Quantification of Photoreceptors' Changes in a Diabetic Retinopathy Model with Two-Photon Imaging Microscopy.

Emerging evidence suggests that retinal neurodegeneration is an early event in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR), preceding the development of microvascular abnormalities. Here, we assessed the impact of neuroinflammation on the retina of diabetic-induced rats. For this aim we have used a two-photon microscope to image the photoreceptors (PRs) at different eccentricities in unstained retinas obtained from both control (N = 4) and pathological rats (N = 4). This technique provides high-resolution images where individual PRs can be identified. Within each image, every PR was located, and its transversal area was measured and used as an objective parameter of neuroinflammation. In control samples, the size of the PRs hardly changed with retinal eccentricity. On the opposite end, diabetic retinas presented larger PR transversal sections. The ratio of PRs suffering from neuroinflammation was not uniform across the retina. Moreover, the maximum anatomical resolving power (in cycles/deg) was also calculated. This presents a double-slope pattern (from the central retina towards the periphery) in both types of specimens, although the values for diabetic retinas were significantly lower across all retinal locations. The results show that chronic retinal inflammation due to diabetes leads to an increase in PR transversal size. These changes are not uniform and depend on the retinal location. Two-photon microscopy is a useful tool to accurately characterize and quantify PR inflammatory processes and retinal alterations.

Surgical correction of cubitus varus in children with a lateral closing-wedge osteotomy: a comparison between two different techniques.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the present study is to compare the radiographic outcomes and complications of two different techniques for lateral closing-wedge osteotomy in pediatric patients with cubitus varus. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients treated at five tertiary care institutions: 17 underwent the Kirschner-wire (KW) technique, and 15 patients were treated with the mini external fixator (MEF) technique. Demographic data, previous treatment, pre- and postoperative carrying angle (CA), complications and additional procedures were recorded. Radiographic evaluation included assessment of the humerus-elbow-wrist angle (HEW), and the lateral prominence index (LPI). RESULTS: Patients treated with both KW and MEF achieved significant improvements in clinical alignment (mean pre-op CA -16 ± 6.1 degrees to mean post-op 8.9 ± 5.3 degrees, P < 0.001). There were no differences in final radiographic alignment or radiographic union time; however, time to achieve full elbow motion was faster in the MEF group (13.6 versus 34.3 weeks, P = 0.4547). Two patients (11.8%) in the KW group experienced complications, including one superficial infection and one failed correction that required unplanned revision surgery. Eleven patients in the MEF group underwent a planned second surgical procedure for hardware removal. CONCLUSIONS: Both fixation techniques are effective at correcting cubitus varus in the pediatric population. The MEF technique may have the advantage of shorter recovery of elbow range of motion but may require sedation for hardware removal. The KW technique may present a slightly higher complication rate.

Sustaining small-scale fisheries through a nation-wide Territorial Use Rights in Fisheries system.

Territorial Use rights in Fisheries (TURFs) are used around the world to manage small-scale fisheries and they've shown varying levels of success. Our understanding of what leads to different performance levels is limited due to several reasons. Firstly, these systems are often present in areas with low monitoring capacity where data is scarce. Secondly, past research has centered on the analysis of successful cases, with little attention paid to entire systems. Thirdly, research has been ahistorical, disconnected from the development process of TURF systems. Fourthly, TURFs are often viewed as homogenous ignoring the socio-ecological conditions under which they develop. To address these gaps, the study focuses on Mexico as a case study and context. The research first presents a historical overview of the development of TURF systems in Mexico, including the institutional and legal frameworks that have shaped their evolution. The paper then presents a TURF database that maps all TURF systems in Mexico, including their geographical locations and characteristics. In addition, the study presents case studies based on identified archetypes that showcase the diversity of TURF systems in Mexico, highlighting the different types of systems and the challenges they face. By presenting a comprehensive map of all TURF systems in Mexico, this research paper aims to make an important addition to the case studies in the global literature on TURF systems and provide a valuable resource for marine resource management policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.

Supervivencia en pacientes con COVID-19 ingresados en UCI en un hospital de tercer nivel de Lambayeque, Perú / Survival in patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICU in a third-level hospital in Lambayeque, Peru

RESUMEN Introducción: La COVID-19, causada por el Coronavirus 2 del Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo (SARS-CoV-2), ha alcanzado proporciones pandémicas a nivel mundial, prolongándose en el tiempo. En este contexto, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo analizar los factores asociados a la mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 en un hospital de tercer nivel de la región Lambayeque. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de los pacientes con diagnóstico de COVID-19, hospitalizados en el Hospital Nacional Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo (HNAAA) durante los meses de marzo a septiembre del 2020. Resultados: Se examinaron cuarenta pacientes que ingresaron en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), de los cuales veintidós necesitaron ventilación mecánica (VM). La mortalidad general en la UCI fue del 68.7%, mientras que la mortalidad entre los pacientes que necesitaron ventilación mecánica fue del 91.6%. Se encontró una asociación estadística entre el fallecimiento y los signos vitales al ingreso en la UCI, así como con el tiempo de espera para el ingreso. La probabilidad de supervivencia a 2 y 7 días fue del 90.1% y del 45.5%, respectivamente. Conclusiones: En esta cohorte, se observó una tasa de mortalidad del 68.7% en UCI, con una tasa de supervivencia del 45.5% a los 7 días y menos del 10% a los 18 días. No se encontró asociaciones entre la supervivencia y ninguna de las variables de interés.

ABSTRACT Introduction: COVID-19, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has reached pandemic proportions worldwide, persisting over time. In this context, this study aims to analyze the factors associated with mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in a third-level hospital in the Lambayeque region. Material and metodo: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients diagnosed with COVID-19, hospitalized at the National Hospital Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo (HNAAA) during the months of March to September 2020. Results: Forty patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were examined, of whom twenty-two required mechanical ventilation (MV). Overall mortality in the ICU was 68.7%, while mortality among patients who required mechanical ventilation was 91.6%. A statistical association was found between death and vital signs on admission to the ICU, as well as with the waiting time for admission. The probability of survival at 2 and 7 days was 90.1% and 45.5%, respectively. Conclusions: In this cohort, a mortality rate of 68.7% was observed in the ICU, with a survival rate of 45.5% at 7 days and less than 10% at 18 days. No associations were found between survival and any of the variables of interest.

Genetic analysis of resistance to bean leaf crumple virus identifies a candidate LRR-RLK gene.

Bean leaf crumple virus (BLCrV) is a novel begomovirus (family Geminiviridae, genus Begomovirus) infecting common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), threatening bean production in Latin America. Genetic resistance is required to ensure yield stability and reduce the use of insecticides, yet the available resistance sources are limited. In this study, three common bean populations containing a total of 558 genotypes were evaluated in different yield and BLCrV resistance trials under natural infection in the field. A genome-wide association study identified the locus BLC7.1 on chromosome Pv07 at 3.31 Mbp, explaining 8 to 16% of the phenotypic variation for BLCrV resistance. In comparison, whole-genome regression models explained 51 to 78% of the variation and identified the same region on Pv07 to confer resistance. The most significantly associated markers were located within the gene model Phvul.007G040400, which encodes a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase subfamily III member and is likely to be involved in the innate immune response against the virus. The allelic diversity within this gene revealed five different haplotype groups, one of which was significantly associated with BLCrV resistance. As the same genome region was previously reported to be associated with resistance against other geminiviruses affecting common bean, our study highlights the role of previous breeding efforts for virus resistance in the accumulation of positive alleles against newly emerging viruses. In addition, we provide novel diagnostic single-nucleotide polymorphism markers for marker-assisted selection to exploit BLC7.1 for breeding against geminivirus diseases in one of the most important food crops worldwide.

Complete genome sequence of bean leaf crumple virus, a novel begomovirus infecting common bean in Colombia.

A copy of the complete genome of a novel bipartite begomovirus infecting common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Colombia was obtained by rolling-circle amplification (RCA), cloned, and sequenced. The virus is associated with leaf crumple symptoms and significant yield losses in Andean and Mesoamerican beans. Such symptoms have been reported increasingly in Colombia since at least 2002, and we detected the virus in leaf material collected since 2008. Sequence analysis showed that the virus is a member of a distinct species, sharing 81% and 76% nucleotide (nt) sequence identity (in DNA-A and DNA-B, respectively) to other begomoviruses infecting common bean in the Americas. The data obtained support the taxonomic status of this virus (putatively named 'bean leaf crumple virus', BLCrV) as a member of a novel species in the genus Begomovirus.

Antimycobacterial activity of pyrimido[4,5-b]diazepine derivatives.

Three series of novel 8,9-dihydro-7H-pyrimido[5,4-b][1,4]diazepines, 4a-d, 5a-d, and 7a-d, were efficiently obtained in good yields using simple reaction methodologies. These pyrimidodiazepines were evaluated against 15 Mycobacterium spp. strains. Moderate activity in the inhibition of 13 microorganisms was obtained for the four compounds 4a, 5a, 5c, and 5d.

Antimycobacterial natural products--an opportunity for the Colombian biodiversity.

It is estimated that one-third part of the world population is infected with the tubercle bacillus. While only a small percentage of infected individuals will develop clinical tuberculosis, each year there are approximately eight million new cases and two million deaths. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is thus responsible for more human mortality than any other single microbial species. The goals of tuberculosis control are focused to cure active disease, prevent relapse, reduce transmission and avert the emergence of drug-resistance. For over 50 years, natural products have served us well on combating infectious bacteria and fungi. During the 20th century, microbial and plant secondary metabolites have helped to double our life span, reduced pain and suffering, and revolutionized medicine. Colombia is a megadiverse country with enormous potential to offer leads for new antimycobacterial drugs. The principal aim of this article is to show a state of the art on antimycobacterial natural products research in Colombia compared to the rest of the world, in order to develop programs for bioprospecting with a view to determining the biological activity for pharmaceutical and industrial application of natural products in our country.

Antifungal, cytotoxic and chemical analyses of essential oils of Lippia origanoides HBK grown in Colombia / Actividad antifúngica, citotóxica y composición química de aceites esenciales de Lippia origanoides HBK recolectadas en Colombia

Introduction: Aspergillus fumigatus is most commonly associated to invasive aspergillosis. Strong antifungal activity against A. fumigatus of L. origanoides essential oil gives a new added value to this natural product from Boyacá-Colombia. Aims: The increase in fungal infections, the development of resistance and toxicity of wide-spectrum antifungals have led to a constant search for therapeutic alternatives. The chemical composition, antifungal and cytotoxic activity of nine essential oils obtained from L. origanoides were evaluated and the relationship between the antifungal activities of the oil and of its major components were explored. Methods and Results: Antifungal activity was determined following the protocols AFST-EUCAST for Candida krusei and C. parapsilosis, and CLSI-M38A for Aspergillus fumigatus and A. flavus. The GC-MS analysis identified three chemotypes: thymol, carvacrol and p-cymene/trans-beta-caryophyllene. The essential oil of the thymol chemotype was the most active in antifungal assays with MIC values of 157.5, 198.4, 125 and 31 μg ml-1 against C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, A. flavus and A. fumigatus, respectively. The major components carvacrol and thymol were not active against A. fumigatus at concentrations below 157.5 μg ml-1. In general, the oils were not cytotoxic. Conclusions: The essential oil of the thymol chemotype of L. origanoides from the region of Boyacá- Colombia showed the highest antifungal activity against A. fumigatus among all the oils and major components tested. Salud UIS 2011; 43 (2): 141-148.

Introducción: La infección por el hongo Aspergillus fumigatus está más comúnmente asociada a la aspergilosis invasiva. La fuerte actividad antimicótica del aceite esencial de L. origanoides contra A. fumigatus ha dado un nuevo valor agregado a este producto natural de Boyacá-Colombia. Objetivo: El aumento de las infecciones por hongos, el desarrollo de la resistencia y la toxicidad de los antifúngicos de amplio espectro han llevado a una constante búsqueda de alternativas terapéuticas. En este estudio fueron evaluados la composición química, la actividad antifúngica y citotóxica de nueve aceites esenciales obtenidos de L. origanoides; y la relación entre la actividad antifúngica de los aceites con respecto a la presencia de sus principales componentes. Métodos y Resultados: La actividad antifúngica se determinó siguiendo los protocolos AFST-EUCAST para Candida krusei y C. parapsilosis; y CLSI M38A para Aspergillus fumigatus y A. flavus. El análisis por GC-MS identificó tres quimiotipos: carvacrol timol y p-cymene/trans-beta-caryophyllene. El aceite esencial del quimiotipo timol fue el más activo en los ensayos antifúngicos con valores de MIC de 157,5, 198,4, 125 y 31 mg ml-1 frente a C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, A. flavus y A. fumigatus, respectivamente. El carvacrol y el timol, los principales componentes, no fueron activos frente a A. fumigatus en concentraciones inferiores a 157,5 g / ml-1. En general, los aceites no fueron citotóxicos. Conclusiones: El aceite esencial de L origanoides, quimiotipo timol, de la región de Boyacá-Colombia presentó la mayor actividad antifúngica frente a A. fumigatus entre todos los aceites evaluados; igualmente, sus principales componentes fueron los más activos en comparación a los otros quimiotipos. Salud UIS 2011; 43 (2): 141-148.

Composition of three essential oils, and their mammalian cell toxicity and antimycobacterial activity against drug resistant-tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria strains.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the most ancient epidemic disease in the world and a serious opportunistic disease in HIV/AIDS patients. The increase in multidrug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB, XDR-TB) demands the search for novel antimycobacterial drugs. Essential oils (EOs) have been widely used in medicine and some EOs and their major components have been shown to be active against M. tuberculosis. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antimycobacterial and cell toxicity activities of three EOs derived from Salvia aratocensis, Turnera diffusa and Lippia americana, aromatics plants collected in Colombia. The EOs were isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS techniques. The EOs were tested against 15 Mycobacterium spp using a colorimetric macrodilution method and against mammalian Vero and THP-1 cells by MTT. The activity was expressed as minimal concentration in microg/mL that inhibits growth, and the concentration that is cytotoxic for 50 or 90% of the cells (CC50 and CC90). The major components were epi-alpha-cadinol (20.1%) and 1,10-di-epi-cubenol (14.2%) for Salvia aratocensis; drima-7,9(11)-diene (22.9%) and viridiflorene (6.6%) for Turnera diffusa; and germacrene D (15.4%) and trans-beta- caryophyllene (11.3%) for Lippia americana. The most active EO was obtained from S. aratocensis, with MIC values below 125 microg mL(-1) for M. tuberculosis Beijing genotype strains, and 200 to 500 microg mL(-1) for nontuberculous mycobacterial strains. The EOs were either partially or non toxic to Vero and THP-1 mammalian cells with CC50 values from 30 to > 100 microg mL(-1), and a CC90 > 100 microg mL(-1). The EOs obtained from the three aromatic Colombian plants are an important source of potential compounds against TB. Future studies using the major EO components are recommended.

Genetic mapping of microsatellite markers around the arcelin bruchid resistance locus in common bean.

The deployment in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) of arcelin-based bruchid resistance could help reduce post-harvest storage losses to the Mexican bean weevil [(Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman)]. Arcelin is a member of the arcelin-phytohemagglutinin-alpha-amylase inhibitor (APA) family of seed proteins, which has been extensively studied but not widely used in bean breeding programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate microsatellite markers for genetic analysis of arcelin-based bruchid resistance and to determine the orientation of markers and the rate of recombination around the APA locus. A total of 10 previously developed microsatellites and 22 newly developed markers based on a sequenced BAC from the APA locus were screened for polymorphism and of these 15 were mapped with an F(2) population of 157 individuals resulting from a susceptible x resistant cross of SEQ1006 x RAZ106 that segregated for both the arcelin 1 allele and resistance to the bruchid, Z. subfasciatus. Microsatellites derived from APA gene sequences were linked within 0.8 cM of each other and were placed relative to the rest of the b04 linkage group. In a comparison of genetic to physical distance on the BAC sequence, recombination was found to be moderate with a ratio of 125 kb/cM, but repressed within the APA locus itself. Several markers were predicted to be very effective for genetic studies or marker-assisted selection, based on their significant associations with bruchid resistance and on low adult insect emergence and positions flanking the arcelin and phytohemagglutinin genes.

[Pre-hospital adverse events: a way to go]. / Efectos adversos prehospitalarios: un camino por recorrer.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of adverse events is a problem at all levels of care and creates a significant burden of morbidity and mortality. In Spain there have been significant investigations of adverse effects (AE) in hospitals and primary care, however, studies of pre-hospital care are not yet developed. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, type, preventability, severity and impact of "pre-hospital" adverse events, which were detected in the hospitalization index and the comparing those that occurred in ambulatory and non-ambulatory care. METHOD: Case Series Study, with analytical components, of a sample of subjects included in the "National study of adverse events related to hospitalization (ENEAS). Qualitative data are presented as proportions with confidence intervals. For comparative analysis of qualitative data, we used the chi-square test. RESULTS: Of a total of 5624 patients, 2.3% (N=131) ((95%)CI: 1.94-2.72) had an AE that occurred prior to hospitalization or "pre-hospital", and 40.5% of these (N=53) ((95%)CI: 32.05-48.86) were preventable. In 44 patients the AE had its origin in ambulatory care and 85 patients in non-ambulatory care. The characteristic of patients with ambulatory AE are men and older women (median 76 years) who consulted for medical problems (84.1%) and the AE were related to medication in 77.8%. The characteristic of patients with non-ambulatory AE, were men (median 73 years), consulting for medical and surgical problems (44,7-55,3%) and the EA is related to medications, infections and procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of patients with AE and undesirable effects that occurred during pre-hospitalization period depended on whether they originated during ambulatory care or non-ambulatory care. Therefore prevention strategies should take these differences into account.

Herbivore-induced volatiles as rapid signals in systemic plant responses: how to quickly move the information?

Plants respond to local herbivory or pathogen infection with phenotypic changes, which reduce the danger of future attack. This so-called induced resistance is usually not restricted to the attacked plant organ but is also expressed in distant, so far undamaged parts of the plant. Signaling compounds such as jasmonic acid and salicylic acid have been discovered that move within the plant via the xylem or the phloem and elicit the resistance, thus acting as plant hormones. We now found that volatiles released in response to herbivore damage are required to elicit extrafloral nectar secretion in other parts of the same plant. Extrafloral nectar attracts ants and other carnivorous arthropods and serves as an effective indirect defense against herbivores. So called green leaf volatiles are released within minutes in response to tissue damage and were among the compounds that induced nectar secretion in yet undamaged parts of the damaged plant, but also in neighboring plants. Being gaseous and transported via the air, green leaf volatiles can serve a rapid within-plant communication, which moves much faster from one plant organ to the other than any plant-internal compound.

Resistance to Thrips palmi (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in beans.

Resistance in beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L., to the melon thrips Thrips palmi Karny was studied under field conditions at two sites in Colombia. Genotypes were rated for resistance on the basis of visual damage scores, bean production ratings (a visual estimate of pod and seed set), and grain yields. Of 1,138 genotypes tested, only 60 (5.3%) were rated as resistant. Repeated testing allowed us to identify potential sources of resistance in five germplasm accessions (G 02402, G 02852, G 03177, G 03569, and G 04055), one commercial variety ('Brunca'), six elite breeding lines (A 216, DOR 714, EMP 486, FEB 115, FEB 161, and FEB 162), 41 recombinant inbred lines derived from the BAT 881 x G 21212 cross, and seven recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between DOR 364 and BAT 477. Resistance was not associated with maturity, growth habit, pubescence, and seed color or seed size. In general, correlations between visual damage scores and bean production ratings and between damage scores and yield were high and significant meaning that selection on damage rating is useful to identify genotypes that may have tolerance as a mechanism of resistance. The continuous distribution of damage scores of 139 recombinant inbred lines suggested that the inheritance of resistance to the melon thrips might be quantitative. Overall, resistance levels in beans can be considered as moderate, because none of the genotypes tested received damage scores of <3 on a 1-9 scale and none was ever rated as highly resistant in terms of bean production ratings.