The role of SepF in cell division and diazotrophic growth in the multicellular cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120.

The cyanobacterium Anabaena forms filaments of cells that grow by intercalary cell division producing adjoined daughter cells connected by septal junction protein complexes that provide filament cohesion and intercellular communication, representing a genuine case of bacterial multicellularity. In spite of their diderm character, cyanobacterial genomes encode homologs of SepF, a protein normally found in Gram-positive bacteria. In Anabaena, SepF is an essential protein that localized to the cell division ring and the intercellular septa. Overexpression of sepF had detrimental effects on growth, provoking conspicuous alterations in cell morphology that resemble the phenotype of mutants impaired in cell division, and altered the localization of the division-ring. SepF interacted with FtsZ and with the essential FtsZ tether ZipN. Whereas SepF from unicellular bacteria generally induces the bundling of FtsZ filaments, Anabaena SepF inhibited FtsZ bundling, reducing the thickness of the toroidal aggregates formed by FtsZ alone and eventually preventing FtsZ polymerization. Thus, in Anabaena SepF appears to have an essential role in cell division by limiting the polymerization of FtsZ to allow the correct formation and localization of the Z-ring. Expression of sepF is downregulated during heterocyst differentiation, likely contributing to the inhibition of Z-ring formation in heterocysts. Finally, the localization of SepF in intercellular septa and its interaction with the septal-junction related proteins SepJ and SepI suggest a role of SepF in the formation or stability of the septal complexes that mediate cell-cell adhesion and communication, processes that are key for the multicellular behavior of Anabaena.

¿Se puede predecir el pronóstico de la cadera contralateral tras una artroplastia total de cadera? / Prognosis of the contralateral hip after primary total hip replacement: Can it be predicted?

Introducción: La coxartrosis es una de las patologías más frecuentes e incapacitantes. El 20% de los mayores de 60 años desarrollará coxartrosis sintomática y el 10% requerirá una prótesis total de cadera. La artroplastia total de cadera es uno de los procedimientos quirúrgicos que más aumenta la calidad de vida de estos pacientes. Cuando recomendamos la artroplastia en la práctica clínica, los pacientes a menudo preguntan sobre el pronóstico de su otra cadera: ¿Se deteriorará de la misma forma? ¿Será necesario operarla? ¿Cuándo? El objetivo es determinar si existe alguna variable o signo radiológico que prediga el pronóstico a medio plazo de la cadera contralateral tras una artroplastia total de cadera. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos de artroplastia total de cadera en nuestro hospital durante los años 2011 y 2012, con un total de 543 pacientes. Se determinó el grado de coxartrosis, según las clasificaciones JOA y Tönnis, en la radiografía de ambas caderas en el momento de la primera artroplastia y a intervalos regulares durante el seguimiento, analizando cada uno de los ítems incluidos en estas clasificaciones. Se estableció la relación de estos hallazgos radiográficos con la progresión de la artrosis y la necesidad de artroplastia contralateral. Resultados y conclusiones: Podría esperarse una progresión de la artrosis de la cadera contralateral en los próximos 3 años en el 10% de los pacientes. Esta progresión será mayor y más rápida en aquellos con grado JOA III-IV/Tönnis II-III y, especialmente, en aquellos con mayor estrechamiento articular y mayor alteración de la cabeza femoral, pudiendo alcanzar entre el 25 y el 30% de los pacientes. El grado de JOA/Tönnis inicial es un factor predictor de necesitar una prótesis de cadera contralateral.

Introduction: Coxarthrosis is one of the most frequent and disabling pathologies. 20% of individuals over 60 years of age will develop symptomatic coxarthrosis and 10% of them will need a hip replacement; it is probably one of the orthopaedic procedures that most increases quality of life. When we recommend arthroplasty in clinical practice, patients often ask about the prognosis of their other hip. Will it deteriorate in the same way? Will it be necessary to replace it? When? The aim of the study is to determine if there is any variable or radiological sign that predicts the medium-term prognosis of the contralateral hip after total hip arthroplasty. Material and methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty in our hospital during 2011 and 2012 was carried out, with a total of 543 patients. The coxarthrosis degree at X-ray was determined at the time of the first arthroplasty and at regular intervals during follow-up, according to the JOA and Tönnis classifications, analyzing each of the items included in these classifications. Its relation with the progression of osteoarthritis and the need of contralateral hip replacement was established. Results and conclusions: A progression of osteoarthritis of the contralateral hip could be expected in the next 3 years in 10% of patients. This progression will be greater and faster in those with JOA grade III–IV/Tönnis grade II–III, especially, in those with greater joint narrowing and femoral head shape score, and can reach between 25 and 30% of patients. The initial JOA/Tönnis degree is a predictive factor for requiring a hip replacement on the contralateral side.(AU)

[Translated article] Prognosis of the contralateral hip after primary total hip replacement: Can it be predicted? / ¿Se puede predecir el pronóstico de la cadera contralateral tras una artroplastia total de cadera?

Introduction: Coxarthrosis is one of the most frequent and disabling pathologies. 20% of individuals over 60 years of age will develop symptomatic coxarthrosis and 10% of them will need a hip replacement; it is probably one of the orthopaedic procedures that most increases quality of life. When we recommend arthroplasty in clinical practice, patients often ask about the prognosis of their other hip. Will it deteriorate in the same way? Will it be necessary to replace it? When? The aim of the study is to determine if there is any variable or radiological sign that predicts the medium-term prognosis of the contralateral hip after total hip arthroplasty. Material and methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty in our hospital during 2011 and 2012 was carried out, with a total of 543 patients. The coxarthrosis degree at X-ray was determined at the time of the first arthroplasty and at regular intervals during follow-up, according to the JOA and Tönnis classifications, analyzing each of the items included in these classifications. Its relation with the progression of osteoarthritis and the need of contralateral hip replacement was established. Results and conclusions: A progression of osteoarthritis of the contralateral hip could be expected in the next 3 years in 10% of patients. This progression will be greater and faster in those with JOA grade III–IV/Tönnis grade II–III, especially, in those with greater joint narrowing and femoral head shape score, and can reach between 25 and 30% of patients. The initial JOA/Tönnis degree is a predictive factor for requiring a hip replacement on the contralateral side.(AU)

Introducción: La coxartrosis es una de las patologías más frecuentes e incapacitantes. El 20% de los mayores de 60 años desarrollará coxartrosis sintomática y el 10% requerirá una prótesis total de cadera. La artroplastia total de cadera es uno de los procedimientos quirúrgicos que más aumenta la calidad de vida de estos pacientes. Cuando recomendamos la artroplastia en la práctica clínica, los pacientes a menudo preguntan sobre el pronóstico de su otra cadera: ¿Se deteriorará de la misma forma? ¿Será necesario operarla? ¿Cuándo? El objetivo es determinar si existe alguna variable o signo radiológico que prediga el pronóstico a medio plazo de la cadera contralateral tras una artroplastia total de cadera. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos de artroplastia total de cadera en nuestro hospital durante los años 2011 y 2012, con un total de 543 pacientes. Se determinó el grado de coxartrosis, según las clasificaciones JOA y Tönnis, en la radiografía de ambas caderas en el momento de la primera artroplastia y a intervalos regulares durante el seguimiento, analizando cada uno de los ítems incluidos en estas clasificaciones. Se estableció la relación de estos hallazgos radiográficos con la progresión de la artrosis y la necesidad de artroplastia contralateral. Resultados y conclusiones: Podría esperarse una progresión de la artrosis de la cadera contralateral en los próximos 3 años en el 10% de los pacientes. Esta progresión será mayor y más rápida en aquellos con grado JOA III-IV/Tönnis II-III y, especialmente, en aquellos con mayor estrechamiento articular y mayor alteración de la cabeza femoral, pudiendo alcanzar entre el 25 y el 30% de los pacientes. El grado de JOA/Tönnis inicial es un factor predictor de necesitar una prótesis de cadera contralateral.

Prognosis of the contralateral hip after primary total hip replacement: Can it be predicted? / ¿Se puede predecir el pronóstico de la cadera contralateral tras una artroplastia total de cadera?

INTRODUCTION: Coxarthrosis is one of the most frequent and disabling pathologies. 20% of individuals over 60 years of age will develop symptomatic coxarthrosis and 10% of them will need a hip replacement; it is probably one of the orthopaedic procedures that most increases quality of life. When we recommend arthroplasty in clinical practice, patients often ask about the prognosis of their other hip. Will it deteriorate in the same way? Will it be necessary to replace it? When? The aim of the study is to determine if there is any variable or radiological sign that predicts the medium-term prognosis of the contralateral hip after total hip arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty in our hospital during 2011 and 2012 was carried out, with a total of 543 patients. The coxarthrosis degree at X-ray was determined at the time of the first arthroplasty and at regular intervals during follow-up, according to the JOA and Tönnis classifications, analyzing each of the items included in these classifications. Its relation with the progression of osteoarthritis and the need of contralateral hip replacement was established. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A progression of osteoarthritis of the contralateral hip could be expected in the next 3 years in 10% of patients. This progression will be greater and faster in those with JOA grade III-IV/Tönnis grade II-III, especially, in those with greater joint narrowing and femoral head shape score, and can reach between 25 and 30% of patients. The initial JOA/Tönnis degree is a predictive factor for requiring a hip replacement on the contralateral side.

[Translated article] Prognosis of the contralateral hip after primary total hip replacement: Can it be predicted?

INTRODUCTION: Coxarthrosis is one of the most frequent and disabling pathologies. 20% of individuals over 60 years of age will develop symptomatic coxarthrosis and 10% of them will need a hip replacement; it is probably one of the orthopaedic procedures that most increases quality of life. When we recommend arthroplasty in clinical practice, patients often ask about the prognosis of their other hip. Will it deteriorate in the same way? Will it be necessary to replace it? When? The aim of the study is to determine if there is any variable or radiological sign that predicts the medium-term prognosis of the contralateral hip after total hip arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty in our hospital during 2011 and 2012 was carried out, with a total of 543 patients. The coxarthrosis degree at X-ray was determined at the time of the first arthroplasty and at regular intervals during follow-up, according to the JOA and Tönnis classifications, analyzing each of the items included in these classifications. Its relation with the progression of osteoarthritis and the need of contralateral hip replacement was established. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A progression of osteoarthritis of the contralateral hip could be expected in the next 3 years in 10% of patients. This progression will be greater and faster in those with JOA grade III-IV/Tönnis grade II-III, especially, in those with greater joint narrowing and femoral head shape score, and can reach between 25 and 30% of patients. The initial JOA/Tönnis degree is a predictive factor for requiring a hip replacement on the contralateral side.

Cirugía combinada de trabeculostomía láser excímer y facoelmusificación: datos a un año en el mundo real de una MIGS de tipo láser / Combined excimer laser trabeculostomy and phacoemulsification: one year follow-up real world data of a laser-based MIGS

Objetivos Evaluar la eficacia y posibles complicaciones de la trabeculostomía láser excímer (excimer laser trabeculostomy, ELT) una técnica de cirugía de glaucoma mínimamente invasiva (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, MIGS) emergente de tipo láser, realizada en combinación con la cirugía de la catarata durante la práctica clínica habitual. Pacientes y métodos Estudio intervencionista, retrospectivo, en un único centro. Se recopilaron los datos clínicos preoperatorios y postoperatorios de pacientes con catarata y glaucoma de ángulo abierto (GAA) que fueron sometidos a cirugía combinada de ELT y facoemulsificación, en el día preoperatorio, a una semana, y uno, dos, tres, seis, nueve y 12 meses después de la cirugía. La variable principal del estudio fue la presión intraocular (PIO). El éxito cualificado y completo se definió como una PIO menor de 21 mmHg con una reducción del 20% o más de la PIO preoperatoria, con o sin tratamiento médico adyuvante, respectivamente. Resultados Se incluyeron 34 ojos de 29 pacientes; 29 ojos completaron el seguimiento a un año. La PIO preoperatoria media bajo medicación hipotensora fue de 20,9 ± 2,6 mmHg (± desviación estándar, DE) y disminuyó significativamente al año (16,3 ± 1,9; p < 0,0001). El número medio de medicamentos reductores de la PIO disminuyó de 1,7 ± 0,7 a 0,3 ± 0,8 (p < 0,0001) en el seguimiento de 12 meses. Al año, el 81% de los ojos estaban libres de medicación. Se obtuvo un éxito cualificado y completo en el 62% y el 58% de los ojos, respectivamente. Dos ojos presentaron hipema postoperatorio, tres ojos sufrieron un aumento transitorio de PIO y un paciente requirió de cirugía filtrante en los tres meses sucesivos (AU)

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and complication profile of excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT), an emerging laser-based trabecular minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), combined with cataract surgery in routine clinical practice. Patients and methods Single-site, retrospective, interventional study. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data of patients with cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) who underwent combined phacoemulsification and ELT were collected and analyzed at preoperative day, one week postoperatively, and after one, two, three, six, nine and 12 months. Main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP). Qualified and complete success were defined as an IOP less than 21 mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥ 20% from preoperative medicated IOP with or without adjuvant medical treatment, respectively. Results Thirty-four eyes of 29 patients were included; 29 eyes completed 1-year follow-up. The mean preoperative IOP under medications was 20.9 ± 2.6 mmHg (± standard deviation, SD) and decreased significantly at one year (16.3 ± 1.9; p < 0.0001). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications decreased from 1.7 ± 0.7 to 0.3 ± 0.8 (p < 0.0001) at the 12-month follow-up. At one year, 81% of eyes were medication free. Qualified and complete success was obtained in 62% and 58% of eyes, respectively. Two eyes had postoperative hyphema, three eyes had transient IOP spikes and one patient underwent a subsequent filtering surgery at three months. Conclusion Combining ELT with phacoemulsification in eyes with cataract and mild to moderate OAG significantly reduced IOP and medication use without meaningful complications after one-year follow-up in a real world clinical practice setting (AU)

Combined excimer laser trabeculostomy and phacoemulsification: One year follow-up real world data of a laser-based MIGS.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and complication profile of excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT), an emerging laser-based trabecular minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), combined with cataract surgery in routine clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Single-site, retrospective, interventional study. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data of patients with cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) who underwent combined phacoemulsification and ELT were collected and analyzed at preoperative day, one week postoperatively, and after one, two, three, six, nine and 12 months. Main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP). Qualified and complete success were defined as an IOP less than 21mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥20% from preoperative medicated IOP with or without adjuvant medical treatment, respectively. RESULTS: Thirty-four eyes of 29 patients were included; 29 eyes completed 1-year follow-up. The mean preoperative IOP under medications was 20.9±2.6mmHg (±standard deviation, SD) and decreased significantly at one year (16.3±1.9; p<0.0001). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications decreased from 1.7±0.7 to 0.3±0.8 (p<0.0001) at the 12-month follow-up. At one year, 81% of eyes were medication free. Qualified and complete success was obtained in 62% and 58% of eyes, respectively. Two eyes had postoperative hyphema, three eyes had transient IOP spikes and one patient underwent a subsequent filtering surgery at three months. CONCLUSION: Combining ELT with phacoemulsification in eyes with cataract and mild to moderate OAG significantly reduced IOP and medication use without meaningful complications after one-year follow-up in a real world clinical practice setting.

Combined excimer laser trabeculostomy and phacoemulsification: one year follow-up real world data of a laser-based MIGS. / Cirugía combinada de trabeculostomía láser excímer y facoelmusificación: datos a un año en el mundo real de una MIGS de tipo láser.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and complication profile of excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT), an emerging laser-based trabecular minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), combined with cataract surgery in routine clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Single-site, retrospective, interventional study. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data of patients with cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) who underwent combined phacoemulsification and ELT were collected and analyzed at preoperative day, one week postoperatively, and after one, two, three, six, nine and 12 months. Main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP). Qualified and complete success were defined as an IOP less than 21 mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥ 20% from preoperative medicated IOP with or without adjuvant medical treatment, respectively. RESULTS: Thirty-four eyes of 29 patients were included; 29 eyes completed 1-year follow-up. The mean preoperative IOP under medications was 20.9 ± 2.6 mmHg (± standard deviation, SD) and decreased significantly at one year (16.3 ± 1.9; p < 0.0001). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications decreased from 1.7 ± 0.7 to 0.3 ± 0.8 (p < 0.0001) at the 12-month follow-up. At one year, 81% of eyes were medication free. Qualified and complete success was obtained in 62% and 58% of eyes, respectively. Two eyes had postoperative hyphema, three eyes had transient IOP spikes and one patient underwent a subsequent filtering surgery at three months. CONCLUSION: Combining ELT with phacoemulsification in eyes with cataract and mild to moderate OAG significantly reduced IOP and medication use without meaningful complications after one-year follow-up in a real world clinical practice setting.

About 3 cases of post-acute retinopathy of chikungunya fever. / A propósito de 3 casos con retinopatía posterior a fase aguda de fiebre por chikungunya.

A descriptive study is presented on a case series of 3 patients, with IgM an IgG serology diagnosis of Chikungunya in whom other metabolic, autoimmune and infectious diseases were ruled out. They presented with other ocular manifestations with vascular changes and inflammatory characteristics. They were treated at the Retinovascular and Retinal and Vitreous clinics at the "Dr. Rodolfo Robles Valverde Hospital" and "Benemérito Comité Pro-ciegos y Sordos" in Guatemala City during 2019. Guatemala is a country with a high prevalence of vector-borne diseases, including chikungunya. In recent years cases of this disease has increased in recent years, and complications are currently seen more frequently. Within these complications, there have been reports of cases of optic neuritis, iridocyclitis, episcleritis, retinitis, uveitis, and blood dyscrasia that can affect the retina. It is important to consider these as an important differential diagnosis of ocular vascular alterations.

Nuevo abordaje anestésico en la cirugía de glaucoma: anestesia subtenoniana ampular y su influencia en el resultado a medio plazo / New anesthetic approach in glaucoma surgery: "Underbleb" subtenonian anesthesia and its influence in medium term outcome

OBJETIVO: Presentar una nueva variante de anestesia subtenoniana, en el área quirúrgica de la futura ampolla de filtración y su influencia en el éxito quirúrgico a medio plazo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de 97 cirugías (esclerectomía profunda no perforante -EPNP- o Faco EPNP) realizadas en pacientes con glaucoma crónico simple, comparando aquellas realizadas bajo nuestra técnica de anestesia subtenoniana anterior modificada «subampular» (ASA) frente a otro grupo control bajo anestesia peribulbar (AP) (n = 58 vs. 38). Se contrastaron la PIO, número de fármacos antiglaucomatosos y porcentaje de éxito total y parcial a 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 y 24 meses tras la cirugía. RESULTADOS: Ambos grupos fueron comparables en términos de edad, sexo, tipo de cirugía, número de fármacos y PIO preoperatoria. La PIO en el grupo intervenido bajo ASA descendió de forma similar respecto al grupo control sin diferencias significativas salvo en los 24 meses, donde la PIO fue 2mm menor (14,83 ± 2,87 vs. 17,61 ± 4,27 [p = 0,009]). Esto sucedió tanto para EPNP como para la FACO-EPNP. El número de fármacos postoperatorios fue algo menor a los 3, 6, y 18 meses, pero no estadísticamente significativo. El éxito total a los 24 meses fue mayor en el grupo de ASA respecto al control AP (62,5% vs. 51,6) al igual que el éxito parcial (100% vs. 71%). CONCLUSIÓN: Nuestra nueva técnica anestésica ASA no influye negativamente en el control tensional a medio plazo de la cirugía no perforante, sino que incluso podría contribuir al éxito quirúrgico a más largo plazo

PURPOSE: To present a new anterior subtenonian anesthesia approach in the area of the future filtration bleb and its influence on medium term surgical success. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 97 surgeries, deep sclerectomy (DE) or phaco-deep sclerectomy (PHACO-DS), were performed in patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) comparing our modified "underbleb" subtenonian anesthesia (USA) (n = 58) versus a control group under peribulbar anesthesia (PA) (n = 38). Main outcomes were intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucomatous drugs and total and qualificated success, compared during 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months follow up after glaucoma surgery. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, surgical technique, number of antiglaucoma drugs and preoperative IOP. The IOP in the USA group decreased as in PA control group without statistical significant differences except at 24 months, where the IOP was 2mm lower (14.83 ± 2.87 vs. 17.61 ± 4.27 (P = .009). This happened for both, DS and PHACO-DS surgeries. The number of postoperative drugs was lower at 3, 6, and 18 months but without statistically significant diferences. Total success rate at 24 months was higher in the USA group respect AP control group (62.5% vs. 51.6) as well as partial success (100% vs. 71%). CONCLUSION: Our new USA anesthetic technique does not have a negative impact in DS medium-term surgical success, even it could contribute to a longer-term improvement

New anesthetic approach in glaucoma surgery: "Underbleb" subtenonian anesthesia and its influence in medium term outcome. / Nuevo abordaje anestésico en la cirugía de glaucoma: anestesia subtenoniana ampular y su influencia en el resultado a medio plazo.

PURPOSE: To present a new anterior subtenonian anesthesia approach in the area of the future filtration bleb and its influence on medium term surgical success. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 97 surgeries, deep sclerectomy (DE) or phaco-deep sclerectomy (PHACO-DS), were performed in patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) comparing our modified "underbleb" subtenonian anesthesia (USA) (n=58) versus a control group under peribulbar anesthesia (PA) (n=38). Main outcomes were intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucomatous drugs and total and qualificated success, compared during 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months follow up after glaucoma surgery. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, surgical technique, number of antiglaucoma drugs and preoperative IOP. The IOP in the USA group decreased as in PA control group without statistical significant differences except at 24 months, where the IOP was 2mm lower (14.83 ± 2.87 vs. 17.61 ± 4.27 (P=.009). This happened for both, DS and PHACO-DS surgeries. The number of postoperative drugs was lower at 3, 6, and 18 months but without statistically significant diferences. Total success rate at 24 months was higher in the USA group respect AP control group (62.5% vs. 51.6) as well as partial success (100% vs. 71%). CONCLUSION: Our new USA anesthetic technique does not have a negative impact in DS medium-term surgical success, even it could contribute to a longer-term improvement.

Primum non nocere: ¿aumentan las inyecciones de anti-VEGF el riesgo de glaucoma? / Primum non nocere: Does anti-VGEF injections increase glaucoma risk?

No disponible

[Antiangiogenic therapy in Sorsby's fundus dystrophy without a mutation in the TIMP-3 gene]. / Tratamiento antiangiogénico en fondo de distrofia de Sorsby sin mutación en gen de TIMP-3.

CASE REPORT: The case is presented of a 32-year-old man referring to metamorphopsia and blurred vision in both eyes for 3 days. Best corrected visual acuity of 20/32 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed the presence of drusen-like deposits, suggestive of Sorsby's fundus dystrophy (SFD) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) bilaterally. The patient received intravitreal ranibizumab. Visual acuity improved to 20/20 in both eyes at 6-months follow-up, and results of fundus examination showed complete regression of neovascularization. No mutations were found in the TIMP-3 gene. DISCUSSION: The known mutations in TIMP-3 may not be extended to all patients with SFD. The use of intravitreal ranibizumab may be considered as a therapeutic option in CNV secondary to SFD.

Tratamiento antiangiogénico en fondo de distrofia de Sorsby sin mutación en gen de TIMP-3 / Antiangiogenic therapy in Sorsby's fundus dystrophy without a mutation in the TIMP-3 gene

Caso clínico: Varón de 32 años, con metamorfopsias y visión borrosa bilateral de tres días de evolución. Mejor agudeza visual corregida de 20/32 en OD y 20/25 en OI. La funduscopia presenta lesiones amarillentas difusas sugerentes de distrofia de Sorsby y membranas neovasculares (MNV). Recibió tratamiento con ranibizumab intravítreo, mejorando la agudeza visual a 20/20 en ambos ojos y remitiendo las MNV. No se hallaron mutaciones conocidas de TIMP-3. Discusión: Las mutaciones conocidas en TIMP-3 pueden no estar extendidas a todos los pacientes con fondo de distrofia de Sorsby. El ranibizumab intravítreo debe considerarse para el tratamiento de MNV secundaria a esta enfermedad (AU)

Case report: The case is presented of a 32-year-old man referring to metamorphopsia and blurred vision in both eyes for 3 days. Best corrected visual acuity of 20/32 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed the presence of drusen-like deposits, suggestive of Sorsby's fundus dystrophy (SFD) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) bilaterally. The patient received intravitreal ranibizumab. Visual acuity improved to 20/20 in both eyes at 6-months follow-up, and results of fundus examination showed complete regression of neovascularization. No mutations were found in the TIMP-3 gene. Discussion: The known mutations in TIMP-3 may not be extended to all patients with SFD. The use of intravitreal ranibizumab may be considered as a therapeutic option in CNV secondary to SFD (AU)

First Report of Cymbidium mosaic virus and Odontoglossum ringspot virus in Orchids in Mexico.

In 2010, a survey for viral diseases in commercial, orchid-producing greenhouses was carried out in Morelos, Mexico. Many symptomatic plants were observed. The most common leaf symptoms were yellow mottle, yellow streaks, and chlorotic and necrotic ringspots. Leaf samples were collected from eight symptomatic plants from the following genera: Encyclia, Oncidium, Shomburghia, Brassia, Guarianthe, Cattleya, Epidendrum, Vanilla, Xilobium, Laelia, and Brassocattleya. Samples were tested using double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA (Agdia, Elkhart, IN) with antiserum for Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV), Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV), Cymbidium ringspot mosaic virus, and Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and a general antiserum for potyviruses. At least one plant from each genus was positive to CymMV and ORSV as individual or mixed infections. Encyclia and Laelia plants were the most frequently found with mixed infections by both viruses. All genera were negative for TMV and potyviruses. Total RNA extracts were obtained from all ELISA-positive samples by a modified silica capture protocol (2). Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was carried out with general polymerase (RdRp) gene primers corresponding to the Potexvirus group (3) and specific primers for the coat protein gene (CP) of CymMV and ORSV (1). The PCR amplification from a positive sample of each genus was resolved in agarose gels. Amplification products of the expected size were obtained for CymMV and ORSV. Five CymMV RdRp gene clones from five different plants of Laelia (GenBank Accession Nos. HQ393958, HQ393959, HQ393960, HQ393961, and HQ393962), two CP gene clones of CP gene of CymMV from two different plants of Oncidium (GenBank Accession Nos. HQ393956 and HQ393957), and three CP clones of CP of ORSV from three different plants of Encyclia (GenBank Accession Nos. HQ393953, HQ393954, and HQ393955) were sequenced. The nucleotide sequences of the Mexican orchid CymMV isolates were 96 to 97% identical to CymMV sequences in the GenBank, while those of ORSV were 99 to 100% identical to deposited ORSV sequences. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CymMV and ORSV in orchids in Mexico, which are two of the most important quarantine virus in orchids in Mexico. References: (1) P. Ajjikuttira et al. J. Gen. Virol. 86:1543, 2005. (2) J. R. Thompson et al. J. Virol. Methods 111:85, 2003. (3) R. A. A. van der Vlugt and M. Berendsen. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 108:367, 2002.

Genome-wide association study of type 2 diabetes in a sample from Mexico City and a meta-analysis of a Mexican-American sample from Starr County, Texas.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We report a genome-wide association study of type 2 diabetes in an admixed sample from Mexico City and describe the results of a meta-analysis of this study and another genome-wide scan in a Mexican-American sample from Starr County, TX, USA. The top signals observed in this meta-analysis were followed up in the Diabetes Genetics Replication and Meta-analysis Consortium (DIAGRAM) and DIAGRAM+ datasets. METHODS: We analysed 967 cases and 343 normoglycaemic controls. The samples were genotyped with the Affymetrix Genome-wide Human SNP array 5.0. Associations of genotyped and imputed markers with type 2 diabetes were tested using a missing data likelihood score test. A fixed-effects meta-analysis including 1,804 cases and 780 normoglycaemic controls was carried out by weighting the effect estimates by their inverse variances. RESULTS: In the meta-analysis of the two Hispanic studies, markers showing suggestive associations (p < 10(-5)) were identified in two known diabetes genes, HNF1A and KCNQ1, as well as in several additional regions. Meta-analysis of the two Hispanic studies and the recent DIAGRAM+ dataset identified genome-wide significant signals (p < 5 × 10(-8)) within or near the genes HNF1A and CDKN2A/CDKN2B, as well as suggestive associations in three additional regions, IGF2BP2, KCNQ1 and the previously unreported C14orf70. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: We observed numerous regions with suggestive associations with type 2 diabetes. Some of these signals correspond to regions described in previous studies. However, many of these regions could not be replicated in the DIAGRAM datasets. It is critical to carry out additional studies in Hispanic and American Indian populations, which have a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes.

Isolation and characterization of new facultative alkaliphilic Bacillus flexus strains from maize processing waste water (nejayote).

AIMS: This work describes the isolation and characterization of two new alkaliphilic micro-organisms present in nejayote. METHODS AND RESULTS: Samples of fresh industrial nejayote were plated on nejayote medium and incubated for 4 days at 37 °C. Isolates were identified based on morphological and physiological characteristics, as well as 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Two gram-positive strains, NJY2 and NJY4, able to hydrolyse starch, xylan, and gelatin were isolated from nejayote. Comparative sequence analysis of 16S rDNA and phylogenetic studies indicate that the micro-organisms studied were closely related to members of the Bacillus flexus species. The strains were identified as facultative alkaliphilic salt tolerant bacteria. Isolate NJY2 produced cell associated phenolic acid esterases, able to release ferulic acid from nixtamalised corn bran and ethyl and methyl esters. CONCLUSIONS: The isolated strains of B. flexus NJY2 and NJY4 showed important physiological properties to produce high-value molecules from agroindustrial by-products. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report about the isolation of alkaliphilic micro-organisms from nejayote and the first report of phenolic acid esterases synthesised by alkaliphiles. The new alkaliphilic micro-organisms have potential application in the treatment and transformation of tortilla industry residues.

La depresión: una hipoteca social. Últimos avances en el conocimiento del coste de la enfermedad / Depression: a social mortgage. Latest advances in knowledge of the cost of the diasease

Introducción. Tras la realización del último examen sobre la situación mundial de la salud mental, la Organización Mundial de la Salud ha estimado que la depresión produce la mayor disminución en salud en comparación con otras enfermedades crónicas y ha instado a todos los países a aumentar las inversiones y la cobertura de servicios en esta materia. Metodología. A la hora de invertir recursos en el cuidado de los pacientes con depresión, los estudios de costes de la enfermedad son complementarios a los de morbimortalidad y de gran relevancia a la hora de establecer políticas sanitarias. La finalidad de este trabajo es describir el impacto económico de la depresión en nuestro entorno a la luz de las últimas publicaciones a este respecto. Resultados. El coste total de la depresión en Europa se ha estimado en 118 billones de euros, y la mayor parte de esta cifra (61%) se debe a los costes indirectos referidos a bajas por enfermedad y pérdidas de productividad. La carga económica de la depresión en España ascendería a 5.005 millones de euros anuales, con una distribución por categoría de recursos muy parecida a la europea. Conclusiones. Los sistemas sanitarios y la sociedad tienen que hacer frente al alto coste de la depresión dado que conlleva una elevada utilización de recursos, principalmente fuera del sector sanitario. Existen diversas áreas de mejora con el objetivo de reducir la carga social de la depresión, pero la incorporación de la economía de la salud mental a las políticas sanitarias debe convertirse en una prioridad (AU)

Introduction. Following the latest examination of the worldwide mental health situation, the World Health Organization has estimated that depression produces the greatest decrement in health compared with other chronic diseases, and has encouraged to all countries to increase investment and resources in this field. Methodology. On investing resources for the care of patients with depression, cost of illness studies are a complement to morbidity-mortality studies, and are of great relevance in defining health care policies. The present study describes the economic impact of depression in our setting, in the light of the most recent publications on this subject. Results. The total cost of depression in Europe has been estimated to reach 118 billion euros, and most of this amount (61 %) is due to indirect costs associated with sick leave and productivity losses. The economic burden of depression in Spain could add up to 5.005 million euros a year, with a resource category distribution very similar to that found in Europe as a whole. Conclusions. Health care systems and society must cope with the important costs of depression, which implies intense resource utilization, fundamentally outside the health care sector as such. There are a number of areas in which improvements can be made in order to reduce this important burden associated with depression, though the incorporation of health economics to public health care policies must become a priority (AU)

[Depression: a social mortgage. Latest advances in knowledge of the cost of the disease]. / La depresión: una hipoteca social. Ultimos avances en el conocimiento del coste de la enfermedad.

INTRODUCTION: Following the latest examination of the worldwide mental health situation, the World Health Organization has estimated that depression produces the greatest decrement in health compared with other chronic diseases, and has encouraged to all countries to increase investment and resources in this field. METHODOLOGY: On investing resources for the care of patients with depression, cost of illness studies are a complement to morbidity-mortality studies, and are of great relevance in defining health care policies. The present study describes the economic impact of depression in our setting, in the light of the most recent publications on this subject. RESULTS: The total cost of depression in Europe has been estimated to reach 118 billion euros, and most of this amount (61 %) is due to indirect costs associated with sick leave and productivity losses. The economic burden of depression in Spain could add up to 5.005 million euros a year, with a resource category distribution very similar to that found in Europe as a whole. CONCLUSIONS: Health care systems and society must cope with the important costs of depression, which implies intense resource utilization, fundamentally outside the health care sector as such. There are a number of areas in which improvements can be made in order to reduce this important burden associated with depression, though the incorporation of health economics to public health care policies must become a priority.