Ozone and peroxone disinfection of Toxocara canis eggs in water.

Water pollution in developing countries continues to be a major health problem due to various anthropological activities that contribute to the spread of many parasitic diseases, including those caused by helminths. The aim of this study is to explore the ability of ozone and peroxone to disinfect drinking water contaminated samples with Toxocara canis eggs. The oxidants used were ozone and ozone-hydrogen peroxide combination. The treatment of Toxocara canis eggs was carried out in a 50 ml reactor with an operating volume of 10 ml. The pH conditions (5, 7 and 10) were varied for each treatment. The treatment effect was calculated by counting eggs and examining the condition of the larvae larval condition (whole, broken and hatched larvae) using an optical microscope. The experiment was carried out by exposing the eggs for 60 and 120 minutes to ozone and peroxone. The best results were obtained for helminths treated with the ozone/hydrogen peroxide combination at pH 10, with an inactivation of 79.2%. The synergistic effect of ozone combined with hydrogen peroxide allows higher helminth egg inactivation rates, demonstrating that advanced oxidation processes are a real alternative to apply in the inactivation of Toxocara canis eggs. The results obtained in this study show that the ozone and peroxone treatment could be a useful disinfection process to destroy or inactivate Toxocara canis eggs in processes commonly applied in water treatment.

Swine as reservoirs of zoonotic borderline oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398.

Methicillin resistance mediated by the mecA gene in Staphylococcus aureus, also known as "true MRSA", is typically associated with high oxacillin MIC values (≥8 mg/L). Because non-mecA-mediated oxacillin resistant S. aureus phenotypes can also cause hard-to-treat diseases in humans, their misidentification as methicillin-susceptible S. aureus strains (MSSA) can compromise the efficiency of the antimicrobial therapy. These strains have been refereed as Borderline Oxacillin-Resistant S. aureus (BORSA) but their characterization and role in clinical microbiology have been neglected. Considering the increasing importance of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus ST398 (LA-MRSA) as an emerging zoonotic pathogen worldwide, this study aimed to report the genomic context of oxacillin resistance in porcine S. aureus ST398 strains. S. aureus isolates were recovered from asymptomatic pigs from three herds. Oxacillin MIC values ranged from 4 to 32 mg/L. MALDI-TOF-confirmed isolates were screened for mecA and mecC by PCR and genotyped by means of PFGE and Rep-PCR. Seven isolates were whole genome sequenced. None of the isolates harbored the mecA gene or its variants. Although all seven sequenced isolates belonged to one sequence type (ST398), two different spa types (t571 and t1471) were identified. All isolates harbored conserved blaZ gene operon and no mutations on genes encoding for penicillin-binding-proteins were detected. Genes conferring resistance against other drugs such as aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, macrolide, lincosamide and streptogramin (MLS), tetracycline and trimethoprim were also detected. Isolates also harbored virulence genes encoding for adhesins (icaA; icaB; icaC; icaD; icaR), toxins (hlgA; hlgB; hlgC; luk-PV) and protease (aur). Pigs can serve as reservoirs of non-mecA-mediated oxacillin-resistant ST398 strains potentially pathogenic to humans. Considering that mecA has been the main target to screen methicillin-resistant staphylococci, the occurrence of BORSA phenotypes is probably underestimated in livestock.

Epidemiological behavior and current forecast of syphilis in Mexico: increase in male population.

OBJECTIVES: Even when new cases of syphilis are notifiable since 1944, the Mexican National Epidemiological Surveillance System lacks information on the changes of the rate of case reports considering the geographic and demographic variables. Therefore, it is necessary to have evidence, with particular attention to the study of the epidemiological behavior by the identification of risk factors and groups. The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiology, geographical distribution, and forecast of syphilis in Mexico. STUDY DESIGN: The design of the study was a secondary research of epidemiological databases. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the national surveillance data (2007-2017) of acquired and congenital syphilis (CS) issued by the General Directorate of Epidemiology was performed. RESULTS: Of all cases, 34,998 and 1030 cases were reported for acquired syphilis (AS) and CS , respectively, reflecting an increasing trend in the whole country for both diseases. Cases and incidence of AS per year showed that, male gender presented an increase in reproductive age. Distribution of the rate of case reports is mostly commanded by the states in the extreme north (Gulf of California and northern Gulf of Mexico) and south (Gulf of southern Mexico and the Caribbean Sea). Likewise, the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model was selected as the best-fit model for the forecast analysis. This model was used to forecast AS cases during 2018-2019. AS may have a slight fluctuation (on the rise) during the following 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the importance of intensifying, as well as expanding screening and treatment in adult population, including men, who are not routinely benefiting from maternal and reproductive service-based syphilis screening and treatment.

[Intraarticular lesions associated with tibial fixation during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction]. / Lesiones intraarticulares asociadas a la fijación tibial en la reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a demanding procedure; complications may arise at any of its stages. This is the report of three cases in which the tibial fixation devices (IntraFix and Bio-IntraFix) led to intraarticular lesions. The complications were detected in one of the cases while the patient was still in the operating room and in the remaining two during the follow-up. All the patients had a stable knee, but all of them sustained chondral lesions resulting from the inadequate placement of the implants used for tibial fixation. Several suggestions to avoid the complications stemming from these devices are provided.

La reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior es un procedimiento exigente; las complicaciones pueden presentarse en cualquiera de sus etapas. Presentamos tres casos en los cuales los dispositivos para la fijación tibial (IntraFix y Bio-IntraFix) condicionaron lesiones intraarticulares. Las complicaciones fueron detectadas, en uno de los casos, mientras el paciente se encontraba aún en la sala de operaciones, y en los otros dos, durante el seguimiento. Todos los pacientes contaban con una rodilla estable, pero tuvieron lesiones condrales causadas por la inadecuada colocación de los implantes para la fijación tibial. Se exponen algunas sugerencias para evitar complicaciones con estos dispositivos.

Lesiones intraarticulares asociadas a la fijación tibial en la reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior / Intraarticular lesions associated to a tibial fixation device in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Resumen: La reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior es un procedimiento exigente; las complicaciones pueden presentarse en cualquiera de sus etapas. Presentamos tres casos en los cuales los dispositivos para la fijación tibial (IntraFix y Bio-IntraFix) condicionaron lesiones intraarticulares. Las complicaciones fueron detectadas, en uno de los casos, mientras el paciente se encontraba aún en la sala de operaciones, y en los otros dos, durante el seguimiento. Todos los pacientes contaban con una rodilla estable, pero tuvieron lesiones condrales causadas por la inadecuada colocación de los implantes para la fijación tibial. Se exponen algunas sugerencias para evitar complicaciones con estos dispositivos.

Abstract: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a demanding procedure; complications may arise at any of its stages. This is the report of three cases in which the tibial fixation devices (IntraFix and Bio-IntraFix) led to intraarticular lesions. The complications were detected in one of the cases while the patient was still in the operating room and in the remaining two during the follow-up. All the patients had a stable knee, but all of them sustained chondral lesions resulting from the inadequate placement of the implants used for tibial fixation. Several suggestions to avoid the complications stemming from these devices are provided.

Colitis ulcerativa grave en paciente con infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana: reporte de caso / A Case Report of Severe Ulcerative Colitis in an HIV Patient

Se presenta el caso de un paciente con colitis ulcerativa (CU) grave de nueva aparición y diagnóstico simultáneo de infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). Dos enfermedades inmunológica y fisiopatológicamente opuestas, que raramente se asocian. Incluso se plantea que en la infección por VIH, la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) puede ser menos agresiva. El diagnóstico se convierte en un reto, dado el espectro de enfermedades que pueden afectar el colón en el contexto de infección por VIH. Asimismo, el tratamiento es controversial teniendo en cuenta que el uso de inmunomoduladores o biológicos bloquean otro componente del sistema inmune que podría potenciar el estado de inmunosupresión en este grupo de pacientes. La historia natural, el tratamiento y el pronóstico, continúan siendo un desafío para la evidencia actual.

We present the case of a patient with severe de novo ulcerative colitis (CU) and a simultaneous diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. These two immunologically and pathophysiologically opposing diseases are rarely found in association, and it has even been suggested that inflammatory bowel disease (IAS) may be less aggressive in HIV infections. The diagnosis is challenging, given the spectrum of diseases that can affect the colon in the context of an HIV infection. Treatment is similarly controversial considering that the use of immunomodulators or biological block another component of the immune system that could enhance the state of immunosuppression in this group of patients. Natural history, treatment and prognosis remain a challenge for currently available evidence

Degradation of paracetamol by advance oxidation processes using modified reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes with TiO(2) and CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3).

The degradation of paracetamol in aqueous solutions in the presence of hydrogen peroxide was carried out by photochemistry, electrolysis and photoelectrolysis using modified 100 pores per inch reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes. The electrodes were coated with catalysts such as TiO(2) and CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3) by electrophoresis followed by heat treatment. The results of the electrolysis with bare reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes show that 90% paracetamol degradation occurs in 4 h at 1.3 V vs. SCE, forming intermediates such as benzoquinone and carboxylic acids followed by their complete mineralisation. When the electrolysis was carried out with the modified electrodes such as TiO(2)/RVC, 90% degradation was achieved in 2 h while with CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3)/RVC, 98% degradation took only 1 h. The degradation was also carried out in the presence of UV reaching 95% degradation with TiO(2)/RVC/UV and 99% with CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3)/RVC/UV in 1 h. The reactions were followed by spectroscopy UV-Vis, HPLC and total organic carbon analysis. These studies show that the degradation of paracetamol follows a pseudo-first order reaction kinetics.

Reticulated platelets and thrombopoietin in schistosomiasis patients.

Schistosomiasis mansoni is a non-cirrhotic liver disease. In cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension, a decreased number of reticulated platelets associated with increased thrombopoietin serum levels were reported. We previously reported a 120/nl platelet cutoff level as a marker of clinically significant portal hypertension in schistosomiasis patients. To evaluate reticulated platelet counts and thrombopoietin serum levels (TPO) in schistosomiasis patients and correlate them with portal hypertension markers. Thirty-three schistosomiasis patients without co-morbidities were endoscopically classified as those with (n = 19) or without (n = 14) clinically significant portal hypertension. Flow cytometric determination of reticulated platelets was performed using CD41 antibody and thiazol orange. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed according to the Niamey protocol. TPO and hyaluronic acid serum levels were determined in duplicate using ELISA methods. The platelet number of 120/nl discriminates the two groups with 100% accuracy and 100% positive and negative predictive values, and correlates with spleen length and portal and splenic vein diameters. Differences in reticulated platelets and hyaluronic acid serum levels between both groups were significant (P = 0.025 and 0.012, respectively), but thrombopoietin serum levels were not (P = 0.769). Schistosomiasis patients with portal hypertension have increased reticulated platelets associated with normal TPO serum levels.

Leaf Stripe and Stem Rot Caused by Burkholderia gladioli, a New Disease of Maize in México.

A new maize disease appeared in the State of Veracruz, Mexico during 2003-2004. Initial symptoms in the leaves were small, white-yellow, watery spots, which coalesced into dry necrotic stripes that were 0.3 wide and 8 cm long. Reddening sometimes developed on these leaves. Stems developed a rot in the crown. The flag leaf showed a rot and necrosis at the base, rolled inward, and dried out. Necrosis developed at the base of the corn ears and their growth was halted. A bacterium characterized by white colonies was consistently isolated from lesions on casamino acid peptone and glucose (CPG), King's medium B, and nutrient agar media. Ten isolates were chosen for further characterization. Pathogenicity was confirmed in the greenhouse (25 to 30°C) on 45-day-old ASGROW 7573 maize plants by injection of bacterial suspensions (107 CFU/ml) at the base of the stem. Control maize seedlings were injected with phosphate buffer. Symptoms similar to those observed in the field were observed after 3 days on all inoculated plants but were not observed on control plants. Koch's postulates were fulfilled with reisolation of the inoculated strain from the inoculated tissues and confirmation was fulfilled by phenotypic characters and 16S rDNA sequences. The white colonies on CPG were slightly convex, shiny, circular with entire margins, gram negative, lacked arginine dihydrolase, did not produce fluorescent pigment on Pseudomonas F medium, and grew aerobically. The strains were able to utilize l-arabinose, d-mannitol, and cellobiose, but unable to utilize d-maltose and l-rhamnose. Gel hydrolysis was positive but starch hydrolysis was not positive. Colonies grew at 40°C. These characteristics are the same as those described previously for Burkholderia gladioli (3). The identity of these isolates was confirmed by 16S analysis with two universal primers, FD1 and RD1, for Eubacteria (2), which generate a 1,600-bp fragment. Two primers specific for the genus Burhkolderia, RHG-F and RHG-R that generate a 500-bp fragment (1) were also used for amplification. Comparison of sequences using Clustal W and Megaline, DNAstar software showed 100% similarity among strains isolated from the three counties (GenBank Accession Nos. EU161873 to EU161878) and 99% similarity of field isolates with B. gladioli in the GenBank database. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. gladioli causing leaf stripe and stem rot of maize in Mexico. References: (1) J. J. Lipuma et al. J. Clin. Microbiol. 37:3167, 1999. (2) L. M. Rodrigues et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 69:4249, 2003. 3) N. W. Shaad et al., eds. 3rd ed. Laboratory Guide for Identification of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 2001.

Localization of Entamoeba histolytica amebopore in amebic liver abscesses in hamsters.

Amebopore was purified from axenically grown trophozoites of the Entamoeba histolytica strain HM1:IMSS. The purification procedure involved Mono Q anion-exchange chromatography and electroelution. Sequence analysis of the final product revealed that amebopore A was completely pure. Polyclonal antibodies against the purified amebopore were obtained from rabbits, and Western blot studies demonstrated their specificity. Sections of experimental, acute (1, 2, 3, and 4 days), amebic liver abscesses produced in hamsters were stained with the anti-amebopore antibody; in all the analyzed stages, amebopore appeared as a constitutively expressed cytoplasmic molecule in trophozoites. No extracellular or hepatocyte-membrane amebopore was found. This study is the first to trace amebopore in an in vivo model of amebic liver abscesses.

A germination bioassay as a toxicological screening system for studying the effects of potential prodrugs of naproxen.

A germination bioassay with radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seeds was developed as a toxicological screening system for assessing the effects of new potential prodrugs of naproxen, as an alternative to animals and animal cell toxicity screens. Both enantiomers of naproxen (6-methoxy-α-methyl-2-naphthaleneacetic acid) and naproxol (6-methoxy-ß-2-naphthaleneethanol), and their racemic mixtures, inhibited the radicle growth of R. sativus at a concentration of 1mM, while only (R)-(+ )-naproxol and racemic naproxol inhibited the hypocotyl growth of R. sativus at the same concentration. Four novel combinatorial esters, naproxen naproxyl esters (6-methoxy-ß-methyl-2-naphthaleneethyl 6-methoxy-α-methyl-2-naphthaleneacetate), resulting from the combinatorial chemistry of the esterification reaction between naproxen and naproxol, were synthesised and then tested in the germination bioassay, at a concentration of 0.5mM. It was found that they did not inhibit either the radicle or the hypocotyl growth of R. sativus.

Apendicitis aguda: un caso en el canal inguinal derecho / Acute appendicitis in the right inguinal tract

Presentamos el caso poco frecuente de una paciente de 70 años, del sexo femenino, la cual presento un cuadro de apendicitis aguda, con la variante de que el apendice se hallaba en el canal inguinal derecho. Esta rara localizacion del apendice cecal dificulto considerablemente el diagnostico, hasta el punto de que la paciente solo fue llevada al quirofano al 5o. dia de hospitalizacion. Esta variante de la anatomia topográfica del apendice, nos llamo la atencion y consideramos de utilidad compartir la experiencia con el resto de los cirujanos, sobre todo con los colegas jovenes y con aquellos que trabajan en provincias y areas apartadas.

[Effect of a dehydrated extract of nopal (Opuntia ficus indica Mill.) on blood glucose]. / Influencia de un extracto deshidratado de nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica mill.) en la glucemia.

To assess if a dehydrated extract of nopal stems retains the effect on glycemia of the entire nopal stems two experiments were performed. A. Six patients with type II diabetes mellitus in fasting condition received 30 capsules containing 10.1 +/- 0.3 g of the extract, and serum glucose levels were measured hourly from 0 to 180 minutes. B. Six healthy volunteers received 30 capsules with the extract followed by 74 g of dextrose orally. Serum glucose measurements were made in a similar fashion. In each experiment a control test with empty capsules was performed. Nopal extract did not reduce fasting glycemia in diabetic subjects. Nevertheless, the extract diminished the increase of serum glucose which followed a dextrose load. Peak serum glucose was 20.3 +/- 18.2 mg/dl (X +/- SD) lower in the test with nopal than in the control one (P less than 0.025). Dehydrated extract of nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) did not show acute hypoglycemic effect, although could attenuate postprandial hyperglycemia.

The relationship between hostility, smoking, and alcohol consumption in Mexican Americans.

We examined the effect of hostility on smoking and alcohol consumption using data from a three-generation study of Mexican Americans. The irritability subscale of the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory was used as the measure of hostility. Moderate associations were found between alcohol consumption and irritability scores among middle- and younger-generation females, with generally weaker or nonsignificant associations found in males. Smoking was moderately associated with irritability in middle- and younger-generation females and in younger-generation males. Differences in results by generation and gender are discussed as well as implications for future research.

Acculturation and alcohol consumption among Mexican Americans: a three-generation study.

Data from a three-generation study of Mexican Americans conducted in the San Antonio, Texas area are utilized to examine the influence of acculturation into the larger society on alcohol consumption. Acculturation was not related to alcohol consumption in the older generation. In the middle generation, it was related to lower alcohol consumption among men, as well as among women. In the younger generation, acculturation was related to more drinking among women, but not among men. Within-family analysis showed that the alcohol consumption of members of the younger generation was associated with the consumption of their parents, particularly in the case of younger women.

Depressive symptoms among Mexican Americans: a three-generation study.

The distribution of depressive symptoms and rates of high depressive symptomatology are examined with data from a three-generation study of 1,074 Mexican Americans conducted in San Antonio, Texas, during 1981 and 1982. The purpose of this analysis is to contribute to the available data on the mental health status of Mexican Americans as well as to compare the effects of several relevant sociodemographic factors on prevalence of depressive symptoms as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale in different generations. In general, previous findings with respect to the associations between sociodemographic variables and depressive symptoms are replicated, although this sample of Mexican Americans experiences comparatively low levels of depressive symptoms, particularly among males. However, the results indicate that interaction effects may exist between generations and other relevant variables typically found to be related to distribution of depressive symptoms in the general population.