First metagenomic analysis of the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) gut microbiome reveals microbial diversity and wide resistome.

Background: The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is the largest scavenger in South America. This predatory bird plays a crucial role in their ecological niche by removing carcasses. We report the first metagenomic analysis of the Andean condor gut microbiome. Methods: This work analyzed shotgun metagenomics data from a mixture of fifteen captive Chilean Andean condors. To filter eukaryote contamination, we employed BWA-MEM v0.7. Taxonomy assignment was performed using Kraken2 and MetaPhlAn v2.0 and all filtered reads were assembled using IDBA-UD v1.1.3. The two most abundant species were used to perform a genome reference-guided assembly using MetaCompass. Finally, we performed a gene prediction using Prodigal and each gene predicted was functionally annotated. InterproScan v5.31-70.0 was additionally used to detect homology based on protein domains and KEGG mapper software for reconstructing metabolic pathways. Results: Our results demonstrate concordance with the other gut microbiome data from New World vultures. In the Andean condor, Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum present, with Clostridium perfringens, a potentially pathogenic bacterium for other animals, as dominating species in the gut microbiome. We assembled all reads corresponding to the top two species found in the condor gut microbiome, finding between 94% to 98% of completeness for Clostridium perfringens and Plesiomonas shigelloides, respectively. Our work highlights the ability of the Andean condor to act as an environmental reservoir and potential vector for critical priority pathogens which contain relevant genetic elements. Among these genetic elements, we found 71 antimicrobial resistance genes and 1,786 virulence factors that we associated with several adaptation processes.

GPR43 stimulation on TCRαß+ intraepithelial colonic lymphocytes inhibits the recruitment of encephalitogenic T-cells into the central nervous system and attenuates the development of autoimmunity.

INTRODUCTION: Gut microbiota plays a critical role in the regulation of immune homeostasis. Accordingly, several autoimmune disorders have been associated with dysbiosis in the gut microbiota. Notably, the dysbiosis associated with central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity involves a substantial reduction of bacteria belonging to Clostridia clusters IV and XIVa, which constitute major producers of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Here we addressed the role of the surface receptor-mediated effects of SCFAs on mucosal T-cells in the development of CNS autoimmunity. METHODS: To induce CNS autoimmunity, we used the mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by immunization with the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-derived peptide (MOG35-55 peptide). To address the effects of GPR43 stimulation on colonic TCRαß+ T-cells upon CNS autoimmunity, mucosal lymphocytes were isolated and stimulated with a selective GPR43 agonist ex vivo and then transferred into congenic mice undergoing EAE. Several subsets of lymphocytes infiltrating the CNS or those present in the gut epithelium and gut lamina propria were analysed by flow cytometry. In vitro migration assays were conducted with mucosal T-cells using transwells. RESULTS: Our results show a sharp and selective reduction of intestinal propionate at the peak of EAE development, accompanied by increased IFN-γ and decreased IL-22 in the colonic mucosa. Further analyses indicated that GPR43 was the primary SCFAs receptor expressed on T-cells, which was downregulated on colonic TCRαß+ T-cells upon CNS autoimmunity. The pharmacologic stimulation of GPR43 increased the anti-inflammatory function and reduced the pro-inflammatory features in several TCRαß+ T-cell subsets in the colonic mucosa upon EAE development. Furthermore, GPR43 stimulation induced the arrest of CNS-autoreactive T-cells in the colonic lamina propria, thus avoiding their infiltration into the CNS and dampening the disease development. Mechanistic analyses revealed that GPR43-stimulation on mucosal TCRαß+ T-cells inhibits their CXCR3-mediated migration towards CXCL11, which is released from the CNS upon neuroinflammation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a novel mechanism involved in the gut-brain axis by which bacterial-derived products secreted in the gut mucosa might control the CNS tropism of autoreactive T-cells. Moreover, this study shows GPR43 expressed on T-cells as a promising therapeutic target for CNS autoimmunity.

Trichoderma atroviride hyphal regeneration and conidiation depend on cell-signaling processes regulated by a microRNA-like RNA.

The ability to respond to injury is essential for the survival of an organism and involves analogous mechanisms in animals and plants. Such mechanisms integrate coordinated genetic and metabolic reprogramming events requiring regulation by small RNAs for adequate healing of the wounded area. We have previously reported that the response to injury of the filamentous fungus Trichoderma atroviride involves molecular mechanisms closely resembling those of plants and animals that lead to the formation of new hyphae (regeneration) and the development of asexual reproduction structures (conidiophores). However, the involvement of microRNAs in this process has not been investigated in fungi. In this work, we explore the participation of microRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) molecules by sequencing messenger and small RNAs during the injury response of the WT strain and RNAi mutants. We found that Dcr2 appears to play an important role in hyphal regeneration and is required to produce the majority of sRNAs in T. atroviride. We also determined that the three main milRNAs produced via Dcr2 are induced during the damage-triggered developmental process. Importantly, elimination of a single milRNA phenocopied the main defects observed in the dcr2 mutant. Our results demonstrate the essential role of milRNAs in hyphal regeneration and asexual development by post-transcriptionally regulating cellular signalling processes involving phosphorylation events. These observations allow us to conclude that fungi, like plants and animals, in response to damage activate fine-tuning regulatory mechanisms.

Network-Based Approaches Reveal Potential Therapeutic Targets for Host-Directed Antileishmanial Therapy Driving Drug Repurposing.

Leishmania parasites are the causal agent of leishmaniasis, an endemic disease in more than 90 countries worldwide. Over the years, traditional approaches focused on the parasite when developing treatments against leishmaniasis. Despite numerous attempts, there is not yet a universal treatment, and those available have allowed for the appearance of resistance. Here, we propose and follow a host-directed approach that aims to overcome the current lack of treatment. Our approach identifies potential therapeutic targets in the host cell and proposes known drug interactions aiming to improve the immune response and to block the host machinery necessary for the survival of the parasite. We started analyzing transcription factor regulatory networks of macrophages infected with Leishmania major. Next, based on the regulatory dynamics of the infection and available gene expression profiles, we selected potential therapeutic target proteins. The function of these proteins was then analyzed following a multilayered network scheme in which we combined information on metabolic pathways with known drugs that have a direct connection with the activity carried out by these proteins. Using our approach, we were able to identify five host protein-coding gene products that are potential therapeutic targets for treating leishmaniasis. Moreover, from the 11 drugs known to interact with the function performed by these proteins, 3 have already been tested against this parasite, verifying in this way our novel methodology. More importantly, the remaining eight drugs previously employed to treat other diseases, remain as promising yet-untested antileishmanial therapies. IMPORTANCE This work opens a new path to fight parasites by targeting host molecular functions by repurposing available and approved drugs. We created a novel approach to identify key proteins involved in any biological process by combining gene regulatory networks and expression profiles. Once proteins have been selected, our approach employs a multilayered network methodology that relates proteins to functions to drugs that alter these functions. By applying our novel approach to macrophages during the Leishmania infection process, we both validated our work and found eight drugs already approved for use in humans that to the best of our knowledge were never employed to treat leishmaniasis, rendering our work as a new tool in the box available to the scientific community fighting parasites.

Automated generation of context-specific gene regulatory networks with a weighted approach in Drosophila melanogaster.

The regulation of gene expression is a key factor in the development and maintenance of life in all organisms. Even so, little is known at whole genome scale for most genes and contexts. We propose a method, Tool for Weighted Epigenomic Networks in Drosophila melanogaster (Fly T-WEoN), to generate context-specific gene regulatory networks starting from a reference network that contains all known gene regulations in the fly. Unlikely regulations are removed by applying a series of knowledge-based filters. Each of these filters is implemented as an independent module that considers a type of experimental evidence, including DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, histone modifications and gene expression. Fly T-WEoN is based on heuristic rules that reflect current knowledge on gene regulation in D. melanogaster obtained from the literature. Experimental data files can be generated with several standard procedures and used solely when and if available. Fly T-WEoN is available as a Cytoscape application that permits integration with other tools and facilitates downstream network analysis. In this work, we first demonstrate the reliability of our method to then provide a relevant application case of our tool: early development of D. melanogaster. Fly T-WEoN together with its step-by-step guide is available at https://weon.readthedocs.io.

Development of a Multiplex PCR Assay for Genotyping the Fish Pathogen Piscirickettsia salmonis Through Comparative Genomics.

Piscirickettsia salmonis is a bacterial pathogen that severely impact the aquaculture in several countries as Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, and Chile. It provokes Piscirickettsiosis outbreaks in the marine phase of salmonid farming, resulting in economic losses. The monophyletic genogroup LF-89 and a divergent genogroup EM-90 are responsible for the most severe Piscirickettsiosis outbreaks in Chile. Therefore, the development of methods for quick genotyping of P. salmonis genogroups in field samples is vital for veterinary diagnoses and understanding the population structure of this pathogen. The present study reports the development of a multiplex PCR for genotyping LF-89 and EM-90 genogroups based on comparative genomics of 73 fully sequenced P. salmonis genomes. The results revealed 2,322 sequences shared between 35 LF-89 genomes, 2,280 sequences in the core-genome of 38 EM-90 genomes, and 331 and 534 accessory coding sequences each genogroup, respectively. A total of 1,801 clusters of coding sequences were shared among all tested genomes of P. salmonis (LF-89 and EM-90), with 253 and 291 unique sequences for LF-89 and EM-90 genogroups, respectively. The Multiplex-1 prototype was chosen for reliable genotyping because of differences in annealing temperatures and respective reaction efficiencies. This method also identified the pathogen in field samples infected with LF-89 or EM-90 strains, which is not possible with other methods currently available. Finally, the genome-based multiplex PCR protocol presented in this study is a rapid and affordable alternative to classical sequencing of PCR products and analyzing the length of restriction fragment polymorphisms.

Differences in the response in the dermis of the tails of young and old SD rats to treatment with bipolar RF.

BACKGROUND: The passing of the years is marked by intrinsic (chronological) and extrinsic aging, caused by photoaging, which is characterized by a decrease in collagen and the deposition of abnormal elastic fibers in the dermis. The use of bipolar radiofrequency (RF) increases fibroblast proliferation and differentiation, accompanied by collagen synthesis and a subsequent increase in connective tissue, and it is not known whether the biological effects of this type of radiofrequency on the dermis are similar regardless of the age of the individual or whether such effects are altered by the aging process itself. AIMS: The objective was to perform a histological study of the changes in the tail dermis of young and old rats after submitting them to bipolar RF, to determine cell proliferation and volume of connective tissue. METHODS: One part of the rat tail was fixed in formol and processed for light microscopy and another part processed for electron microscopy. RESULTS: The number of fibroblasts/unit area and cells positive to nuclear proliferation antigen was higher in young animals. Significant differences were observed regarding expression of HSP-47 protein, and the value was always lower in old rats. No significant differences were observed in the percentage of connective tissue. No histological alterations were observed in any rats. CONCLUSION: Treatment with RF increased the number of fibroblasts located in the connective tissue of the young rats. In addition, the effect of a single treatment on the population of fibroblasts in young animals was sufficient to activate the synthesis of new collagen.

La gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea en pacientes diagnosticados de esclerosis lateral amiotrófica: mortalidad y complicaciones / Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Mortality and complications

INTRODUCCIÓN: La esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa que produce disfagia grave y pérdida de peso. La gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea (GEP) es en la actualidad la técnica de elección para la nutrición enteral de estos pacientes. OBJETIVOS: Analizar la mortalidad y las complicaciones en una serie de pacientes diagnosticados de ELA a los que se realizó la GEP y evaluar los factores relacionados con la supervivencia después del procedimiento. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional prospectivo en el que se incluyeron los pacientes diagnosticados de ELA atendidos en el Servicio de Gastroenterología (años 1997-2013) a los que se realizó GEP. Se estudiaron la mortalidad, las complicaciones y los parámetros clínicos y analíticos, correlacionándolos con la tasa de supervivencia. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 57 pacientes, de los que finalmente se pudo realizar la GEP en 49. La ELA fue de inicio bulbar en 30 y espinal en 19. La mortalidad durante el procedimiento y a los 30 días fue del 2% (n = 1). Se registraron complicaciones mayores en 6 pacientes (12,2%) y complicaciones de menor gravedad, que se resolvieron fácilmente con tratamiento conservador, en 17 (34,7%). No se observaron diferencias en la capacidad vital forzada, la cifra de albúmina o la edad entre los pacientes con (n = 6) o sin (n = 43) complicaciones mayores. CONCLUSIONES: La GEP en los pacientes con ELA es un procedimiento eficaz y relativamente seguro para la nutrición enteral de estos pacientes, aunque no exento de morbimortalidad. Ni la capacidad vital forzada ni la forma de inicio de la enfermedad fueron factores asociados a morbilidad en la GEP

INTRODUCTION: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes severe dysphagia and weight loss. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is currently the technique of choice for the enteral nutrition of these patients. OBJECTIVES: To analyse mortality and complications in a series of patients diagnosed with ALS who underwent PEG, and to evaluate factors related to patient survival after the procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational study including all patients diagnosed with ALS and treated by our hospital's Gastroenterology Department in the period 1997-2013. We studied mortality, complications, and clinical and biochemical parameters, and correlated these with the survival rate. RESULTS: The study included a total of 57 patients, of whom 49 were ultimately treated with PEG. ALS onset was bulbar in 30 patients and spinal in 19. Mortality during the procedure and at 30 days was 2% (n = 1). Six patients (12.2%) experienced major complications; 17 (34.7%) experienced less serious complications which were easily resolved with conservative treatment. No significant differences were observed in forced vital capacity, albumin level, or age between patients with (n = 6) and without (n = 43) major complications. CONCLUSIONS: PEG is an effective, relatively safe procedure for the enteral nutrition of patients with ALS, although not without morbidity and mortality. Neither forced vital capacity nor the form of presentation of ALS were associated with morbidity in PEG

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Mortality and complications. / La gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea en pacientes diagnosticados de esclerosis lateral amiotrófica: mortalidad y complicaciones.

INTRODUCTION: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes severe dysphagia and weight loss. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is currently the technique of choice for the enteral nutrition of these patients. OBJECTIVES: To analyse mortality and complications in a series of patients diagnosed with ALS who underwent PEG, and to evaluate factors related to patient survival after the procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational study including all patients diagnosed with ALS and treated by our hospital's Gastroenterology Department in the period 1997-2013. We studied mortality, complications, and clinical and biochemical parameters, and correlated these with the survival rate. RESULTS: The study included a total of 57 patients, of whom 49 were ultimately treated with PEG. ALS onset was bulbar in 30 patients and spinal in 19. Mortality during the procedure and at 30 days was 2% (n = 1). Six patients (12.2%) experienced major complications; 17 (34.7%) experienced less serious complications which were easily resolved with conservative treatment. No significant differences were observed in forced vital capacity, albumin level, or age between patients with (n = 6) and without (n = 43) major complications. CONCLUSIONS: PEG is an effective, relatively safe procedure for the enteral nutrition of patients with ALS, although not without morbidity and mortality. Neither forced vital capacity nor the form of presentation of ALS were associated with morbidity in PEG.

Molecular detection of Mycoplasma ovis in an outbreak of hemolytic anemia in sheep from Veracruz, Mexico.

Mycoplasma ovis is a small, pleiotropic bacterium, which parasitizes the external surface of erythrocytes of several species of artiodactyl mammals, especially sheep and goats. We here report an outbreak of ovine mycoplasmosis in a sheep flock of a private ranch (Universidad Veracruzana) in Veracruz, Mexico. For the identification of Mycoplasma and other hemoparasitic bacterial agents, we stained blood smears with the DiffQuick® technique and additionally amplified several fragments of 16S rDNA gene. We detected the presence of morulas in erythrocytes from 30 sick female adult sheep, and found Mycoplasma ovis DNA in all of them. Furthermore, three of these animals also tested positive for Anaplasma ovis. Our findings represent the first record of M. ovis and A. ovis in an outbreak of hemolytic anemia in a sheep flock, leading to severe livestock loss in a ranch of Mexico. This study highlights the importance of establishing an active surveillance of both pathogens in the country.

Loss of hamster Leydig cells during regression after exposure to a short photoperiod.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes that occur in hamster Leydig cells during regression. Animals were divided into control, mild regression (MR), strong regression (SR) and total regression (TR) groups. Leydig cells were characterised by light and electron microscopy. Terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end-labelling (TUNEL) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibodies were used to detect apoptosis and proliferation respectively. Three types of Leydig cells (A, B and C) could be differentiated. Type A cells were small in size compared with Leydig cells from animals exposed to a long photoperiod, which was a result of a decreased cytoplasm and nucleus. Type B cells were even smaller than Type A cells in regression groups. Type C exhibited cytoplasm vacuolisation. The percentage of Type C cells from the control group was much lower than in the MR, SR and TR groups. (P<0.05). In the SR and TR groups, there was a significant decrease in the percentage of Type B cells compared with the control and MR groups (P<0.05). The total number of Leydig cells decreased during testicular regression (P<0.05). The total number of Type A and B cells was significantly lower in the MR, SR and TR groups compared with the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the proliferation and apoptosis index in the groups studied. The findings of the present study indicate that there are three types of Leydig cells (A, B and C) in all hamsters studied and that regression causes an increase in the number of Type C cells, so that the reduction in the number Leydig cells during the phases of regression studied must be the result of necrosis and/or necroptosis.

Changes in Testicular Interstitial Connective Tissue of Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) During Ageing and After Exposure to Short Photoperiod.

The testicular interstitium of Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was studied during ageing and in testicular regression after exposure to a short photoperiod, in relation to the interstitial cells and their connective tissue. This tissue was assessed histochemically using Masson's trichrome technique and the expression of Heat Shock Protein 47 (HSP-47) and collagen IV (α5) was assessed in Leydig cells. Finally, an ultrastructural analysis of some cells of the testicular interstitium was made. Leydig cells were positive for HSP-47 and collagen IV (α5). Ageing did not change the parameters studied while the short photoperiod altered the synthetic activity of Leydig cells. The positivity index of these cells for HSP-47 was significantly higher in the regressed testis, but was lower for collagen IV (α5). During ageing no change were observed. Ultrastructural Leydig cells showed a discontinuous basal lamina that did not change during ageing. The basal lamina was not identified in Leydig cells regressed by exposure to a short photoperiod. In conclusion; the intertubular connective tissue suffers little change with age. By contrast, in the testis regressed after exposure to a short photoperiod the studied parameters related to the intertubular connective tissue were altered. These changes are probably related with the low synthetic activity of regressed Leydig cell.

Utilization of molasses and sugar cane bagasse for production of fungal invertase in solid state fermentation using Aspergillus niger GH1.

Agro-industrial wastes have been used as substrate-support in solid state fermentation for enzyme production. Molasses and sugarcane bagasse are by-products of sugar industry and can be employed as substrates for invertase production. Invertase is an important enzyme for sweeteners development. In this study, a xerophilic fungus Aspergillus niger GH1 isolated of the Mexican semi-desert, previously reported as an invertase over-producer strain was used. Molasses from Mexico and Cuba were chemically analyzed (total and reducer sugars, nitrogen and phosphorous contents); the last one was selected based on chemical composition. Fermentations were performed using virgin and hydrolyzate bagasse (treatment with concentrated sulfuric acid). Results indicated that, the enzymatic yield (5231 U/L) is higher than those reported by other A. niger strains under solid state fermentation, using hydrolyzate bagasse. The acid hydrolysis promotes availability of fermentable sugars. In addition, maximum invertase activity was detected at 24 h using low substrate concentration, which may reduce production costs. This study presents an alternative method for invertase production using a xerophilic fungus isolated from Mexican semi-desert and inexpensive substrates (molasses and sugarcane bagasse).

Utilization of molasses and sugar cane bagasse for production of fungal invertase in solid state fermentation using Aspergillus niger GH1

Agro-industrial wastes have been used as substrate-support in solid state fermentation for enzyme production. Molasses and sugarcane bagasse are by-products of sugar industry and can be employed as substrates for invertase production. Invertase is an important enzyme for sweeteners development. In this study, a xerophilic fungus Aspergillus niger GH1 isolated of the Mexican semi-desert, previously reported as an invertase over-producer strain was used. Molasses from Mexico and Cuba were chemically analyzed (total and reducer sugars, nitrogen and phosphorous contents); the last one was selected based on chemical composition. Fermentations were performed using virgin and hydrolyzate bagasse (treatment with concentrated sulfuric acid). Results indicated that, the enzymatic yield (5231 U/L) is higher than those reported by other A. niger strains under solid state fermentation, using hydrolyzate bagasse. The acid hydrolysis promotes availability of fermentable sugars. In addition, maximum invertase activity was detected at 24 h using low substrate concentration, which may reduce production costs. This study presents an alternative method for invertase production using a xerophilic fungus isolated from Mexican semi-desert and inexpensive substrates (molasses and sugarcane bagasse).

Validación de una encuesta para evaluar el estado nutricional y los estilos de vida en las etapas preconcepcional, embarazo y lactancia / Validation of a questionnaire to assess the nutritional status and lifestyles in stages of preconception, pregnancy and lactation

Fundamentos: El estado nutricional y los estilos de vida influyen sobre la salud de la madre y/o del bebé en situación preconcepcional, embarazo y lactancia. En este sentido, contar con instrumentos validados que valoren la relación entre nutrición y salud es de interés en dicha población. El objetivo fue validar la recogida de datos antropométricos, cuestionario de actividad física (CAF) y cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos (CFCA), de la encuesta nutricional empleada en el PLENUFAR IV. Métodos: Se reclutó 60 mujeres en estado preconcepcional, embarazo y lactancia. A cada una, un farmacéutico les aplicó el cuestionario a validar y el dietista-nutricionista el patrón de referencia. Resultados: El coeficiente de correlación y el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) para las variables antropométricas y el CAF presentaron elevada asociación entre las medidas realizadas por ambos profesionales. Los coeficientes de correlación para el CFCA se hallaron entre r=0,4 y r=0,6 y los CCI entre r=0,1 y r=0,7. El análisis de clasificaciones cruzadas reveló que sólo el 2,1% de las mujeres fueron clasificadas en quintiles extremos por ambos CFCA. Conclusiones: La encuesta PLENUFAR IV ha obtenido índices de validez comparables a otras herramientas similares para evaluar el estado nutricional, perfil de actividad física y hábitos alimentarios de mujeres en estado preconcepcional, embarazo y lactancia, en oficinas de farmacia (AU)

Background: Nutritional status and lifestyles in preconception, pregnancy and lactation states, affect the health of the mother and/or baby. It is necessary to have validated instruments that assess the interaction between both variables (nutrition and health). The aim of the study was to validate the anthropometric data, physical activity questionnaire (PAQ) and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) of the nutritional survey used in PLENUFAR IV. Methods: The survey recruited 60 women in preconception, pregnancy and lactation states. In each, a pharmacist applied the questionnaire to be validated and a dietitian-nutritionist the questionnaire which was used as gold standard. Results: The correlation coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for anthropometric variables and PAQ were found to be high. The correlation coefficients for the FFQ were found in the range r=0.4 and r=0.6 and ICC between r=0.1 and r =0.7. The cross classification analysis revealed that only 2.1% of the women were classified as extreme quintiles for both questionnaires. Conclusions: The survey PLENUFAR IV obtained validity index comparable to other similar tools for assessing the nutritional status, physical activity profile and dietary habits of women in preconception, pregnancy and lactation states, in pharmacies (AU)

Comparative susceptibility of two different genetic types of tilapia to Neobenedenia sp. (Monogenea).

Two different genetic types of tilapia, Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus (MT), and Pargo-UNAM (PU; a synthetic hybrid whose genetic composition is 50% Florida red tilapia, 25% Rocky Mountain tilapia, and 25% red variant Oreochromis niloticus), were acclimatized to salinity and exposed to seawater from the Gulf of Mexico off the port of Veracruz, Mexico. Both fish types were infected by the monogenean ectoparasite Neobenedenia sp. and were killed within 2 to 3 wk. A crude worm extract was prepared from whole specimens collected during the original outbreak and used to immunize naive hosts of the same 2 types of tilapia. Immunized fish were then exposed to seawater, which resulted in Neobenedenia sp. infection. Immunization did not confer any protection against Neobenedenia sp. infection. However, the experiment enabled detailed analysis of the dynamics of infection and comparison of the effects of the parasite on the 2 host types. Although both tilapia types exhibited similar resistance to infection (as they harbored similar parasite burdens in the early phase of infection), PU is less tolerant to Neobenedenia sp., as a mean parasite abundance of ca. 50 worms fish-' killed all hosts within a fortnight, while 22% of MT survived up to 3 wk, harboring a mean parasite abundance of ca. 900 worms fish-'. Our results suggest that, as reported elsewhere, Neobenedenia sp. could negatively affect mariculture off the Mexican coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

Integrar la enseñanza pregrado en el hospital / Integrating undergraduate education within hospitals

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[Influence of dietary intake on plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress in humans]. / Influencia de la dieta sobre marcadores plasmáticos de estrés.

Oxidative stress is related to an imbalance between the production of reactive species and the antioxidant defenses. In essence, oxidative stress has been defined as a disturbance in the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance, leading to potential damage. It has been suggested that oxidative stress is involved in the etiology of several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative processes. The antioxidant defenses include nonenzymatic (especially dietary antioxidants) and antioxidant enzymes. Vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (polyphenols and carotenoids) are among the major dietary antioxidants. The assessment of oxidative stress status though specific biomarkers has acquired great importance. The major biomarkers include the products of the attack of free radicals and reactive species to various substrates: lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Measurement of antioxidant capacity may also involve the assessment of specific oxidative stress biomarkers. Most of the studies that have examined the association between diet and oxidative stress consider the effects of antioxidant supplements (vitamins and minerals), drinks and foods with bioactive compounds or dietary patterns on oxidative stress biomarkers. Some of these studies have demonstrated beneficial results on oxidative stress markers. However, the role of diet on oxidative stress biomarkers remains unclear and represents a potentially fruitful area for further research in the health area.