Transcriptome analysis of reproductive tract tissues of male river prawn Macrobrachium americanum.

BACKGROUND: The river prawn, Macrobrachium americanum (M. americanum), is one of the largest prawns of the genus in Latin America and is an amphidromous species distributed along the Pacific coast of America. This prawn has commercial value due to its size and taste, making it a good option for aquaculture production. Its culture has been attempted in ponds and concrete tanks, but no successful technique can still support commercial production. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate reproduction at the molecular level is very important. This knowledge can provide tools for manipulating transcripts, which could increase the number or size of animals in the culture. Our understanding of the mechanism that regulates the reproduction of M. americanum at the molecular level is limited. AIM: Perform and analyze the transcriptome assembly of the testes, vas deferens, and terminal ampulla of M. americanum. to provide new molecular information about its reproduction. METHODS AND RESULTS: The cDNA library was constructed and sequenced for each tissue to identify novel transcripts. A combined transcriptome with the three tissues was assembled using Trinity software. Unigenes were annotated using BLASTx and BLAST2GO. The transcriptome assembly generated 1,059,447 unigenes, of which 7222 genes had significant hits (e-value < 1 × 10-5) when compared against the Swiss-Prot database. Around 75 genes were related to sex determination, testis development, spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis, fertilization, maturation of testicular cells, neuropeptides, hormones, hormone receptors, and/or embryogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide new molecular information about M. americanum reproduction, representing a reference point for further genetic studies of this species.

Hematoma subcapsular esplénico espontáneo y mononucleosis infecciosa: una asociación de interés para el cirujano

La rotura espontánea de bazo es una complicación infrecuente pero muy grave de la mononucleosis infecciosa. Dada la urgencia con la que suele presentarse tal situación, la esplenectomía suele ser la opción quirúrgica más utilizada. Presentamos el caso de un paciente en el que con el diagnóstico de rotura esplénica espontánea se somete a laparoscopia diagnóstica en la que se consigue la preservación del bazo con buena evolución clínica. A la luz de este paciente, consideramos que, en caso de estabilidad clínica y hematomas subcapsulares de bazo, la laparoscopia con preservación esplénica es una opción viable y con buenos resultados. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Spontaneous rupture of the spleen is a rare but very serious complication of infectious mononucleosis. Given the urgency with which such a situation usually presents, splenectomy is usually the most used surgical option. We present the case of a patient diagnosed with spontaneous splenic rupture who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy in which spleen preservation was achieved with good clinical evolution. In the light of this patient, we consider that, in the case of clinical stability and subcapsular haematomas of the spleen, laparoscopy with splenic preservation is a viable option with good results. (provided by Infomedic International)

Advancing the knowledge of the nematode Echinocephalus pseudouncinatus (Gnathostomatidae, Spirurida): Morphological and molecular identification, new host, and host specificity in two coexisting pen shells (Bivalvia: Pinnidae).

The life cycle of Echinocephalus pseudouncinatus has not been described in detail to date, as is also the case of other species in the genus. This study contributes to the information available about the life history of the genus, particularly E. pseudouncinatus, by (1) using molecular techniques (small subunit rRNA gene [SSU rRNA] sequences) to identify larvae of this species; (2) describing the most conspicuous morphological characteristics that distinguish the species by scanning electron microscopy; (3) describing histological characteristics of the internal anatomy of larvae and the lesions caused by them in the gonads of hosts; (4) reporting new host and reporting evidence of host specificity of E. pseudouncinatus between two species of edible pen shells coexisting in the northern Pacific of Mexico; and (5) analyzing the frequency of infested gonads by host sex, size, and gonadal development stage. The molecular analysis confirmed the morphological and histological diagnosis of E. pseudouncinatus larvae infesting gonads of Atrina maura and Pinna rugosa in Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio lagoons. The morphological characterization of larvae provides internal details of the cephalic bulb (including rows of hooks and ballonets), neural chord, and cell types of the body wall. Histopathological findings such as degenerated and atretic gametes and the displacement of gonadal tissue in hosts infested with E. pseudouncinatus larvae are discussed in terms of temperature anomalies caused by the "Godzilla El Niño". The frequency of infestation increased with shell length and gonadal development in A. maura, with a higher infestation frequency in females versus males observed at both study sites. Our findings expand the list of hosts of E. pseudouncinatus, which was previously unknown as a parasite of P. rugosa. In P. rugosa, infestation frequencies are noticeably lower (<1 %) compared with those observed in A. maura (>30 %) at both study sites, suggesting host-specific requirements or preferences in E. pseudouncinatus larvae.

Reliability of different body temperature measurement sites during normothermic cardiac surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery can experience significant thermal changes during the perioperative period and, for that reason, it is essential to monitor temperatures with adequate accuracy and precision during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The primary aim of the current study was to measure the discrepancies between temperatures at different body sites during normothermic or mild hypothermic CPB. METHODS: 48 patients undergoing cardiac surgery participated in our study. Simultaneous temperatures were measured at nasopharynx, pulmonary artery, arterial outlet, venous inlet, forehead using a heat flux sensor, and urinary bladder at 5-min intervals throughout surgery. The Bland-Altman plot for repeated measures was used to assess concordance between methods. RESULTS: The duration of surgery was 360 min (interquartile range (IQR) 300-412), while the median cross-clamp time was 135 min (IQR 101-169). During the CPB time, the average difference between arterial outlet and nasopharyngeal temperature was -0.16°C (95% limits of agreement of ±0.93). The bias between arterial outlet and the venous inflow was 0.16°C and the 95% limits of agreement were -0.63 to 0.95°C. The Bland-Altman analysis showed an average difference between oxigenator arterial outlet and bladder probe of -0.62 (95% limits of agreement of ±1.3). The average difference between arterial outlet and Tcore™ temperatures was 0.08°C (95% limits of agreement of ±1.46). 25 patients (52.08%) presented nasopharyngeal temperatures higher than 37°C in the post-CPB period, but none of them exceeded 38°C. CONCLUSIONS: Perfusionists should be cautious when using the nasopharyngeal site as the only surrogate of brain temperature, even in normothermic cardiac surgery because the precision of measurements is not entirely adequate.

Cirugía laparoscópica por puerto único: ¿moda pasajera o un reto para el futuro? 10 años de experiencia.

La cirugía laparoscópica por puerto único es un concepto que refleja la expansión que están sufriendo las técnicas mínimamente invasivas en los últimos años. Pese a ser un estímulo para todo laparoscopista, su implantación es hoy por hoy una asignatura pendiente en la mayoría de los hospitales. Nuestro objetivo es reflexionar sobre la laparoscopia a través de incisión única a la luz de nuestra casuística. Hemos realizado un estudio descriptivo observacional retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos en nuestro centro mediante laparoscopia a través de incisión única Desde 2012, se han realizado en nuestro hospital, 215 laparoscopias por puerto único de las cuales 175 son apendicectomías, 37 hemicolectomías derechas, 2 colecistectomías y 1 eventroplastia con buenos resultados clínicos y estéticos. La laparoscopia por incisión única supone un paso más en el perfeccionamiento de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva y debe suponer un reto y un empeño para el cirujano su expansión e implantación. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Single-port laparoscopic surgery is a concept that reflects the expansion of minimally invasive techniques in recent years. Despite being a stimulus for every laparoscopist, its implementation is still a pending subject in most hospitals. Our objective is to reflect on single incision laparoscopy in the light of our casuistry. We have performed a retrospective observational descriptive study of patients operated in our center by single incision laparoscopy. Since 2012, 215 single port laparoscopies have been performed in our hospital of which 175 are appendectomies, 37 right hemicolectomies, 2 cholecystectomies and 1 eventroplasty with good clinical and aesthetic results. Single incision laparoscopy is a further step in the improvement of minimally invasive surgery and should be a challenge and a commitment for the surgeon in its expansion and implementation. (provided by Infomedic International)

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and previous pandemics, epidemics and economic crises on mental health: systematic review.

BACKGROUND: A rise in mental illness is expected to follow the COVID-19 pandemic, which has also been projected to lead to a deep global economic recession, further adding to risk factors. AIMS: The aim of this review was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and previous pandemics, epidemics and economic crises on mental health. METHOD: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Sociological Abstracts. We included studies of all populations exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic, and other similar pandemics/epidemics and economic crises, compared with non-exposed time periods or regions. The outcome was mental health. RESULTS: The 174 included studies assessed mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic (87 studies), 2008 economic crisis (84 studies) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic (three studies). Outcomes were divided into affective disorders, suicides, mental healthcare utilisation and other mental health. COVID-19 pandemic studies were of lesser quality than those for the economic crisis or SARS epidemic. Most studies for all exposures showed increases in affective disorders and other mental health problems. For economic crisis exposure, increases in mental healthcare utilisation and suicides were also found, but these findings were mixed for COVID-19 pandemic exposure. This is probably because of quarantine measures affecting help-seeking and shorter follow-ups of studies of COVID-19 pandemic exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of available, accessible and sustainable mental health services. Also, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations should be particular targets of policy interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Intestinal inflammation and the microbiota: Beyond diversity.

The recent manuscript entitled "Relationship between clinical features and intestinal microbiota in Chinese patients with ulcerative colitis" reported a difference in the intestinal microbiota of patients with ulcerative colitis according to the severity of the colitis. The influence of the intestinal microbiota on the development and progress of gastrointestinal disorders is well established. Besides the diversity in the microbiome, the presence of virulence factors and toxins by commensal bacteria may affect an extensive variety of cellular processes, contributing to the induction of a proinflammatory environment.

Combined administration routes of marine yeasts enhanced immune-related genes and protection of white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Antibiotic usage to control infectious diseases in shrimp aquaculture has led to serious problems on antimicrobial resistance. An alternative to mitigate this issue is the use of probiotics, which can be easily administered by feed and water. This study examines immunomodulatory and protective effects of the marine yeasts Debaryomyces hansenii CBS8339 (Dh) and Yarrowia lipolytica Yl-N6 (Yl) -alone and mixed-in white shrimp Penaeus vannamei post-larvae. Administration routes (fed and water alone or in combination), supplementation frequency and time elapsed after the last dietary supplement were tested on growth and gene expression of penaeidin, lectin, lysozyme, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, as well as survival upon Vibrio parahaemolyticus IPNGS16 challenge. Penaeidin and lectin genes were upregulated in post-larvae fed orally with Yl or combined Dh + Yl. Higher growth and survival for yeast supplementation treatments were observed compared to the control group, mainly when yeasts (Dh + Yl) and administration routes (feed and water) were combined. In conclusion, mixed yeast and combined administration routes improved growth and immunity against V. parahaemolyticus.

Metagenomic analysis of the intestinal microbiome in goats on cactus and Salicornia-based diets.

Background: The Peruvian coast is characterized by its arid and saline soils, the cactus being an alternative for arid soils and Salicornia for saline soils. Therefore, it is necessary to develop nutrition based on the intestinal microbiota in goats. Aim: To identify the intestinal microbiota in goats through a metagenomic analysis. Methods: In this study, goats and kids were randomly selected and fed cacti and Salicornia as potential forage species compared to native grass to study the changes in the microbiota using massive sequencing using the 16S rRNA gene as a marker. Results: The sequencing results showed the taxonomic levels of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes at the phylum level as the most abundant in creole goats' microbiome, varying from 18% to 36% and 47% to 66%, respectively. At the genus level, variants of the genus Ruminococcaceae stand out, related to cellulose degradation, as the most dominant in all samples, followed by Christensenellaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Prevotellaceae. Also, the genus Akkermansia appeared in greater abundance in kids fed with cactus, being necessary for being related to the intestinal mucosa's health and avoiding the adhesion of pathogens to the intestinal epithelium. Conclusion: These microbiota changes based on diets with high fiber content are necessary to understand the adaptation of this species to favorable dietary changes.

POSTERIOR SEGMENT OCULAR FINDINGS IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS WITH COVID-19.

PURPOSE: To describe ophthalmological fundoscopic findings in patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit of the largest third-level referral center for COVID-19 in Mexico City. METHODS: In this cross-sectional single-center study, consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of COVID-19 underwent fundus examination with an indirect ophthalmoscope. Clinical photographs were taken using a posterior-pole camera. We explored the association between ocular manifestations and demographic characteristics, inflammatory markers, hemodynamic factors, and comorbidities. RESULTS: Of 117 patients examined, 74 were men; the median age was 54 years (range: 45-63 years). Forty-two patients had ophthalmological manifestations (unilateral in 23 and bilateral in 19), and 10 of these patients had more than one ophthalmological manifestation. Ocular findings were papillitis (n = 13), cotton wool spots (n = 12), retinal hemorrhages (n = 5), retinal nerve fiber layer edema (n = 8), macular whitening (n = 5), retinal vascular tortuosity (n = 4), papillophlebitis (n = 3), central retinal vein occlusion (n = 1), and branch retinal vein occlusion (n = 1). Ocular fundus manifestations were not associated with demographic characteristics, inflammatory markers, hemodynamic factors, or comorbidities. CONCLUSION: More than one-third of patients with severe COVID-19 had ophthalmological manifestations. The most frequent fundoscopic findings were optic nerve inflammation, microvasculature occlusion, and major vascular occlusions. We recommend long-term follow-up to prevent permanent ocular sequelae.

Platelet-Based Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Prognosis in COVID-19 Patients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused millions of deaths worldwide. COVID-19's clinical manifestations range from no symptoms to a severe acute respiratory syndrome, which can result in multiple organ failure, sepsis, and death. Severe COVID-19 patients develop pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections, with a hypercoagulable state. Several inflammatory or coagulatory biomarkers are currently used with predictive values for COVID-19 severity and prognosis. In this manuscript, we investigate if a combination of coagulatory and inflammatory biomarkers could provide a better biomarker with predictive value for COVID-19 patients, being able to distinguish between patients that would develop a moderate or severe COVID-19 and predict the disease outcome. We investigated 306 patients with COVID-19, confirmed by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA detected in the nasopharyngeal swab, and retrospectively analyzed the laboratory data from the first day of hospitalization. In our cohort, biomarkers such as neutrophil count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio from the day of hospitalization could predict if the patient would need to be transferred to the intensive care unit but failed to identify the patients´ outcomes. The ratio between platelets and inflammatory markers such as creatinine, C-reactive protein, and urea levels is associated with patient outcomes. Finally, the platelet/neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on the first day of hospitalization can be used with predictive value as a novel severity and lethality biomarker in COVID-19. These new biomarkers with predictive value could be used routinely to stratify the risk in COVID-19 patients since the first day of hospitalization.

Coronavirus disease-2019 and the intestinal tract: An overview.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can progress to a severe respiratory and systemic disease named coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The most common symptoms are fever and respiratory discomfort. Nevertheless, gastrointestinal infections have been reported, with symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and lack of appetite. Importantly, SARS-CoV-2 can remain positive in fecal samples after nasopharyngeal clearance. After gastrointestinal SARS-CoV-2 infection and other viral gastrointestinal infections, some patients may develop alterations in the gastrointestinal microbiota. In addition, some COVID-19 patients may receive antibiotics, which may also disturb gastrointestinal homeostasis. In summary, the gastrointestinal system, gut microbiome, and gut-lung axis may represent an important role in the development, severity, and treatment of COVID-19. Therefore, in this review, we explore the current pieces of evidence of COVID-19 gastrointestinal manifestations, possible implications, and interventions.

Optic neuritis following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The most common neurologic symptoms in COVID-19 are headache, anosmia, and dysgeusia. Optic neuritis is an unusual manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We report a case of a patient who initially consulted for vision loss in the absence of respiratory symptoms. She was diagnosed with optic neuritis following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Delay in diagnosis of neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of COVID-19 may lead to irreversible optic atrophy. A mechanism in which viral antigens would induce an immune response against self-proteins, or direct SARS Cov-2 infection of the central nervous system, may be involved in optic nerve injury.

Transcriptome analysis of Catarina scallop (Argopecten ventricosus) juveniles treated with highly-diluted immunomodulatory compounds reveals activation of non-self-recognition system.

Marine bivalve hatchery productivity is continuously challenged by apparition and propagation of new diseases, mainly those related to vibriosis. Disinfectants and antibiotics are frequently overused to prevent pathogen presence, generating a potential negative impact on the environment. Recently, the use of highly diluted compounds with immunostimulant properties in marine organisms has been trailed successfully to activate the self-protection mechanisms of marine bivalves. Despite their potential as immunostimulants, little is known about their way of action. To understand their effect, a comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed with Argopecten ventricosus juveniles. The experimental design consisted of four treatments formulated from pathogenic Vibrio lysates at two dilutions: [(T1) Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus 1D; (T2) V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus 7C]; minerals [(T3) PhA+SiT 7C], scorpion venom [(T4) ViT 31C]; and one control (C1) hydro-alcoholic solution (ethanol 1%). The RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analysis showed a higher modulation of differentially expressed genes (DEG) in mantle tissue compared to gill tissue. The scallops that showed a higher number of DEG related to immune response in mantle tissue corresponded to T1 (V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus lysate) and T3 (Silicea terra® - Phosphoric acid®). The transcriptome analysis allowed understanding some interactions between A. ventricosus juveniles and highly-diluted treatments.