Combined Supplementation of Two Selenium Forms (Organic and Inorganic) and Iodine in Dairy Cows' Diet to Obtain Enriched Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation in dairy cows with two Se forms (organic and inorganic) and I at the maximum levels permitted in the European Union, with the aim to obtain naturally enriched milk and derived products. A total of 20 Holstein Friesian cows in lactation were fed 2 diets for 64 days: a control diet with a supply of 0.57 mg of inorganic Se and 0.57 mg of I per kg of ration in dry matter (DM), and an experimental diet (SeI) with a supply of 0.34 mg of inorganic Se, 0.23 mg of organic Se, and 5.68 mg of I per kg of ration in DM. The SeI diet did not modify the performance or, in general, the metabolic profile of cows. Se and I levels in milk were affected by diet type and time of measurement (p < 0.01). Thus, a marked increase of both microminerals was evident between the beginning and the end of the test, when the SeI diet was administered. For Se, this increase ranged from 1.95 to 3.29 µg/100 g of milk; and for I, from 19.69 to 110.06 µg/100 g of milk. The SeI diet increased (p < 0.01) the Se and I content in the cheese, reaching levels of 16.4 µg/100 g for Se and 269.7 µg/100 g for I. An increase in I was observed in yogurt from the SeI diet (p < 0.001). The supplementation of two forms of Se and I in the cows' ration, at the levels evaluated, produced milk and dairy products enriched in these microelements without altering their quality parameters. However, a responsible intake of these products is necessary to avoid risks of deficiencies or excesses that could negatively affect the health of consumers.

dsRNAi-mediated silencing of PIAS2beta specifically kills anaplastic carcinomas by mitotic catastrophe.

The E3 SUMO ligase PIAS2 is expressed at high levels in differentiated papillary thyroid carcinomas but at low levels in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATC), an undifferentiated cancer with high mortality. We show here that depletion of the PIAS2 beta isoform with a transcribed double-stranded RNA-directed RNA interference (PIAS2b-dsRNAi) specifically inhibits growth of ATC cell lines and patient primary cultures in vitro and of orthotopic patient-derived xenografts (oPDX) in vivo. Critically, PIAS2b-dsRNAi does not affect growth of normal or non-anaplastic thyroid tumor cultures (differentiated carcinoma, benign lesions) or cell lines. PIAS2b-dsRNAi also has an anti-cancer effect on other anaplastic human cancers (pancreas, lung, and gastric). Mechanistically, PIAS2b is required for proper mitotic spindle and centrosome assembly, and it is a dosage-sensitive protein in ATC. PIAS2b depletion promotes mitotic catastrophe at prophase. High-throughput proteomics reveals the proteasome (PSMC5) and spindle cytoskeleton (TUBB3) to be direct targets of PIAS2b SUMOylation at mitotic initiation. These results identify PIAS2b-dsRNAi as a promising therapy for ATC and other aggressive anaplastic carcinomas.

Estimativa de prevalência de doença de Chagas crônica nos municípios brasileiros / Estimation of prevalence of chronic Chagas disease in Brazilian municipalities / Estimación de la prevalencia de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica en los municipios brasileños

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Este estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência da doença de Chagas (DC) crônica (DCC) na população brasileira, em mulheres e em mulheres em idade fértil. Métodos. Foi realizada uma metanálise da literatura para extrair dados de prevalência de DCC na população brasileira, em mulheres e em mulheres em idade fértil, em municípios do Brasil, no período 2010–2022. Indi- cadores relacionados com a DCC disponíveis nos sistemas de informação em saúde foram selecionados em escala municipal. A modelagem estatística dos dados extraídos da metanálise em função daqueles obtidos dos sistemas de informação foi aplicada a modelos lineares, lineares generalizados e aditivos. Resultados. Foram selecionados os cinco modelos mais adequados de um total de 549 modelos testados para obtenção de um modelo de consenso (R2 ajustado = 54%). O preditor mais importante foi o cadastro autorreferido de DCC do sistema de informação da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Dos 5 570 munícipios brasi- leiros, a prevalência foi estimada como zero em 1 792 (32%); nos 3 778 municípios restantes, a prevalência média da doença foi estimada em 3,25% (± 2,9%). O número de portadores de DCC foi estimado na popu- lação brasileira (~3,7 milhões), mulheres (~2,1 milhões) e mulheres em idade fértil (~590 mil). A taxa de reprodução da doença foi calculada em 1,0336. Todas as estimativas se referem ao intervalo 2015–2016. Conclusões. As prevalências estimadas de DCC, especialmente entre mulheres em idade fértil, evidenciam o desafio da transmissão vertical em municípios brasileiros. Estas estimativas são comparadas aos padrões de projeções matemáticas, sugerindo sua incorporação ao Pacto Nacional para a Eliminação da Transmissão Vertical da DC.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of chronic Chagas disease (CCD) in Brazil: in the general population, in women, and in women of childbearing age. Methods. A meta-analysis of the literature was conducted to extract data on the prevalence of CCD in munici- palities in Brazil in the 2010–2022 period: in the general population, in women, and in women of childbearing age. Municipal-level CCD indicators available in health information systems were selected. Statistical mode- ling of the data extracted from the meta-analysis (based on data obtained from information systems) was applied to linear, generalized linear, and additive models. Results. The five most appropriate models were selected from a total of 549 models tested to obtain a con- sensus model (adjusted R2 = 54%). The most important predictor was self-reported CCD in the primary health care information system. Zero prevalence was estimated in 1 792 (32%) of Brazil’s 5 570 municipalities; in the remaining 3 778 municipalities, average prevalence of the disease was estimated at 3.25% (± 2.9%). The number of carriers of CCD was estimated for the Brazilian population (~3.7 million), for women (~2.1 million) and for women of childbearing age (~590 000). The disease reproduction rate was calculated at 1.0336. All estimates refer to the 2015–2016 period. Conclusions. The estimated prevalence of CCD, especially among women of childbearing age, highlights the challenge of vertical transmission in Brazilian municipalities. Mathematical projections suggest that these estimates should be included in the national program for the elimination of vertical transmission of Chagas disease.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica en la población brasileña en general, en las mujeres y en las mujeres en edad fértil. Métodos. Se realizó un metanálisis de la bibliografía para extraer datos sobre la prevalencia de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica en la población brasileña en general, en las mujeres y en las mujeres en edad fértil, en los municipios de Brasil durante el período 2010-2022. Se seleccionaron los indicadores relacionados con esa enfermedad disponibles en los sistemas municipales de información de salud. La modelización estadística de los datos extraídos del metanálisis, en función de los obtenidos de los sistemas de información, se aplicó a modelos lineales, lineales generalizados y aditivos. Resultados. Se seleccionaron los cinco modelos más apropiados de un total de 549 modelos evaluados, para obtener un modelo de consenso (R2 ajustado = 54%). El factor predictor más importante fue el registro de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica autodeclarada en el sistema de información de atención primaria de salud. De los 5570 municipios brasileños, en 1792 (32%) la prevalencia estimada fue nula y en los 3778 restantes la prevalencia media fue del 3,25% (± 2,9%). El número estimado de pacientes con enfermedad de Chagas crónica en la población brasileña en general, en las mujeres y en las mujeres en edad fértil fue de ~3,7 millo- nes, ~2,1 millones y ~590 000, respectivamente. La tasa calculada de reproducción de la enfermedad fue de 1,0336. Todas las estimaciones se refieren al período 2015-2016. Conclusiones. La prevalencia estimada de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica, especialmente en las mujeres en edad fértil, pone de manifiesto el desafío que representa la transmisión vertical en los municipios brasi- leños. Estas estimaciones están en línea con los patrones de las proyecciones matemáticas, y sugieren la necesidad de incorporarlas al Pacto Nacional para la Eliminación de la Transmisión Vertical de la Enfermedad de Chagas.

[Estimation of prevalence of chronic Chagas disease in Brazilian municipalitiesEstimación de la prevalencia de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica en los municipios brasileños]. / Estimativa de prevalência de doença de Chagas crônica nos municípios brasileiros.

Objective: The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of chronic Chagas disease (CCD) in Brazil: in the general population, in women, and in women of childbearing age. Methods: A meta-analysis of the literature was conducted to extract data on the prevalence of CCD in municipalities in Brazil in the 2010-2022 period: in the general population, in women, and in women of childbearing age. Municipal-level CCD indicators available in health information systems were selected. Statistical modeling of the data extracted from the meta-analysis (based on data obtained from information systems) was applied to linear, generalized linear, and additive models. Results: The five most appropriate models were selected from a total of 549 models tested to obtain a consensus model (adjusted R2 = 54%). The most important predictor was self-reported CCD in the primary health care information system. Zero prevalence was estimated in 1 792 (32%) of Brazil's 5 570 municipalities; in the remaining 3 778 municipalities, average prevalence of the disease was estimated at 3.25% (± 2.9%). The number of carriers of CCD was estimated for the Brazilian population (~3.7 million), for women (~2.1 million) and for women of childbearing age (~590 000). The disease reproduction rate was calculated at 1.0336. All estimates refer to the 2015-2016 period. Conclusions: The estimated prevalence of CCD, especially among women of childbearing age, highlights the challenge of vertical transmission in Brazilian municipalities. Mathematical projections suggest that these estimates should be included in the national program for the elimination of vertical transmission of Chagas disease.

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica en la población brasileña en general, en las mujeres y en las mujeres en edad fértil. Métodos: Se realizó un metanálisis de la bibliografía para extraer datos sobre la prevalencia de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica en la población brasileña en general, en las mujeres y en las mujeres en edad fértil, en los municipios de Brasil durante el período 2010-2022. Se seleccionaron los indicadores relacionados con esa enfermedad disponibles en los sistemas municipales de información de salud. La modelización estadística de los datos extraídos del metanálisis, en función de los obtenidos de los sistemas de información, se aplicó a modelos lineales, lineales generalizados y aditivos. Resultados: Se seleccionaron los cinco modelos más apropiados de un total de 549 modelos evaluados, para obtener un modelo de consenso (R2 ajustado = 54%). El factor predictor más importante fue el registro de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica autodeclarada en el sistema de información de atención primaria de salud. De los 5570 municipios brasileños, en 1792 (32%) la prevalencia estimada fue nula y en los 3778 restantes la prevalencia media fue del 3,25% (± 2,9%). El número estimado de pacientes con enfermedad de Chagas crónica en la población brasileña en general, en las mujeres y en las mujeres en edad fértil fue de ~3,7 millones, ~2,1 millones y ~590 000, respectivamente. La tasa calculada de reproducción de la enfermedad fue de 1,0336. Todas las estimaciones se refieren al período 2015-2016. Conclusiones: La prevalencia estimada de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica, especialmente en las mujeres en edad fértil, pone de manifiesto el desafío que representa la transmisión vertical en los municipios brasileños. Estas estimaciones están en línea con los patrones de las proyecciones matemáticas, y sugieren la necesidad de incorporarlas al Pacto Nacional para la Eliminación de la Transmisión Vertical de la Enfermedad de Chagas.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Agave durangensis (Asparagales: Asparagaceae: Agavoideae).

Agave durangensis commonly known as agave cenizo, is an endemic Agave species in Mexico used for mescal production, yet its taxonomic delimitation is still controversial. This study aimed to enhance taxonomic clarity by characterizing its chloroplast genome. Chloroplast DNA was isolated from 2-year-old A. durangensis leaves. The complete chloroplast genome size was 156,441 bp, comprising a large single-copy region (LSC), a pair of inverted repeat regions (IR), and a small single-copy region (SSC). Annotation revealed 87 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs, with notable gene inversions. Phylogenetic analysis suggests, A. durangensis forms a separate lineage within the Agave genus.

Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus sp. and Enterococcus sp. in Municipal and Hospital Wastewater: A Longitudinal Study.

The objective of the study was to detect multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus sp. and Enterococcus sp. isolates in municipal and hospital wastewater and to determine their elimination or persistence after wastewater treatment. Between August 2021 and September 2022, raw and treated wastewater samples were collected at two hospital and two community wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In each season of the year, two treated and two raw wastewater samples were collected in duplicate at each of the WWTPs studied. Screening and presumptive identification of staphylococci and enterococci was performed using chromoagars, and identification was performed with the Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS®). Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed using VITEK 2® automated system. There were 56 wastewater samples obtained during the study period. A total of 182 Staphylococcus sp. and 248 Enterococcus sp. were identified. The highest frequency of Staphylococcus sp. isolation was in spring and summer (n = 129, 70.8%), and for Enterococcus sp. it was in autumn and winter (n = 143, 57.7%). Sixteen isolates of Staphylococcus sp. and sixty-three of Enterococcus sp. persisted during WWTP treatments. Thirteen species of staphylococci and seven species of enterococci were identified. Thirty-one isolates of Staphylococcus sp. and ninety-four of Enterococcus sp. were multidrug-resistant. Resistance to vancomycin (1.1%), linezolid (2.7%), and daptomycin (8.2%/10.9%%), and a lower susceptibility to tigecycline (2.7%), was observed. This study evidences the presence of Staphylococcus sp. and Enterococcus sp. resistant to antibiotics of last choice of clinical treatment, in community and hospital wastewater and their ability to survive WWTP treatment systems.

Gender differences in symptomatology, socio-demographic information and quality of life in Spanish population with long COVID condition: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Long COVID patients experience a decrease in their quality of life due to the symptomatology produced by the disease. It is also important to understand how long COVID affects both men and women. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of long COVID symptomatology on the quality of life of Spanish adults from a gender perspective. Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study was carried out. Participants were able to complete an online questionnaire using an online platform. A sample of 206 people participated in the study. Results: The 80.6% of the sample were women with a mean age of 46.51 (±8.28) and the 19.4% were men with a mean age of 48.03 (±9.50). The medium score in the PAC19-QoL test was 141.47 (±24.96) and segmented by gender, 141.65 (±23.95) for women and 140.82 (±28.66) for men. The most common symptoms in women were muscle and joint pain (94.6%), fatigue (94.0%), discomfort (92.2%), difficulty concentrating (91.0%), and memory loss (88.6%). For men the symptoms included muscle and joint pain (97.5%) and fatigue (97.5%) both occupying first position, discomfort (92.0%), difficulty concentrating (90.0%), mood disturbances (90.0%), and memory loss (87.5%). The chi-square test showed statistical significance (p < 0.005) for socio-demographic information, quality of life scores, and long COVID symptoms by intensities. Conclusion: This study shows that there are gender differences in the way that long COVID is experienced.

Outcomes of venous thromboembolism in patients with inherited thrombophilia treated with direct oral anticoagulants: insights from the RIETE registry.

While direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are frequently used to treat venous thromboembolism (VTE), the outcomes of patients with inherited thrombophilia (IT) receiving DOACs for VTE remain understudied. We used data from the international RIETE registry to compare the rates of VTE recurrences, major bleeding, and mortality during anticoagulant treatment in VTE patients with and without IT, grouped by the use of DOACs or standard anticoagulant therapy. Among 103,818 enrolled patients, 21,089 (20.3%) were tested for IT, of whom 8422 (39.9%) tested positive: Protein C deficiency 294, Protein S deficiency 726, Antithrombin deficiency 240, Factor V Leiden 2248, Prothrombin gene mutation 1434, combined IT 3480. Overall, 14,189 RIETE patients (6.2% with IT) received DOACs, and 89,629 standard anticoagulation (8.4% with IT), mostly with heparins followed by vitamin K antagonists. Proportions of patients receiving DOACs did not differ between IT-positive and IT-negative patients. Rates of VTE recurrence on anticoagulant treatment were highest in patients with AT deficiency (P < 0.01). Rates of on-treatment major bleeding and all-cause mortality were lowest among patients with Factor V Leiden (FVL) or PT G20210A mutations, compared with patients who tested negative. Patients with IT who received DOACs had lower rates of major bleeding than those receiving standard anticoagulation. Excluding FVL and Protein S deficiency, patients with IT had lower rates of VTE recurrence with DOACs than with standard anticoagulation. DOACs are equally safe and effective in VTE patients with IT, with lower bleeding rates than those on standard anticoagulation.

Short-Term Efficacy of Ophthalmic Cyclosporine: A 0.1% Cationic Emulsion in Dry Eye Patients Assessed Under Controlled Environment.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the short-term efficacy of cyclosporine A (CsA)-0.1% cationic emulsion (CE) in patients with dry eye disease (DED) and mitigation of the inflammatory flares triggered by desiccating stress environments. METHODS: A single-center non-randomized clinical trial was performed at a tertiary care setting. Twenty patients with DED treated with CsA 0.1% CE were exposed to a normal controlled environment (NCE) (23 °C, 50% relative humidity) and an adverse controlled environment (ACE) (23 °C, 10% relative humidity, 0.43 m/s localized airflow) during baseline and the 1- and 3-month visits. Patients underwent the following evaluations: conjunctival hyperemia and staining, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) using the Oxford and Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit (CCLRU) scale, meibomian gland (MG) secretion quality, Dry Eye Questionnaire-5, Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE II), and Change in Dry Eye Symptoms Questionnaire. Multivariate models were adjusted for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Nineteen women and one man (mean age, 58.9 ± 12.3 years) completed the study. All symptom questionnaires, CFS, conjunctival hyperemia and staining, and MG secretion quality improved (p ≤ 0.003) with 1 month of treatment; improvements were maintained after 3 months (p ≤ 0.02), except for SANDE II (p ≥ 0.07). The CFS worsening (total CCLRU) after baseline ACE exposure (from 8.6 to 10.1) was higher, although not significant (p = 0.64), compared with 1 month (from 5.4 to 5.8) and 3 months (from 5.0 to 5.9) after treatment. CONCLUSION: Topical CsA-0.1% CE improved DED signs and symptoms after 1 month of treatment under controlled environmental conditions. Future studies should confirm the benefit of CsA-0.1% CE in desiccating stress environments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT04492878.

Cilastatin as a Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Treatment in the Management of Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease that causes blindness. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the protective role of cilastatin (CIL), generally used in the treatment of nephropathologies associated with inflammation, in an experimental mouse model based on unilateral (left) laser-induced ocular hypertension (OHT). Male Swiss mice were administered CIL daily (300 mg/kg, i.p.) two days before OHT surgery until sacrifice 3 or 7 days later. Intraocular Pressure (IOP), as well as retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival, was registered, and the inflammatory responses of macroglial and microglial cells were studied via immunohistochemical techniques. Results from OHT eyes were compared to normotensive contralateral (CONTRA) and naïve control eyes considering nine retinal areas and all retinal layers. OHT successfully increased IOP values in OHT eyes but not in CONTRA eyes; CIL did not affect IOP values. Surgery induced a higher loss of RGCs in OHT eyes than in CONTRA eyes, while CIL attenuated this loss. Similarly, surgery increased macroglial and microglial activation in OHT eyes and to a lesser extent in CONTRA eyes; CIL prevented both macroglial and microglial activation in OHT and CONTRA eyes. Therefore, CIL arises as a potential effective strategy to reduce OHT-associated damage in the retina of experimental mice.

Radiation therapy for optic nerve sheath meningiomas: Local control and treatment related visual changes.

Objective: Our primary objective is to evaluate the local control of optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSMs) treated with ionizing radiation and related visual changes after treatment. Our secondary objective is to describe the clinical characteristics and perform an analysis of the treatment impact on the functional status of this group of patients. Methods: We present our series of 19 patients treated with ionizing radiation therapy at our radio-neurosurgery unit between 2016 and 2022. The setting, ophthalmological follow-up, morbidity, and survival are analyzed and discussed. Results: Patients were followed up, and the impact of treatment on local disease control, visual alterations of the affected eye, and functional status of the patient were analyzed. The progression-free survival (PFS) median was 60 months (95% CI 50.3-69.6 months). The estimated PFS rates at 48 and 66 months were 100% and 66%, respectively. At diagnosis, nine (47.3%) eyes were in amaurosis and ten (52.6%) with vision. Of the ten patients without amaurosis at the time of diagnosis, three (30%) maintained unchanged visual acuity, and seven (70%) had decreased visual acuity; three of them developed amaurosis during the first year after treatment (p = 0.018). Conclusions: Using ionizing radiation therapy is a successful treatment for the local control of ONSMs. This therapeutic modality can compromise the visual acuity of the affected eye and improve dyschromatopsia and campimetry defects. The life prognosis is good for these patients, with a zero mortality rate, but their vision prognosis is poor.

RNA Expression of MMP12 Is Strongly Associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Is Regulated by Metabolic Pathways in RAW 264.7 Macrophages.

Macrophage metalloelastase or matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP12) is a macrophage-specific proteolytic enzyme involved in the physiopathology of many inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. Although previously published data suggested that the modulation of MMP12 in macrophages could be a determinant for the development of intestinal inflammation, scarce information is available on the mechanisms underlying the regulation of MMP12 expression in those phagocytes. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to delineate the association of MMP12 with inflammatory bowel disease and the molecular events leading to the transcriptional control of this metalloproteinase. For that, we used publicly available transcriptional data. Also, we worked with the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line for functional experiments. Our results showed a strong association of MMP12 expression with the severity of inflammatory bowel disease and the response to relevant biological therapies. In vitro assays revealed that the inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and the stimulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway potentiated the expression of Mmp12. Additionally, AMPK and mTOR required a functional downstream glycolytic pathway to fully engage with Mmp12 expression. Finally, the pharmacological inhibition of MMP12 abolished the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine Interleukin-6 (Il6) in macrophages. Overall, our findings provide a better understanding of the mechanistic regulation of MMP12 in macrophages and its relationship with inflammation.

Uso y conocimiento tradicional de plantas medicinales en comunidades de Villa Corzo, Chiapas, México / Use and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in communities of Villa Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico

The use and knowledge of native and naturalized medicinal plants were evaluated in four communities of Villa Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico. The information was obtained through semi - structured surveys conducted with 1 18 people of different age and gender categories. To determine the most important plant species, indexes of value and frequency of use were generated. Seventy - nine species of 49 families were recorded, as well as their use in the treatment of various disea ses according to local knowledge. The species with the highest value of use were Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f., Verbena officinalis L. (verbena), Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) and Psidium guajava L. (guava). (guava). The most important families by number of specie s used were, in order of importance: Asteraceae and Rutaceae with five species Lamiaceae, Fabaceae and Rosaceae with four species each.

Se evaluaron el uso y conocimiento de las plantas medicinales nativas y naturalizadas en cuatro comunidades de Villa Corzo, Chiapas, México. La información se obtuvo a través de encuestas semiestructuradas realizadas a 118 personas de distintas categorías de edad y género. Para determinar las especies de plantas más importantes se generaron índices de valor y frecuencia de uso. Se registraron 79 especies de 49 familias, así como su uso en el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades de acuerdo al conocimiento local. Las especies con mayor valor de uso fueron Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (sábila), Verbena officinalis L. (verbena), Ocimum basilicum L. (albahaca) y Psidium guajava L. (guayaba). Las familias más importantes por el número de especies utilizadas fueron, en orden de importancia: Asteraceae y Rutaceae con cinco especies, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae y Rosaceae con cuatro especies cada una.

Treatment of distal third humeral shaft fractures with posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with segmental isolation of the radial nerve: minimum one-year follow-up.

Background: Open reduction and internal fixation with plate is one of the most widely used treatments for distal third humeral shaft fractures. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of the treatment of distal third humeral shaft fractures with posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with segmental isolation of the radial nerve. Methods: We performed an observational, retrospective, consecutive, monocentric, continuous multioperator study. We reviewed 22 distal third humeral shaft fractures treated with posterior MIPO in our institution with an extra-articular distal humerus plate from 2018 to 2021. Inclusion was limited to functionally independent patients with displaced fractures involving the junction of the middle and distal thirds of the humerus and minimum 12-month follow-up for implant removal. We assessed clinical outcomes including range of motion; QuickDASH score; Mayo Elbow Performance Score; and Constant-Murley score. Results: The average follow-up period of the sample was 31.7 ± 11.6 months (range, 15.7-51.3 months). The average elbow flexion and extension were 146.4° ± 7.3° (range, 120°-150°) and -0.7° ± 3.3° (range, -15° to 0°), respectively. The average shoulder anterior flexion, elevation, and abduction were 178.6° ± 3.6° (range, 170°-180°), 179.1° ± 2.9° (range, 170°-180°), and 140.9° ± 14.8° (range, 110°-160°), respectively. The average external rotation was 88.6° ± 6.4 (range, 65°-90°). The mean visual analog scale score for pain was 1.0 ± 1.6 (range, 0-5) and the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 90.5 ± 9.9 (range, 70-100). The mean QuickDASH and Constant-Murley scores were 4.7 ± 6.8 (range, 0-20.5) and 95.5 ± 5.1 (range, 81-100), respectively. Two patients presented with relevant compromise of radial nerve motor function postoperatively (M3 and M2; the more compromised was preoperative injury). All patients recovered radial nerve neuropraxia within six weeks postoperatively. All fractures achieved union. The average anteroposterior and lateral axis were 175.0 ± 3.6 (168.0°-180.0°) and 177.5 ± 2.0 (173.0°-180.0°), respectively. No superficial or deep infection was reported. No cases of re-displacement of fracture, implant failure, or any other implant-related complication in follow-up were reported. No patient required plate withdrawal. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that the posterior MIPO technique is a reliable option for treating distal third shaft humeral fractures. The radial nerve must be identified and protected in all cases to prevent palsy.

A Study of Resistome in Mexican Chili Powder as a Public Health Risk Factor.

Chili powder is an important condiment around the world. However, according to various reports, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms could present a public health risk factor during its consumption. Therefore, microbiological quality assessment is required to understand key microbial functional traits, such as antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In this study, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and bioinformatics analysis were used to characterize the comprehensive profiles of the bacterial community and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in 15 chili powder samples from different regions of Mexico. The initial bacterial load showed aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB) ranging between 6 × 103 and 7 × 108 CFU/g, sporulated mesophilic bacteria (SMB) from 4.3 × 103 to 2 × 109 CFU/g, and enterobacteria (En) from <100 to 2.3 × 106 CFU/g. The most representative families in the samples were Bacillaceae and Enterobacteriaceae, in which 18 potential pathogen-associated species were detected. In total, the resistome profile in the chili powder contained 68 unique genes, which conferred antibiotic resistance distributed in 13 different classes. Among the main classes of antibiotic resistance genes with a high abundance in almost all the samples were those related to multidrug, tetracycline, beta-lactam, aminoglycoside, and phenicol resistance. Our findings reveal the utility of mNGS in elucidating microbiological quality in chili powder to reduce the public health risks and the spread of potential pathogens with antibiotic resistance mechanisms.

Electrostatic Fermentation: Molecular Response Insights for Tailored Beer Production.

Electrostatic fermentation avoids the cellular redox imbalance of traditional fermentation, but knowledge gaps exist. This study explores the impact of electrostatic fermentation on the growth, volatile profile, and genetic response of Saccharomyces pastorianus Saflager S-23. The applied voltage (15 and 30 V) in the electrostatic fermentation system increased the growth and substrate utilization of S. pastorianus while decreasing ethanol production. The aromas typically associated with traditional fermentation, such as alcoholic, grape, apple, and sweet notes, were diminished, while aromas like roses, fruits, flowers, and bananas were augmented in electrostatic fermentation. RNA-seq analysis revealed upregulation of genes involved in cell wall structure, oxidoreductase activity, and iron ion binding, while genes associated with protein synthesis, growth control, homeostasis, and membrane function were downregulated under the influence of applied voltage. The electrostatic fermentation system modulates genetic responses and metabolic pathways in yeast, rendering it a promising method for tailored beer production. Demonstrating feasibility under industrial-scale and realistic conditions is crucial for advancing towards commercialization.

Protocol for ovariectomy and estradiol replacement in mice.

Ovariectomy, involving the surgical removal of ovaries, and estradiol replacement facilitate the understanding of sexual dimorphism-related physiological changes, encompassing reproductive biology, metabolism, and hormone-related diseases. In this study, we present a protocol for conducting ovariectomy and estradiol replacement in mice. We describe steps for performing sham and ovariectomy operations, outline preoperative preparations, and provide details on postoperative care, including analgesia administration and the removal of surgical clips. Additionally, we elaborate on the procedures for performing vehicle and estradiol injections. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Luengo-Mateos et al.1.

GrimAge is elevated in older adults with mild COVID-19 an exploratory analysis.

COVID-19 has been contained; however, the side effects associated with its infection continue to be a challenge for public health, particularly for older adults. On the other hand, epigenetic status contributes to the inter-individual health status and is associated with COVID-19 severity. Nevertheless, current studies focus only on severe COVID-19. Considering that most of the worldwide population developed mild COVID-19 infection. In the present exploratory study, we aim to analyze the association of mild COVID-19 with epigenetic ages (HorvathAge, HannumAge, GrimAge, PhenoAge, SkinAge, and DNAmTL) and clinical variables obtained from a Mexican cohort of older adults. We found that all epigenetic ages significantly differ from the chronological age, but only GrimAge is elevated. Additionally, both the intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (IEAA) and the extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (EEAA) are accelerated in all patients. Moreover, we found that immunological estimators and DNA damage were associated with PhenoAge, SkinBloodHorvathAge, and HorvathAge, suggesting that the effects of mild COVID-19 on the epigenetic clocks are mainly associated with inflammation and immunology changes. In conclusion, our results show that the effects of mild COVID-19 on the epigenetic clock are mainly associated with the immune system and an increase in GrimAge, IEAA, and EEAA.