Endorhizal fungal symbiosis in lycophytes and metal(loid)-accumulating ferns growing naturally in mine wastes in Mexico.

Ferns and lycophytes are pioneer plants that can be useful for revegetation. Their natural distribution and interaction with soil fungal endophytes can increase plant fitness but have received little attention. This study aimed to identify these plant species in mine wastes, and determine colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytes (DSE). The pseudo-total and diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable rhizosphere concentrations of As, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn, bioavailability index (BI), and bioconcentration factor (BCF) were analyzed. Six ferns and one lycophyte were identified. Arsenic and metal concentrations were high, which were plant and site-dependent. All species showed hyperaccumulation of As in fronds, especially Argyrochosma formosa (2,883) and Notholaena affinis (2,160) had the highest concentrations (mg kg-1). All plants were colonized by AMF (3%-24%) and DSE (2%-33%). Astrolepis sinuata and Myriopteris notholaenoides had the maximum colonization by AMF and A. formosa by DSE. This study identifies for the first time five ferns and one lycophyte species on mine wastes, their As hyperaccumulation capacity and the simultaneous fungal colonization by AMF and DSE. These are relevant plant traits for phytoremediation. However, fungal identification and the role colonization by AMF and DSE requires full analysis.

Arsenic accumulator ferns and a lycophytes species naturally established on three polluted sites were found. Astrolepis integerrima, A. sinuata, Myriopteris notholaenoides, Notholaena affinis, N. sulphurea, and the lycophyte Selaginella lepidophylla are for the first time reported in these sites. This is the first evidence of DSE colonization in these plants growing on mine wastes in interaction with AMF-colonization. These plants may be useful in developing phytoremediation alternatives.

Plasma Endothelial and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Associated with Late Mortality in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a significant public health problem worldwide. COVID-19 increases the risk of non-pulmonary complications such as acute myocardial injury, renal failure, thromboembolic events, and multi-organic damage. Several studies have documented increased inflammation molecules, endothelial dysfunction biomarkers, and dysregulation of coagulation factors in COVID-19 patients. In addition, endothelium dysfunction is exacerbated by the oxidative stress (OxS) promoted by endocrine and cardiovascular molecules. Our objective was to evaluate whether endothelial and OxS biomarkers were associated with mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed. Patients ≥18 years old with confirmed COVID-19 that required hospitalization were included in a prospective cohort study. Endothelium and oxidative stress biomarkers were collected between 3 and 5 days after admission. RESULTS: A total of 165 patients were evaluated; 56 patients succumbed. The median follow-up was 71 days [23-129]. Regarding endothelial dysfunction and OxS biomarkers, patients who did not survive had higher levels of nitrates (0.4564 [0.1817-0.6761] vs. 0.2817 [0.0517-0.5], p = 0.014), total nitrates (0.0507 [-0.0342-0.1809] vs. -0.0041 [-0.0887-0.0909], p = 0.016), sE-Selectin (1.095 [0.86-1.495] vs. 0.94 [0.71-1.19], p = 0.004), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (0.50 [0.26-0.72] vs. 0.36 [0.23-0.52], p = 0.010) compared to patients who survived. Endothelial and OxS biomarkers independently associated with mortality were sE-selectin (HR:2.54, CI95%; from 1.11 to 5.81, p = 0.027), nitrates (HR:4.92, CI95%; from 1.23 to 19.63, p = 0.024), and MDA (HR: 3.05, CI95%; from 1.14 to 8.15, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Endothelial dysfunction (sE-selectin and nitrates) and OxS (MDA) are independent indicators of a worse prognosis in COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization.

New species of Rhopalomyia and Dasineura (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) associated with Prosopis caldenia Burkart (Fabaceae) in Argentina.

Two new species of cecidomyiids were identified on Prosopis caldenia Burkart (Fabaceae) in Argentina: Rhopalomyia caldeniae Cornejo Martínez sp. nov., as the inducer of bivalve leaf galls, and the inquiline Dasineura oportunista Cornejo Martínez sp. nov. These galls are composed of the partial coalescence of two contiguous pinnulae that delimit a single larval chamber, where both species develop. Seven other species were reared from these galls as parasitoids and inquilines.

Experiencia en la Argentina del Programa de uso compasivo con nintedanib en el tratamiento de la Fibrosis Pulmonar Idiopática / Experience with the Compassionate Use Program of nintedanib for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Argentina

Introducción: La Fibrosis Pulmonar Idiopática (FPI) es una enfermedad pulmonar difusa (EPD) de etiología desconocida, crónica y progresiva. Ocurre en adultos mayores, se encuentra limitada a los pulmones y se asocia con la patente anatomopatológica y/o tomográfica de neumonía intersticial usual (NIU). El curso de la enfermedad es progresivo y se asocia con una supervivencia media a 5 años del 20%. Objetivos: Conocer las características clínicas y de función pulmonar del grupo de pacientes con FPI ingresados al programa de uso compasivo (NPU); conocer el perfil de seguridad reportado con nintedanib. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo transversal en donde se incluyeron 54 pacientes ingresados al programa de NPU desde el 1 de septiembre de 2015 hasta el 10 de agosto de 2016. Los datos se recolectaron de los registros del programa de NPU. Resultados: Cincuenta y cuatro pacientes con FPI fueron incluidos en el programa de NPU, de ellos 47 recibieron nintedanib y se analizaron los datos del total de estos últimos. Treinta y siete (78.72%) eran varones, la edad media al inicio del tratamiento era 67.47 ± 7.85 años y en 9 casos (19.14%) el diagnóstico se estableció mediante biopsia pulmonar. La capacidad vital forzada (CVF) media al inicio del tratamiento era de 65.87 ± 19.23 expresada en porcentaje del valor predictivo; la capacidad de difusión de dióxido de carbono media (DLCO) expresada en porcentaje del valor predictivo era de 38.74 ± 3.09. El tiempo de evolución desde el diagnóstico de FPI hasta el inicio del tratamiento con nintedanib era de 27.17± 27.9 meses (mediana 17). La exposición de la droga promedio hasta el corte era de 9.92 semanas ± 2.15 (mediana: 10 semanas). En 7 casos (31.91%) la CVF era mayor del 80%, en 22 (46.80%) casos entre 50 y 79% y en 10 casos (21.27%) era menor de 49%. En total 7 pacientes (14.89%) presentaron eventos adversos: 5 (10.6%) pacientes presentaron descenso ponderal, 4 (8.51%) diarrea, 2 pacientes presentaron náusea, 1 (2.12%) elevación de las enzimas hepáticas y 1 (2.12%) prurito. En la mayoría de los casos los eventos adversos aparecieron durante las 2 primeras semanas del inicio del tratamiento con nintedanib. En 3 (6.38%) casos fue mandatorio la suspensión del nintedanib definitivamente por eventos adversos y en 4 (8.51%) se debió titular la dosis a 100 mg cada 12 horas. Del total, 6 (12.76%) pacientes fallecieron por progresión de su enfermedad de base. Conclusiones: Al igual que lo reportado por otros grupos, el nintedanib presenta un perfil de seguridad manejable y tolerable. En nuestra serie de 47 pacientes con FPI que recibieron al menos una dosis de nintedanib, el 14.89% presentó algún evento adverso que solo en 3 pacientes (6.38%) motivó la suspensión definitiva del fármaco.

Experience with the Compassionate Use Program of nintedanib for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Argentina

Introduction: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a diffuse lung disease (DLD) of unknown etiology that is chronic and progressive. It occurs in older adults; it is restricted to the lungs and it is associated with the anatomopathological and/or tomographic pattern of Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP). The evolution of the disease is progressive and it is associated with a mean 5-year survival rate of 20%. Objectives: to identify the clinical and pulmonary function characteristics in the group of patients with IPF included in the Compassionate Use Program (NPU, Named Patient Use); to identify the safety profile reported with nintedanib. Materials and methods: a retrospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study including 54 patients enrolled in the NPU program from September 1st, 2015 to August 10th, 2016. Data were collected from the NPU program records. Results: fifty-four patients with IPF were included in the NPU program, of whom 47 received nintedanib; the data from the latter were analyzed. Thirty-seven (78.72%) were males, with a mean age at the beginning of treatment of 67.47 ± 7.85 years, and in 9 cases (19.14%) the diagnosis was confirmed by lung biopsy. The mean forced vital capacity (FVC) at the beginning of treatment was 65.87±19.23 and it is presented as the percentage of the predictive value; the mean carbon dioxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) presented as the percentage of the predictive value was 38.74 ± 3.09. The time of progression from the diagnosis of IPF to the beginning of the treatment with nintedanib was 27.17± 27.9 months (median 17). Average drug exposure to cut-off point was 9.92 weeks ± 2.15 (median: 10 weeks). In 7 cases (31.91%) the FVC was over 80%, in 22 (46.80%) cases it was between 50 and 79% and in 10 cases (21.27%) it was below 49%. In total, 7 patients (14.89%) exhibited adverse events: Five (10.6%) patients exhibited weight loss, 4 (8.51%) diarrhea, 2 patients had nausea, 1 (2.12%) an increase of the liver enzymes and 1 (2.12%) pruritus. In most cases, the adverse events appeared during the first 2 weeks after beginning the treatment with nintedanib. In 3 (6.38%) cases it was imperative to suspend nintedanib permanently due to the adverse effects and in 4 (8.51%) cases the dose had to be titrated to 100 mg every 12 hours. Out of the total of patients, 6 (12.76%) passed away due to the progression of their underlying disease. Conclusions: such as it was reported by other groups, nintedanib has a manageable and tolerable safety profile. In our series of 47 patients with IPF who received at least one dose of nintedanib, 14.89% had an adverse event that led to the permanent discontinuation of the drug in only 3 patients (6.38%).

Presencia de sintomáticos respiratorios adultos en la consulta por morbilidad general: Consultorio Renca 1983 / Symptomatic respiratory adult patients in general morbidity consultation: Renca Clinic 1983

Entre los meses de mayo y diciembre de 1983 se estudió un grupo de 308 pacientes con sintomatología respiratoria, mayores de 15 años, que consultaron por primera vez en el Consultorio Renca, establecimiento de atención primaria que depende del Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Occidente. Los principales objetivos fueron efectuar un análisis de las características de la sintomatología respiratoria, conocer la frecuencia con que ésta se presenta entre los consultantes adultos e investigar la cantidad de pacientes tuberculosos en la muestra. Cada enfermo fue sometido a una encuesta previamente elaborada y, además se le solicitó dos muestras de expectoración para baciloscopias. La tasa de sintomáticos respiratorios fue de 16% aproximadamente, cifra que alcanzó el 21% durante los meses de junio y julio y descendió a 7,9% en noviembro y diciembre. En los adolescentes y adultos hasta los 39 años de edad se observó la más alta tasa de sintomáticos respiratorios, 1,68% por año de edad, la que sólo alcanzó a 0,8% en pacientes mayores, hechos que fueron independientes del sexo. El síntoma predominante fue tos con expectoración y constituyó el motivo principal de consulta en el 40% de los casos. Sólo el 50% de los pacientes entregó las dos muestras para expectoración, lo que sugiere la necesidad de enfatizar la importancia de este examen al solicitarlo. No se detectó tuberculosis en el grupo estudiado, lo que podría explicarse por la magnitud de la muestra y su procedencia de un lugar geográficamente muy circunscrito, sin riesgo particularmente alto