Bovine Alphaherpesvirus 1, Bovine Alphaherpesvirus 5 and Bubaline Alphaherpesvirus 1 in Palatine Tonsils from Water Buffaloes in Northern Brazil and Possible Links with the Origin of Bovine Alphaherpesvirus Type 5.

Herpesviruses are significant pathogens of ruminants. In water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), however, herpesviruses have not been thoroughly studied. Although bubaline alphaherpesvirus 1 (BuAHV1) and bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV1) have already been recovered from water buffaloes, to date, no reports on the occurrence of bovine alphaherpesvirus 5 (BoAHV5) in these animals have been published. Therefore, the aim of this study was to search for BuAHV1, BoAHV1, and BoAHV5 in palatine tonsils of apparently healthy water buffaloes from the Pará state, Northern Brazil. Tissue samples of tonsils (n = 293) were screened by a nested PCR (nPCR) targeting a region of UL44 (gC coding gene), followed by sequencing, to detect and differentiate between the viral types. Viral genome segments were detected in 18 out of 293 (6.1%) of the palatine tonsil samples. Two animals carried genomes of BoAHV1 only, eleven animals carried BoAHV5 genomes only, and four animals carried BuAHV1 only. Another animal had both BoAHV1 and BoAHV5 genomes in its tonsils. No infectious virus could be recovered from any of the samples. The BuAHV1 sequences identified here were more closely related to BuAHV1 genomes identified in India. Phylogenetic analyses suggested a closer relationship between the recovered BoAHV5 and BuAHV1 genomes. Therefore, evidence is provided here to confirm that not only BoAHV1 and BuAHV1, but also BoAHV5, can infect water buffaloes. This report highlights (i) the first detection of BoAHV5 in water buffaloes and (ii) the occurrence of coinfections with BoAHV1 and BoAHV5 in that species. Such findings and the similarity of BoAHV5 to Indian herpesvirus genomes suggest that the origin of type 5 may be linked to recombinations between bovine and bubaline herpesviruses within bubalines, since the scenario for generation of recombinants in buffaloes is potentially present.

Persistent organic pollutants and chlorpyrifos in tissues of a histotrophic viviparous species, the Southern Eagle Ray Myliobatis goodei.

Elasmobranchs are good indicators of marine pollution as they accumulate pollutants from water and food, and occupy different trophic levels. Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorpyrifos were quantified in muscle, liver, gonads, gills, and brain in both sexes and maturity stages of the Southern Eagle Ray, Myliobatis goodei, captured in Argentine coastal waters. Moreover, possible histological alterations in the liver and gonads were analyzed. Pollutant concentrations were pervasive across all tissues, with PCBs > OCPs > chlorpyrifos. Elevated pollutant levels were notably found in the liver and gills. We identified thirty-six PCB congeners in tissues, with low-chlorine congeners prevailing. Among OCPs, ∑DDT and ∑endosulfan were predominant. Females exhibited higher pollutant levels in most tissues compared to males, except in the gonads, and adults generally displayed elevated pollutant levels. Histological analysis revealed the presence of atretic follicles and melanomacrophages (MM). Continuous monitoring of pollutant levels, alongside their effects on physiological and ecological traits, is imperative for effective management and conservation efforts.

Improved biodistribution and enhanced immune response of subunit vaccine using a nanostructure formed by self-assembly of ascorbyl palmitate.

New adjuvant strategies are needed to improve protein-based subunit vaccine immunogenicity. We examined the potential to use nanostructure of 6-O-ascorbyl palmitate to formulate ovalbumin (OVA) protein and an oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) (OCC). In mice immunized with a single dose, OCC elicited an OVA-specific immune response superior to OVA/CpG-ODN solution (OC). Rheological studies demonstrated OCC's self-assembling viscoelastic properties. Biodistribution studies indicated that OCC prolonged OVA and CpG-ODN retention at injection site and lymph nodes, reducing systemic spread. Flow-cytometry assays demonstrated that OCC promoted OVA and CpG-ODN co-uptake by Ly6ChiCD11bhiCD11c+ monocytes. OCC and OC induced early IFN-γ in lymph nodes, but OCC led to higher concentration. Conversely, mice immunized with OC showed higher serum IFN-γ concentration compared to those immunized with OCC. In mice immunized with OCC, NK1.1+ cells were the IFN-γ major producers, and IFN-γ was essential for OVA-specific IgG2c switching. These findings illustrate how this nanostructure improves vaccine's response.

Integrated biomarker responses in wild populations of the intertidal sea anemone Bunodosoma zamponii living under different anthropogenic pressures.

Bunodosoma zamponii is the most abundant anemone in Mar del Plata (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Given that the presence of persistent organic pollutants (organochlorine pesticides and PCBs) and the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos has recently been reported in this species, two wild populations living under different anthropogenic pressures were studied and compared regarding basic aspects of their ecology and physiological response to oxidative stress. A population from an impacted site (Las Delicias, LD) and another from a reference site (Punta Cantera, PC) were monitored seasonally (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), for one year. Anemones from PC were larger and more abundant than those from LD for most sampling periods. During winter, glutathione-S-transferase and catalase activities were higher in LD. Moreover, protein content and antioxidant defenses were higher in anemones from PC during winter as well. Taking into account their ecology (size and abundance) and biomarker responses, the population from PC was comparatively healthier. Furthermore, such differences are in agreement with recent studies indicating a higher concentration of pollutants in anemones from LD (specially during the winter sampling). In this sense, considering that B. zamponii can bioaccumulate the aforementioned pollutants, its resilience to their presence, and the fact that biomarker response differed between sites, this species can be regarded as a proper sentinel species of environmental pollution. Overall, this anemone seems to be a good bioindicator to be considered in future biomonitoring and ecotoxicological studies.

Contaminant dynamics in honey bees and hive products of apiaries from environmentally contrasting Argentinean regions.

Argentina is a leading honey producer and honey bees are also critical for pollination services and wild plants. At the same time, it is a major crop producer with significant use of insecticides, posing risks to bees. Therefore, the presence of the highly toxic insecticide chlorpyrifos, and forbidden contaminants (organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)) was investigated in honey bee, beebread, wax and honey samples in apiaries from three contrasting regions of Argentina. Chlorpyrifos was detected in all samples with higher levels during period 1 (spring) in contrast to period 2 (fall), agreeing with its season-wise use in different crops, reaching 3.05 ng/g in honey bees. A subsequent first-tier pesticide hazard analysis revealed that it was relevant to honey bee health, mainly due to the high concentrations found in wax samples from two sites, reaching 132.4 ng/g. In addition, wax was found to be the most contaminated matrix with a prevalence of OCPs (∑OCPs 58.23-172.99 ng/g). Beebread samples showed the highest concentrations and diversity of pesticide residues during period 1 (higher temperatures). A predominance of the endosulfan group was registered in most samples, consistent with its intensive past use, especially in Central Patagonia before its prohibition. Among the industrial compounds, lighter PCB congeners dominated, suggesting the importance of atmospheric transport. The spatio-temporal distribution of pesticides shows a congruence with the environmental characteristics of the areas where the fields are located (i.e., land use, type of productive activities and climatic conditions). Sustained monitoring of different pollutants in beekeeping matrices is recommended to characterize chemical risks, assess the health status of honey bee hives and the pollution levels of different agroecosystems. This knowledge will set a precedent for South America and be helpful for actions focused on the conservation of pollination services, apiculture and ecosystems in Argentina.

Occurrence of chlorpyrifos and organochlorine pesticides in a native bumblebee (Bombus pauloensis) living under different land uses in the southeastern Pampas, Argentina.

Pollinators such as Apidae bees are vital for ecosystems and food security. Unfortunately, their populations have declined due to several factors including pesticide use. Among them, the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos, poses a global threat, while legacy compounds like organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) easily bioaccumulate, increasing the concern. Bombus pauloensis, a widely distributed native bee in Argentina, is used for commercial pollination; however, information regarding their health status is scarce. This study assessed chlorpyrifos and OCP levels in B. pauloensis (workers and males) and related environmental matrices living from three different land uses schemes, by means of GC-ECD and GC-MS. The ornamental horticulture field (OP) showed the highest total pesticide concentrations in workers (13.1 ng/g), flowers and soils, whereas the organic agriculture field (OA) exhibited the lowest. Chlorpyrifos was the most abundant compound, accounting for at least 20 % of pesticide load across all matrices. The food production horticulture field (FH) had the highest chlorpyrifos concentration in workers, males and soils (5.0, 4.4 and 3.3 ng/g, respectively), suggesting a local greater usage, whereas OA showed the lowest. Regarding OCPs groups, Drins and DDTs were predominant in most matrices, with FH males registering the highest levels (4.0 and 2.5 ng/g, respectively), closely followed by OP. However, metabolites' contribution indicated historical use and atmospheric inputs in all sites. Multivariate analyses confirmed the significance of site and bumblebee sex to explain pesticide composition. Males from all sites exhibited higher chlorpyrifos levels than workers and this trend was similar for some OCP groups. Overall, OA differed from FH and OP, indicating a correlation between production modes and pesticide profiles. This study demonstrates the value of B. pauloensis as a pesticide biomonitor but also offers insights into its populations' health in the area. In this sense, this information could be useful towards the preservation of this crucial pollinator.

Nanoemulsions and Solid Microparticles Containing Pentyl Cinnamate to Control Aedes aegypti.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a vector of severe diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates. The most commonly used industrial larvicides have considerable toxicity for non-target organisms. This study aimed to develop and evaluate liquid and solid carrier systems to use pentyl cinnamate (PC), derived from natural sources, to control Ae. aegypti larvae. The liquid systems consisting of nanoemulsions with different lecithins systems were obtained and evaluated for stability over 30 days. Microparticles (MPs) were obtained by the spray drying of the nanoemulsions using maltodextrin as an adjuvant. Thermal, NMR and FTIR analysis indicated the presence of PC in microparticles. Indeed, the best nanoemulsion system was also the most stable and generated the highest MP yield. The PC larvicidal activity was increased in the PC nanoemulsion system. Therefore, it was possible to develop, characterize and obtain PC carrier systems active against Ae. aegypti larvae.

TLR9 activation is required for cytotoxic response elicited by baculovirus capsid display.

Although the baculovirus Autographa californica multiple nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) infects lepidopteran invertebrates as natural hosts, represents an efficient vector for vaccine development. Baculovirus surface display induces strong humoral responses against viruses and parasites. A novel strategy based on capsid display carrying foreign antigens in the AcMNPV particle further improved the immune response by eliciting CD8+ T cell activation. In this study, we analyze the intracellular mechanisms and signalling pathways involved in CD8+ T cell activation by capsid display. Our results show that baculovirus can attach to the cell surface, enter dendritic cells (DCs), transit within endocytic vesicles and escape to the cytosol for further degradation by the proteasome. We found that the availability of viral proteins, endosomal acidification, and proteasome activity are needed for efficient Major Histocompatibility Complex class-I presentation by baculovirus carrying Ovalbumin in the viral capsid. Importantly, we demonstrated with this strategy that the induction of cytotoxic T cells and IL-12 production by DCs are TLR9-dependent and STING-independent. Finally, our study shows differential intracellular processing for capsid and surface baculovirus proteins in DCs and highlights the role of different danger receptors during cytotoxic T cell priming through the capsid display delivery system, which could lead to improved baculovirus-based vaccines development.

Occurrence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the sea anemone Bunodosoma zamponii, sediments and seawater from the southwestern Atlantic.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent and bioaccumulable organic compounds. The occurrence of PCBs was assessed in two populations of the intertidal sea anemone Bunodosoma zamponii living under different anthropogenic strains. One location was in vicinity to a wastewater plant (Las Delicias, LD), and the other was a preserved location chosen as a reference site (Punta Cantera, PC). Anemone populations were sampled 4 times (spring, summer, autumn and winter) throughout a year, in addition to seawater and sediment from those areas. PCB loadings ranged from 2.89 to 79.41 ng L-1 in seawater samples and from 0.07 to 6.61 ng g-1 dry weight in sediment samples. Total PCB levels ranged from 0.22 to 14.94 and 2.79 to 24.69 ng g-1 wet weight in anemones from PC and LD, respectively. PCBs concentrations in anemones from LD were significantly greater than PC during spring, summer and winter. The congeners 18 and 44 prevailed in seawater samples, 44 and 52 in sediment and 18 and 132+153 in anemones. Redundancy analysis integrated PCB levels from all matrixes and bolstered contrast between sampling sites. Seasonality was also a relevant factor since during winter PCB loading was greater in sediment and anemone samples, coincident with the rainiest season. Disparity between sites could be due to LD's proximity to the wastewater plant, effect of littoral drift direction and/or asymmetries in anemones physiological condition.

Organochlorine pesticides and chlorpyrifos in the sea anemone Bunodosoma zamponii (Actiniaria: Actiniidae) from Argentina's southeastern coast.

Temporal and spatial distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos, one of the main insecticides used in Argentina, was evaluated in two populations of the sea anemone Bunodosoma zamponii living under different anthropological stressors: Las Delicias (LD) adjacent to a wastewater plant, and Punta Cantera (PC) a reference site. Pesticides were analyzed throughout the year in water, sediments and whole organisms. Chlorpyrifos represented 50% of the total pesticide found in water samples during winter. HCHs and drins were predominant in sediment samples, mainly in LD. Total pesticide concentration in anemones from LD was higher than those from PC during winter (mainly associated with HCHs, endosulfans, DDTs and chlorpyrifos levels), coincident with the main period of effluent discharge to the coast after pesticide applications and also the rainiest season. Dissimilarities among anemones populations could stem from a differential input of pesticides in each site and/or a contrasting physiological status of the populations.

Técnica TAPP en manos jóvenes. Es posible reproducir los resultados de la técnica Lichtenstein para la hernia inguinal sintomática primaria unilateral / Tapp technique performed by young hands. Reproducing the results of the lichtenstein procedure for symptomatic primary unilateral inguinal hernia

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La hernioplastia inguinal es el procedimiento quirúrgico más frecuentemente realizado dentro de la Cirugía General. Se realizan anualmente 20 millones de hernioplastias; la técnica de Lichtenstein y la transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) mediante cirugía laparoscópica son las más utilzadas. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio es valorar la factibilidad de la realización del TAPP, en un centro universitario, por parte de residentes y cirujanos jóvenes en formación. Se comparó dicho procedimiento con la técnica de Lichtenstein valorando los resultados en los primeros 30 días del posoperatorio. Las principales variables para estudiar fueron: complicaciones, dolor posoperatorio, estadía hospitalaria y costo del procedimiento. Como variables para estudiar, a largo plazo, se compararon la recidiva herniaria y el dolor crónico. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional comparando dos técnicas quirúrgicas utilizando la base de datos del Servicio con información adquirida de forma prospectiva. Se analizaron 80 pacientes, divididos en dos grupos: hernioplastia de Lichtenstein (grupo1) y hernioplastia por TAPP (grupo 2), durante el período comprendido desde mayo de 2015 hasta mayo de 2019, en dos Centros Universitarios de Montevideo Uruguay (Hospital de Clínicas y Hospital Español). Resultados: No hubo diferencia significativa en la estadía hospitalaria y complicaciones posoperatorias. El grupo del Lichtenstein presentó una recidiva herniaria. La hernioplastia laparoscópica presentó un tiempo operatorio promedio de 20 minutos más y el costo de materiales fue mayor. Si bien el dolor posoperatorio en las primeras 24 horas fue mayor en TAPP, el dolor a las 48 horas, 7días, un mes, tres meses y seis meses fue similar en ambos grupos. Conclusión: La técnica de TAPP, para la hernia inguinal primaria unilateral, es factible de ser realizada por cirujanos jóvenes o en formación, con un porcentaje de complicaciones, dolor posoperatorio y recidivas similares al Lichtenstein, aunque con un costo de materiales y tiempo operatorio levemente mayor.

ABSTRACT Background: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common procedures in general surgery. Each year, 20 million surgeries for inguinal hernia repaired are performed; the most common techniques used are the Lichtenstein procedure and the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) laparoscopic approach. Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the outcomes of the TAPP approach performed by residents and young surgeons in training in a university center. TAPP was compared with the Lichtenstein and the outcomes at 30 days were compared. The variables considered were complications, postoperative pain, length of hospital stay and procedure-related costs. The long-term variables analyzed were recurrence and chronic pain. Material and methods: We conducted an observational study comparing two surgical techniques, using prospectively acquired information from the database of our department. The cohort was made up of 80 patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair in two university-based hospitals in Montevideo, Uruguay (Hospital de Clínicas and Hospital Español), between May 2015 and May 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: Lichtenstein procedure (group 1) and TAPP procedure (group 2). Results: There were no significant differences in length of hospital stay and postoperative complications. One patient in the Lichtenstein group presented hernia recurrence. Mean operative time was 20 minutes longer with laparoscopic hernia repair, and the cost of the materials was higher. Postoperative pain at 24 hours was greater in the TAPP group, but was similar at 48 hours, 7 days, one month, three months and six months in both groups. Conclusion: The use of TAPP technique for unilateral primary inguinal hernia is feasible to perform by young surgeons or surgeons in training, and the percentage of complications, postoperative pain and recurrences is similar to that of the Lichtenstein technique, although the cost of materials and operative time are slightly higher.

Genomic Epidemiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, Colombia.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Colombia was first diagnosed in a traveler arriving from Italy on February 26, 2020. However, limited data are available on the origins and number of introductions of COVID-19 into the country. We sequenced the causative agent of COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), from 43 clinical samples we collected, along with another 79 genome sequences available from Colombia. We investigated the emergence and importation routes for SARS-CoV-2 into Colombia by using epidemiologic, historical air travel, and phylogenetic observations. Our study provides evidence of multiple introductions, mostly from Europe, and documents >12 lineages. Phylogenetic findings validate the lineage diversity, support multiple importation events, and demonstrate the evolutionary relationship of epidemiologically linked transmission chains. Our results reconstruct the early evolutionary history of SARS-CoV-2 in Colombia and highlight the advantages of genome sequencing to complement COVID-19 outbreak investigations.

Substitutions in Spike and Nucleocapsid proteins of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in South America.

SARS-CoV-2 is a new member of the genus Betacoronavirus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus crossed the species barrier and established in the human population taking advantage of the spike protein high affinity for the ACE receptor to infect the lower respiratory tract. The Nucleocapsid (N) and Spike (S) are highly immunogenic structural proteins and most commercial COVID-19 diagnostic assays target these proteins. In an unpredictable epidemic, it is essential to know about their genetic variability. The objective of this study was to describe the substitution frequency of the S and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2 in South America. A total of 504 amino acid and nucleotide sequences of the S and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2 from seven South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, and Colombia), reported as of June 3, and corresponding to samples collected between March and April 2020, were compared through substitution matrices using the Muscle algorithm. Forty-three sequences from 13 Colombian departments were obtained in this study using the Oxford Nanopore and Illumina MiSeq technologies, following the amplicon-based ARTIC network protocol. The substitutions D614G in S and R203K/G204R in N were the most frequent in South America, observed in 83% and 34% of the sequences respectively. Strikingly, genomes with the conserved position D614 were almost completely replaced by genomes with the G614 substitution between March to April 2020. A similar replacement pattern was observed with R203K/G204R although more marked in Chile, Argentina and Brazil, suggesting similar introduction history and/or control strategies of SARS-CoV-2 in these countries. It is necessary to continue with the genomic surveillance of S and N proteins during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic as this information can be useful for developing vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic tests.

Molecular analysis of several in-house rRT-PCR protocols for SARS-CoV-2 detection in the context of genetic variability of the virus in Colombia.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a public health problem unprecedented in the recent history of humanity. Different in-house real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) methods for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and the appearance of genomes with mutations in primer regions have been reported. Hence, whole-genome data from locally-circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains contribute to the knowledge of its global variability and the development and fine tuning of diagnostic protocols. To describe the genetic variability of Colombian SARS-CoV-2 genomes in hybridization regions of oligonucleotides of the main in-house methods for SARS-CoV-2 detection, RNA samples with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnosis were processed through next-generation sequencing. Primers/probes sequences from 13 target regions for SARS-CoV-2 detection suggested by 7 institutions and consolidated by WHO during the early stage of the pandemic were aligned with Muscle tool to assess the genetic variability potentially affecting their performance. Finally, the corresponding codon positions at the 3' end of each primer, the open reading frame inspection was identified for each gene/protein product. Complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes were obtained from 30 COVID-19 cases, representative of the current epidemiology in the country. Mismatches between at least one Colombian sequence and five oligonucleotides targeting the RdRP and N genes were observed. The 3' end of 4 primers aligned to the third codon position, showed high risk of nucleotide substitution and potential mismatches at this critical position. Genetic variability was detected in Colombian SARS-CoV-2 sequences in some of the primer/probe regions for in-house rRT-PCR diagnostic tests available at WHO COVID-19 technical guidelines; its impact on the performance and rates of false-negative results should be experimentally evaluated. The genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is highly recommended for the early identification of mutations in critical regions and to issue recommendations on specific diagnostic tests to ensure the coverage of locally-circulating genetic variants.

Bacillus subtilis EA-CB0575 genome reveals clues for plant growth promotion and potential for sustainable agriculture.

Bacillus subtilis is a remarkably diverse bacterial species that displays many ecological functions. Given its genomic diversity, the strain Bacillus subtilis EA-CB0575, isolated from the rhizosphere of a banana plant, was sequenced and assembled to determine the genomic potential associated with its plant growth promotion potential. The genome was sequenced by Illumina technology and assembled using Velvet 1.2.10, resulting in a whole genome of 4.09 Mb with 4332 genes. Genes involved in the production of indoles, siderophores, lipopeptides, volatile compounds, phytase, bacilibactin, and nitrogenase were predicted by gene annotation or by metabolic pathway prediction by RAST. These potential traits were determined using in vitro biochemical tests, finding that B. subtilis EA-CB0575 produces two families of lipopeptides (surfactin and fengycin), solubilizes phosphate, fixes nitrogen, and produces indole and siderophores compounds. Finally, strain EA-CB0575 increased 34.60% the total dry weight (TDW) of tomato plants with respect to non-inoculated plants at greenhouse level. These results suggest that the identification of strain-specific genes and predicted metabolic pathways might explain the strain potential to promote plant growth by several mechanisms of action, accelerating the development of plant biostimulants for sustainable agricultural.

Challenges to regulate products containing bisphenol A: Implications for policy.

Bisphenol A (BPA), found in plastics and epoxy resins, is one of the most studied chemicals. BPA is regarded as an endocrine disruptor and has been related to adverse health effects in humans. However, some regulatory agencies around the world have concluded that BPA is safe at current human exposure levels. As the scientific community attempts to settle the debate on BPA's health effects, regulatory agencies have been put into a challenging public health policy situation. The United States has implemented no regulatory actions due to safety concerns, while Europe has used the precautionary principle to guide its regulation in the face of scientific uncertainty. In this paper, we explore the debate surrounding BPA regulation and the possibility for countries to introduce guidelines, using Mexico as an example. Policy change determinants analysis suggest that countries can and should impose regulations on BPA.

El bisfenol A (BPA), presente en plásticos y resinas epoxi, es uno de los químicos más estudiados. Se considera un disruptor endocrino y se ha relacionado con efectos adversos para la salud humana. Algunas agencias regulatorias en el mundo han concluido que el BPA es seguro a los niveles de exposición humana actuales. Mientas la comunidad científica intenta resolver el debate sobre dichos efectos, las agencias regulatorias enfrentan una difícil situación de política pública. Los Estados Unidos de América no han implementado acciones reglamentarias por razones precautorias, mientras que Europa ha utilizado el principio precautorio para guiar su regulación ante la incertidumbre científica. En este documento exploramos el debate que rodea la regulación del BPA y la posibilidad de que los países introduzcan directrices, usando a México como ejemplo. El análisis de los determinantes del cambio de políticas sugiere que los países pueden y deben regular el BPA.

Challenges to regulate products containing bisphenol A: Implications for policy / Desafíos para regular los productos que contienen bisfenol A: implicaciones para la política

Abstract: Bisphenol A (BPA), found in plastics and epoxy resins, is one of the most studied chemicals. BPA is regarded as an endocrine disruptor and has been related to adverse health effects in humans. However, some regulatory agencies around the world have concluded that BPA is safe at current human exposure levels. As the scientific community attempts to settle the debate on BPA's health effects, regulatory agencies have been put into a challenging public health policy situation. The United States has implemented no regulatory actions due to safety concerns, while Europe has used the precautionary principle to guide its regulation in the face of scientific uncertainty. In this paper, we explore the debate surrounding BPA regulation and the possibility for countries to introduce guidelines, using Mexico as an example. Policy change determinants analysis suggest that countries can and should impose regulations on BPA.

Resumen: El bisfenol A (BPA), presente en plásticos y resinas epoxi, es uno de los químicos más estudiados. Se considera un disruptor endocrino y se ha relacionado con efectos adversos para la salud humana. Algunas agencias regulatorias en el mundo han concluido que el BPA es seguro a los niveles de exposición humana actuales. Mientas la comunidad científica intenta resolver el debate sobre dichos efectos, las agencias regulatorias enfrentan una difícil situación de política pública. Los Estados Unidos de América no han implementado acciones reglamentarias por razones precautorias, mientras que Europa ha utilizado el principio precautorio para guiar su regulación ante la incertidumbre científica. En este documento exploramos el debate que rodea la regulación del BPA y la posibilidad de que los países introduzcan directrices, usando a México como ejemplo. El análisis de los determinantes del cambio de políticas sugiere que los países pueden y deben regular el BPA.

Complete mitogenome of the biocontroller fungus Purpureocillium sp. (Ascomycota, Ophiocordycipitaceae, Hypocreales).

The strain Purpureocillium sp. UdeA0106 is an antagonist of nematodes, fungi, and garden symphylans from crops with high economic importance in Colombia (Salazar 2013; Salazar et al. 2014; Cardona et al. 2014; Gallego et al. 2014) and is being studied to be proposed as new species. It was included on the 1000 fungal genomes project to elucidate its phylogenetic relationships with other fungi. Purpureocillium's mitogenome has 23,495 bp of circular size. It contains 15 protein-coding genes without duplications (PCGs), corresponding to the 60% of its total length, 23 transfer genes (7.6% tRNA), two of them duplicated (trnR and trnM), and two ribosomal genes (17.6% rRNA) and a GC content of 28.44%. A phylogenetic tree was proposed using their 14 PCGs mitochondrial genes and was compared with other fungi of the Subphylum Pezizomycotina. Phylogenetics relationships showed UdeA0106 to be close to P. chlamydosporia and M. anisopliae forming a cluster with other fungal biocontrol agents and separated the strain of plant pathogenic fungi.

Mitochondrial genome characterization of Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and its phylogenetic relationship with other lepidopteran insects.

The complete mitogenome of the potato tuber moth Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) was sequenced, annotated, characterized and compared with 140 species of the order Lepidoptera. The circular genome is 15,251 bp, containing 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and an A+T-rich region). The gene arrangement was identical to other lepidopteran mitogenomes but different from the ancestral arrangement found in most insects for the tRNA-Met gene (A+T-region, tRNA-I, tRNA-Q, tRNA-M). The mitogenome of T. solanivora is highly A+T-biased (78.2%) and exhibits negative AT- and GC-skews. All PCGs are initiated by canonical ATN start codons, except for Cytochrome Oxidase subunit 1 (COI), which is initiated by CGA. Most PCGs have a complete typical stop codon (TAA). Only NAD1 has a TAG stop codon and the COII and NAD5 genes have an incomplete stop codon consisting of just a T. The A+T-rich region is 332 bp long and contains common features found in lepidopteran mitogenomes, including the 'ATAGA' motif, a 17 bp poly (T) stretch and a (AT)8 element preceded by the 'ATTTA' motif. Other tandem repeats like (TAA)4 and (TAT)7 were found, as well as (T)6 and (A)10 mononucleotide repeat elements. Finally, this mitogenome has 20 intergenic spacer regions. The phylogenetic relationship of T. solanivora with 28 other lepidopteran families (12 superfamilies) showed that taxonomic classification by morphological features coincides with the inferred phylogeny. Thus, the Gelechiidae family represents a monophyletic group, suggesting that T. solanivora and Pectinophora gossypiella have a recent common ancestor.

Implementation of a pre-operative decolonization protocol of Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus in elective orthopedic surgery at Manatí Medical Center: Pilot Study.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain of S. aureus that shows resistance to multiple antibiotics. Up to 30% of S. aureus strains isolated from nosocomial infections are MRSA, and it has become a growing problem for public health. The cost of MRSA infection is also having a huge impact financially and results in considerable resource utilization. Puerto Rico's Legislature passed Law # 298 on October 19, 2012 for the control and prevention of MRSA infections in medical installations in Puerto Rico. In order to comply with the law we conducted a pilot study to identify possible setbacks of the implementation of the MRSA decolonization protocol as standard of care therapy in our institution while contributing to the process of quality improvement and patient safety. Nasal swabs were taken at the Pre-admission Department and processed through a PCR-based MRSA detection assay. A protocol of decolonization in patients with positive results was implemented. The study showed that patients without apparent risk factors could be colonized either with MRSA or Methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). The time between pre- admission and surgery was less than the indicated for a proper decolonization procedure. Therefore, 50% of the scheduled surgeries could have been postponed in case of positive MRSA or MSSA. In our experience patient's education was crucial to guarantee compliance and adherence to treatment. In order to decrease risk of wound infection we recommend that both, screening process and decolonization if required, be performed before the preadmission appointment for elective surgery. This study provided a framework for MRSA pre-admission screening and decolonization in our Institution.