Restoring the infected powerhouse: Mitochondrial quality control in sepsis.

Sepsis is a dysregulated host response to an infection, characterized by organ failure. The pathophysiology is complex and incompletely understood, but mitochondria appear to play a key role in the cascade of events that culminate in multiple organ failure and potentially death. In shaping immune responses, mitochondria fulfil dual roles: they not only supply energy and metabolic intermediates crucial for immune cell activation and function but also influence inflammatory and cell death pathways. Importantly, mitochondrial dysfunction has a dual impact, compromising both immune system efficiency and the metabolic stability of end organs. Dysfunctional mitochondria contribute to the development of a hyperinflammatory state and loss of cellular homeostasis, resulting in poor clinical outcomes. Already in early sepsis, signs of mitochondrial dysfunction are apparent and consequently, strategies to optimize mitochondrial function in sepsis should not only prevent the occurrence of mitochondrial dysfunction, but also cover the repair of the sustained mitochondrial damage. Here, we discuss mitochondrial quality control (mtQC) in the pathogenesis of sepsis and exemplify how mtQC could serve as therapeutic target to overcome mitochondrial dysfunction. Hence, replacing or repairing dysfunctional mitochondria may contribute to the recovery of organ function in sepsis. Mitochondrial biogenesis is a process that results in the formation of new mitochondria and is critical for maintaining a pool of healthy mitochondria. However, exacerbated biogenesis during early sepsis can result in accumulation of structurally aberrant mitochondria that fail to restore bioenergetics, produce excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and exacerbate the disease course. Conversely, enhancing mitophagy can protect against organ damage by limiting the release of mitochondrial-derived damage-associated molecules (DAMPs). Furthermore, promoting mitophagy may facilitate the growth of healthy mitochondria by blocking the replication of damaged mitochondria and allow for post sepsis organ recovery through enabling mitophagy-coupled biogenesis. The remaining healthy mitochondria may provide an undamaged scaffold to reproduce functional mitochondria. However, the kinetics of mtQC in sepsis, specifically mitophagy, and the optimal timing for intervention remain poorly understood. This review emphasizes the importance of integrating mitophagy induction with mtQC mechanisms to prevent undesired effects associated with solely the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis.

Uretritis masculina. Una revisión del método ideal de diagnóstico / Male urethritis. A review of the ideal diagnostic method

La uretritis masculina es una inflamación de la uretra y las glándulas periuretrales; a grandes rasgos, se clasifica como gonocócica o no gonocócica. Los microorganismos responsables más frecuentes son Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum y Ureaplasma parvum. En las últimos tres décadas, el diagnóstico de las enfermedades de transmisión sexual dependía casi exclusivamente de métodos tradicionales como el cultivo, el inmunoensayo enzimático, la tinción de anticuerpos fluorescentes y la hibridación, hasta la reciente aparición de técnicas moleculares. Los síndromes clínicos como la uretritis rara vez son específicos de un solo microorganismo, por lo que las estrategias de selección deben permitir que se consideren múltiples agentes. La PCR Múltiple es la técnica más rápida y sensible para el diagnóstico de la uretritis gonocócica y no gonocócica. La uretritis masculina no tratada es uno de los principales problemas de salud relacionados con la función reproductiva y sexual, constituyendo una de las principales causas de infertilidad. El objetivo de esta pequeña revisión es analizar la epidemiología, las causas, el diagnóstico y las complicaciones de la uretritis masculina

Male urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra and the periurethral glands; it is widely classified as gonococcal or non-gonococcal. The most frequent microorganisms responsible are Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Ureaplasma parvum. In the last three decades, the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases depended almost exclusively on traditional methods, such as culture, enzyme immunoassay, fluorescent antibody staining, and hybridization, until the appearance of molecular techniques. Clinical syndromes such as urethritis are rarely specific for a single microorganism, so screening strategies should allow multiple agents to be considered. Multiplex PCR is the fastest and most sensitive technique for the diagnosis of gonococcal and non-gonococcal urethritis. Male urethritis without treatment is one of the main health problems related to reproductive and sexual function, constituting one of the main causes of infertility. The objective of this mini-review was to analyze the epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, and complications of male urethritis

Male urethritis. A review of the ideal diagnostic method. / Uretritis masculina. Una revisión del método ideal de diagnóstico.

Male urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra and the periurethral glands; it is widely classified as gonococcal or non-gonococcal. The most frequent microorganisms responsible are Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Ureaplasma parvum. In the last three decades, the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases depended almost exclusively on traditional methods, such as culture, enzyme immunoassay, fluorescent antibody staining, and hybridization, until the appearance of molecular techniques. Clinical syndromes such as urethritis are rarely specific for a single microorganism, so screening strategies should allow multiple agents to be considered. Multiplex PCR is the fastest and most sensitive technique for the diagnosis of gonococcal and non-gonococcal urethritis. Male urethritis without treatment is one of the main health problems related to reproductive and sexual function, constituting one of the main causes of infertility. The objective of this mini-review was to analyze the epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, and complications of male urethritis.

A peptide derived from phage-display limits psoriasis-like lesions in mice.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a pro-inflammatory disease with unknown etiology, that is characterized by skin inflammation and keratinocytes hyperproliferation. Specific inhibition of inflammation has shown positive effects avoiding the progression of the psoriatic lesions in different animal models of the disease, turning this strategy as a remarkable therapeutic alternative. OBJECTIVE: To screen the effectiveness of a novel IFN-α/ß signalling inhibitor in the development reduction of skin lesions in IMQ and TPA mice models of psoriasis. METHODS: We used a Phage-peptide library for the screening of a peptide with inhibitory effects on the development of psoriasis-like lesions in mice. To evaluate the in vivo effect of the phage-peptides (Phpep3D) and the derived peptide (Pep3D), we administered Phpep3D or Pep3D intradermally in mice with imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced psoriasis. We scored the lesions, and we determined the number of neutrophils and the production of some pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lesions. RESULTS: In this work, we describe how the Ph3pepD and Pep3D reduced skin thickness, redness, and acanthosis despite the presence of the psoriasis inducers, IMQ or TPA. We also found that Pep3D reduced the number of GR1+ infiltrated cells and decreased the production of IL-17A and TNFα in the psoriatic skin of mice. In-silico, docking analysis showed that Pep3D may interact with the interferon-alpha receptor, but further analyses should be performed to uncover the mechanism of action of this peptide. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Pep3D could be used as a new treatment for psoriasis.

Blood transfusion in children at a university hospital in a middle-income country: The need to reinforce adherence to current guidelines.

OBJECTIVES: Blood component transfusion is a common procedure used during hospital admissions; however, it is not risk-free. The evaluation of correct use of blood products (BP) is of vast importance considering the risks and costs implied in their use. Our principal objective was to evaluate the adherence to national guidelines for blood transfusion in pediatric patients at a third level university hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective and retrospective descriptive analytical study was conducted to report the incidence of incorrect use of BP in pediatric patients (1 month to 16 years of age). In a timeline period of 4 years, 579 medical records were randomly selected from a total of 6575 transfusions realized to create a statistically significant sample. The variables studied were volume, infusion time, and transfusion criteria. Indications were evaluated in patient's medical records according to national guidelines. RESULTS: Of the transfusions analyzed, 54% were classified as incorrect mainly due to lack of transfusion criteria fulfillment. Blood transfusion indications in pediatric patients adhered poorly to national guidelines. CONCLUSION: The implementation of effective programs for education and information on the use of BP are needed to increase compliance with current guidelines.

PIMA: A population informative multiplex for the Americas.

We describe an ancestry-informative autosomal SNP multiplex designed to be a small-scale, flexible panel that can complement uniparental markers in assessing the American variability (i.e. pre-Colombian) found in contemporary indigenous American populations. This study centered on choosing SNPs with the specific characteristics of: 1) extreme allele frequency differences between indigenous Americans and the African, European and East Asian population groups that contribute to present-day population variation in the Americas; 2) high informativeness-for-assignment In values; and 3) well-spaced genomic distribution and chromosomal separation from existing small-scale forensic ancestry marker sets. The resulting capillary electrophoresis SNaPshot single base extension test was named: PIMA (Population Informative Multiplex for the Americas), comprising 26 autosomal SNPs, a single X-chromosome SNP plus the amelogenin sex marker adapted for SNaPshot. PIMA complements the established 34plex forensic ancestry panel to provide a powerful and simple tool for the analysis of American populations, including those with admixed histories, commonly encountered in America. Comparing the results obtained with the combined marker panels of PIMA and 34plex to SNP data from a much larger ancestry panel allowed us to gauge their relative efficiency. PIMA+34plex gives equivalent power to the 314-SNP 'LACE' genomic ancestry control panel, while requiring a much smaller genotyping effort. The ancestry profiles and genetic structure of 22 populations spread across the American continent were estimated using PIMA+34plex data, and those estimates were contrasted with information provided by uniparental markers (mtDNA and Y-chromosome loci) for a small set of admixed individuals from Venezuela. Our results indicate that an American genetic component is efficiently detected in contemporary American populations using a small set of ancestry informative SNPs, and these co-ancestry estimates are consistent with the known history and demography of the Americas. The small scale and high population differentiation power of PIMA, particularly when combined with 34plex, provides a practical and powerful tool for genetic studies of American populations as well as forensic DNA analyses.

Study of the Thermal Annealing on Structural and Morphological Properties of High-Porosity A-WO3 Films Synthesized by HFCVD.

High-porosity nanostructured amorphous tungsten OXIDE (a-WO3) films were synthesized by a Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition technique (HFCVD) and then transformed into a crystalline WO3 by simple thermal annealing. The a-WO3 films were annealed at 100, 300, and 500 °C for 10 min in an air environment. The films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and UV-vis spectroscopy. Results revealed that the a-WO3 films were highly porous, composed of cauliflower-like structures made of nanoparticles with average sizes of 12 nm. It was shown that the effect of annealing on the morphology of the a-WO3 films leads to a sintering process. However, the morphology is conserved. It was found that at annealing temperatures of 100 °C, the a-WO3 films are of an amorphous nature, while at 300 °C, the films crystallize in the monoclinic phase of WO3. The calculated bandgap for the a-WO3 was 3.09 eV, and 2.53 eV for the film annealed at 500 °C. Finally, the results show that porous WO3 films preserve the morphology and maintain the porosity, even after the annealing at 500 °C.

Diel transcriptional response of a California Current plankton microbiome to light, low iron, and enduring viral infection.

Phytoplankton and associated microbial communities provide organic carbon to oceanic food webs and drive ecosystem dynamics. However, capturing those dynamics is challenging. Here, an in situ, semi-Lagrangian, robotic sampler profiled pelagic microbes at 4 h intervals over ~2.6 days in North Pacific high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll waters. We report on the community structure and transcriptional dynamics of microbes in an operationally large size class (>5 µm) predominantly populated by dinoflagellates, ciliates, haptophytes, pelagophytes, diatoms, cyanobacteria (chiefly Synechococcus), prasinophytes (chiefly Ostreococcus), fungi, archaea, and proteobacteria. Apart from fungi and archaea, all groups exhibited 24-h periodicity in some transcripts, but larger portions of the transcriptome oscillated in phototrophs. Periodic photosynthesis-related transcripts exhibited a temporal cascade across the morning hours, conserved across diverse phototrophic lineages. Pronounced silica:nitrate drawdown, a high flavodoxin to ferredoxin transcript ratio, and elevated expression of other Fe-stress markers indicated Fe-limitation. Fe-stress markers peaked during a photoperiodically adaptive time window that could modulate phytoplankton response to seasonal Fe-limitation. Remarkably, we observed viruses that infect the majority of abundant taxa, often with total transcriptional activity synchronized with putative hosts. Taken together, these data reveal a microbial plankton community that is shaped by recycled production and tightly controlled by Fe-limitation and viral activity.

Systems leadership doctor of nursing practice: global relevance.

AIM: This article considers the systems leadership doctor of nursing practice degree as an option to increase nursing leadership roles and heighten presence at policy tables globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Recent global reports emphasize core competencies needed for nursing leadership, particularly systems leadership and health policy, to successfully move the global health agenda forward. Using the Yale University School of Nursing programme as an exemplar, this paper is focused on the elements directly linked to leadership competencies and relevance of a systems leadership doctor of nursing practice programme globally. BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION: The dramatic growth and wide variability of doctor of nursing practice programmes offered in all 50 US States have generated questions and debate. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing as of May 2018, there are 121 schools that reported having a leadership focus in postmaster's doctor of nursing practice degree offering. Yet there has not been the same enthusiasm for development and implementation for a practice doctorate in nursing across the globe. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE: A narrative literature review was conducted aimed at addressing the relevance of a practice doctorate globally. This analysis of the literature included a search of peer-reviewed and grey literature. Nursing school websites were visited, and opinions of nurse leaders and students were sought. In addition, global reports that supported nursing leadership and their role in policy development were reviewed. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Globally, nurses have a critical role in leading health systems. Developing a cadre of nurse leaders educated at the doctoral level who can communicate with policymakers and develop strategies to meet health systems' goals is necessary. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING, HEALTH AND EDUCATION POLICY: In recent global health reports and campaigns, strengthening nursing leadership and presence at policymaking tables are recurring themes. Offering a systems leadership doctor of nursing practice degree is one viable option to increase doctorally prepared nurse leaders for nursing policy and practice engagement. This calls for work with country and regional governments, regulatory bodies and nursing associations to empower nursing to contribute fully.

What do anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgA and IgG subclasses in human saliva indicate?

Diagnostic tests for toxoplasmosis are based on serological techniques due to their high sensitivity. Some IgG subclasses are related to clinical outcome in the congenital form. In this work, we determined the levels of IgG, IgA, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in paired saliva and serum samples from 91 women by indirect ELISA using a crude extract of the RH strain. The levels of IgA, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 antibodies and, to a lesser extent, IgG1 did not correlate between saliva and serum, that is, most cases that were positive for one Ig class in a sample were negative or very low in the other, and vice versa. We also observed that most samples of saliva that were positive for one IgG subclass were also positive for at least 2 of the other 3; this contrasted with findings in serum, wherein each person was positive almost exclusively for one subclass, as demonstrated before by us and other researchers. Although these findings are disappointing for the use in diagnosis, the richer response in saliva might indicate local exposure to T. gondii antigens without systemic infection; thus, saliva might be reflecting a local (protective?) response against this protozoan.

Anticuerpos anti-Fya con reacción anamnésica asociada con anti-D en transfusión intrauterina: reporte de un caso / Anti-Fya antibodies with anamnestic reaction associated to anti-D in intrauterine transfusion: A case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES La enfermedad hemolítica perinatal ocurre después de una transfusión sanguínea, que sensibiliza con antígenos eritrocitarios, hemorragia materno-fetal durante el embarazo o al momento del parto. La incidencia de anticuerpos anti-D ha disminuido de 14 a 0.1% en las madres D-negativas. No existe una inmunoglobulina que evite o disminuya la aloinmunización por otros antígenos eritrocitarios durante el embarazo. La incompatibilidad del grupo sanguíneo Duffy es una causa común de enfermedad hemolítica perinatal. OBJETIVO Exponer el caso de una paciente con hijo con enfermedad hemolítica perinatal por anticuerpos anti-Fya y anti-D tratado con transfusión intrauterina. CASO CLÍNICO Paciente de 22 años, con antecedente de múltiples transfusiones sanguíneas y datos clínicos de síndrome anémico. En la semana 28 del embarazo fue valorada para aplicarle inmunoglobulina anti-D. Luego de aplicarle dos unidades de concentrado eritrocitario Rh negativo se observó incompatibilidad (++) en fase de antiglobulina humana (Coombs), por esto se realizó el escrutinio de anticuerpos irregulares en gel, que resultó positivo en células I y II (+++). Enseguida se inició el protocolo de identificación de anticuerpos irregulares con un panel de 11 células, que reportó aglutinación en las células 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 y 11, sin mostrar especificidad. El estudio de adsorción del anticuerpo anti-D mostró células de antígeno D+ con las que se estableció el diagnóstico de anticuerpos anti-Fya y anti-D. El embarazo finalizó mediante cesárea con el nacimiento de un varón con grupo y Rh O positivo, de 30.1 semanas de gestación (talla de 40 cm y peso de 2000 g) con hidrops fetal. Se le realizaron ciclos de reanimación e ingresó a la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales, sin tratamiento farmacológico, y después de una hora de vida extrauterina falleció. La madre se dio de alta del hospital 36 horas después del puerperio, sin complicaciones adicionales. CONCLUSIÓN Los anticuerpos antieritrocitarios anti-Fya, solos o en combinación con otros anticuerpos, provocan enfermedad hemolítica perinatal severa. El laboratorio de inmunohematología tiene participación importante en el diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de la enfermedad hemolítica perinatal.

Abstract BACKGROUND Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn occurs after alloimmunization with red blood cells antigens by blood transfusion, maternal-fetal hemorrhage during pregnancy or at delivery. Currently, the incidence of alloimmunization by anti-D antibody has been reduced from 14% to 0.1% of D-negative mothers, however, there is no immunoglobulin that prevents or decreases alloimmunization by other red blood cells antigens during pregnancy. The incompatibilities of the Duffy blood group are a common cause of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. OBJECTIVE To present the case of a neonate with perinatal hemolytic disease secondary to anti-Fya and anti-D antibodies managed with intrauterine transfusion. CLINICAL CASE A 22-year-old patient with a history of multiple blood transfusions and clinical data of anemic syndrome. In the 28th week of pregnancy it was evaluated for the application of anti-D immunoglobulin. The blood bank was asked for two units of Rh negative erythrocyte concentrate. Incompatibility (++) in the human antiglobulin phase (Coombs) was observed, so the irregular antibody gel was screened, which was positive in cells I and II (+++). An identification protocol for irregular antibodies was initiated with a panel of 11 cells, which reported agglutination in cells 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 11, without specificity. The adsorption study of the anti-D antibody showed D + antigen cells. The diagnosis of anti-Fya and anti-D antibodies was established. The pregnant woman was terminated by caesarean section, from which a male with a group was born and Rh O positive, of 30.1 weeks of gestation (size of 40 cm and weight of 2000 g) with fetal hydrops. He underwent resuscitation cycles, entered the neonatal intensive care unit, without pharmacotherapy and died after one hour of extrauterine life. The mother withdrew 36 hours after the puerperium, without additional complications. CONCLUSION The antibodies anti-Fya alone or next to other alloantibodies produce severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. The laboratory of immunohematology in the blood bank is an essential tool in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.

Liquen amiloideo: diagnóstico diferencial de pápulas agminadas en piernas / Lichen amyloid as differential diagnosis of grouped papules in the legs

El liquen amiloideo es un tipo de amiloidosis cutánea primaria localizada, de etiología desconocida. Generalmente afecta a adultos, siendo más frecuente en ciertos grupos étnicos. Clínicamente se manifiesta por pápulas pruriginosas, frecuentemente localizadas en miembros inferiores. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 50 años, con un historial de dos años caracterizado por pápulas agminadas en piernas, que tras la realización de una biopsia se diagnosticó liquen amiloideo.

Amyloid lichen is a type of localized primary cutaneous amyloidosis of unknown etiology. It usually affects adults being more frequent in certain ethnic groups. Clinically it is manifested by pruritic papules frequently located in lower limbs. We present the case of a 50-year-old woman, with a two-year history characterized by papules agminated in the legs that diagnosed amyloid lichen after biopsy.

Persistent spatial structuring of coastal ocean acidification in the California Current System.

The near-term progression of ocean acidification (OA) is projected to bring about sharp changes in the chemistry of coastal upwelling ecosystems. The distribution of OA exposure across these early-impact systems, however, is highly uncertain and limits our understanding of whether and how spatial management actions can be deployed to ameliorate future impacts. Through a novel coastal OA observing network, we have uncovered a remarkably persistent spatial mosaic in the penetration of acidified waters into ecologically-important nearshore habitats across 1,000 km of the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem. In the most severe exposure hotspots, suboptimal conditions for calcifying organisms encompassed up to 56% of the summer season, and were accompanied by some of the lowest and most variable pH environments known for the surface ocean. Persistent refuge areas were also found, highlighting new opportunities for local adaptation to address the global challenge of OA in productive coastal systems.

Spin relaxation studies of Li+ ion dynamics in polymer gel electrolytes.

Two ternary polymer gel electrolyte systems are compared, containing either polyethylene oxide (PEO) or the poly-ionic liquid poly(diallyldimethylammonium) bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (PDADMA-TFSI). Both gel types are based on the ionic liquid 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (P14TFSI) and LiTFSI. We study the influence of the polymers on the local lithium ion dynamics at different polymer concentrations using 7Li spin-lattice relaxation data in dependence on frequency and temperature. In all cases the relaxation rates are well described by the Cole-Davidson motional model with Arrhenius dependence of the correlation time and a temperature dependent quadrupole coupling constant. For both polymers the correlation times are found to increase with polymer concentration. The activation energy of local motions slightly increases with increasing PEO concentration, and slightly decreases with increasing PDADMA-TFSI concentration. Thus the local Li+ motion is reduced by the presence of either polymer; however, the reduction is less effective in the PDADMA+ samples. We thus conclude that mechanical stabilization of a liquid electrolyte by a polymer can be achieved at a lower decrease of Li+ motion when a cationic polymer is used instead of PEO.

Parent-reported prevalence of food allergy in Mexican schoolchildren: A population-based study

BACKGROUND: Food allergy (FA) prevalence is well documented in developed countries and appears to be increasing, but remains unknown in most Latin American countries. We aimed to evaluate on a population basis the parent-reported prevalence of FA and its clinical characteristics in Mexican schoolchildren. METHODS: A validated Spanish version of a structured written questionnaire was administered to parents of schoolchildren aged 5-13 years old from Culiacan, Mexico. RESULTS: A total of 1049 parents responded to the survey (response rate, 84%). The estimated prevalence rates (95% CI) were: adverse food reactions 10.0% (8.3-11.9), 'perceived FA, ever' 5.5% (4.3-7.0), 'physician-diagnosed FA, ever' 4.9% (3.7-6.3), 'immediate-type FA, ever' 4.4% (3.3-5.8), 'mmediate-type FA, current' 3.5% (2.6-4.8), and anaphylaxis 1.2% (0.72-2.1). Immediate hypersensitivity reactions were mainly triggered by the consumption of shrimp (1.3%), other shellfish (0.7%), strawberry (0.6%), chocolate (0.5%), and egg (0.4%). Schoolchildren with 'immediate-type FA, current' had more atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis (p < 0.05), but not asthma or drug allergy (p > 0.05) than children without FA. All cases of anaphylaxis sought medical attention, but only one child had physician-diagnosed anaphylaxis and was advised to acquire an epinephrine autoinjector. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of 'immediate-type FA, current' to any food is 3.5% in Mexican schoolchildren. The poor recognition of anaphylaxis and the low frequency of prescription of epinephrine autoinjectors suggest that acute food-induced allergic reactions are not optimally managed in Mexico

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Parent-reported prevalence of food allergy in Mexican schoolchildren: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Food allergy (FA) prevalence is well documented in developed countries and appears to be increasing, but remains unknown in most Latin American countries. We aimed to evaluate on a population basis the parent-reported prevalence of FA and its clinical characteristics in Mexican schoolchildren. METHODS: A validated Spanish version of a structured written questionnaire was administered to parents of schoolchildren aged 5-13 years old from Culiacan, Mexico. RESULTS: A total of 1049 parents responded to the survey (response rate, 84%). The estimated prevalence rates (95% CI) were: adverse food reactions 10.0% (8.3-11.9), "perceived FA, ever" 5.5% (4.3-7.0), "physician-diagnosed FA, ever" 4.9% (3.7-6.3), "immediate-type FA, ever" 4.4% (3.3-5.8), "immediate-type FA, current" 3.5% (2.6-4.8), and anaphylaxis 1.2% (0.72-2.1). Immediate hypersensitivity reactions were mainly triggered by the consumption of shrimp (1.3%), other shellfish (0.7%), strawberry (0.6%), chocolate (0.5%), and egg (0.4%). Schoolchildren with "immediate-type FA, current" had more atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis (p<0.05), but not asthma or drug allergy (p>0.05) than children without FA. All cases of anaphylaxis sought medical attention, but only one child had physician-diagnosed anaphylaxis and was advised to acquire an epinephrine autoinjector. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of "immediate-type FA, current" to any food is 3.5% in Mexican schoolchildren. The poor recognition of anaphylaxis and the low frequency of prescription of epinephrine autoinjectors suggest that acute food-induced allergic reactions are not optimally managed in Mexico.

Saturable and two-photon absorption in zinc nanoparticles photodeposited onto the core of an optical fiber.

In this work, the simultaneous presence of saturable (SA) and two-photon absorption (TPA) in zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) photodeposited onto the core of an optical fiber was studied in the nanosecond regime with the P-scan method using a high gain pulsed erbium-doped fiber amplifier. An analysis based on Mie theory was carried out to demonstrate the influence of the absorption coefficient with the particles sizes in the proximity of surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The shift from TPA to SA has been observed as the irradiance is increased. It was found that for irradiances lower than 5 MW/cm², TPA is dominant, whereas for irradiances higher than 5 MW/cm², the SA becomes dominant. Furthermore, the values of the nonlinear absorption coefficient and the imaginary part of third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility were calculated numerically from the transmittance measured. Such TPA makes ZnNPs a candidate for optical limiting applications, and SA makes them a candidate for applications in pulsed fiber laser systems.

Assessing of Celiac Disease and Nonceliac Gluten Sensitivity.

The publication of papers on the topic of gluten related disorders has substantially increased over the last few years. This has motivated healthcare professionals to pay attention not only to celiac disease and wheat allergy but also to a condition termed nonceliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Until now this condition has been diagnosed clinically on the basis of exclusion criteria and clinical response to gluten withdrawal. In addition, recent research in this field has shown that other food components distinct from gluten are implicated in NCGS cases, thereby changing our general understanding of NCGS diagnosis in either individuals on gluten containing diets or those already following a gluten-free diet with no proper diagnostic work-up of celiac disease. With this in mind, the assessment of NCGS will require extensive knowledge of celiac disease manifestations and the laboratory tests commonly performed during diagnosis of celiac disease.

Selective photodeposition of zinc nanoparticles on the core of a single-mode optical fiber.

An experimental and theoretical study about selective photodeposition of metallic zinc nanoparticles onto an optical fiber end is presented. It is well known that metallic nanoparticles possess a high absorption coefficient and therefore trapping and manipulation is more challenging than dielectric particles. Here, we demonstrate a novel trapping mechanism that involves laser-induced convection flow (due to heat transfer from the zinc particles) that partially compensates both absorption and scattering forces in the vicinity of the fiber end. The gradient force is too small and plays no role on the deposition process. The interplay of these forces produces selective deposition of particles whose size is directly controlled by the laser power. In addition, a novel trapping mechanism termed convective-optical trapping is demonstrated.