Trait sensitivity to stress and cognitive bias processes in fish: A brief overview.

Like other animals, fish have unique personalities that can affect their cognition and responses to environmental stressors. These individual personality differences are often referred to as "behavioural syndromes" or "stress coping styles" and can include personality traits such as boldness, shyness, aggression, exploration, locomotor activity, and sociability. For example, bolder or proactive fish may be more likely to take risks and present lower hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal/interrenal axis reactivity as compared to shy or reactive individuals. Likewise, learning and memory differ between fish personalities. Reactive or shy individuals tend to have faster learning and better association recall with aversive stimuli, while proactive or bold individuals tend to learn more quickly when presented with appetitive incentives. However, the influence of personality on cognitive processes other than cognitive achievement in fish has been scarcely explored. Cognitive bias tests have been employed to investigate the interplay between emotion and cognition in both humans and animals. Fish present cognitive bias processes (CBP) in which fish's interpretation of stimuli could be influenced by its current emotional state and open to environmental modulation. However, no study in fish has explored whether CBP, like in other species, can be interpreted as long-lasting traits and whether other individual characteristics may explain its variation. We hold the perspective that CBP could serve as a vulnerability factor for the onset, persistence, and recurrence of stress-related disorders. Therefore, studying fish's CBP as a state or trait and its interactions with individual variations may be valuable in future efforts to enhance our understanding of anxiety and stress neurobiology in animal models and humans.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Gnathostoma binucleatum.

This report describes the mitochondrial genome of the parasite Gnathostoma binucleatum (G. binucleatum), which was obtained from naturally infected freshwater fish in Sinaloa, Mexico (22°46'00.1″N 105°40'21.8″W). G. binucleatum is responsible for human gnathostomiasis and is endemic to Mexico. It belongs to the Spirurida order of the Secernentea class of Nematoda.

Fetal Growth Velocity according to the Mode of Assisted Conception.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancies conceived through assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) are on the rise worldwide and have been associated with a higher risk of placental-related disease in the third trimester. METHODS: A cohort was created of singleton pregnancies after assisted reproduction, admitted at our institution for delivery, between January 2020 and August 2022. Fetal growth velocity from the second trimester to delivery was compared against a gestational-age-matched group of pregnancies spontaneously conceived according to the origin of the selected oocyte (i.e., autologous vs. donated). RESULTS: 125 singleton pregnancies conceived through ART were compared to 315 singleton spontaneous conceptions. Overall, after adjusting for possible confounders, multivariate analysis demonstrated that ART pregnancies had a significantly lower estimated fetal weight (EFW) z-velocity from the second trimester to delivery (adjusted mean difference = -0.002; p = 0.035) and a higher frequency of EFW z-velocity in the lowest decile (adjusted OR = 2.32 [95% CI, 1.15-4.68]). Also, when ART pregnancies were compared according to the type of oocyte, those conceived with donated oocytes showed a significantly lower EFW z-velocity from the second trimester to delivery (adjusted mean difference = -0.008; p = 0.001) and a higher frequency of EFW z-velocity in the lowest decile (adjusted OR = 5.33 [95% CI, 1.34-21.5]). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancies achieved through ART exhibit a pattern of lower growth velocity across the third trimester, especially those conceived with donated oocytes. The former represents a sub-group at the highest risk of placental dysfunction that may warrant closer follow-up.

Development and Characterization of Films with Propolis to Inhibit Mold Contamination in the Dairy Industry.

Due to the number of polyphenols with multiple biological activities, propolis has high potential to be used as an active agent in food protective films. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and characterize a sodium alginate film with ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) for its potential use as protective active packaging against filamentous fungi in ripened cheese. Three different concentrations of EEP were analyzed: 0, 5 and 10% w/v. The films obtained were characterized, assessing thermal and physicochemical properties, as well as the concentration of polyphenols in the EEP and antifungal activity of the active films. The incorporation of EEP in the films generated thermal stability with respect to the loss of mass. Total color values (ΔE) of the films were affected by the incorporation of the different concentrations of EEP, showing a decrease in luminosity (L*) of the films, while the chromatic parameters a* and b* increased in direct proportion to the EEP concentration. Antifungal activity was observed with a fungistatic mode of action, stopping the growth of the fungus in cheeses without development of filamentous molds, thus increasing the shelf life of the ripened cheese under the analytical conditions, over 30 days at room temperature. Overall, EEP can be used to prevent growth and proliferation of spoilage microorganisms in cheese.

Vaccination and mortality from COVID-19: a comparative study between hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and non-dialysis adult population in Panama.

PURPOSE: Dialysis patients have a different response than the non-dialysis population to infection with COVID-19. This study evaluates the prevalence of infection and lethality in patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis in Panama, compared to non-dialysis adult population, and reports of adverse events of vaccination. METHODS: This is a prospective, multi-center cohort study of spatients aged 18 years or older and receiving in-center hemodialysis or ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in 13 centers in Panama from March 2021 to 2022. For comparison with general population, the study used an extended period of two years. RESULTS: A total of 1531 patients receiving dialysis treatment accepted to participate. PD patients represented an 18% of study patients. Lethality was higher in peritoneal dialysis patients with COVID-19 infection than in hemodialysis in the study group (p 0.02). Total deaths in dialysis patients for 2020 were 156 patients, before vaccination; 79 in 2021; and 25 for the first trimester of 2022. Lethality for the period of 2020-2022 was 9.3% for dialysis patients and 0.2% for non-dialysis population. There was no difference in symptoms in first dose, but with second dose, hemodialysis patients reported fewer symptoms than peritoneal dialysis patients (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Ninety one percent of people in the country received BNT162b2 Pfizer BionTech vaccine. Lethality decreased from 30 to 5% once vaccination was available. There were no severe adverse effects and symptoms reported were less frequent than in general population, probably due to low reactogenicity in dialysis patients, or better tolerance to pain.

Multidrug resistance and class 1 integron presence in Escherichia coli isolates from a polluted drainage ditch's water.

The impact of contamination of water drainage ditches in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been scarcely studied in Mexico. In this regard, 101 isolates of E. coli were obtained from water samples from a ditch in Sinaloa, during one year. The antimicrobial resistant profiles, the presence of the class 1 integron and evolutionary relationship of intI1 sequences were determined. The 47.5% of strains were resistant and 5.9% multidrug resistant (MDR) with an average multiple antibiotic resistance index value of 0.45. The highest resistance was registered with ß-lactam (39.6%) and quinolone (9.9%). The intI1 gene was detected in 11.9% of the isolates, and no association with MDR was found. Sequence were associated with human and animal host isolates. MDR E. coli isolates with intI1 gene highlight the potential risk of the ditch's water to human health. An attenuation effect of MDR E. coli isolates in the outlet water was observed.

Caprylic acid in Vitex mollis fruit and its inhibitory activity against a thiabendazole-resistant Colletotrichum gloeosporioides strain.

BACKGROUND: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causes anthracnose in a large number of crops. Synthetic fungicides are employed to prevent this disease, even though their effectiveness and safety is questionable. Thus, effective and innocuous antifungal compounds are proposed as natural alternatives against anthracnose. The hexane fraction of Vitex mollis pulp (HF-VM) reduces anthracnose incidence in papaya fruit; however, the active compounds and antifungal mechanism of HF-VM are unknown. The aims of this study were to characterize the activity of HF-VM sub-fractions (sHF1 -sHF7 ) against a thiabendazole-resistant Colletotrichum gloeosporioides strain, identify the chemical components and investigate the mechanism of the most active sub-fraction. RESULTS: The sHF3 showed the highest inhibitory activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5 mg mL-1 , whereas thiabendazole (TBZ) had a MIC value higher than 2 mg mL-1 . The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed that the compounds in sHF3 were methyl 4-decenoate, caprylic acid, and 24-methylencycloartanol. These compounds are rarely found in fruits and are reported for the first time on Vitex species. The purified 24-methylencycloartanol was inactive (MIC > 0.5 mg mL-1 ). In contrast, the commercial standard of caprylic acid presented an elevated activity (MIC = 0.125 mg mL-1 ), indicating that this compound is the main one responsible for the antifungal properties of sHF3 . Furthermore, the sHF3 inhibited the spore germination and induced membrane disruption in both the spore and mycelium of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. CONCLUSION: Vitex mollis fruit is a novel source of antifungal caprylic acid that could be employed as a marker to prepare standardized extracts with antifungal properties. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Endovascular treatment of a right pulmonary sequestration supplied by an aneurysmal aberrant artery originating from the abdominal aorta.

Endovascular embolization of arteries feeding pulmonary sequestrations is a growing therapeutic option. A 51-year-old woman with chest pain and hemoptysis was admitted. During hospitalization she presented 150 mL hemoptysis, hypotension, and hematocrit fell to 23.3%. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography confirmed a pulmonary sequestration irrigated by an aneurysmal artery from the abdominal aorta. The patient underwent endovascular coil embolization of the artery feeding the aneurysm and an Amplatzer device was deployed in the proximal third of the sequestration artery. Subsequent contrast-enhanced computed tomography confirmed complete thrombosis of the aberrant artery feeding the aneurysm and absence of irrigation of the pulmonary sequestration. At 56 months follow-up the patient remains asymptomatic, tomography showed involution of the sequestration and complete thrombosis of the aberrant artery. The challenges presented by the different treatment alternatives are discussed.

A embolização endovascular das artérias que alimentam os sequestros pulmonares é uma opção terapêutica em crescimento. Uma mulher de 51 anos com dor torácica e hemoptise foi internada. Durante a internação, ela apresentou hemoptise de 150 mL, hipotensão e queda do hematócrito para 23,3%. A tomografia computadorizada com contraste confirmou um sequestro pulmonar irrigado por uma artéria aneurismática originária da aorta abdominal. A paciente foi submetida a embolização endovascular da artéria que alimentava o aneurisma com uso de coils e dispositivo Amplatzer no terço proximal da artéria sequestrante. A tomografia subsequente confirmou a trombose completa da artéria aberrante que alimentava o aneurisma e a ausência de irrigação dentro do sequestro pulmonar. No seguimento de 56 meses, a paciente permanecia assintomática, e a tomografia mostrou involução do sequestro e trombose completa da artéria aberrante. Os desafios apresentados pelas diferentes alternativas de tratamento são discutidos neste artigo.

Acute Symptomatic Free-Floating Thrombus in the Innominate Artery, a Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Innominate artery embolism may result in upper extremity ischemia or stroke. A free-floating thrombus originating from the IA is an unusual and dangerous disorder with embolic potential. Only isolated cases have been described showing different treatment modalities. PURPOSE: To present 3 cases of free-floating thrombus in the IA treated at our institution with 3 different approaches. CASES: The first case is a patient with a free-floating thrombus in the IA treated with cervical debranching and ligation of the proximal right carotid artery; another case of a patient treated with a hybrid approach with deployment of an iliac limb in the IA plus right carotid to subclavian bypass; and a third case of a patient operated by open arch thrombectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Free-floating thrombus in the IA is a threatening condition feasible to be managed through different customized surgical approaches in specialized centers.

Genomic Profiling of Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates from Surface Water of Agricultural Drainage in North-Western Mexico: Detection of the International High-Risk Lineages ST410 and ST617.

Aquatic environments are recognized as one of the main reservoirs for the emergence and dissemination of high-risk lineages of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria of public health concern. However, the genomic characteristics of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from aquatic origins remain limited. Herein, we examined the antibiotic resistance and virulence genomic profiles of three E. coli recovered from surface water in northwest Mexico. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and in-depth in silico analysis were performed. Two E. coli exhibited MDR phenotypes. WGS-based typing revealed genetic diversity, and phylogenetic analysis corroborated a notable divergent relationship among the studied E. coli. One E. coli strain, harboring enterotoxigenic and extraintestinal pathogenic-associated virulence genes, was assigned to the ST4 lineage. MDR E. coli, belonging to the international high-risk clones ST410 and ST617, carried genes and mutations conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, ß-lactams, quinolones, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and trimethoprim. This study describes, for the first time, the detection and genomic profiling of high-risk lineages of E. coli ST410 and ST617 from surface water in Mexico. Additionally, our results underscore the role of surface water as a reservoir for critical pathogenic and MDR E. coli clones and the need for the surveillance and monitoring of aquatic environments via WGS from the One Health perspective.

Bacteriostatic effect of Echeveria extracts on diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes and non-cytotoxicity on human Caco-2 cells.

INTRODUCTION: Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes are important aetiological agents of diarrhoeal illness among children from less developed areas, worldwide. Diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes strains are increasingly becoming drug resistant, thus effective and accessible therapeutic alternatives are required for their treatment; herbal extracts may be a potential alternative. AIMS: to evaluate Echeveria craigiana, E. kimnachii, and E. subrigida methanol extracts antibacterial effect on six diarrheagenic E. coli reference strains and on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells viability and cytokine production. METHODOLOGY: Diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes reference strains: typical enteropathogenic E2348/69, enterotoxigenic H10407, enterohaemorrhagic O157:H7/EDL933, enteroinvasive E11, diffusely adherent C18451-A, and enteroaggregative 042 E. coli. E craigiana, E. kimnachii, and E. subrigida leaves, collected at Sinaloa, Mexico, were freeze-dried and macerated in methanol solvent. Antibacterial activity was determined by a novel method developed in our laboratory, bacterial oxygen consumption by polarographic oxygen electrode technique and membrane integrity by two methods (live/dead and protein leakage assays). Colorectal adenocarcinoma cells viability by MTT assay and cytokine production using a Cytometric Bead Array kit. RESULTS: Extracts concentrations of 100 µg/mL and 5-hour incubation, reduced more than 93% the growth of all diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes tested strains and significantly decreased bacterial oxygen consumption, like bacteriostatic antibiotics. After 24-hour incubation methanol extracts had a differential antibacterial effect on each diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes strain. Echeveria extracts did not have any effect on viability and cytokine production of colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. CONCLUSIONS: Echeveria methanol extracts have a bacteriostatic effect on all diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes strains, thus potentially they could be used as antibacterial agents on diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes-contaminated products and on patients with diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes infections.

Endovascular treatment of a right pulmonary sequestration supplied by an aneurysmal aberrant artery originating from the abdominal aorta / Tratamento endovascular de sequestro pulmonar direito irrigado por artéria aneurismática aberrante originária da aorta abdominal

Abstract Endovascular embolization of arteries feeding pulmonary sequestrations is a growing therapeutic option. A 51-year-old woman with chest pain and hemoptysis was admitted. During hospitalization she presented 150 mL hemoptysis, hypotension, and hematocrit fell to 23.3%. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography confirmed a pulmonary sequestration irrigated by an aneurysmal artery from the abdominal aorta. The patient underwent endovascular coil embolization of the artery feeding the aneurysm and an Amplatzer device was deployed in the proximal third of the sequestration artery. Subsequent contrast-enhanced computed tomography confirmed complete thrombosis of the aberrant artery feeding the aneurysm and absence of irrigation of the pulmonary sequestration. At 56 months follow-up the patient remains asymptomatic, tomography showed involution of the sequestration and complete thrombosis of the aberrant artery. The challenges presented by the different treatment alternatives are discussed.

Resumo A embolização endovascular das artérias que alimentam os sequestros pulmonares é uma opção terapêutica em crescimento. Uma mulher de 51 anos com dor torácica e hemoptise foi internada. Durante a internação, ela apresentou hemoptise de 150 mL, hipotensão e queda do hematócrito para 23,3%. A tomografia computadorizada com contraste confirmou um sequestro pulmonar irrigado por uma artéria aneurismática originária da aorta abdominal. A paciente foi submetida a embolização endovascular da artéria que alimentava o aneurisma com uso de coils e dispositivo Amplatzer no terço proximal da artéria sequestrante. A tomografia subsequente confirmou a trombose completa da artéria aberrante que alimentava o aneurisma e a ausência de irrigação dentro do sequestro pulmonar. No seguimento de 56 meses, a paciente permanecia assintomática, e a tomografia mostrou involução do sequestro e trombose completa da artéria aberrante. Os desafios apresentados pelas diferentes alternativas de tratamento são discutidos neste artigo.

Infección por COVID-19 en pacientes en Hemodiálisis en Panamá 2020

Antecedentes y objetivo: Los pacientes con Enfermedad Renal Crónica (ERC) en Hemodiálisis son pacientes que tienen condiciones que los hacen pacientes de riesgo para la infección por COVID-19. Los pacientes en hemodiálisis han sido un grupo muy afectado, debido a que no pueden suspender sus tratamientos para mantener el aislamiento domiciliario, lo que aumenta su exposición y riesgo a infección por COVID-19. Para evaluar el comportamiento de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en los pacientes en hemodiálisis crónica en Panamá, realizamos un estudio prospectivo de los pacientes infectados por COVID-19 en las Unidades de Hemodiálisis de la CSS de todo el país, para determinar las características de los pacientes afectados, los síntomas que presentaron, su evolución clínica y el desenlace de los pacientes infectados. Materiales y Médodos: Realizamos un estudio longitudinal descriptivo prospectivo multicéntrico de los casos positivos que se diagnosticaron desde el 15 de julio hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2020 en las 14 Unidades de Hemodiálisis de la CSS del país.  Resultados y conclusiones: Fueron incluidos un total de 333 pacientes en hemodiálisis con diagnóstico positivo para  infección  por SARS-CoV-2, de un total de 2194 pacientes que realizan hemodiálisis en las Unidades de la Caja de Seguro Social.  El 59.5% de los afectados fueron de sexo masculino.  La edad promedio fue de 56.75 años (DS 15.1 años).  La Tasa de Mortalidad encontrada en nuestro estudio fue de 26%. La incidencia acumulada de COVID-19 en pacientes en Hemodiálisis fue de 16% para el período de estudio del 2020. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Background and objective: Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) on Hemodialysis are patients who have conditions that make them patients at risk for COVID-19 infection. Hemodialysis patients have been a highly affected group because they cannot stop their treatments to maintain home isolation, which increases their exposure and risk of COVID-19 infection. To evaluate the behavior of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients on chronic hemodialysis in Panama, we conducted a prospective study of patients infected by COVID-19 in hemodialysis units throughout the country, to determine the characteristics of the affected patients, the symptoms they presented, their clinical evolution and the outcome of the infected patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a multicenter prospective descriptive longitudinal study of the positive cases that were diagnosed from July 15, 2020 to December 31, 2020 in the 14 Hemodialysis Units of the Social Security Fund of the country. Results and conclusions: A total of 333 hemodialysis patients with a positive diagnosis for SARS-CoV-2 infection were included, out of a total of 2194 patients undergoing hemodialysis in the Units of the Social Security Fund. Fifty nine percet of those affected were male.  The mean age was 56.75 years (DS 15.1 years).  The Mortality Rate found in our study was 26%. The cumulative incidence of COVID-19 in hemodialysis patients was 16% for the 2020 study period. (provided by Infomedic International)

[Rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm into the duodenum: uncommon cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding]. / Aneurisma de aorta abdominal roto al duodeno: causa infrecuente de hemorragia digestiva masiva.

Primary aortoenteric fistula is the spontaneous communication between the lumen of the aorta and a portion of the digestive tract. The most common cause is the erosion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm into the 3rd or 4th portion of the duodenum. It manifests clinically as gastrointestinal bleeding, with or without abdominal pain and a pulsatile abdominal mass on physical exam. Gastrointestinal bleeding is initially recurrent and self-limiting and progresses to fatal exsanguinating hemorrhage. Endoscopic examination diagnoses only 25% of aortoenteric fistulas because these are usually located in the distal duodenum. Contrast computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis is diagnostic in only 60% of cases. We report three cases with this condition. A 67-year-old male presenting with an upper gastrointestinal bleeding. He was operated and a communication between an aortic aneurysm and the duodenum was found and surgically repaired. The patient is well. A 67-year-old male with an abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting with abdominal pain. He was operated and anticoagulated. In the postoperative period he had a massive gastrointestinal bleeding and a new CAT scan revealed an aorto enteric fistula that was surgically repaired. The patient is well. An 82-year-old male with an abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting with hematochezia. A CAT scan revealed a communication between the aneurysm and the third portion of the duodenum, that was surgically repaired. The patient died in the eighth postoperative day.

PL-TOON: A Low-Cost Experimental Platform for Teaching and Research on Decentralized Cooperative Control.

In this paper, we present the development of a low-cost multi-agent system experimental platform for teaching, and research purposes. The platform consists of train-like autonomous agents equipped with local speed estimation, distance sensing to their nearest predecessor, and wireless communications with other agents and a central coordinator. The individual agents can be used for simple PID experiments in a classroom or laboratory setting, while a collection of agents are capable of performing decentralized platooning with cooperative adaptive cruise control in a variety of settings, the latter being the main goal of the platform. The agents are built from low cost components and programmed with open source software, enabling teaching experiences and experimental work with a larger number of agents that would otherwise be possible with other existing solutions. Additionally, we illustrate with experimental results some of the teaching activities that the platform is capable of performing.

Aneurisma de aorta abdominal roto al duodeno: causa infrecuente de hemorragia digestiva masiva / Rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm into the duodenum: uncommon cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding

Primary aortoenteric fistula is the spontaneous communication between the lumen of the aorta and a portion of the digestive tract. The most common cause is the erosion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm into the 3rd or 4th portion of the duodenum. It manifests clinically as gastrointestinal bleeding, with or without abdominal pain and a pulsatile abdominal mass on physical exam. Gastrointestinal bleeding is initially recurrent and self-limiting and progresses to fatal exsanguinating hemorrhage. Endoscopic examination diagnoses only 25% of aortoenteric fistulas because these are usually located in the distal duodenum. Contrast computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis is diagnostic in only 60% of cases. We report three cases with this condition. A 67-year-old male presenting with an upper gastrointestinal bleeding. He was operated and a communication between an aortic aneurysm and the duodenum was found and surgically repaired. The patient is well. A 67-year-old male with an abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting with abdominal pain. He was operated and anticoagulated. In the postoperative period he had a massive gastrointestinal bleeding and a new CAT scan revealed an aorto enteric fistula that was surgically repaired. The patient is well. An 82-year-old male with an abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting with hematochezia. A CAT scan revealed a communication between the aneurysm and the third portion of the duodenum, that was surgically repaired. The patient died in the eighth postoperative day.

Bioguided isolation of N-malonyl-(+)-tryptophan from the fruit of Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. that showed high activity against Hymenolepis nana.

Pithecellobium dulce is distributed in America and Asia where is widely used in traditional medicine. This study describes the bioguided fractionation of the methanol extract (ME) obtained from the P. dulce fruit that showed in vitro activity against Hymenolepis nana; Artemia salina assay was used to determine toxicity; and the purified compound was computationally analysed to obtain its absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion-and-toxicity properties (ADMET). The ME and its fractions were more active than praziquantel (PZQ), and the purified compound was characterized as N-malonyl-(+)-tryptophan (NMT). Parasites treated with NMT showed shorter paralysis and death times (5 and 7 min) than those treated with PZQ (15 and 30 min), both used at 20 mg/mL. Toxicity and ADMET prediction results supported the slight-hazardousness and efficacy of the assayed fractions/compound. This is the first report of the antiparasitary activity of both the P. dulce ME and NMT, showing their potential to treat human H. nana infections.

Open Surgery for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - 38 Years Experience at an Academic Center in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Few series of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) from Latin America have been published. OBJECTIVES: To report the outcomes of RAAA treated with open surgical repair (OSR) in a University Hospital in Chile. Secondary objectives are the identification of prognostic factors and survival rates. METHODS: Retrospective review of consecutive RAAA patients treated with OSR between September 1979 and December 2017. Medical records, diagnostic images, and follow-up details were obtained. Statistical methods include multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen patients underwent OSR for RAAA. The average age was 72.3 years (54-95), 62.9% ≥ 70 years, and 81.9% male. Preoperative systolic pressure <90 mm Hg was present in 74 patients (63.8%), and 10 (8.6%) experienced cardiac arrest before surgery. Only 30.2% were known to have an AAA before rupture. The mean aortic diameter was 7.9 cm. Sixteen patients had juxtarenal aneurysms (13.8%). The rupture was intra or retroperitoneal in 111 cases (95.7%), there were 4 fistulas to neighboring veins and one into the duodenum. Reconstruction included tubular graft in 39.7% and bifurcated in 58.6%. The estimated mean blood loss was 3,456 ± 2,768 mL (median 3,000). Mean mechanical ventilation was 7.4 ± 12.0 days and hemodialysis requirement in 21.8%. Six patients died during surgery and other 24 during the first postoperative month or in hospital, for an overall mortality rate of 25.9%. Age ≥70 years (P < 0.01), blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg (P = 0.03) and dialysis (P < 0.01) were associated with higher 30-day mortality rates. The survival rate was 68.0, 65.3, 44.3, and 25.2% at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: EVAR for RAAA is not affordable in every country. Outcomes of open RAAA repair at our institution are similar to results reported recently for OSR by the USA and European Medical centers.

Molecular Identification of the Etiological Agent of Human Gnathostomiasis in an Endemic Area of Mexico.

Human gnathostomiasis, which is endemic in Mexico, is a worldwide health concern. It is mainly caused by the consumption of raw or insufficiently cooked fish containing the advanced third-stage larvae (AL3A) of Gnathostoma species. The diagnosis of gnathostomiasis is based on epidemiological surveys and immunological diagnostic tests. When a larva is recovered, the species can be identified by molecular techniques. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the second internal transcription spacer (ITS-2) is useful to identify nematode species, including Gnathostoma species. This study aims to develop a duplex-PCR amplification method of the ITS-2 region to differentiate between the Gnathostoma binucleatum and G. turgidum parasites that coexist in the same endemic area, as well as to identify the Gnathostoma larvae recovered from the biopsies of two gnathostomiasis patients from Sinaloa, Mexico. The duplex PCR established based on the ITS-2 sequence showed that the length of the amplicons was 321 bp for G. binucleatum and 226 bp for G. turgidum. The amplicons from the AL3A of both patients were 321 bp. Furthermore, the length and composition of these amplicons were identical to those deposited in GenBank as G. binucleatum (accession No. JF919679), corroborating our previous morphological finding that G. binucleatum is the etiological agent for human gnathostomiasis in the endemic area of Sinaloa, Mexico.