An overview of major depression disorder: The endocannabinoid system as a potential target for therapy.

Major depressive disorder is the psychiatric disease with the highest global prevalence, impacting social functioning and decreasing the quality of life. The partial pathophysiological knowledge of the disease, the economic burden and the low remission rates are sufficient justification to carry out an update on the subject in the search for new therapeutic approaches and targets. The endocannabinoid system has been linked to the development of depression, and its stimulation or antagonism is a promising approach in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Cannabidiol (CBD) and its properties have been widely studied recently; its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and neuroprotective roles have even been reported in animal models and clinical trials, achieving its approved use for certain neurodegenerative pathologies. The use of CBD in depression biomodels and clinical trials has not been the exception, and here we contrast the current evidence of its administration and pharmacology against the pathological mechanisms of major depressive disorder.

Pediatric anesthesiology in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Latin America comprises an extensive and diverse territory composed of 33 countries in the Caribbean, Central, and South America where Romance languages-languages derived from Latin are predominantly spoken. Economic disparities exist, with inequitable access to pediatric surgical care. The Latin American Surgical Outcomes Study in Pediatrics (LASOS-Peds), a multi-national collaboration, will determine safety of pediatric anesthesia and perioperative care. OBJECTIVE: Below, we provide a descriptive initiative to share how pediatric anesthesia in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico operate. Theses descriptions do not represent all of Latin America. DESCRIPTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: Brazil an upper middle-income country, population 203 million, has a public system insufficiently resourced and a private system, resulting in inequitable safety and accessibility. Surgical complications constitute the third leading cause of mortality. Anesthesiology residency is 3 years, with required rotations in pediatric anesthesia; five hospitals offer pediatric anesthesia fellowships. Anesthesiology is a physician-only practice. A Pediatric Anesthesia Committee within the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology offers education through seasonal courses and workshops including pediatric advanced life support. Chile is a high-income country, population 19.5 million, the majority cared for in the public system, the remainder in university, private, or military systems. Government efforts have gradually corrected the long-standing anesthesiology shortage: twenty 3-year residency programs prepare graduates for routine pediatric cases. The Chilean Society of Anesthesiology runs a 1-month program for general anesthesiologists to enhance pediatric anesthesia skills. Pediatric anesthesia fellowship training occurs in Europe, USA, and Australia, or in two 2-year Chilean university programs. Public health policies have increased the medical and surgical pediatric specialists and general anesthesiologists, but not pediatric anesthesiologists, which creates safety concerns for neonates, infants, and medically complex. Chile needs more pediatric anesthesia fellowship programs. Mexico, an upper middle-income country, with a population of about 126 million, has a five-sector healthcare system: public, social security for union workers, state for public employees, armed forces for the military, and a private "self-pay." There are inequities in safety and accessibility for children. Pediatric Anesthesiology fellowship is 2 years, after 3 years residency. A shortage of pediatric anesthesiologists limits accessibility and safety for surgical care, driven by added training at low salary and hospital under appreciation. The Mexican Society of Pediatric Anesthesiology conducts refresher courses, workshops, and case conferences. Insufficient resources and culture limits research.

Persistent Barriers of the Gluten-Free Basic Food Basket: Availability, Cost, and Nutritional Composition Assessment.

Gluten-related disorders are treated with a gluten-free diet. The "basic food basket" (BFB) consists of a list of basic foods consumed by low-income groups in society, including those lowest-cost versions within each food category. To evaluate the cost, availability, and nutritional quality of the BFB and gluten-free BFB (GF-BFB), foods were photographed, registering their cost, availability, and nutritional characteristics, in high quality and mid-range supermarkets, wholesalers, health shops, and corner shops, matching each regular BFB product with a gluten-free equivalent. Of the 1177 potential products, the selection of lowest-cost foods yielded 55 and 47 products (BFB and GF-BFB, respectively). Breads/cereals and drinks showed the highest differences (279% and 146%, respectively) while meats and sausages showed the lowest ones (18.6%). The GF-BFB cost represents 30.1% of the minimum wage, which covers the cost of 5.2 and 3.3 of the BFB and GF-BFB per month, respectively. Availability ranged between 22.7 and 42.4%. Lower availability was associated with poorer nutritional quality in the GF-BFB, which provides 5% less energy, 26% more fat, and 25% less protein than the BFB. Only 47% of gluten-free products declared their "gluten-free" condition. The results strongly suggest that the GF-BFB must be redesigned to be both gluten-free and nutritionally adequate.

A Gamma-adapted subunit vaccine induces broadly neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants and protects mice from infection.

In the context of continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), one strategy to prevent the severe outcomes of COVID-19 is developing safe and effective broad-spectrum vaccines. Here, we present preclinical studies of a RBD vaccine derived from the Gamma SARS-CoV-2 variant adjuvanted with Alum. The Gamma-adapted RBD vaccine is more immunogenic than the Ancestral RBD vaccine in terms of inducing broader neutralizing antibodies. The Gamma RBD presents more immunogenic B-cell restricted epitopes and induces a higher proportion of specific-B cells and plasmablasts than the Ancestral RBD version. The Gamma-adapted vaccine induces antigen specific T cell immune responses and confers protection against Ancestral and Omicron BA.5 SARS-CoV-2 challenge in mice. Moreover, the Gamma RBD vaccine induces higher and broader neutralizing antibody activity than homologous booster vaccination in mice previously primed with different SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platforms. Our study indicates that the adjuvanted Gamma RBD vaccine is highly immunogenic and a broad-spectrum vaccine candidate.

Electroacupuncture efficacy in diabetic polyneuropathy: Study protocol for a double-blinded randomized controlled multicenter clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); its diagnosis and treatment are based on symptomatic improvement. However, as pharmacological therapy causes multiple adverse effects, the implementation of acupunctural techniques, such as electroacupuncture (EA) has been suggested as an alternative treatment. Nonetheless, there is a lack of scientific evidence, and its mechanisms are still unclear. We present the design and methodology of a new clinical randomized trial, that investigates the effectiveness of EA for the treatment of DPN. METHODS: This study is a four-armed, randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial (20-week intervention period, plus 12 weeks of follow-up after concluding intervention). A total of 48 T2DM patients with clinical signs and symptoms of DPN; and electrophysiological signs in the Nerve Conduction Study (NCS); will be treated by acupuncture specialists in outpatient units in Mexico City. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of the following four groups: (a) short fibre DPN with EA, (b) short fibre DPN with sham EA, (c) axonal DPN with EA and (d) axonal DPN with sham EA treatment. The intervention will consist of 32 sessions, 20 min each, per patient over two cycles of intervention of 8 weeks each and a mid-term rest period of 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be NCS parameters, and secondary outcomes will include DPN-related symptoms and pain by Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), Michigan Diabetic Neuropathy Score (MDNS), Dolour Neuropatique Score (DN-4), Semmes-Westein monofilament, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain assessment, and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). To measure quality of life and improve oxidative stress, the inflammatory response; and genetic expression; will be analysed at the beginning and at the end of treatment. DISCUSSION: This study will be conducted to compare the efficacy of EA versus sham EA combined with conventional diabetic and neuropathic treatments if needed. EA may improve NCS, neuropathic pain and symptoms, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and genetic expression, and it could be considered a potential coadjutant treatment for the management of DPN with a possible remyelinating effect. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT05521737 Registered on 30 August 2022. International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) ISRCTN97391213 Registered on 26 September 2022 [2b].

Íleo biliar: descripción de dos casos / Gallstone ileus: Description of two cases

Introducción. El íleo biliar es una complicación rara de la colelitiasis y su incidencia varía del 1 al 4 %. Consiste en la migración de un cálculo de la vesicular biliar al tracto gastrointestinal, generando obstrucción intestinal. Presenta síntomas inespecíficos dependiendo del nivel de la obstrucción, lo que hace que su diagnóstico no suela ser precoz, repercutiendo en el deterioro clínico del paciente. Es especialmente grave en pacientes de edad avanzada y con comorbilidades. Casos clínicos. Se reportan los casos de dos pacientes con dolor abdominal difuso, en quienes se diagnosticó íleo biliar por tomografía. Se realizó manejo quirúrgico, el primero mediante técnica abierta y estrategia de dos pasos, y el otro mediante técnica laparoscópica. Discusión. El íleo biliar es una etiología rara de obstrucción intestinal. El cálculo migra debido a una fistula colecisto-entérica y el nivel de obstrucción es con mayor frecuencia la válvula ileocecal. Los síntomas son inespecíficos y dependen del nivel de obstrucción: dolor abdominal difuso mal caracterizado, náuseas, vómito, ausencia de flatos. El diagnóstico se hace mediante tomografía abdominal, en la cual se evidencia la tríada de Rigler. El manejo es quirúrgico, con enterotomía para extraer el cálculo y resolver la obstrucción. Conclusión. El íleo biliar es una patología que debe ser considerada en el abordaje de la obstrucción intestinal, aunque sea poco frecuente. El manejo quirúrgico es clave para resolver el cuadro de obstrucción intestinal; aún así genera importante morbimortalidad en especial en pacientes de avanzada edad.

Introduction. Gallstone ileus is a rare complication of cholelithiasis, its incidence varies from 1% to 4%. It consists of the migration of a stone from the gallbladder to the gastrointestinal tract, causing intestinal obstruction. It presents with non-specific symptoms depending on the level of the obstruction, which means that its diagnosis is not usually early, with repercussions on the clinical deterioration of the patient, being serious especially in elderly patients and with comorbidities. Clinical cases. Two patients with diffuse abdominal pain are reported. A tomographic diagnosis was made showing gallstone ileus. Surgeries were performed, in the first case using an open technique and a 2-step strategy, and on the second one using a laparoscopic technique. Discussion. Gallstone ileus is a rare etiology of intestinal obstruction. Symptoms are usually poorly characterized: diffuse abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, absence of flatus. The diagnosis is made by abdominal tomography in which Rigler's triad is evident. Management is surgical through enterotomy to remove the stone and resolve the obstruction. Conclusion. Gallstone ileus is a rare pathology that should be considered in the approach to intestinal obstruction. Surgical management is key to resolving intestinal obstruction. Even so, it generates significant morbidity and mortality, especially in elderly patients.

Heavy Metal and Rice in Gluten-Free Diets: Are They a Risk?

A gluten-free diet (GFD) is the treatment of choice for gluten-related disorders. It has been associated with macro- and micronutrient deficiencies. Recently, consumption of arsenic-contaminated rice has raised concern because of the potential greater risk that it may represent for people on GFDs, whose rice consumption is high, since it is a fundamental cereal in GFDs. We reviewed the data published over the last 20 years in Medline and Scielo, in English, French and Spanish, on four metals (As, Hg, Cd, and Pb), to assess whether the evidence suggests that celiac disease or consumption of a GFD is associated with increased levels of blood/urinary metal concentrations. The review revealed a few articles that were directly related to the four metals and their relationships with a GFD. The evidence supports that rice-based products are a relevant source of As and other metals. Clinical studies and evaluations based on NHANES have indicated that persons on GFDs have higher As and Hg blood/urinary levels, suggesting that the diet and not the disease is responsible for it. The levels described are statistically significant compared to those of persons on complete diets, but far from toxic levels. The question of whether higher exposure to heavy metals associated with a GFD is biologically relevant remains unanswered and deserves study.

Safety and immunogenicity of a SARS-CoV-2 Gamma variant RBD-based protein adjuvanted vaccine used as booster in healthy adults.

A Gamma Variant RBD-based aluminum hydroxide adjuvanted vaccine called ARVAC CG was selected for a first in human clinical trial. Healthy male and female participants (18-55 years old) with a complete COVID-19-primary vaccine scheme were assigned to receive two intramuscular doses of either a low-dose or a high-dose of ARVAC CG. The primary endpoint was safety. The secondary objective was humoral immunogenicity. Cellular immune responses were studied as an exploratory objective. The trial was prospectively registered in PRIISA.BA (Registration Code 6564) and ANMAT and retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05656508). Samples from participants of a surveillance strategy implemented by the Ministry of Health of the Province of Buenos Aires that were boosted with BNT162b2 were also analyzed to compare with the booster effect of ARVAC CG. ARVAC CG exhibits a satisfactory safety profile, a robust and broad booster response of neutralizing antibodies against the Ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the Gamma, Delta, Omicron BA.1 and Omicron BA.5 variants of concern and a booster effect on T cell immunity in individuals previously immunized with different COVID-19 vaccine platforms.

Identification and Characterization of Dmct: A Cation Transporter in Yarrowia lipolytica Involved in Metal Tolerance.

Yarrowia lipolytica is a dimorphic fungus used as a model organism to investigate diverse biotechnological and biological processes, such as cell differentiation, heterologous protein production, and bioremediation strategies. However, little is known about the biological processes responsible for cation concentration homeostasis. Metals play pivotal roles in critical biochemical processes, and some are toxic at unbalanced intracellular concentrations. Membrane transport proteins control intracellular cation concentrations. Analysis of the Y. lipolytica genome revealed a characteristic functional domain of the cation efflux protein family, i.e., YALI0F19734g, which encodes YALI0F19734p (a putative Yl-Dmct protein), which is related to divalent metal cation tolerance. We report the in silico analysis of the putative Yl-Dmct protein's characteristics and the phenotypic response to divalent cations (Ca2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, and Zn2+) in the presence of mutant strains, Δdmct and Rdmct, constructed by deletion and reinsertion of the DMCT gene, respectively. The absence of the Yl-Dmct protein induces cellular and growth rate changes, as well as dimorphism differences, when calcium, copper, iron, and zinc are added to the cultured medium. Interestingly, the parental and mutant strains were able to internalize the ions. Our results suggest that the protein encoded by the DMCT gene is involved in cell development and cation homeostasis in Y. lipolytica.

Lesión autoinfligida y absceso cerebral secundario en un paciente con esquizofrenia / Self-inflicted injury and secondary cerebral abscess in a patient with schizophrenia

RESUMEN La lesión autoinfligida es un acto intencional de hacerse daño sin propósito suicida. El presente caso describe a un paciente esquizofrénico de 37 años de edad, que ha padecido 20 años con la enfermedad, y síntomas recientes de irritabilidad, agresividad, aislamiento, ideas de perjuicio y contaminación («tengo un estafilococo en mi cabeza¼). Durante 10 años utilizaba varios objetos, incluido un bisturí con el que llegó a remover (extirpar) parte de la calota, ocasionando un edema vasogénico en la región córtico-fronto-parietal izquierda que produjo hemiparesia braquiocrural derecha y motivó su admisión. Luego de descartarse un accidente cerebrovascular o tumor cerebral, fue intervenido quirúrgicamente para la extracción de un absceso cerebral. Recibió varios fármacos antipsicóticos con respuesta parcial, y más tarde mejoró con la administración de paliperidona. En casos como este, es necesario un tamizaje, diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos para evitar evolución y pronóstico tórpidos en pacientes esquizofrénicos con lesiones autoinfligidas y con historia de pobre respuesta y adherencia al tratamiento.

ABSTRACT Self-injury is the intentional act of causing harm to oneself, without suicidal purposes. This case report describes a 37-year-old schizophrenic patient, with a history of 20 years, and recent symptoms of irritability, aggressiveness, isolation, self-harm and contamination ideas ("I have a staphylococcus in my head"). For 10 years, he used a variety of objects to manipulate himself, among them a scalpel with which he extirpated part of the calotte, causing a vasogenic edema in the left cortico-fronto-parietal region that produced a right brachio-crural haemiparesis, the reason for his admission. After ruling out a stroke or a brain tumor, he underwent surgery for the removal of a brain abscess; he received several antipsychotic agents with only a partial response that later improved after being switched to paliperidone. In cases like this, it is necessary to conduct a timely screening, diagnosis and treatment in order to avoid a torpid evolution and prognosis in schizophrenic patients with long-standing self-inflicted injuries and a history of poor adherence and response to treatment.

The CB1 cannabinoid receptor regulates autophagy in the tibialis anterior skeletal muscle in mice.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates energy metabolism, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases and exerts its actions mainly through the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1). Likewise, autophagy is involved in several cellular processes. It is required for the normal development of muscle mass and metabolism, and its deregulation is associated with diseases. It is known that the CB1 regulates signaling pathways that control autophagy, however, it is currently unknown whether the ECS could regulate autophagy in the skeletal muscle of obese mice. This study aimed to investigate the role of the CB1 in regulating autophagy in skeletal muscle. We found concomitant deregulation in the ECS and autophagy markers in high-fat diet-induced obesity. In obese CB1-KO mice, the autophagy-associated protein LC3 II does not accumulate when mTOR and AMPK phosphorylation levels do not change. Acute inhibition of the CB1 with JD-5037 decreased LC3 II protein accumulation and autophagic flux. Our results suggest that the CB1 regulates autophagy in the tibialis anterior skeletal muscle in both lean and obese mice.

Rotational Grazing Modifies Rhipicephalus microplus Infestation in Cattle in the Humid Tropics.

Rotational grazing has been mentioned as a potential tool to reduce losses caused by high tick loads. This study aimed: (1) to evaluate the effect of three grazing modalities (rotational grazing with 30- and 45-day pasture rest and continuous grazing) on Rhipicephalus microplus infestation in cattle, (2) to determine population dynamics of R. microplus in cattle under the three grazing modalities mentioned in the humid tropics. The experiment was carried out from April 2021 to March 2022 and consisted of 3 treatments of grazing with pastures of African Stargrass of 2 ha each. T1 was continuous grazing (CG00), and T2 and T3 were rotational grazing with 30 (RG30) and 45 d of recovery (RG45), respectively. Thirty calves of 8-12 months of age were distributed to each treatment (n = 10). Every 14 days, ticks larger than 4.5 mm were counted on the animals. Concomitantly, temperature (°C), relative humidity (RH), and rainfall (RNFL) were recorded. Animals in the RG45 group had the lowest count of R. microplus compared to the RG30 and CG00 groups; these results suggest that RG45 days of rest could be a potential tool to control R. microplus in cattle. Yet, we also observed the highest population of ticks on the animals under rotational grazing with a 30-day pasture rest. A low tick infestation characterized rotational grazing at 45 days of rest throughout the experiment. The association between the degree of tick infestation by R. microplus and the climatic variables was nil (p > 0.05).

The CB1 cannabinoid receptor regulates autophagy in the tibialis anterior skeletal muscle in mice

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates energy metabolism, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases and exerts its actions mainly through the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1). Likewise, autophagy is involved in several cellular processes. It is required for the normal development of muscle mass and metabolism, and its deregulation is associated with diseases. It is known that the CB1 regulates signaling pathways that control autophagy, however, it is currently unknown whether the ECS could regulate autophagy in the skeletal muscle of obese mice. This study aimed to investigate the role of the CB1 in regulating autophagy in skeletal muscle. We found concomitant deregulation in the ECS and autophagy markers in high-fat diet-induced obesity. In obese CB1-KO mice, the autophagy-associated protein LC3 II does not accumulate when mTOR and AMPK phosphorylation levels do not change. Acute inhibition of the CB1 with JD-5037 decreased LC3 II protein accumulation and autophagic flux. Our results suggest that the CB1 regulates autophagy in the tibialis anterior skeletal muscle in both lean and obese mice.

Commercial oats in gluten-free diet: A persistent risk for celiac patients.

Background: Gluten-free diet is the treatment of celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders and excludes wheat, rye, and barley, while oats inclusion/exclusion has long been a matter of debate. A logo or catchphrase indicating the gluten-free condition in a product is all the consumer relies on to accept the product as suitable for his/her treatment. The oat-based gluten-free products represents a small market, which may have changed, and become more limited during COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To assess gluten contamination in all labeled oat-based gluten-free local and imported products available in the market, comparing them to matched regular gluten containing counterparts. As a secondary objective, unconventional flours available in the same sale points were also assessed. Results: The search yielded 25 gluten-free labeled oat flours, rolled, and instant cereals, which were compared to 27 regular gluten containing equivalents. Gluten content was above the local (5 ppm) and the Codex Alimentarius cutoff (20 ppm) in 40 and 36% of the gluten-free labeled products, respectively. When all positive products were analyzed together, there were no differences in gluten content between labeled and unlabeled products. Locally produced products were more expensive, while rolled/instant oats were less contaminated than flours (p = 0.01). Precautionary labels advising presence of gluten as allergen was omitted in 37.0% of regular products. Only 33.3% of unconventional flours obtained from open markets and sold in bulk, were gluten contaminated. Conclusion: Oat-based gluten-free products are currently highly contaminated. It is urgent to regulate them and implement protocols that allow safe consumption of these products.

Síndrome de Burnout en trabajadores de salud del Hospital de Arequipa (Perú) durante la pandemia / Burnout syndrome in health care workers of the Hospital Arequipa (Peru) during the pandemic

RESUMEN: Introducción: a finales del año 2019, la comunidad global era sorprendida con la aparición de un brote de coronavirus en China. Se plantea que la exposición crónica a factores de riesgo psicosocial durante varios meses y de manera constante, podrían desencadenar el síndrome de burnout en el personal de salud que atiende pacientes con COVID-19. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia y severidad del síndrome de burnout en personal de salud que labora en el Hospital II Goyeneche del Ministerio de Salud en Arequipa en el contexto durante la pandemia. Material y Métodos: estudio descriptivo transeccional, en el que se registraron las características sociodemográficas de 147 trabajadores de salud del Hospital II Goyeneche un hospital del Ministerio de Salud y se aplicó el Inventario de Burnout de Maslach. Resultados: el 70,7% del personal de salud del Hospital II Goyeneche de Arequipa presenta síndrome de burnout, y de este porcentaje, la mayoría tiene preocupación por atender pacientes con COVID-19, no se siente capacitado para ello, le preocupa no contar con Equipos de Protección Personal y desconoce los protocolos de seguridad. Conclusión: existe una asociación significativa entre la presencia de síndrome de burnout y la atención de pacientes con COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Introduction: At the end of 2019, the global community was surprised by the new outbreak of coronavirus in China. We argued that the chronic exposure to psychosocial risk factors during four months, could precipitate the burnout syndrome among the healthcare workers who attend patients with COVID-19. Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of burnout syndrome in healthcare personnel who working Goyeneche Hospital from Ministry of Health Hospital from Arequipa City along the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: Descriptive transectional study, in which there were registered the sociodemographic characteristics of 147 healthcare workers in Goyeneche Hospital and there was applied the Burnout Maslach Inventory. Results: The 70.7% of the Goyeneche Hospital health care personnel presents burnout syndrome, and major part of the percentage have concerns about the attention of patients with COVID-19, also they don't feel trained enough for this, they also are concern because don´t have the Personal protective equipment and they don't know the safety attention protocols. Conclusion: There is a significant association among the burnout syndrome punctuation and the attention of patients with COVID-19.

Prevalence and risk factors of coccidiosis in calves from Veracruz, México.

The objectives of the present study were: (1) to determine the prevalence of Eimeria spp. sporulated oocysts in calves from 26 Municipalities in the Central Zone of the State of Veracruz, Mexico, (2) to identify the Eimeria spp. infecting calves, and (3) to identify the risk factors associated with the presence of Eimeria spp. in tropical cattle. A total of 930 individual fecal samples were analyzed by using the McMaster technique; then, oocysts were maintained in 2.5% potassium dichromate to allow sporulation. The general prevalence of calves with Eimeria spp. oocysts was 39.7% (370/930). Of a total of 10 identified species, Eimeria canadensis was the most observed, followed by Eimeria bovis and Eimeria zuernii. The statistical analysis showed an association between the age of the calves (5 to 9 months), the presence of other animals, the physiographic regions and the restricted type of husbandry with the presence of Eimeria spp. in calves (P<0.05). Protective risk factors, such as: routine coprological analysis was also associated with a decrease in infection. These data demonstrate the presence of coccidia in cattle from the State of Veracruz, additionally to the necessary measures that must be taken to control this parasitosis.

Hydrogen sulfide disrupts insulin-induced glucose uptake in L6 skeletal muscle cells.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been known for its toxicity. However, recent studies have focused on the mechanisms involved in endogenous production and function. To date, the H2S role in insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis is unclear. This uncertainty is even more evident in skeletal muscle, a physiological niche highly relevant for regulating glycemia in response to insulin. This study aimed to investigate the role of H2S on insulin signaling and glucose uptake in the L6 skeletal muscle cell line. We evaluated the endogenous synthesis with the fluorescent dye, 7-azido-4-methyl coumarin (7-AzMC). Glucose restriction-induced an increase in the endogenous levels of H2S, likely through stimulation of cystathionine γ-lyase activity, as its specific inhibitor, PAG (5 mM) prevented this increase, and mRNA levels of CSE decreased with glucose and amino acid restriction. Exogenous H2S reduced insulin-induced glucose uptake at 0.5 up to 24 h, an effect dissociated from the level of Akt phosphorylation. Our results show that glucose restriction induces endogenous production of H2S via CSE. In addition, H2S disrupts insulin-induced glucose uptake independent of the Akt pathway. These results suggest that H2S antagonism over insulin-induced glucose uptake could help maintain the plasmatic glucose levels in conditions that provoke hypoglycemia, which could serve as an H2S-regulated mechanism for maintaining glucose plasmatic levels through the inhibition of the skeletal muscle insulin-depended glucose uptake.

Validation of Embedded State Estimator Modules for Decentralized Monitoring of Power Distribution Systems Using IoT Components.

Recent theoretical studies demonstrate the advantages of using decentralized architectures over traditional centralized architectures for real-time Power Distribution Systems (PDSs) operation. These advantages include the reduction of the amount of data to be transmitted and processed when performing state estimation in PDSs. The main contribution of this paper is to provide lab validation of the advantages and feasibility of decentralized monitoring of PDSs. Therefore, this paper presents an advanced trial emulating realistic conditions and hardware setup. More specifically, the paper proposes: (i) The laboratory development and implementation of an Advanced Measurement Infrastructure (AMI) prototype to enable the simulation of a smart grid. To emulate the information traffic between smart meters and distribution operation centers, communication modules, that enable the use of wireless networks for sending messages in real-time, are used, bridging concepts from both IoT and Edge Computing. (ii) The laboratory development and implementation of a decentralized architecture based on Embedded State Estimator Modules (ESEMs) are carried out. ESEMs manage information from smart meters at lower voltage networks, performing real-time state estimation in PDSs. Simulations performed on a real PDS with 208 buses (considering both medium and low voltage buses) have met the aims of this paper. The results show that by using ESEMs in a decentralized architecture, both the data transit through the communication network, as well as the computational requirements involved in monitoring PDSs in real-time, are reduced considerably without any loss of accuracy.

Maternal supply of a source of omega-3 fatty acids and methionine during late gestation on the offspring's growth, metabolism, carcass characteristic, and liver's mRNA expression in sheep.

The objective of the present experiment was to evaluate the effect of maternal supplementation with fatty acids (FAs) and methionine (Met) during late gestation on offspring growth, energy metabolism, plasma resolvin (RvD1) concentration, carcass characteristics, and hepatic mRNA expression. Ewes (5 pens/treatment; 3 ewes/pen) blocked by body weight (BW) were assigned to one of four treatments from day 100 of gestation until lambing. The treatments were: basal diet (NS) without FAs or Met supplementation; FA supplementation (FS; 1.01 % of Ca salts, containing n-3 FA); Met supplementation (MS; 0.1 % of rumen-protected methionine); and FS and MS (FS-MS). At birth (day 0), ewes and lambs were placed in a common pen. On day 60, lambs were weaned, sorted by sex, blocked by BW, and placed on a common finishing diet for 54 d (FP). A lamb per pen was used for a glucose tolerance test (GTT) after the FP. Carcass characteristics were recorded on day 56. Lamb data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with repeated measurements when needed (SAS 9.4). At weaning, lambs born to MS- or FS-fed ewes were heavier than lambs born from FS-MS ewes (FS × MS × Time; P = 0.02). A marginal significant FS × MS interaction (P = 0.09) was also observed on RvD1; lambs born to ewes in the NS and FS-MS treatments showed a lower RvD1 plasma concentration when compared with lambs born to FS- or MS-fed ewes. Lambs born to dams fed FA showed an increase (P = 0.05) in liver COX-2 mRNA relative expression. Lambs born to ewes supplemented with Met showed an increase (P = 0.03) in liver FABP4 mRNA expression. An FS × MS × Time interaction (P = 0.07) was observed in plasma glucose during the GTT; lambs born from FS-fed ewes showed lower plasma glucose concentration than lambs born to Met-supplemented ewes at 2 min after bolus administration. During the GTT, a marginal significant effect (P = 0.06) was observed for the lamb average insulin concentration due to maternal Met supplementation during late gestation, where these lambs had the lowest plasma concentration. Contrary to our hypothesis, the interaction of FA and Met supplementation during late gestation did not show a greater positive effect on offspring postnatal growth and metabolism. However, the individual supplementation of each nutrient has an effect on offspring development with a concomitant change in markers involved in the inflammatory response and energy metabolism.

Late gestation supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) or methionine (Met) alters the offspring's development. However, the effect of both nutrients on the physiology and growth of the progeny has not been explored. The experiment's objective was to evaluate the effect of dam supplementation with a Met and the omega-3 FAs, such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, during late gestation on growth, energy metabolism, and inflammatory response markers of the lamb. Ewes received one of the four following treatments: basal diet without FA or Met, FA supplementation, Met supplementation, or FA and Met supplementation. Supplementation of omega-3 FAs and Met did not show a greater effect on postnatal growth and metabolism of the offspring compared with the supplementation of each nutrient individually. However, individual supplementation influences offspring development with a concomitant change in markers involved in the inflammatory response and energy metabolism. Results of the present experiment suggest that offspring born to mothers that were fed FAs or Met on late gestation could have the ability to better cope with inflammatory processes, which could improve their long-term growth performance. Moreover, maternal supplementation of Met during late gestation could modulate offspring's glucose­insulin system, which may also affect offspring's growth.

Prevalence and risk factors of coccidiosis in calves from Veracruz, México / Prevalência e fatores de risco da coccidiose em bezerros em Veracruz, México

The objectives of the present study were: (1) to determine the prevalence of Eimeria spp. sporulated oocysts in calves from 26 Municipalities in the Central Zone of the State of Veracruz, Mexico, (2) to identify the Eimeria spp. infecting calves, and (3) to identify the risk factors associated with the presence of Eimeria spp. in tropical cattle. A total of 930 individual fecal samples were analyzed by using the McMaster technique; then, oocysts were maintained in 2.5% potassium dichromate to allow sporulation. The general prevalence of calves with Eimeria spp. oocysts was 39.7% (370/930). Of a total of 10 identified species, Eimeria canadensis was the most observed, followed by Eimeria bovis and Eimeria zuernii. The statistical analysis showed an association between the age of the calves (5 to 9 months), the presence of other animals, the physiographic regions and the restricted type of husbandry with the presence of Eimeria spp. in calves (P<0.05). Protective risk factors, such as: routine coprological analysis was also associated with a decrease in infection. These data demonstrate the presence of coccidia in cattle from the State of Veracruz, additionally to the necessary measures that must be taken to control this parasitosis.(AU)

Os objetivos do presente estudo foram: (1) determinar a prevalência de oocistos esporulados de Eimeria spp. em bezerros de 26 municípios na zona central do estado de Veracruz, México; (2) identificar as espécies de Eimeria que infectam bezerros; e (3) identificar os factores de risco associados à presença de Eimeria spp. em bovinos de região tropical. Um total de 930 amostras individuais de fezes foi analisado usando-se a técnica McMaster. Depois oocistos foram mantidos em 2,5% de dicromato de potássio para esporulação. A prevalência geral de animais com oocistos de Eimeria spp. foi de 39,7% (370/930). De um total de 10 espécies identificadas, Eimeria canadensis foi a mais observada, seguida de Eimeria bovis e Eimeria zuernii. A análise estatística indicou uma associação entre a idade dos bezerros (5 a 9 meses), a presença de outros animais, as regiões fisiográficas e o tipo restrito de criação com a presença de Eimeria spp. em bezerros (P<0,05). Os fatores de risco protetores, tais como a análise coprológica de rotina, foram também associados a uma diminuição da infecção. Esses dados indicaram a presença de coccídios em bovinos do estado de Veracruz, além das medidas necessárias que devem ser tomadas para controlar essa parasitose.(AU)