Macromolecular crowding sensing during osmotic stress in plants.

Osmotic stress conditions occur at multiple stages of plant life. Changes in water availability caused by osmotic stress induce alterations in the mechanical properties of the plasma membrane, its interaction with the cell wall, and the concentration of macromolecules in the cytoplasm. We summarize the reported players involved in the sensing mechanisms of osmotic stress in plants. We discuss how changes in macromolecular crowding are perceived intracellularly by intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in proteins. Finally, we review methods for dynamically monitoring macromolecular crowding in living cells and discuss why their implementation is required for the discovery of new plant osmosensors. Elucidating the osmosensing mechanisms will be essential for designing strategies to improve plant productivity in the face of climate change.

CD138 immunohistochemistry identifies more plasma cells compared with hematoxylin and eosin staining in autoimmune hepatitis. An observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is associated with periportal infiltration by plasma cells. Plasma cell detection is routinely performed through hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The present study aimed to assess the utility of CD138, an immunohistochemical plasma cell marker, in the evaluation of AIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted, in which cases consistent with AIH, within the time frame of 2001 and 2011, were collected. Routine H&E-stained sections were used for evaluation. CD138 immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect plasma cells. RESULTS: Sixty biopsies were included. In the H&E group, the median and interquartile range (IQR) was 6 (4-9) plasma cells/high power field (HPF) and was 10 (IQR 6-20) plasma cells/HPF in the CD138 group (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the number of plasma cells determined by H&E and CD138 (p = 0.31, p = 0.01). No significant correlation was found between the number of plasma cells determined by CD138 and IgG level (p = 0.21, p = 0.09) or stage of fibrosis (p = 0.12, p = 0.35), or between IgG level and stage of fibrosis (p = 0.17, p = 0.17). No significant correlation was found between the treatment response and the number of plasma cells determined by H&E (p = 0.11, p = 0.38), CD138 (p = 0.07, p = 0.55), or stage of fibrosis (p = 0.16, p = 0.20). CD138 expression was different between the treatment response groups (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: CD138 increased the detection of plasma cells in liver biopsies of patients with AIH, when compared with routine H&E staining. However, there was no correlation between the number of plasma cells determined by CD138 and serum IgG levels, stage of fibrosis, or response to treatment.

Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus after liver transplant and the impact of family history of diabetes in a Mexican cohort.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a serious long-term complication that has a negative impact on graft and patient survival. The purpose of the present study was to describe the incidence of PTDM in a Mexican cohort and evaluate its association with a previous family history of diabetes (FHD). METHODS: A retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted on patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). The primary outcome was time from LT to PTDM. The diagnosis of PTDM was established using the ADA criteria. A mediation analysis that used adjusted Cox regression models and considered pretransplant prediabetes a mediator was performed, to determine the total effect and direct effect of FHD on PTDM. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients were included, with a median follow-up time of 41 months; 19.2% (n = 29) had pretransplant diabetes. During the follow-up time, 15% of patients developed PTDM (n = 23), with an incidence rate of 4.71 cases/100 person-years. PTDM was significantly higher in patients with FHD, compared with those with no FHD (8.72 cases/100 person-years vs 2.04 cases/100 person-years, respectively; p = 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratio of PTDM for FHD was 4.14 (95% CI 1.60-10.7), p = 0.005) and 3.48 (95% CI 1.35-9.01, p = 0.010), when further controlled for pretransplant prediabetes. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of PTDM was similar to that reported in most international studies. As with type 2 diabetes, family history plays an important role in the development of PTDM, even after accounting for pretransplant prediabetes. Patients with FHD should undergo a stricter metabolic program.

The second Mexican consensus on hepatocellular carcinoma. Part II: Treatment.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more frequently manifesting as one of the main complications of cirrhosis of the liver, its principal risk factor. There have been modifications in its incidence over the past decade, related to an epidemiologic transition in the etiology of cirrhosis, with a decrease in the prevalence of hepatitis C and an increase in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a cause, as well as the development of HCC in the non-cirrhotic liver due to NAFLD. Genetic markers associated with the disease have been identified, and surveillance and diagnosis have improved. Regarding treatment, surgical techniques, in both resection and transplantation, have advanced and radiologic techniques, at the curative stage of the disease, have enhanced survival in those patients. And finally, there have been radical changes in the systemic approach, with much more optimistic expectations, when compared with the options available a decade ago. Therefore, the Asociación Mexicana de Hepatología decided to carry out the Second Mexican Consensus on Hepatocellular Carcinoma, which is an updated review of the available national and international evidence on the epidemiology, risk factors, surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease, to offer the Mexican physician current information on the different topics regarding hepatocellular carcinoma. In this second part of the document, the topics related to the treatment of HCC are presented.

The second Mexican consensus on hepatocellular carcinoma. Part I: Epidemiology and diagnosis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more frequently manifesting as one of the main complications of cirrhosis of the liver, its principal risk factor. There have been modifications in its incidence over the past decade, related to an epidemiologic transition in the etiology of cirrhosis, with a decrease in the prevalence of hepatitis C and an increase in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a cause, as well as the development of HCC in the non-cirrhotic liver due to NAFLD. Genetic markers associated with the disease have been identified, and surveillance and diagnosis have improved. Regarding treatment, surgical techniques, in both resection and transplantation, have advanced and radiologic techniques, at the curative stage of the disease, have enhanced survival in those patients. And finally, there have been radical changes in the systemic approach, with much more optimistic expectations, when compared with the options available a decade ago. Therefore, the Asociación Mexicana de Hepatología decided to carry out the Second Mexican Consensus on Hepatocellular Carcinoma, which is an updated review of the available national and international evidence on the epidemiology, risk factors, surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease, to offer the Mexican physician current information on the different topics regarding hepatocellular carcinoma. In this first part of the document, the topics related to epidemiology and diagnosis are presented.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses in moderate and severe COVID-19 inpatients: A cross-sectional study at a referral center in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, which causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused a great impact on healthcare systems worldwide, including hepatitis B and C viruses screening and elimination programs. The high number of COVID-19 hospitalizations represent a great opportunity to screen patients for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), which was the aim of this study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, retrospective study performed between April 2020 and 20201 at a referral center in Mexico dedicated to the care of adults with severe/critical COVID-19. We retrieved clinical, demographic, and laboratory results from each patient´s medical records, including antibodies against HCV (anti-HCV), HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies against the HBV core antigen (anti-HBcAg), and antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBsAg). RESULTS: Out of 3620 patients that were admitted to the hospital, 24 (0.66%), 4 (0.11%), and 72 (1.99%) tested positive for anti-HCV, HBsAg, and anti-HBcAg, respectively. Of all seronegative patients, 954 (27%) had undetectable anti-HBsAg and 401 (12%) had anti-HBsAg at protective levels. Blood transfusion was the most relevant risk factor. Only 9.7% of the anti-HBc positive, 25% of the HBsAg positive, and 52% of the anti-HCV positive were aware of their serological status. CONCLUSIONS: In this study we found a prevalence of anti-HCV of 0.66%, HBsAg in 0.11%, and isolated anti-HBcAg in 1.99%. We also found that HBV vaccination coverage has been suboptimal and needs to be reinforced. This study gave us a trustworthy insight of the actual seroprevalence in Mexico, which can help provide feedback to the Hepatitis National Elimination Plan.

Approach to the patient with cholestasis and jaundice syndrome. Joint AMH, AMG, and AMEG scientific position statement.

The term cholestasis refers to bile acid retention, whether within the hepatocyte or in the bile ducts of any caliber. Biochemically, it is defined by a level of alkaline phosphatase that is 1.67-times higher than the upper limit of normal. Cholestatic diseases can be associated with an inflammatory process of the liver that destroys hepatocytes (hepatitis), withjaundice (yellowing of the skin and mucus membranes, associated with elevated serum bilirubin levels), or with both, albeit the three concepts should not be considered synonymous. Cholestatic diseases can be classified as intrahepatic or extrahepatic, depending on their etiology. Knowing the cause of the condition is important for choosing the adequate diagnostic studies and appropriate treatment in each case. A complete medical history, together with a thorough physical examination and basic initial studies, such as liver ultrasound and liver function tests, aid the clinician in deciding which path to follow, when managing the patient with cholestasis. In a joint effort, the Asociación Mexicana de Hepatología (AMH), the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología (AMG) and the Asociación Mexicana de Endoscopia Gastrointestinal (AMEG) developed the first Mexican scientific position statement on said theme.

Thermal Degradation Kinetics of ZnO/polyester Nanocomposites.

ZnO particles were synthetized by the sol-gel method and subsequent heat treatment of 400, 500 and 600 °C was applied. The nano ZnO particles were incorporated to the unsaturated polyester resin by solution blending at 0.05 wt % concentration. X-ray diffraction detected the formation of a wurtzite-like structure. Viscoelastic behavior of neat polyester and nanocomposites revealed the nano ZnO particles does not promote better mechanical properties because of a weak interaction and the glass transition temperature of the polyester was favored by the presence of a higher quantity of nano-size ZnO particles. Thermogravimetric analysis at 5, 10 and 20 °C/min allowed determining the degradation kinetic parameters based on the Friedman and Kissinger models for neat polyester and nanocomposites. Heating rates promoted an increase in the temperature degradation and the addition of ZnO particles promoted a catalyst effect that reduce the amount of thermal energy needed to start the thermal degradation.

Pharmacologic management of patients with hepatic and pancreatic diseases that involve immunosuppressive therapies. Position statement within the framework of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. / Manejo farmacológico de pacientes con enfermedades hepáticas y pancreáticas que involucran terapias inmunosupresoras. Posicionamiento en el marco de la pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. COVID-19 affected more than 6million persons worldwide in fewer than 4 months, after the report of the first cases in China in December 2019. The relation of the disease caused by SARS-Cov-2 to immunosuppressive treatment used in different gastrointestinal disorders is uncertain, resulting in debate with regard to suspending immunosuppressive therapy to improve infection outcome. Said suspension implies the inherent risk for graft rejection or autoimmune disease exacerbation that can potentially worsen the course of the infection. Based on the presently available evidence, a treatment stance has been established for patients with gastrointestinal diseases that require immunosuppressive therapy.

[Formula: see text] -symmetry from Lindblad dynamics in a linearized optomechanical system.

We analyze a lossy linearized optomechanical system in the red-detuned regime under the rotating wave approximation. This so-called optomechanical state transfer protocol provides effective lossy frequency converter (quantum beam-splitter-like) dynamics where the strength of the coupling between the electromagnetic and mechanical modes is controlled by the optical steady-state amplitude. By restricting to a subspace with no losses, we argue that the transition from mode-hybridization in the strong coupling regime to the damped-dynamics in the weak coupling regime, is a signature of the passive parity-time ([Formula: see text]) symmetry breaking transition in the underlying non-Hermitian quantum dimer. We compare the dynamics generated by the quantum open system (Langevin or Lindblad) approach to that of the [Formula: see text]-symmetric Hamiltonian, to characterize the cases where the two are identical. Additionally, we numerically explore the evolution of separable and correlated number states at zero temperature as well as thermal initial state evolution at room temperature. Our results provide a pathway for realizing non-Hermitian Hamiltonians in optomechanical systems at a quantum level.

Robust optomechanical state transfer under composite phase driving.

We propose a technique for robust optomechanical state transfer using phase-tailored composite pulse driving with constant amplitude. Our proposal is inspired by coherent control techniques in lossless driven qubits. We demonstrate that there exist optimal phases for maximally robust excitation exchange in lossy strongly-driven optomechanical state transfer. In addition, our proposed composite phase driving also protects against random variations in the parameters of the system. However, this driving can take the system out of its steady state. For this reason, we use the ideal optimal phases to produce smooth sequences that both maintain the system close to its steady state and optimize the robustness of optomechanical state transfer.

Short communication: Influence of an aqueous myrrh suspension on yogurt culture bacteria over yogurt shelf life.

Myrrh is an essential oil and natural flavoring approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and it has antibacterial and antifungal activity against pathogens. Our objective was to determine the effect of an aqueous myrrh suspension on Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus counts in peptone solution and yogurt, as well as pH and titratable acidity of yogurt during 5 wk of storage at 1 to 4°C. The myrrh suspension (10% wt/vol) was prepared and incorporated into a pure culture dilution in peptone and into yogurt mix at a 1% (vol/vol) level. A control with no myrrh was also prepared, and 3 replications were conducted. Streptococcus thermophilus were enumerated using Streptococcus thermophilus agar with aerobic incubation at 37°C for 24 h, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus were enumerated using de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe agar adjusted to pH 5.2, with anaerobic incubation at 43°C for 72 h. During the 8-h period after inoculation, S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus counts in peptone solution at 37°C and 43°C, respectively, were not significantly different in the presence or absence of the aqueous myrrh suspension. Counts of S. thermophilus in yogurt containing myrrh (mean ± SD; 4.96 ± 0.58 log cfu/mL) were not significantly different from those in the control yogurt (4.87 ± 0.39 log cfu/mL). The log counts for L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus in yogurt containing myrrh (5.04 ± 1.44 log cfu/mL) and those of the control (5.52 ± 1.81 log cfu/mL) did not differ, and the counts remained within 1 log of each other throughout 5 wk of storage. The pH of the yogurts containing the aqueous myrrh suspension was not significantly different from that of the control yogurts, and their pH values were within 0.1 pH unit of each other in any given week. Titratable acidity values remained steady around 1.1 to 1.2% lactic acid for both yogurt types throughout the storage period, with no significant differences between them. Yogurt culture bacteria can survive in the presence of a myrrh suspension in yogurt with no significant change in pH or titratable acidity. Therefore, it may be beneficial to add an aqueous myrrh suspension to yogurt.

Prevalencia de lesiones precursoras de cáncer de cuello uterino y antecedentes sexuales/reproductivos de indígenas de Caaguazú, Paraguay 2015-2017 / Prevalence of precursor lesions of cervical cancer and sexual/reproductive antecedents of natives of Caaguazú, Paraguay 2015-2017

Introducción: El cáncer de cuello uterino es una de las patologías más graves en la vida de las mujeres. Causó 266 000 muertes en mujeres por esta patología en el año 2012, un 85% en los países de ingresos bajos y medianos. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de lesiones precursoras de cáncer de cuello uterino y antecedentes sexuales/reproductivos de indígenas de Caaguazú durante los años 2015 a 2017. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal con muestreo no probabilístico. Se estudió a indígenas que se encuentran registrados en el Programa de Patología Cervical. Los datos obtenidos se ingresaron en Microsoft Excel© 2016, para el análisis se utilizó STATA® 14.0. Los resultados fueron presentados en tablas y gráficos. Resultados: Ingresaron en el estudio 129 indígenas con una edad media de 26±10 años. La prevalencia de lesiones precursoras de cáncer de cuello uterino fue de 13,18%. Las lesiones más frecuentemente encontradas en orden de frecuencia fueron ASCUS 10,08%; CIN I 2,32%; CIN II 0,77%; no se observó CIN III, ni carcinoma in situ. Las edades en las que se presentaron con mayor frecuencia fueron entre 25 a 44 años en un 70,59%. El 58,8% de las que presentaron lesiones cervicales tuvo menarca< 12 años; 76,5% relaciones sexuales < 15 años y el 82,35 % son gran multíparas. Conclusión: La prevalencia de lesiones precursoras de cáncer de cuello uterino es similar a estudios de otros países y menor a algunos estudios que se realizaron en Paraguay en población no indígena. Se encontró mayor porcentaje de lesiones en las edades medias, menarca temprana, inicio precoz de vida sexual y en multíparas. Palabras clave: Lesión intraepitelial cervical; cáncer de cérvix; citología; Paraguay; Servicios de Salud del Indígena.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is one of the most serious pathologies in the life of women. It caused 266 000 deaths in women due to this pathology in 2012, 85% in low and middle income countries. Objective: To determine the prevalence of precursor lesions of cervical cancer and sexual/reproductive antecedents of natives of Caaguazú during the years 2015 to 2017. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic sampling was carried out. Indigenous people registered in the Cervical Pathology Program were studied. The data obtained were entered in Microsoft Excel © 2016, STATA® 14.0 was used for the analysis. The results were presented in tables and graphs. Results: The study included 129 indigenous people with an average age of 26 ± 10 years. The prevalence of precursor lesions of cervical cancer was 13.18%. The most frequently found lesions in order of frequency were ASCUS 10.08%; CIN I 2.32%; CIN II 0.77%; no CIN III was observed, nor carcinoma in situ. The ages in which they occurred most frequently were between 25 and 44 years in 70.59%. 58.8% of those who presented cervical lesions had menarche <12 years; 76.5% sexual intercourse <15 years and 82.35% are large multiparous. Conclusion: The prevalence of precursor lesions of cervical cancer is similar to studies from other countries and less than some studies that were conducted in Paraguay in a non-indigenous population. A higher percentage of lesions was found in the middle ages, early menarche, and early onset of sexual life and in multiparous women. Keywords: Cervical intraepithelial lesion; cervical cancer; cytology; Paraguay; Indigenous Health Services.

Current treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. / Tratamiento actual de la enfermedad por hígado graso no alcohólico.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most prevalent hepatopathy, estimated at 30% in the general population. In the coming years, it will likely be the most common indication for liver transplantation and the most frequent cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is based on dietary and exercise interventions that have been shown to be efficacious, even for reverting fibrosis. Unfortunately, compliance with general measures involving lifestyle modifications is very poor, making pharmacologic strategies a necessary option. At present, there are no treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease approved by regulatory agencies, and the only ones with sufficient evidence and recommended by international societies are treatments with pioglitazone and vitamin E, which are not exempt from adverse effects. We review herein the current management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, including dietary and physical activity interventions, available treatments, equivocal therapies, emerging treatments, and treatments presently in clinical trials.

Apoptotic activities of cardenolide glycosides from Asclepias subulata.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Asclepias subulata Decne. (Apocynaceae) is a shrub occurring in Sonora-Arizona desert. The ethnic groups of Sonora, Mexico, Seris and Pimas, use this plant for the treatment of sore eyes, gastrointestinal disorders and cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the cell death pathways that the cardenolide glycosides with antiproliferative activity found in the methanol extract of A. subulata are able to activate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of cardenolide glycosides isolated of A. subulata on induction of apoptosis in cancer cells was evaluated through the measuring of several key events of apoptosis. A549 cells were treated for 12h with doses of 3.0, 0.2, 3.0 and 1.0µM of 12, 16-dihydroxicalotropin, calotropin, corotoxigenin 3-O-glucopyranoside and desglucouzarin, respectively. Apoptotic and necrotic cell levels were measured by double staining with annexin V-FITC/PI. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization was examined through JC-1 staining. Apoptosis cell death and the apoptosis pathways activated by cardenolide glycosides isolated of A. subulata were further characterized by the measurement of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 activity. RESULTS: Apoptotic assays showed that the four cardenolide glycosides isolated of A. subulata induced apoptosis in A549 cells, which was evidencing by phosphatidylserine externalization in 18.2%, 17.0%, 23.9% and 22.0% for 12, 16-dihydroxicalotropin, calotropin, corotoxigenin 3-O-glucopyranoside and desglucouzarin, respectively, compared with 4.6% of control cells. Cell death was also associated with a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, which was more than 75% in the treated cultures respect to control. The activation of caspase-3 was observed in all cardenolide glycosides-treated cancer cells indicating the caspase-dependent apoptosis of A549 cells. Extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways were activated by cardenolide glycosides treatment at the doses tested. CONCLUSION: In this study was found that cardenolide glycosides, 12, 16-dihydroxicalotropin, calotropin, corotoxigenin 3-O-glucopyranoside and desglucouzarin, isolated from A. subulata induced the cell death trough caspase-dependent apoptosis, which was activated, preferably, by extrinsic pathway.

Injerto aorto-poplíteo directo para el tratamiento de la isquemia crítica de los miembros inferiores / Direct aorto-popliteal arterial bypass for critical limb ischemia

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Nuclear abnormalities in buccal mucosa cells of patients with type I and II diabetes treated with folic acid.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by high blood glucose. Excessive production of free radicals may cause oxidative damage to DNA and other molecules, leading to complications of the disease. It may be possible to delay or reduce such damage by administration of antioxidants such as folic acid (FA). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of FA on nuclear abnormalities (NAs) in the oral mucosa of patients with DM. NAs (micronucleated cells, binucleated cells, pyknotic nuclei, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, abnormally condensed chromatin, and nuclear buds) were analyzed in 2000 cells from 45 healthy individuals (control group) and 55 patients with controlled or uncontrolled type I or II DM; 35 patients in the latter group were treated with FA. Samples were taken from the FA group before and after treatment. An increased rate of NAs was found in patients with DM in comparison with that of the control group (P<0.001). FA supplementation in patients with DM reduced the frequency of NAs (20.4 ± 8.0 before treatment vs. 10.5 ± 5.2 after treatment; P<0.001). The type I and type II DM and controlled and uncontrolled DM subgroups were analyzed in terms of sex, age, and smoking habit. The significantly reduced frequencies of buccal mucosa cells with micronuclei, binucleation, pyknosis, karyorrhexis, karyorrhexis+abnormally condensed chromatin, karyolysis, and nuclear buds produced by FA supplementation in DM patients (P<0.02) are consistent with the idea that free radicals are responsible for the increased frequency of NAs in DM patients.