Trace element and lipidomic analysis of bottlenose dolphin blubber from the Yucatan coast: Lipid composition relationships.

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are found in coastal and estuarine ecosystems where they are in continuous contact with multiple abiotic and biotic stressors in the environment. Due to their role as predators, they can bioaccumulate contaminants and are considered sentinel organisms for monitoring the health of coastal marine ecosystems. The northern zonal coast of the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico has a high incidence of anthropogenic activities. The principal objectives of this study were two-fold: 1) to determine the presence of trace metals and their correlation with lipids in bottlenose dolphin blubber, and 2) to use a lipidomics approach to characterize their biological responses. Levels of trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Pb) were analyzed using ICP-MS and lipids were measured using a targeted lipidomics approach with LC-MS/MS. Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify associations between lipids and trace elements. The influences of gender, stranding codes, presence of stomach content, growth stages and body length were also analyzed. Blubber lipid composition was dominated by triacylglycerols (TAG). Our results demonstrated the presence of heavy-metal elements such as Cd and As, which were correlated with different lipid species, mainly the ceramides and glycerophospholipids, respectively. Organisms with Cd showed lower concentrations of ceramides (CER, HCER and DCER), TAG and cholesteryl esters (CE). Trace elements Cr, Co, As and Cd increased proportionately with body length. This study provides a novel insight of lipidomic characterization and correlations with trace elements in the bottlenose dolphin which might contribute to having a better understanding of the physiological functions and the risks that anthropogenic activities can bring to sentinel organisms from coastal regions.

Difference of MreBCD Complex Interactome in Salmonella Typhimurium ST19 and ST213 Genotypes on Pathogenesis and Stress Response Pathways.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella enterica is the etiological agent of salmonellosis, with a high infection rate worldwide in Mexico, ST213 genotype of S. enterica ser. Typhimurium is displacing the ancestral ST19 genotype. Bacterial cytoskeleton protein complex MreBCD plays an important role in S. enterica pathogenesis, but underlying mechanisms are unknown. RESULTS: In this study, 106 interactions among MreBCD and 15 proteins from S. Typhimurium Pathogenicity Islands 1 (SP-I) and 2 (SP-2) involved in both bacterial virulence and stress response were predicted in ST213 and ST19 genotypes, of which 12 interactions were confirmed in vitro. In addition, gene cluster analysis in 100 S. Typhimurium genomes was performed for these genes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The in silico and in vitro results showed a novel MreBCD interactome involved in regulating pathogenesis and stress response through interactions with virulence factors located at SPI-1 and SPI-2. Furthermore, both pseudogene presence and sequence variations in four tested proteins between genotypes resulted in differential interaction patterns involved in Salmonella motility and survival in eukaryotic cells, which could explain the replacement of ST19 by ST213 in Mexico.

Comparison of the Effects of Endotracheal Intubation of Wistar Rats Using the Conventional Technique vs. a New Modified Technique Using a 3D Mouth-Piece.

AIMS: Endotracheal intubation in rats is challenging due to the difficult anatomical characteristics of the airway. The success rate at first attempt is low and airway damage is a common complication. We aimed to compare and evaluate the conventional intubation method with a modified procedure using an inclined plate, headlamp (700-Lumen), and 3D mouth-piece designed with a 20° curvature. Both techniques were conducted by laboratory personnel with and without previous experience in airway management of laboratory rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, we used 36 Wistar rats of both genders. Three groups of laboratory personnel (anesthesiologists, medical students, and laboratory technicians) performed both endotracheal intubation techniques, i.e., blind intubation at supine position and endotracheal intubation at 70° supine position with a 3D mouth-piece and direct illumination of the glottis. RESULTS: The modified technique had a significantly higher success rate and shorter procedure duration. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the procedure duration between personnel with and without previous training in airway management. CONCLUSION: Previous knowledge and experience in airway management are required when performing conventional endotracheal intubation; moreover, its success rate is low. Contrastingly, using proper instruments and the 3D mouth-piece facilitated easier and quicker airway management regardless of previous experience.

[Guidelines for restarting elective orthopaedic surgery post Covid-19 in Mexico]. / Recomendaciones para el reinicio de cirugía ortopédica electiva post-COVID-19 en México.

BACKGROUND: Elaborate an updated guideline of recommendations for the safe return to elective orthopedic surgery post COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Bibliographic review of relevant global literature. RESULTS: Recommendation guidelines with appropriate definitions of orthopedic elective surgery, correct contagion risk stratification for COVID-19, considerations for specific risk groups, hospital adaptations and anesthetic, intraoperative and postoperative special care for a safe restart of orthopedic elective surgery post COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The safe restart of orthopedic elective surgery is possible as long as we take into consideration the appropriate recommendations, which we have summarized in this review.

JUSTIFICACIÓN: Proporcionar recomendaciones actuales que nos permitan retomar la cirugía ortopédica electiva posterior a la pandemia COVID-19 en condiciones adecuadas de seguridad para el personal de salud, pacientes y familiares para el tratamiento perioperatorio de acuerdo a la situación en nuestro país. MÉTODOS: Revisión bibliográfica de literatura actual mundial relevante. RESULTADOS: Una guía de recomendaciones con la adecuada definición de procedimientos ortopédicos electivos, la correcta estratificación de riesgo de contagio por COVID-19, las consideraciones especiales en selección de pacientes según su grupo de riesgo, las adecuaciones hospitalarias a implementar y los cuidados anestésicos, intraoperatorios y postoperatorios especiales ante el reinicio de cirugía electiva posterior a la pandemia COVID-19. CONCLUSIONES: El reinicio seguro de cirugía ortopédica electiva posterior a la pandemia COVID-19 en México es posible tomando en cuenta las recomendaciones especiales preoperatorias, intraoperatorias y postoperatorias.

Comparative Study of Capillary Filtration Coefficient (Kfc) Determination by a Manual and Automatic Perfusion System. Step by Step Technique Review.

The purpose of calculating the capillary filtration coefficient is to experimentally evaluate edema formation in models of pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury. For many years, the obtaining of this coefficient implies a series of manual maneuvers during ex-vivo reperfusion of pulmonary arterial pressure, venous pressure and weight, as well as the calculation of the Kfc formula. Through automation, the calculation of capillary filtration coefficient could be easier and more efficient. To describe an automatic method designed in our laboratory to calculating the capillary filtration coefficient and compare with traditional determination of capillary filtration coefficient as gold standard method. An automatic three valve perfusion system was constructed, commanded by a mastery module connected to a graphical user interface. To test its accuracy, cardiopulmonary blocks of Wistar rats were harvested and distributed in manual (n=8) and automated (n=8) capillary filtration coefficient determination groups. Physiological parameters as pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary venous pressure, weight and capillary filtration coefficient were obtained. Results: Capillary filtration coefficient, pulmonary arterial pressure, venous arterial pressure shown no statistical significance difference between the groups. The automated perfusion system for obtaining Kfc was standardized and validated, giving reliable results without biases and making the process more efficient in terms of time and personal staff.

Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency incidence in a Hispanic population.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (D-G6PD) is a common erythroenzymopathy that needs to be addressed as an important public health issue. Proper population monitoring is needed to anticipate clinical complications. A joint venture between Genomi-k (a Mexican company focused on newborn screening) and several university researchers conducted a retrospetive study for D-G6PD based on 156,152 newborn screening reports belonging to the Mexican population comprising a period of 10 years. We identified 540 male newborns affected with this deficiency, representing an incidence of 6.78 cases per 1,000 newborn males. A single double mutation of G202A:A376G was detected in 97.22% of cases. In regions where there is an absence of a national centralized health data for D-G6PD, information from a non-probabilistic large population sample can be used as a national incidence subrogate.

Clinical and cytogenetic characterization of a patient with tetrasomy 18p / Caracterización clínica y citogenética de un paciente con tetrasomía 18p

The 18p tetrasomy is a structural chromosomal abnormality with the presence of an extra isochromosome 18p, caused by a nondisjunction failure during maternal meiosis II. This additional i(18p) occurs in 1 of 180,000 live-born children worldwide, affecting males and females equally. It is characterized by craniofacial dysmorphisms; ears, nose and throat (ENT) abnormalities; musculoskeletal alterations; and global development delay. We aim to present the clinical and cytogenetic findings of a 3-year-10-month-old Latin American male with i(18p), to support the gene dosage effects, comparing his features with the ones reported in literature. This patient was product of the second pregnancy of a 39-year-old woman and the first son of a 49-year-old man. His main clinical features were microcephaly, facial dysmorphism, generalized hypotonia, and developmental delay. A blood sample of the patient was required to perform a GTG-banded karyotype and a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for chromosome 18 short arm. In addition, an SNP microarray analysis was carried out to detect genomic imbalances. Cytogenetic analysis revealed the presence of a metacentric supernumerary marker chromosome. The FISH study confirmed the origin of the marker chromosome by showing two signals for the 18p subtelomere and an intermediate signal for the 18 centromere. The microarray analysis showed a copy number gain of 18,385 Mb within the 18p.Tetrasomy tends to be a result of de novo events. The presence of the patient's isochromosome could be explained by advanced maternal age as it is known that this factor has high influence in isochromosome formation. Despite that there were no genes associated with the i(18p)'s clinical manifestations, these features are negatively correlated with dosage effects of the entire short arm. Physical and language therapy was recommended to the patient; the family received medical orientation, and awareness in family planning was raised.

La tetrasomía 18p es una anormalidad cromosómica estructural con la presencia de un isocromosoma extra 18p, causado por una no disyunción durante la meiosis materna II. Este adicional i(18p) ocurre en 1 de 180.000 niños nacidos vivos en todo el mundo, y afecta a hombres y mujeres por igual. Se caracteriza por dismorfias craneofaciales; anomalías en oídos, nariz y garganta (ENT); alteraciones musculoesqueléticas y del desarrollo global. Nuestro objetivo es presentar los hallazgos clínicos y citogenéticos de un varón latinoamericano de 3 años y 10 meses de edad con i(18p), para explicar los efectos de dosificación génica, comparando sus características con las reportadas en la literatura. Este paciente es producto del segundo embarazo de una mujer de 39 años y el primer hijo de un hombre de 49 años. Sus principales características clínicas fueron microcefalia, dismorfia facial, hipotonía generalizada y retraso global en el desarrollo. Se requirió una muestra de sangre del paciente para realizar un cariotipo con bandas GTG y una hibridación fluorescente in situ (FISH) para el análisis del brazo corto del cromosoma 18. Además, se llevó a cabo un análisis de microarreglos para detectar desequilibrios genómicos. El análisis citogenético reveló la presencia de un cromosoma supernumerario metacéntrico. Mientras que el estudio FISH confirma el origen del cromosoma marcador al mostrar dos señales para subtelómeros 18p y una señal intermedia para el centrómero 18. El análisis de microarreglos mostró una ganancia en el número de copias de 18,385 Mb dentro de la región 18p.La tetrasomía tiende a ser el resultado de eventos de novo. El isocromosoma del paciente podría explicarse por la edad materna avanzada, ya que se sabe que tiene una gran influencia en su formación. A pesar de que no hay genes asociados con las manifestaciones clínicas de i(18p), estas características están negativamente correlacionadas con los efectos de dosificación de todo el brazo corto. Se le recomendó terapia física y de lenguaje al paciente, la familia recibió orientación médica y se concientiza sobre la planificación familiar.

Effects of Sildenafil and Tadalafil on Edema and Reactive Oxygen Species Production in an Experimental Model of Lung Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

BACKGROUND: Lung ischemia-reperfusion injury is characterized by formation of reactive oxygen species and cellular swelling leading to pulmonary edema and primary graft dysfunction. Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors could ameliorate lung ischemia-reperfusion injury by interfering in many molecular pathways. The aim of this work was to evaluate and compare the effects of sildenafil and tadalafil on edema and reactive oxygen species formation in an ex vivo nonhuman animal model of lung ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats were distributed, treated, perfused and the cardiopulmonary blocks were managed as follows: control group: immediate excision and reperfusion without pretreatment; ischemia reperfusion group: treatment with dimethylsulfoxide 0.9% and excision 1 hour later; sildenafil group: treatment with sildenafil (0.7 mg/kg) and excision 1 hour later; and tadalafil group: treatment with tadalafil (0.15 mg/kg) and excision 2 hours later. All cardiopulmonary blocks except control group were preserved for 8 hours and then reperfused. Pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary venous pressure, and capillary filtration coefficient were measured. Reactive oxygen species were measured. RESULTS: Edema was similar between control and sildenafil groups, but significantly greater in the ischemia-reperfusion (P ≤ .04) and tadalafil (P ≤ .003) groups compared with the sildenafil group. The malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in the sildenafil (P ≤ .001) and tadalafil (P ≤ .001) groups than the ischemia-reperfusion group. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of sildenafil, but not tadalafil, decreased edema in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury. Both drugs decreased reactive oxygen species formation in a lung ischemia-reperfusion injury model.

The prevalence, correlates and impact of dementia in Cuba. A 10/66 group population-based survey.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to estimate the prevalence, correlates and impact of dementia in Havana and Matanzas, Cuba. METHODS: A 1-phase catchment area survey of all over 65-year-old residents of 7 catchment areas in Havana and 1 in Matanzas was conducted. Dementia diagnosis was established according to DSM-IV and our own, pre-validated 10/66 criteria. The impact of dementia was assessed through associations with needs for care, cutting back on work to care and caregiver psychological morbidity. RESULTS: We interviewed 2,944 older people, a response proportion of 96.4%. The prevalence of DSM-IV dementia was 6.4% and that of 10/66 dementia 10.8%. Both dementia outcomes were associated with older age, less education, a family history of dementia, shorter leg length and smaller skull circumference. Dementia, rather than physical health problems or depression, was the main contributor to needs for care (population-attributable prevalence fraction = 64.6%) and caregiver cutting back on work (population-attributable prevalence fraction = 57.3%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dementia in Cuba is similar to Europe. Among health conditions, dementia is the major contributor to dependency and caregiver economic and psychological strain. More attention needs to be given to it and other chronic diseases associated more with disability than premature mortality.