The Supplementation of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum (Chayote) Promotes Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Protection in Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome.

The aim was to determine the effect of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum (chayote) on gene expression related to antioxidant protection mechanisms and the inflammatory process in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A quasi-experimental study was carried out in a convenience sample of 46 older adults diagnosed with MetS: (i) placebo group (PG; n = 20); (ii) experimental group (EG; n = 26). The clinical, biochemical, anthropometric parameters and SOD, GPx, and CAT enzyme activity, alongside total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α), and mRNA expression of SOD, GPx, CAT, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, Nrf2, NFkB p50, and NFkB p65, were measured at baseline and 6 months post-intervention. A statistically significant decrease was observed in TOS (baseline, 28.9 ± 3.6 vs. post, 23.7 ± 3.4, p < 0.01) and OSI (baseline, 24.1 ± 3.8 vs. post, 17.7 ± 4), as well as an increase in IL-6 (baseline, 10.7 ± 1.1 vs. post, 12.3 ± 2, p = 0.03), SOD activity (baseline, 167.1 ± 11.9 vs. post, 180.6 ± 7.6, p < 0.05), CAT activity (baseline, 1.0 ± 0.2 vs. post, 1.3 ± 0.2, p < 0.01), and TAS (baseline, 1.1 ± 0.1 vs. post, 1.4 ± 0.1, p < 0.01) in the EG compared to the PG. Regarding the expression of Nrf2, SOD, and IL-6, the EG showed a significant increase vs. basal levels (47%, 44%, and 43%, respectively). Our findings suggest that Sechium edule supplementation promotes the antioxidant response and decreases oxidative stress via Nrf2.

The consumption of Sechium edule (chayote) has antioxidant effect and prevents telomere attrition in older adults with metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of the consumption of Sechium edule (1.5 g/day) for six months on oxidative stress (OxS) and inflammation markers and its association with telomere length (TL) in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: The study was conducted in a sample of 48 older adults: placebo (EP) and experimental (EG) groups. Lipoperoxides, protein carbonylation, 8-OHdG, total oxidant status (TOS), SOD, GPx, H2O2 inhibition, total antioxidant status (TAS), inflammatory cytokines (IL6, IL10, TNF-α), and TL were measured before and six months post-treatment. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease in the levels of lipoperoxides, protein carbonylation, 8-OHdG, TOS in the EG in comparison PG. Likewise, a significante increase of TAS, IL-6, and IL-10 levels was found at six months post-treatment in EG in comparison with PG. TL showed a statistically significant decrease in PG compared to post-treatment EG. CONCLUSIONS: Our findigns showed that the supplementation of Sechium edule has antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, and diminushion of shortening of telomeric DNA in older adults with MetS. This would be the first study that shows that the intervention with Sechium edule has a possible geroprotective effect by preventing telomeres from shortening as usually happens in these patients. Therefore, suggesting a protection of telomeric DNA and genomic DNA.

First report of Spirometra (Eucestoda; Diphyllobothriidae) naturally occurring in a fish host.

Spirometra Faust, Campbell et Kellogg, 1929 is a genus of cestodes belonging to the family Diphyllobothriidae. To date, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals are known second intermediate hosts of these parasites; humans can also be infected (the zoonotic disease is known as sparganosis or spirometrosis). Although the number of phylogenetic studies on Spirometra spp. has increased worldwide in recent years, there are few in South America. Specifically in Uruguay, molecular studies have shown that tapeworms of S. decipiens (Diesing, 1850) complexes 1 and 2 are present in this country. In this study, we characterised the larvae of Spirometra present in the annual fish Austrolebias charrua Costa et Cheffe. Phylogenetic analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of these larvae showed that they belong to S. decipiens complex 1. This is the first report of teleost fishes serving as a second intermediate host for tapeworms of the genus Spirometra in nature.

Comorbidity and nutritional status in adult with advanced chronic kidney disease influence the decision-making choice of renal replacement therapy modality: A retrospective 5-year study.

Background: Nutritional and inflammation status are significant predictors of morbidity and mortality risk in advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD). To date, there are a limited number of clinical studies on the influence of nutritional status in ACKD stages 4-5 on the choice of renal replacement therapy (RRT) modality. Aim: This study aimed to examine relationships between comorbidity and nutritional and inflammatory status and the decision-making on the choice of RRT modalities in adults with ACKD. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 211 patients with ACKD with stages 4-5 from 2016 to 2021. Comorbidity was assessed using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) according to severity (CCI: ≤ 3 and >3 points). Clinical and nutritional assessment was carried out by prognosis nutritional index (PNI), laboratory parameters [serum s-albumin, s-prealbumin, and C-reactive protein (s-CRP)], and anthropometric measurements. The initial decision-making of the different RRT modalities [(in-center, home-based hemodialysis (HD), and peritoneal dialysis (PD)] as well as the informed therapeutic options (conservative treatment of CKD or pre-dialysis living donor transplantation) were recorded. The sample was classified according to gender, time on follow-up in the ACKD unit (≤ 6 and >6 months), and the initial decision-making of RRT (in-center and home-RRT). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were carried out for evaluating the independent predictors of home-based RRT. Results: Of the 211 patients with ACKD, 47.4% (n = 100) were in stage 5 CKD, mainly elderly men (65.4%). DM was the main etiology of CKD (22.7%) together with hypertension (96.6%) as a CV risk factor. Higher CCI scores were significantly found in men, and severe comorbidity with a CCI score > 3 points was 99.1%. The mean time of follow-up time in the ACKD unit was 9.6 ± 12.8 months. A significantly higher CCI was found in those patients with a follow-up time > 6 months, as well as higher mean values of eGFR, s-albumin, s-prealbumin, s-transferrin, and hemoglobin, and lower s-CRP than those with a follow-up <6 months (all, at least p < 0.05). The mean PNI score was 38.9 ± 5.5 points, and a PNI score ≤ 39 points was found in 36.5%. S-albumin level > 3.8 g/dl was found in 71.1% (n = 150), and values of s-CRP ≤ 1 mg/dl were 82.9% (n = 175). PEW prevalence was 15.2%. The initial choice of RRT modality was higher in in-center HD (n = 119 patients; 56.4%) than in home-based RRT (n = 81; 40.5%). Patients who chose home-based RRT had significantly lower CCI scores and higher mean values of s-albumin, s-prealbumin, s-transferrin, hemoglobin, and eGFR and lower s-CRP than those who chose in-center RRT (p < 0.001). Logistic regression demonstrated that s-albumin (OR: 0.147) and a follow-up time in the ACKD unit >6 months (OR: 0.440) were significantly associated with the likelihood of decision-making to choose a home-based RRT modality (all, at least p < 0.05). Conclusion: Regular monitoring and follow-up of sociodemographic factors, comorbidity, and nutritional and inflammatory status in a multidisciplinary ACKD unit significantly influenced decision-making on the choice of RRT modality and outcome in patients with non-dialysis ACKD.

Aging, Physical Exercise, Telomeres, and Sarcopenia: A Narrative Review.

Human aging is a gradual and adaptive process characterized by a decrease in the homeostatic response, leading to biochemical and molecular changes that are driven by hallmarks of aging, such as oxidative stress (OxS), chronic inflammation, and telomere shortening. One of the diseases associated with the hallmarks of aging, which has a great impact on functionality and quality of life, is sarcopenia. However, the relationship between telomere length, sarcopenia, and age-related mortality has not been extensively studied. Moderate physical exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on sarcopenia, decreasing OxS and inflammation, and inducing protective effects on telomeric DNA. This results in decreased DNA strand breaks, reduced OxS and IA, and activation of repair pathways. Higher levels of physical activity are associated with an apparent increase in telomere length. This review aims to present the current state of the art of knowledge on the effect of physical exercise on telomeric maintenance and activation of repair mechanisms in sarcopenia.

An Evaluation of Serological Tests to Determine Postvaccinal Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 by mRNA Vaccines.

BACKGROUND: The duration of the protective efficacy of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 is unknown. Thus, an evaluation of the clinical performance of available tests is required. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical performance of LFIA immunoassay compared to ELIA and CLIA immunoassays available in Europe for the detection of IgG antibodies generated by mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: Two automated immunoassays (the EUROIMMUN anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG S1 ELISA and the LIAISON de Diasorin anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG S1/S2 test) and a lateral flow immunoassay (the Livzon LFIA anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG S test) were tested. We analyzed 300 samples distributed in three groups: 100 subjects aged over 18 years and under 45 years, 100 subjects aged between 45 and 65 years, and 100 subjects aged over 65 years. The samples were collected before vaccination; at 21 days; and then at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after vaccination. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive probability quotient, negative probability quotient, and concordance (kappa index) were calculated for each serological test. RESULTS: The maximum sensitivity values for IgG were 98.7%, 98.1%, and 97.8% for the EUROIMMUN ELISA, Abbott CLIA, and Livzon LFIA tests, respectively, and the maximum specificity values for IgG were 99.4%, 99.9%%, and 98.4% for the ELISA, CLIA, and LFIA tests, respectively, at the third month after vaccination, representing a decrease in the antibody levels after the sixth month. The best agreement was observed between the ELISA and CLIA tests at 100% (k = 1.00). The agreement between the ELIA, CLIA, and LFIA tests was 99% (k = 0.964) at the second and third month after vaccination. Seroconversion was faster and more durable in the younger age groups. CONCLUSION: Our study examined the equivalent and homogeneous clinical performance for IgG of three immunoassays after vaccination and found LFIA to be the most cost-effective, reliable, and accurate for routine use in population seroconversion and seroprevalence studies.

Nutritional Predictors of Mortality after 10 Years of Follow-Up in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease at a Multidisciplinary Unit of Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease.

Nutritional monitoring in advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) units provides personalized care and improves clinical outcomes. This study aimed to identify mortality risk factors in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on nutritional follow-up in the multidisciplinary ACKD unit. A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 307 CKD patients' stage 3b, 4−5 followed-up for 10 years. Clinical and nutritional monitoring was performed by malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS), biochemical parameters (s-albumin, s-prealbumin, and serum C-reactive protein (s-CRP), body composition measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), anthropometry, and handgrip strength measurements. The sample was classified into non-survivors, survivors, and censored groups. Of the 307 CKD patients, the prevalence of protein-energy wasting (PEW) was 27.0% using MIS > 5 points, s-CRP > 1 mg/dL was 19.20%, and 27.18% died. Survivors had higher significant body cell mass (BCM%) and phase angle (PA). Survival analyses significantly showed that age > 72 years, MIS > 5 points, s-prealbumin ≤ 30 mg/dL, PA ≤ 4°, and gender-adjusted handgrip strength (HGS) were associated with an increased risk of mortality. By univariate and multivariate Cox regression, time on follow-up (HR:0.97), s-prealbumin (HR:0.94), and right handgrip strength (HR:0.96) were independent predictors of mortality risk at 10 years of follow-up in the ACKD unit. Nutritional monitoring in patients with stage 3b, 4−5 CKD helps to identify and treat nutritional risk early and improve adverse mortality prognosis.

Living in Temporary Ponds Loading Giant Genomes: The Neotropical Annual Killifish Genus Austrolebias as New Outstanding Evolutionary Model.

The term Annual killifish describes a short-lived and amazing group of vertebrates inhabiting temporary ponds exposed to an extremely variable environment during its short lifespan in South America and Africa, leading to the death of the entire adult population during the dry season. Austrolebias is a specious genus of the family Rivulidae, with ∼58 currently recognized species, extensively distributed in the temperate Neotropical region. Herein, we reviewed different aspects of the evolutionary biology with emphasis on the genome dynamic linked to the burst speciation process in this genus. Austrolebias constitutes an excellent model to study the genomic evolutionary processes underlying speciation events, since all the species of this genus analyzed so far share an unusually large genome size, with an average DNA content of 5.95 ± 0.45 picograms per diploid cell (mean C-value of about 2.98 pg). The drastic nuclear DNA-increasing would be associated with a considerable proportion of transposable elements (TEs) found in the Austrolebias genomes. The genomic proportion of the moderately repetitive DNA in the A. charrua genome represents approximately twice (45%) the amount of the repetitive components of the highly related sympatric and syntopic rivulinae taxon Cynopoecilus melanotaenia (25%), as well as from other rivulids and actinopterygian fish. These events could explain the great genome instability, the high genetic diversity, chromosome variability, as well as the morphological diversity in species of Austrolebias. Thus, species of this genus represent new model systems linking different evolutionary processes: drastic genome increase, massive TEs genomic representation, high chromosome instability, occurrence of natural hybridization between sister species, and burst speciation events.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of the Consumption of Powdered Concentrate of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum in Mexican Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has a high prevalence in older adults and is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and complications of old age. It has also been related to oxidative stress (OxS) and chronic inflammation (CI) and their consequent alterations. Therefore, it is important to propose therapeutic alternatives such as the consumption of Sechium edule (Chayote), since hypoglycemic, hypotensive, and lipogenesis inhibitor properties are attributed to it. We carried out a study in 81 older adults (OA) with MetS to determine the effect of consumption of chayote powder concentrate (500 mg, three times a day) for six months, with a baseline measurement, at three and six months in an experimental group (EG) (n = 41) and a placebo group (PG) (n = 40), all with a diagnosis of MetS according to the criteria of National Adult Treatment Panel of the National Cholesterol Program III (NCEP/ATP III). Anthropometric, biochemical, OxS markers, and inflammation measurements were performed on all participants, basal, three, and six months after. A statistically significant decrease was found in the concentration of lipoperoxides (TBARS), 8-isoprostanes, 8-OHdG, oxidative stress score (OSS), HbA1c, blood pressure, and in the number of MetS diagnostic criteria, as well as an increase in total antioxidant status (TAS), antioxidant gap (GAP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and HDL-cholesterol in EG. The results suggest that the consumption of Sechium edule powder has a hypotensive, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effect in OA with MetS and reduced the percentage of patients with MetS.

Telomere Length and Oxidative Stress and Its Relation with Metabolic Syndrome Components in the Aging.

A great amount of scientific evidence supports that Oxidative Stress (OxS) can contribute to telomeric attrition and also plays an important role in the development of certain age-related diseases, among them the metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is characterised by clinical and biochemical alterations such as obesity, dyslipidaemia, arterial hypertension, hyperglycaemia, and insulin resistance, all of which are considered as risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases, which are associated in turn with an increase of OxS. In this sense, we review scientific evidence that supports the association between OxS with telomere length (TL) dynamics and the relationship with MetS components in aging. It was analysed whether each MetS component affects the telomere length separately or if they all affect it together. Likewise, this review provides a summary of the structure and function of telomeres and telomerase, the mechanisms of telomeric DNA repair, how telomere length may influence the fate of cells or be linked to inflammation and the development of age-related diseases, and finally, how the lifestyles can affect telomere length.

Low impact of different SNP panels from two building-loci pipelines on RAD-Seq population genomic metrics: case study on five diverse aquatic species.

BACKGROUND: The irruption of Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) in the last decade has led to the identification of thousands of molecular markers and their genotyping for refined genomic screening. This approach has been especially useful for non-model organisms with limited genomic resources. Many building-loci pipelines have been developed to obtain robust single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) genotyping datasets using a de novo RAD-seq approach, i.e. without reference genomes. Here, the performances of two building-loci pipelines, STACKS 2 and Meyer's 2b-RAD v2.1 pipeline, were compared using a diverse set of aquatic species representing different genomic and/or population structure scenarios. Two bivalve species (Manila clam and common edible cockle) and three fish species (brown trout, silver catfish and small-spotted catshark) were studied. Four SNP panels were evaluated in each species to test both different building-loci pipelines and criteria for SNP selection. Furthermore, for Manila clam and brown trout, a reference genome approach was used as control. RESULTS: Despite different outcomes were observed between pipelines and species with the diverse SNP calling and filtering steps tested, no remarkable differences were found on genetic diversity and differentiation within species with the SNP panels obtained with a de novo approach. The main differences were found in brown trout between the de novo and reference genome approaches. Genotyped vs missing data mismatches were the main genotyping difference detected between the two building-loci pipelines or between the de novo and reference genome comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Tested building-loci pipelines for selection of SNP panels seem to have low influence on population genetics inference across the diverse case-study scenarios here studied. However, preliminary trials with different bioinformatic pipelines are suggested to evaluate their influence on population parameters according with the specific goals of each study.

Resonancia magnética en pacientes con catéteres peritoneales autoposicionantes: ¿se puede? / Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with self-locating peritoneal catheters: Is it safe?

La presencia de una pieza de metal en el extremo de los catéteres autoposicionantes provoca dudas e incertidumbres a la hora de realizar una resonancia magnética (RM) a pacientes que portan este tipo de catéter. Simulamos un peritoneo con un catéter lastrado para comprobar el comportamiento del catéter durante la realización de una resonancia en equipos 1,5 T y 3 T. Y revisamos los casos en los que se realizaron RM en pacientes con este tipo de catéter. En la simulación, la punta del catéter peritoneal autoposicionante provoca un artefacto de susceptibilidad magnética que dificulta la visión de zonas cercanas, pero se comporta como dispositivo seguro para la RM. Se realizaron 14 RM en pacientes con catéteres autoposicionantes, ninguna en la zona abdominal. No hubo complicaciones en los pacientes ni en la técnica tras la realización de RM

The fact that self-locating catheters have a piece of metal at the tip leads to doubt and uncertainty around performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with this type of catheter. We simulated a peritoneum with a weighted catheter to ascertain how the catheter behaved during MRI scans in 1.5 T and 3 T machines. We also reviewed cases in which MRI had been performed in patients with this type of catheter. In the simulation, the tip of the self-locating peritoneal catheter caused a magnetic susceptibility artefact that made it difficult to see nearby areas, but it proved to be a safe device for MRI. 14 MRI scans were performed in patients with self-locating catheters, none in the abdominal area. There were no complications in the patients or the technique after performing MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with self-locating peritoneal catheters: Is it safe?

The fact that self-locating catheters have a piece of metal at the tip leads to doubt and uncertainty around performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with this type of catheter. We simulated a peritoneum with a weighted catheter to ascertain how the catheter behaved during MRI scans in 1.5 T and 3 T machines. We also reviewed cases in which MRI had been performed in patients with this type of catheter. In the simulation, the tip of the self-locating peritoneal catheter caused a magnetic susceptibility artefact that made it difficult to see nearby areas, but it proved to be a safe device for MRI. 14 MRI scans were performed in patients with self-locating catheters, none in the abdominal area. There were no complications in the patients or the technique after performing MRI.

Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with self-locating peritoneal catheters: Is it safe? / Resonancia magnética en pacientes con catéteres peritoneales autoposicionantes: ¿se puede?

The fact that self-locating catheters have a piece of metal at the tip leads to doubt and uncertainty around performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with this type of catheter. We simulated a peritoneum with a weighted catheter to ascertain how the catheter behaved during MRI scans in 1.5T and 3T machines. We also reviewed cases in which MRI had been performed in patients with this type of catheter. In the simulation, the tip of the self-locating peritoneal catheter caused a magnetic susceptibility artefact that made it difficult to see nearby areas, but it proved to be a safe device for MRI. 14 MRI scans were performed in patients with self-locating catheters, none in the abdominal area. There were no complications in the patients or the technique after performing MRI.

Effect of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum (Chayote) on Telomerase Levels and Antioxidant Capacity in Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome.

Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have a redox imbalance, due to a decay in antioxidant capacity. Oxidative stress (OxS) is considered an important modulator of telomere shortening and telomerase activity. One of the fruits that has been associated with an antioxidant effect is Sechium edule and although its properties are well established, there is only one exploratory study evaluating its effectiveness in patients with MetS. The present investigation is a much more robust and controlled study, including a placebo group. Hence, we determined the effect of consumption of the dried fruit powder (500 mg, three times per day) for three months. We measured effects on telomerase levels, antioxidant capacity, and markers for OxS. The study was performed in a sample of 75 older adults: placebo group (n = 30) and experimental group (n = 45) with the diagnosis of MetS according to the National Adult Treatment Panel of the National Cholesterol Program III (NCEP/ATP III) criteria. All markers were measured before and after three months of treatment. There was a statistically significant decrease in lipoperoxides and protein carbonylation with an increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as sustained levels of telomerase in patients who consumed Sechium edule. Our findings suggest that consumption of this fruit has a hypoglycemic, hypotensive, and antioxidant effect, without altering telomerase levels, which could suggest better protection against telomere shortening.

Determinación de la adquisición del Streptococcus grupo mutans en un grupo de niños uruguayos de hasta 36 meses de edad / Determinação da aquisição do grupo Streptococcus mutans em um grupo de crianças uruguaias até 36 meses de idade / Determination of the acquisition of Mutans Streptococci in a group of Uruguayan children up to 36 months of age

Introducción: La boca del recién nacido se contamina inmediatamente con microorganismos maternos. Caufield determinó la colonización con SGM para niños americanos a los 26 meses de edad. Estudios latinoamericanos la ubican entre los 14,9-18 meses. Objetivos: Identificar el momento de adquisición y colonización del SGM en una población de niños uruguayos y relacionarlo con factores del niño y maternos. Establecer el tiempo necesario para la recolección de la muestra y estudio de su pérdida. Método: Estudio observacional, longitudinal prospectivo, de 83 pares madre-hijo de un policlínico de Montevideo. De 83 pares examinados, 20 completaron el estudio. Se incluyeron niños de 0-9 meses, con/sin dientes y primera toma salival negativa para SGM. Resultados: Edad promedio de adquisición del SGM 16,4 meses (±4,13) y colonización 18,6 meses (±3,80) de edad. La pérdida de la muestra fue 71,42%. Conclusiones: La colonización resultó similar a la encontrada por Florio (Brasil), observándose diferencias significativas con Caufield (EEUU).

Introduction: The newborn's mouth is immediately contaminated with maternal microorganisms during birth. Caufield determined that the average age of colonization with Streptococcus Mutans (SM) for American children was 26 months old. Latin American studies indicate that it occurs at an age between 14.9 and 18 months old. Objectives: To identify the time of Sm acquisition and colonization in a population of Uruguayan children and to relate it with various child and mother factors. To establish the time needed to collect the sample and its loss. Methods: Observational, longitudinal prospective study, of 83 mother-child pairs from a medical center in Montevideo. From the 83 pairs examined, 20 completed the study. Children between 0-9 months old, with/without teeth, whose first salivary sample was negative for Sm, were included. Results: The mean age of Sm acquisition was 16.4 months (± 4.13), and colonization occurred at 18.6 months (± 3.80) of age. The sample loss was 71.42%. Conclusions: The colonization found was similar to that found by Florio (Brazil) but showed significant differences with Caufield's results (USA).

Introdução: A boca do recém-nascido é imediatamente contaminada por microrganismos maternos. Caufield determinou a colonização com SGM para crianças americanas aos 26 meses de idade. Estudos latino-americanos o situam entre 14,9-18 meses. Objetivos: Identificar o momento de aquisição e colonização do SGM em uma população de crianças uruguaias e relacioná-lo com fatores da criança e da mãe. Estabeleça o tempo necessário para coletar a amostra e estudar sua perda. Método: Estudo observacional, longitudinal prospectivo, de 83 pares mãe-filho da uma policlínica de Montevidéu. Dos 83 pares examinados, 20 completaram o estudo. Foram incluídas crianças de 0-9 meses com / sem dentes e primeira amostra salivar negativa para SGM. Resultados: Idade média de aquisição do SGM 16,4 meses (± 4,13) e colonização 18,6 meses (± 3,80) de idade. A perda estabelecida da amostra foi 71,42%. Conclusões: A colonização foi semelhante aos de Florio (Brasil), observando diferenças significativas com Caufield (EUA).

Population Genomics in Rhamdia quelen (Heptapteridae, Siluriformes) Reveals Deep Divergence and Adaptation in the Neotropical Region.

Rhamdia quelen, a Neotropical fish with hybridization between highly divergent mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages, represents an interesting evolutionary model. Previous studies suggested that there might be demographic differences between coastal lagoons and riverine environments, as well as divergent populations that could be reproductively isolated. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity pattern of this taxon in the Southern Neotropical Basin system that includes the La Plata Basin, Patos-Merin lagoon basin and the coastal lagoons draining to the SW Atlantic Ocean, through a population genomics approach using 2b-RAD-sequencing-derived single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The genomic scan identified selection footprints associated with divergence and suggested local adaptation environmental drivers. Two major genomic clusters latitudinally distributed in the Northern and Southern basins were identified, along with consistent signatures of divergent selection between them. Population structure based on the whole set of loci and on the presumptive neutral vs. adaptive loci showed deep genomic divergence between the two major clusters. Annotation of the most consistent SNPs under divergent selection revealed some interesting candidate genes for further functional studies. Moreover, signals of adaptation to a coastal lagoon environment mediated by purifying selection were found. These new insights provide a better understanding of the complex evolutionary history of R. quelen in the southernmost basin of the Neotropical region.

Determinación de la adquisición del Streptococcus grupo mutans en un grupo de niños uruguayos de hasta 36 meses de edad Estudio piloto / Determinação da aquisição do grupo Streptococcus mutans em um grupo de crianças uruguaias até 36 meses de idade. Estudo piloto / Determination of the acquisition of Mutans Streptococci in a group of Uruguayan children up to 36 months of age. Pilot study

Resumen: Introducción: La boca del recién nacido se contamina inmediatamente con microorganismos maternos. Caufield determinó la colonización con SGM para niños americanos a los 26 meses de edad. Estudios latinoamericanos la ubican entre los 14,9-18 meses. Objetivos: -Identificar el momento de adquisición y colonización del SGM en una población de niños uruguayos y relacionarlo con factores del niño y maternos. Establecer el tiempo necesario para la recolección de la muestra y estudio de su pérdida. Método: Estudio observacional, longitudinal prospectivo, de 83 pares madre-hijo de un policlínico de Montevideo. De 83 pares examinados, 20 completaron el estudio. Se incluyeron niños de 0-9 meses, con/sin dientes y primera toma salival negativa para SGM. Resultados: Edad promedio de adquisición del SGM 16,4 meses (±4,13) y colonización 18,6 meses (±3,80) de edad. La pérdida de la muestra fue 71,42%. Conclusiones: La colonización resultó similar a la encontrada por Florio (Brasil), observándose diferencias significativas con Caufield (EEUU).

Resumo: Introdução: A boca do recém-nascido é imediatamente contaminada por microrganismos maternos. Caufield determinou a colonização com SGM para crianças americanas aos 26 meses de idade. Estudos latino-americanos o situam entre 14,9-18 meses. Objetivos: -Identificar o momento de aquisição e colonização do SGM em uma população de crianças uruguaias e relacioná-lo com fatores da criança e da mãe. Estabeleça o tempo necessário para coletar a amostra e estudar sua perda. Método: Estudo observacional, longitudinal prospectivo, de 83 pares mãe-filho da uma policlínica de Montevidéu. Dos 83 pares examinados, 20 completaram o estudo. Foram incluídas crianças de 0-9 meses com / sem dentes e primeira amostra salivar negativa para SGM. Resultados: Idade média de aquisição do SGM 16,4 meses (± 4,13) e colonização 18,6 meses (± 3,80) de idade. A perda estabelecida da amostra foi 71,42%. Conclusões: A colonização foi semelhante aos de Florio (Brasil), observando diferenças significativas com Caufield (EUA)

Abstract: Introduction: The newborn's mouth is immediately contaminated with maternal microorganisms at birth. Caufield determined that the average age of colonization with Mutants streptococci (MS) for American children was 26 months old. Latin American studies indicate that it occurs at an age between 14.9 and 18 months old. Objectives: To identify the time of MS acquisition and colonization in a population of Uruguayan children and to relate it with various child and maternal factors. To establish the time needed to collect the sample and its loss. Methods: Observational, longitudinal prospective study, of 83 mother-child pairs from a medical center in Montevideo. From the 83 pairs examined, 20 completed the study. Children between 0-9 months old, with/without teeth, whose first saliva sample was negative for MS, were included. Results: The mean age of MS acquisition was 16.4 months (± 4.13), and colonization occurred at 18.6 months (± 3.80) of age. The sample loss was 71.42%. Conclusions: The colonization found was similar to that found by Florio (Brazil) but showed significant differences with Caufield's results (USA).

Transcriptome-Based SNP Discovery and Validation in the Hybrid Zone of the Neotropical Annual Fish Genus Austrolebias.

The genus Austrolebias (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) represents a specious group of taxa following annual life cycles in the neotropical ichthyofauna. They live in temporary ponds and each generation must be completed in a few months, depending on environmental stochasticity. Annual fish survive the dry season through diapausing eggs buried in the substrate of these ponds. A hypothesized bimodal hybrid zone between two taxa of the genus, A. charrua and A. reicherti from Dos Patos Merin lagoon system, was recently proposed based on genetics and morphological analyses. However, hundreds of additional nuclear molecular markers should be used to strongly support this hypothesized bimodal pattern. In the present paper, we conducted RNA-seq-based sequencing of the transcriptomes from pools of individuals of A. charrua, A. reicherti and their putative natural hybrids from the previously characterized hybrid zone. As a result, we identified a set of 111,725 SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers, representing presumably fixed allelic differences among the two species. The present study provided the first panel of 106 SNP markers as a single diagnostic multiplex assay and validated their capacity to reconstruct the patterns of the hybrid zone between both taxa. These nuclear markers combined with Cytb gene and morphological analyses detected a population structure in which some groups among the hybrid swarms showed different level of introgression towards one or the other parental species according to their geographic distribution. High-quality transcriptomes and a large set of gene-linked SNPs should greatly facilitate functional and population genomics studies in the hybrid zone of these endangered species.

t-BHQ Protects Against Oxidative Damage and Maintains the Antioxidant Response in Malnourished Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Tert-butylhydroquinone (t-BHQ) protective effect against oxidative damage in thymus from malnourished pops-rats was evaluated. METHODS: Malnutrition in pops-rats was induced during the lactation period and first-, second-, and third-degree malnourished rats were studied (MN1, MN2, and MN3). To determine t-BHQ protective effect, lipid peroxidation (LPx) was assessed, as well as the carbonyl content. The reduced glutathione and glutathione disulfide content were determined and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured. RESULTS: Oxidative protein damage, LPx, and Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) content, increased in the MN2 and MN3 compared to well-nourished rats, associated with lower protein content and antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase. Tert-butylhydroquinone treatment induced a protective effect against lipids and proteins oxidative damage, as well as decrease in NF-κB in MN rats and restored the antioxidant mechanisms, mostly GPx and SOD. No differences were found between male and female animals. CONCLUSIONS: Results show that higher body weight deficit leads to increased oxidative damage and probably inflammation, attributable to alterations in antioxidant mechanisms. These effects were reversed by the t-BHQ-treatment, which restores the antioxidant response. Our findings suggest that t-BHQ could be an interesting pharmacological intervention, but it needs to be studied further.