade espermática com os crioprotetores metanol 10% e DMSO 10%. A duração da motilidade espermática foi maior (P<0,05) com o ativador NaHCO3 1% (21-96 s). O sêmen de Leiarius marmoratus criopreservado com DMSO e metanol apresentou, respectivamente, 7,32±4,21% e 8,94±6,69% de taxa de motilidade. No entanto, os resultados não foram satisfatórios para estabelecer um protocolo para a espécie.(AU)

The aims of this study were to describe the spermatozoon ultrastructure and to evaluate the sperm cryopreservation of the amazon catfish with three cryoprotectant agents (10% methanol, 10% DMSO, and 10% ethylene glycol) and two activator agents (0.29% NaCl and 1% NaHCO3). Glucose 5% extender was used as a diluent solution and sperm loaded in 0.25 straws was frozen in nitrogen vapor (dry shipper). Fresh spermatozoon was 25.46±2.54µm long, the head was spherical (1.51±0.18µm) with no acrosome, the midpiece was cone shaped (0.93±0.17µm) with presence of vesicles, slightly asymmetric, and the flagellum was single (21.48±2.45µm). Post-thawed semen presented higher values (P< 0.05) for duration, vigor and sperm motility rate with cryoprotectants 10% methanol and 10% DMSO. The duration of sperm motility was longer (P< 0,05) when triggered in 1% NaHCO3 (96-21 s). Leiarius marmoratus semen cryopreserved with DMSO and methanol, presented respectively 7.32±4.21% and 8.94±6.69% of motility. However, the results were not satisfactory to establish a protocol for the specie.(AU)

Gastroenteritis eosinofílica: aspectos clínicos e imagenológicos de una entidad poco frecuente, reporte de caso / Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: clinical aspects and imagenological features of an infrequent entity, case report

Eosinophil-associated diseases constitute a group of pathologies where eosinophils play an important role. Among them, eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare entity. Few demographic data exist in the literature, with an estimated prevalence of 28-30/100,000. The symptoms presented by patients mainly depend on the affected segment of the gastrointestinal tract and the layer infiltrated by eosinophils. We report a 22-year-old male patient with a one-month history of diarrhea, with mucus and occasionally hematic striae. Initial laboratory tests showed leukocytosis with eosinophilia, and imaging studies showed extensive involvement of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by diffuse concentric parietal thickening and submucosal edema associated with ascites. Upper endoscopy and biopsy confirmed the presence of foci of infiltration by eosinophils. The patient was treated with corticosteroids and a lactose and wheat free diet, with a favorable evolution, without relapse after stopping corticosteroid treatment.

Las enfermedades asociadas a eosinófilos constituyen un grupo de patologías en que el aumento de los eosinófilos presenta un rol fundamental, encontrándose entre ellas la gastroenteritis eosinofílica, entidad poco frecuente. En la literatura existen pocos datos demográficos, con una prevalencia estimada entre 28-30 /100.000 habitantes. Los síntomas dependen principalmente del segmento afectado del tracto gastrointestinal y de la capa de la pared infiltrada por eosinófilos. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente masculino de 22 años con cuadro de diarrea de un mes de evolución, asociado a mucosidad y ocasionalmente estrías hemáticas. El estudio de laboratorio inicial mostró leucocitosis con eosinofilia, realizándose estudios de imágenes que demuestran extenso compromiso del tubo digestivo caracterizado por engrosamiento parietal difuso concéntrico y edema submucoso del estómago como también de asas de intestino delgado, asociado a ascitis. La endoscopia digestiva alta y biopsia confirmaron la presencia de focos de infiltración por eosinófilos. El paciente fue tratado con corticoides y dieta con restricción de lactosa y trigo, con evolución favorable, sin recaída tras la suspensión del tratamiento corticoidal

Sedimentary record from Patagonia, southern Chile supports cosmic-impact triggering of biomass burning, climate change, and megafaunal extinctions at 12.8 ka.

The Younger Dryas (YD) impact hypothesis posits that fragments of a large, disintegrating asteroid/comet struck North America, South America, Europe, and western Asia ~12,800 years ago. Multiple airbursts/impacts produced the YD boundary layer (YDB), depositing peak concentrations of platinum, high-temperature spherules, meltglass, and nanodiamonds, forming an isochronous datum at >50 sites across ~50 million km² of Earth's surface. This proposed event triggered extensive biomass burning, brief impact winter, YD climate change, and contributed to extinctions of late Pleistocene megafauna. In the most extensive investigation south of the equator, we report on a ~12,800-year-old sequence at Pilauco, Chile (~40°S), that exhibits peak YD boundary concentrations of platinum, gold, high-temperature iron- and chromium-rich spherules, and native iron particles rarely found in nature. A major peak in charcoal abundance marks an intense biomass-burning episode, synchronous with dramatic changes in vegetation, including a high-disturbance regime, seasonality in precipitation, and warmer conditions. This is anti-phased with northern-hemispheric cooling at the YD onset, whose rapidity suggests atmospheric linkage. The sudden disappearance of megafaunal remains and dung fungi in the YDB layer at Pilauco correlates with megafaunal extinctions across the Americas. The Pilauco record appears consistent with YDB impact evidence found at sites on four continents.

Oxidative modifications of foetal LDL-c and HDL-c lipoproteins in preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative modifications have been observed in lipids and proteins in lipoproteins isolated from women with preeclampsia. Thus, newborns could also be susceptible to this damage directly through their mothers. In this study, we evaluated the oxidative profile of LDL-c and HDL-c lipoproteins isolated from the umbilical cord from newborns born to women with preeclampsia. METHODS: Thirty newborns born to women with preeclampsia and thirty newborns born to women with healthy pregnancies were included. Lipid-damage biomarkers, including conjugated dienes, lipohydroperoxides and malondialdehyde, were measured. The reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium, formation of dityrosines, and carbonylation of proteins were assessed as indicators of protein damage. The protective activity of paraoxonase-I on HDL-c particles was evaluated. The total antioxidant capacity and lipid profiles were quantified in plasma. Data were analysed using Student's t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the preeclampsia group had an increase in the percentage of lipid damage in both lipoproteins. There was an increase of 23.3 and 19.9% for conjugated dienes, 82.4 and 21.1% for lipohydroperoxides, and 103.8 and 51.5% for malondialdehyde in LDL-c and HDL-c, respectively. However, these infants did not show evident damage in protein oxidation. The activity of the enzyme paraoxonase-I was decreased by 36.2%; by contrast, the total antioxidant capacity was increased by 40% (protein) and 28.8% (non-protein). CONCLUSIONS: The oxidative modifications that occur in HDL-c and LDL-c isolated from newborns from women with preeclampsia are mainly caused by lipoperoxidation processes related to evident paraoxonase-I inactivation. The absence of protein damage is likely linked to an increase in total antioxidant capacity. Therefore, antioxidant support could be helpful in reducing oxidative stress in mother/newborn dyads.

Resultados del uso de stent metálico autoexpandible como terapia puente en cáncer de colon izquierdo obstructivo / Results of the use of self-expanding stent as a bridge therapy in obstructive left colon cancer

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar los resultados del uso de stent como terapia puente para cirugía en cáncer de colon izquierdo obstructivo en nuestro centro. Material y Método: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de pacientes con cáncer de colon izquierdo obstructivo sometidos a la instalación de stent metálicos como terapia puente para una cirugía definitiva, entre enero de 2008 y diciembre de 2016. Se analizaron datos demográficos, éxito del procedimiento, complicaciones, vía de abordaje quirúrgico, anatomía patológica y seguimiento. Resultados: Se analizaron 10 pacientes. El procedimiento fue técnica y clínicamente exitoso en los 10 pacientes, sin complicaciones. Todos fueron a cirugía resectiva, logrando anastomosis primaria en 9 pacientes. En 3 se realizó un abordaje laparoscópico. Se logró una mediana de linfonodos de 41 en la pieza quirúrgica. Con una mediana de seguimiento de 34 meses, 2 presentan recidiva a distancia siendo pacientes con etapas más avanzadas al diagnóstico de su enfermedad. Discusión: El stent como terapia de puente a una cirugía electiva, permite obtener una baja tasa de colostomías, baja morbilidad, ofrecer cirugía laparoscópica y una óptima cirugía oncológica. Conclusión: El uso del stent como terapia puente en el cáncer de colon izquierdo obstructivo aparece como una buena alternativa para resolver esta patología en pacientes de mayor riesgo quirúrgico.

Objetive: To analyze the results of the use of stent as bridge therapy for surgery in obstructive left colon cancer in our center. Material and Method: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with obstructive left colon cancer undergoing metallic stenting as a bridge therapy for definitive surgery bet- ween January 2008 and December 2016. Demographic data, procedural success, complications, surgical approach, pathological anatomy and follow-up were analyzed. Results: Ten patients. The procedure was technically and clinically successful in all 10 patients, with no complications in any of them. All patients went to resective surgery, achieving primary anastomosis in 9 of them. In 3 of them, a laparoscopic approach was performed. A median of lymph nodes of 41 it was obtained in the surgical specimen. With a median follow-up of 34 months, 2 presented distant recurrence, which were patients diagnosed at a more advanced stage of their disease. Discussion: The stent as bridge therapy to an elective surgery, allows to obtain a low rate of colostomies, low morbidity, offer a laparoscopic surgery and an optimal cancer surgery. Conclusion: The use of the stent as a bridge therapy in obstructive left colon cancer appears as a good alternative to solve this pathology in patients of greater surgical risk.

Oxidative profiles of LDL and HDL isolated from women with preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress causes biochemical changes in lipids and proteins; these changes can induce damage to the vascular endothelium and create maternal complications that are characteristic of preeclampsia. In this study, we evaluated the oxidative profile of lipoproteins isolated from women with preeclampsia. METHODS: Thirty women diagnosed with preeclampsia and thirty women without preeclampsia were included in the study. Lipid-damage biomarkers, including conjugated dienes, lipohydroperoxides and malondialdehyde, were measured. The reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium, the formation of dityrosines, and the carbonylation of proteins were assessed as indicators of protein damage. The protective activity of HDL-c was evaluated by the paraoxonase-I activity present on the HDL-c particles. Serum lipid profiles were also quantified in both groups. Data were analysed using Student's t test and the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated in PE women evident oxidative changes in the lipids and proteins in HDL-c and LDL-c particles and the activity of the antioxidant enzyme PON-I decreased 59.9%. HDL-c exhibited self-defence, as demonstrated by the negative correlation between paraoxonase-I activity and the formation of lipohydroperoxides in HDL-c (r = -0.3755, p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: LDL-c and HDL-c isolated from women with preeclampsia show oxidative damage to lipids and proteins. We propose an oxidative profile based on the oxidation levels indicated by each of the markers used. We also found that paraoxonase-I is inactivated in the presence of lipohydroperoxides. Antioxidant support might be helpful to reduce oxidative stress in patients with preeclampsia. Further investigations are necessary to define the association between antioxidant activities and preeclampsia.