Detection of 16SrIV-A phytoplasma DNA in Colpoptera sp. (Hemiptera: Nogodinidae) insects in Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Lethal yellowing (LY) is a disease that affects coconut and other palm species. It is associated to phytoplasmas of the group 16SrIV and the only reported insect vector for this pathogen so far is Haplaxius crudus. H. crudus is present in Mexico and has been associated to 16SrIV phytoplasmas, however, it was not detectable during a LY outbreak in the coast of Yucatan, Mexico, suggesting the existence of other vector species. To test this hypothesis a survey of insects was carried out and a total of 3074 insects were captured during a year of monthly sampling. Ten taxonomic orders were identified in this sample, Hemiptera being the most abundant (N=2094), and these were classified into nine families. The leafhopper Colpoptera sp. from to the Nogodinidae family was de most abundant representing 56% of the total number of insects sampled and 23% of these samples resulted positive for LY phytoplasma by PCR detection. The BLAST comparison, virtual RFLP and phylogenetic analyses of the sequenced amplicons relate the detected phytoplasma to the subgroup 16SrIV-A. The findings presented herein suggest that Colpoptera sp. could be considered as a new putative vector of the LY-causing phytoplasmas in Mexico and a candidate for further research.

Indicaciones inhabituales de trasplante hepático. resultados / Unusual indications for liver transplantation. results

Resumen Introducción: El trasplante hepático (TH), es una terapia establecida en el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades del hígado agudas y crónicas terminales y del carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC). Las principales indicaciones en nuestro medio son la cirrosis de diferentes etiologías, el CHC, la atresia de vías biliares en niños y la falla hepática fulminante (FHF). Menos del 10% corresponden a indicaciones inhabituales, que incluyen pacientes con una miscelánea de enfermedades entre las cuales están la enfermedad poliquística hepática (EPH), enfermedades metabólicas (Niemann-Pick, otras), el síndrome hepato/portopulmonar, metástasis de diferentes tumores, etc. Objetivo: Describir y evaluar los resultados obtenidos con el trasplante hepático en estas indicaciones. Materiales y Método: Estudio de cohorte no concurrente que incluyó los TH por indicaciones inhabituales realizados entre marzo de 1997 y diciembre de 2016. De 295 TH realizados, 34 (11,5%) fueron por estas indicaciones. Resultados: Las causas más frecuentes fueron el síndrome porto/hepatopulmonar en 11 (40,7%) pacientes y la EPH en 9 (26,5%). Las enfermedades metabólicas representaron la tercera indicación, con 5 (14,7%) casos. Siete (20,6%) pacientes eran menores de 18 años. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron biliares y la trombosis de arteria hepática en 6 (17,6%) y 4 (11,8%) casos respectivamente; estos últimos eran portadores de una EPH masiva. Cuatro (12,5%) pacientes requirieron retrasplante. La mortalidad a 90 días fue de 2 (5,9%) enfermos. Conclusión: El TH es una opción factible en este grupo de pacientes con resultados similares a los obtenidos en las indicaciones clásicas.

Introduction: Liver transplantation (LT) is an established therapy in the treatment of several acute and chronic end-stage liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The main indications worldwide are cirrhosis of different etiologies, HCC, biliary atresia in children, and fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Less than 10% concerns unusual indications which include patients with miscellaneous diseases among which are hepatic polycystic disease (HPD), metabolic diseases (Niemann-Pick, others), portal/hepatopulmonary syndrome, metastasis of different tumors, among others. Aim: The objective of the study is to describe and asses the results obtained with liver transplantation in these indications. Materials and Method: We performed a non-concurrent cohort study that included all LT due to unusual indications between March 1997 and December 2016 in a university medical center. Of 295 TH performed, 34 (11.75%) were due to these indications. Results: The most frequent causes were the portal/hepatopulmonary syndrome in 11 (40.7%) patients and HPD in 9 (26.5%). Metabolic diseases accounted for the third indication in 5 (14.7%) cases. Seven (20.6%) patients were less than 18 years old. The most frequent complications were biliary and hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) in 6 (17.6%) and 4 (11.8%) cases, respectively. Patients complicated by a HAT suffered a massive EPH. Four (12.5%), required retransplantation. Mortality at 90 days was 2 (5.9%). Conclusión: LT is a feasible option in this group of patients with results similar to those obtained in classic indications of LT.

Type 2 diabetes progression: A regulatory network approach.

In order to elucidate central elements underlying type 2 diabetes, we constructed a regulatory network model involving 37 components (molecules, receptors, processes, etc.) associated to signaling pathways of pancreatic beta-cells. In a first approximation, the network topology was described by Boolean rules whose interacting dynamics predicted stationary patterns broadly classified as health, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes stages. A subsequent approximation based on a continuous logic analysis allowed us to characterize the progression of the disease as transitions between these states associated to alterations of cell homeostasis due to exhaustion or exacerbation of specific regulatory signals. The method allowed the identification of key transcription factors involved in metabolic stress as essential for the progression of the disease. Integration of the present analysis with existent mathematical models designed to yield accurate account of experimental data in human or animal essays leads to reliable predictions for beta-cell mass, insulinemia, glycemia, and glycosylated hemoglobin in diabetic fatty rats.

Nanoparticulated Systems Based on Natural Polymers Loaded with Miconazole Nitrate and Lidocaine for the Treatment of Topical Candidiasis.

People with weakened immune systems are at risk of developing candidiasis which is a fungal infection caused by several species of Candida genus. In this work, polymeric nanoparticles containing miconazole nitrate and the anesthetic lidocaine clorhydrate were developed. Miconazole was chosen as a typical drug to treat buccopharyngeal candidiasis whereas lidocaine may be useful in the management of the pain burning, and pruritus caused by the infection. Nanoparticles were synthesized using chitosan and gelatin at different ratios ranging from 10:90 to 90:10. The nano-systems presented nanometric size (between 80 and 300 nm in water; with polydispersion index ranging from 0.120 to 0.596), and positive Z potential (between 20.11 and 37.12 mV). The determined encapsulation efficiency ranges from 65 to 99% or 34 to 91% for miconazole nitrate and lidocaine clorhydrate, respectively. X-ray diffraction and DSC analysis suggested that both drugs were in amorphous state in the nanoparticles. Finally, the systems fitted best the Korsmeyer-Peppas model showing that the release from the nanoparticles was through diffusion allowing a sustained release of both drugs and prolonged the activity of miconazole nitrate over time against Candida albicans for at least 24 h.

Recomendaciones para manejo de pacientes con enfermedad hepática crónica y trasplantados hepáticos durante pandemia por COVID-19 / Recommendations for the management of patients with chronic liver disease and liver transplanted recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic

The SARS-CoV-2 virus and the associated disease COVID-19 has quickly become a pandemic. People with underlying chronic diseases or in an immunosupressed state are at risk of having a worse outcome. Cirrhotic patients and liver transplant recipients are considered to be in this higher risk group due to their immunosuppressed state. The aim of this article is to present recommendations based on expert opinion regarding the management of patients with compensated and decompensated liver pathologies who take medication for their immunosuppressed state in medical check-ups and basic treatment management both of patients with and without the COVID-19 disease.

El virus SARS-CoV-2 asociado a la enfermedad COVID-19, se han instalado a nivel de pandemia mundial. Las personas portadoras de enfermedades crónicas o estados de inmunosupresión se encuentran en riesgo de desarrollar un curso más grave. Se considera que los pacientes con cirrosis hepática, patología autoinmune o trasplante hepático se encontrarían dentro de este grupo de mayor riesgo por su estado de inmunosupresión. Presentamos recomendaciones de manejo basadas en opinión de experto, en pacientes con patología hepática compensada y descompensada e inmunosuprimidos farmacológicos, en relación a controles médicos y manejo de terapia de base tanto en pacientes sin COVID-19 como en pacientes infectados.

Lesiones destructivas de la línea media facial secundarias al consumo de cocaína: caso clínico / Cocaine induced midline destructive lesions: report of one case

Vasculitic midline destructive lesions can be a complication of cocaine use. We report a 44-year-old man who presented with a two months history of left facial pain associated with ipsilateral facial paralysis and a cheek phlegmon. Magnetic resonance imaging showed broad soft tissue destruction linked to important cranial nerve involvement. Antibiotic and antifungal therapy was started and multiple surgical debridement procedures were performed, with no clinical improvement. Microbiological analysis was negative. Finally, thanks to the histologic findings corresponding to vasculitis and granuloma formation and the history of cocaine abuse, a cocaine induced midline destructive lesion was diagnosed.

Beetle (Ulomoides dermestoides) fat improves diabetes: effect on liver and pancreatic architecture and on PPARγ expression.

Ulomoides dermestoides is a beetle traditionally consumed to treat diabetes. In this study, we performed a composition analysis of U. dermestoides to obtain the principal fractions, which were used to assess the effect on glycemia, liver and pancreatic architecture, and PPARγ and GLUT4 expression. Normal mice and alloxan-induced diabetic mice were administered fractions of chitin, protein or fat, and the acute hypoglycemic effect was evaluated. A subacute study involving daily administration of these fractions to diabetic mice was also performed over 30 days, after which the liver and pancreas were processed by conventional histological techniques and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to evaluate morphological changes. The most active fraction, the fat fraction, was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and PPARγ and GLUT4 mRNA expressions were determined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The protein and fat fractions exhibited hypoglycemic effects in the acute as well as in the 30-day study. Only the fat fraction led to elevated insulin levels and reduced glycemia, as well as lower intake of water and food. In the liver, we observed recovery of close hepatic cords in the central lobule vein following treatment with the fat fraction, while in the pancreas there was an increased density and percentage of islets and number of cells per islet, suggesting cellular regeneration. The GC-MS analysis of fat revealed three fatty acids as the major components. Finally, increased expression of PPARγ and GLUT4 was observed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, indicating an antidiabetic effect.

[Cocaine induced midline destructive lesions. Report of one case]. / Lesiones destructivas de la línea media facial secundarias al consumo de cocaína. Caso clínico.

Vasculitic midline destructive lesions can be a complication of cocaine use. We report a 44-year-old man who presented with a two months history of left facial pain associated with ipsilateral facial paralysis and a cheek phlegmon. Magnetic resonance imaging showed broad soft tissue destruction linked to important cranial nerve involvement. Antibiotic and antifungal therapy was started and multiple surgical debridement procedures were performed, with no clinical improvement. Microbiological analysis was negative. Finally, thanks to the histologic findings corresponding to vasculitis and granuloma formation and the history of cocaine abuse, a cocaine induced midline destructive lesion was diagnosed.

Enteritis lúpica como manifestación inicial de lupus eritematoso sistémico: caso clínico / Lupus enteritis as initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus: report of one case

Although gastrointestinal symptoms are not rare in Systemic lupus erythematosus, enteritis is an atypical manifestation of the disease. We report a 54 year-old woman who presented acute symptoms of diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain, receiving empiric antibiotic therapy for bacterial enteritis with no response. Computed tomography showed diffuse small intestine inflammation and serositis. Antinuclear antibodies, anti-Ro and anti-La were positive on blood tests. A lupic enteropathy was diagnosed and steroid treatment was initiated, with subsequent clinical improvement.

Development and Evaluation of Buccal Films Based on Chitosan for the Potential Treatment of Oral Candidiasis.

In this work, chitosan films were prepared by a casting/solvent evaporation methodology using pectin or hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose to form polymeric matrices. Miconazole nitrate, as a model drug, was loaded into such formulations. These polymeric films were characterized in terms of mechanical properties, adhesiveness, and swelling as well as drug release. Besides, the morphology of raw materials and films was investigated by scanning electron microscopy; interactions between polymers were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy and drug crystallinity studied by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. In addition, antifungal activity against cultures of the five most important fungal opportunistic pathogens belonging to Candida genus was investigated. Chitosan:hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose films were found to be the most appropriate formulations in terms of folding endurance, mechanical properties, and adhesiveness. Also, an improvement in the dissolution rate of miconazole nitrate from the films up to 90% compared to the non-loaded drug was observed. The in vitro antifungal activity showed a significant activity of the model drug when it is loaded into chitosan films. These findings suggest that chitosan-based films are a promising approach to deliver miconazole nitrate for the treatment of candidiasis.

[Lupus enteritis as initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Report of one case]. / Enteritis lúpica como manifestación inicial de lupus eritematoso sistémico. Caso clínico.

Although gastrointestinal symptoms are not rare in Systemic lupus erythematosus, enteritis is an atypical manifestation of the disease. We report a 54 year-old woman who presented acute symptoms of diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain, receiving empiric antibiotic therapy for bacterial enteritis with no response. Computed tomography showed diffuse small intestine inflammation and serositis. Antinuclear antibodies, anti-Ro and anti-La were positive on blood tests. A lupic enteropathy was diagnosed and steroid treatment was initiated, with subsequent clinical improvement.

Análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de las ecografías del segundo y tercer trimestres en mujeres gestantes mexicanas / Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the ultrasound of the second and third trimester in Mexican pregnant women

Resumen OBJETIVO: cuantificar el número de ecografías durante la gestación y evaluar la calidad de los estudios del segundo y tercer trimestres en pacientes de bajo riesgo del área metropolitana de la Ciudad de México. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: estudio prospectivo, observacional y descriptivo de mujeres con control prenatal fuera de nuestra unidad que acudieron a la Clínica Perinatal de Embarazo de Alto riesgo, Hospital de la Mujer de la Ciudad de México, para la finalización del embarazo. Cuantificación de las ecografías tomadas durante la gestación, identificación del profesional encargado del estudio y evaluación de la calidad de los estudios del segundo y tercer trimestres mediante una lista de cotejo basada en guías internacionales; obtención del porcentaje de apego a las mismas. RESULTADOS: se estudiaron 199 pacientes a quienes se tomaron, en promedio, 3.7 ecografías; al 80% tres o más ultrasonidos. El análisis de las ecografías del segundo trimestre arrojó un promedio de 13.8 parámetros evaluados, con 43% de apego a las normas. En las ecografías del tercer trimestre, el promedio de parámetros evaluados fue de 10 con un porcentaje de apego de 66.7%. Los médicos ultrasonografistas fueron quienes realizaron el mayor número de estudios en ambos trimestres. CONCLUSIONES: la ecografía es un recurso accesible a la población del área metropolitana; sin embargo, debe insistirse en la calidad de los estudios.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To quantify the number of ultrasound scans during pregnancy and evaluate the quality of ultrasound in the second and third trimester of gestation in the low risk obstetric population in the metropolitan area. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we conducted a prospective, observational and descriptive study in 199 women that arrived to the hospital for delivery without prenatal care in our unit, quantified the number of ultrasound scans performed during pregnancy, and evaluate the quality of the second and third trimester echographies with a check list based on international guidelines. The percentage of adherence was obtained and analyzed by the professional in health responsible of the study. RESULTS: The average scan per patient was 3.37, 80% had three or more. Analysis of ultrasound for the second trimester showed an average of 13.8 parameters evaluated with 43% of adherence to standards; in the ultrasounds of the third trimester, the evaluated parameters averaged 10 with a percentage of attachment of 66.7%. The largest number of studies was performed by sonographists. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound is a tool accessible to the population of the metropolitan area; however, it should be emphasized in the quality of studies.

Study of depressive symptoms according to Zung's self-rating scale on men deprived of freedom in a city of Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess depressive symptoms in men deprived from freedom in a prison in a Colombian intermediate city. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross sectional study was performed on a sample of three hundred and three patients in the Medium Security penitentiary and Prison Facility of the city of Manizales between April and May 2014. The information was collected through the Zung self-rating depression scale (SDS), subsequently there were established the positive results for depression screening according to the final score of the scale. RESULTS: 303 men deprived from freedom were evaluated, mean age of 32.96 years +/- 10.8 years, 43.5% were living in cohabitation, 38% were single and 10.2% married; 33.7% had a primary education, 58% had secondary or incomplete secondary education, 5.6% reported higher studies; 38.6% (95% CI: 35.8; 41.4) reported symptoms of depression, predominating in ages between 18 to 44 years, no statistically significant differences p> 0.05 between the variables analyzed were found. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study give rise to clinical evaluation, by specialized staff in the area of psychiatry and his intervention, given the characteristics of self-reported depression for this population.

Supplementation with antioxidant-rich extra virgin olive oil prevents hepatic oxidative stress and reduction of desaturation capacity in mice fed a high-fat diet: Effects on fatty acid composition in liver and extrahepatic tissues.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of dietary supplementation with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in mice on the reduction of desaturase and antioxidant enzymatic activities in liver, concomitantly with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) profiles in liver and extrahepatic tissues induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). METHODS: Male mice C57 BL/6 J were fed with a control diet (CD; 10% fat, 20% protein, 70% carbohydrates) or an HFD (60% fat, 20% protein, 20% carbohydrates) for 12 wk. Animals were supplemented with 100 mg/d EVOO with different antioxidant contents (EVOO I, II, and III). RESULTS: After the intervention, blood and several tissues were analyzed. Dietary supplementation with EVOO with the highest antioxidant content and antioxidant capacity (EVOO III) significantly reduced fat accumulation in liver and the plasmatic metabolic alterations caused by HFD and produced a normalization of oxidative stress-related parameters, desaturase activities, and LCPUFA content in tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that dietary supplementation with EVOO III may prevent oxidative stress and reduction of biosynthesis and accretion of ω-3 LCPUFA in the liver of HFD-fed mice.

On the performance of ruthenium dyes in dye sensitized solar cells: a free cluster approach based on theoretical indexes.

The performance of ruthenium dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) with different types of ligand was studied by means of a theoretical model where the ruthenium complex is bound to two [Ti(OH)3](+) units, instead of the more usual cluster TiO2 model. Electron injection is proposed to proceed from a thermalized (3)MLCT state rather than from higher vibrational excited states. The efficiency of the dye linked to the two [Ti(OH)3](+) units was determined in terms of a global index (ξ), calculated as the product of three theoretical indexes (FI) built from the results of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The index considers the harvested and delivered energy (F1), the charge transferred to the semiconductor (F2), and dye regeneration (F3). The results show that this set of parameters is unique for each dye, and allows the comparative evaluation of the performance of a series of dyes, with a different ancillary ligand at each stage of the cell operation. The method provides insights that can help explain the improved performance of N3 and black dyes compared to other dyes.