Uncovering the Role of Hormones in Enhancing Antioxidant Defense Systems in Stressed Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Plants.

Tomato is one of the most important fruits worldwide. It is widely consumed due to its sensory and nutritional attributes. However, like many other industrial crops, it is affected by biotic and abiotic stress factors, reducing its metabolic and physiological processes. Tomato plants possess different mechanisms of stress responses in which hormones have a pivotal role. They are responsible for a complex signaling network, where the antioxidant system (enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants) is crucial for avoiding the excessive damage caused by stress factors. In this sense, it seems that hormones such as ethylene, auxins, brassinosteroids, and salicylic, jasmonic, abscisic, and gibberellic acids, play important roles in increasing antioxidant system and reducing oxidative damage caused by different stressors. Although several studies have been conducted on the stress factors, hormones, and primary metabolites of tomato plants, the effect of endogenous and/or exogenous hormones on the secondary metabolism is still poorly studied, which is paramount for tomato growing management and secondary metabolites production. Thus, this review offers an updated overview of both endogenous biosynthesis and exogenous hormone application in the antioxidant system of tomato plants as a response to biotic and abiotic stress factors.

Combined Effect of the Potassium Dose and Plant Biofertilization by Acinetobacter calcoaceticus on the Growth, Mineral Content, Nutritional Quality, Antioxidant Activity, and Metabolomic Features of Tomatillo Fruits (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.).

An Acinetobacter calcoaceticus UTMR2 strain was evaluated in tomatillo plants (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) using a factorial design with different potassium doses (100, 75, 50 and 0% of the recommended dose). In addition to the agronomic parameters, an analysis of the physicochemical, antioxidant, and metabolomic properties of the fruit was performed. The application of the inoculant affected several parameters of the plant (chlorophyll, weight, and contents of several mineral elements) as well as of the fruit (yield, maturity index, FRAP antioxidant capacity, and contents of protein, fiber, and fat). A multivariate analysis was performed by means of a PCA and a heatmap, indicating that the inoculant induced a strong modulating activity in tomatillo plants for the evaluated parameters, with a remarkable effect at low K doses (0 and 50%). The inoculated treatment at 75% of the K dose resulted in similar plant and fruit characteristics to the fully fertilized control. On the other hand, the biofertilized treatment with no K addition resulted in the highest values in the plant and fruit parameters. In addition, from the metabolomics analysis of the fruits at 75% of the K dose, the up-regulation of 4,4″-bis(N-feruloyl)serotonin, salvianolic acid K, and chlorogenic acid was observed, which may have a role in anti-senescence and resistance mechanisms. In conclusion, the rhizobacterial strain had a positive effect on plant growth, nutritional quality, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of tomatillo fruits at reduced doses of K fertilizer, which gives support for its consideration as an effective biofertilizer strain.

Métodos combinados para incrementar la vida en anaquel de agua de coco obtenida de comercios no establecidos de la Ciudad de Puebla, México / Combined methods for increasing the shelf life of coconut water obtained from the non-established commerce of Puebla City, Mexico

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de métodos combinados para incrementar la vida en anaquel de agua de coco. Métodos El agua de coco fue obtenida de comercios no establecidos en la Ciudad de Puebla, México. El agua de coco fue tratada con luz ultravioleta-C, vainillina o cinamaldehído y almacenada a 5 y 22°C. Se evaluó el efecto de estas tecnologías sobre el crecimiento microbiano de bacterias mesófilas aerobias, mohos y levaduras. Resultados El tratamiento con luz ultravioleta-C redujo la carga microbiana de bacterias mesófilas aerobias y mohos y levaduras en 3,2 y 2,9 ciclos logarítmicos, respectivamente. Durante el almacenamiento del agua de coco, la combinación de luz ultravioleta-C, cinamaldehído y baja temperatura mantuvo una carga microbiana en ambos grupos de microorganismos por debajo de 10 UFC/mL, durante 30 días. Conclusión La aplicación de métodos combinados puede ser una alternativa a bajo costo para la conservación de agua de coco.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effect of combined methods for increasing the shelf life of coconut water. Methods Coconut water was obtained from non-established commerce of Puebla City, Mexico. Coconut water was treated with ultraviolet-C light, vanillin or cinnamaldehyde, and stored at 5 and 22°C. The effect of combined methods was evaluated in the growth of aerobic mesophiles and molds plus yeasts. Results Ultraviolet-C light treatment reduced the microbial load of aerobic mesophiles and molds plus yeast in 3,2 and 2,9 log cycles, respectively. In stored coconut water, the combination of ultraviolet-C light, cinnamaldehyde and low temperature maintained the microbial load in both groups of microorganisms under 10 CFU/mL for 30 days. Conclusion Combined methods may be an alternative at a low cost for the conservation of coconut water.

Usefulness of coronary angiography in patients with left atrial myxoma.

The purpose of the study was to determine the frequency of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients >40 years of age with left atrial (LA) myxoma. We analyzed patients diagnosed with LA myxoma who underwent coronary angiography over a 23-year period at Baylor University Medical Center. CAD was found in 14 of the 17 patients (82%), 7 of whom underwent coronary artery bypass grafting at the time of excision of the myxoma. Cardiac catheterization identified vascularity in the LA myxoma in 9 of the 17 patients (53%), with complete angiographic definition of the myxoma in 3. Coronary angiography demonstrated associated CAD and prompted coronary artery bypass grafting in 7 of the 17 patients at the time of excision of the myxoma. Coronary angiography also provided data regarding the vascular supply to the myxoma, which may aid in surgical planning. In conclusion, we believe coronary angiography is warranted in patients >40 years of age with LA myxomas.

First and recurrent events after percutaneous coronary intervention: implications for survival analyses.

Objectives. Using composite endpoints and/or only first events in clinical research result in information loss and alternative statistical methods which incorporate recurrent event data exist. We compared information-loss under traditional analyses to alternative models. Design. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (Jan2010-Dec2014) and constructed Cox models for a composite endpoint (readmission/death), a shared frailty model for recurrent events, and a joint frailty (JF) model to simultaneously account for recurrent and terminal events and evaluated the impact of heart failure (HF) on the outcome. Results. Among 4901 patients, 2047(41.8%) experienced a readmission or death within 1 year. Of those with recurrent events, 60% had ≥1 readmission and 6% had >4; a total of 121(2.5%) patients died during follow-up. The presence of HF conferred an adjusted Hazard ratio (HR) of 1.32 (95% CI: 1.18-1.47, p < .001) for the risk of composite endpoint (Cox model), 1.44 (95% CI: 1.36-1.52, p < .001) in the frailty model, and 1.34 (95% CI:1.22-1.46, p < .001) in the JF model. However, HF was not associated with death (HR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.52-1.48, p = .61) in the JF model. Conclusions. Using a composite endpoint and/or only the first event yields substantial loss of information, as many individuals endure >1 event. JF models reduce bias by simultaneously providing event-specific HRs for recurrent and terminal events.

Event dependence in the analysis of cardiovascular readmissions postpercutaneous coronary intervention.

Recurrent hospitalizations are common in longitudinal studies; however, many forms of cumulative event analyses assume recurrent events are independent. We explore the presence of event dependence when readmissions are spaced apart by at least 30 and 60 days. We set up a comparative framework with the assumption that patients with emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) will be at higher risk for recurrent cardiovascular readmissions than those with elective procedures. A retrospective study of patients who underwent PCI (January 2008-December 2012) with their follow-up information obtained from a regional database for hospitalization was conducted. Conditional gap time (CG), frailty gamma (FG) and conditional frailty models (CFM) were constructed to evaluate the dependence of events. Relative bias (%RB) in point estimates using CFM as the reference was calculated for comparison of the models. Among 4380 patients, emergent cases were at higher risk as compared with elective cases for recurrent events in different statistical models and time-spaced data sets, but the magnitude of HRs varied across the models (adjusted HR [95% CI]: all readmissions [unstructured data]-CG 1.16 [1.09 to 1.22], FG 1.45 [1.33 to 1.57], CFM 1.24 [1.16 to 1.32]; 30-day spaced-CG1.14 [1.08 to 1.21], FG 1.28 [1.17 to 1.39], CFM 1.17 [1.10 to 1.26]; and 60-day spaced-CG 1.14 [1.07 to 1.22], FG 1.23 [1.13 to 1.34] CFM 1.18 [1.09 to 1.26]). For all of the time-spaced readmissions, we found that the values of %RB were closer to the conditional models, suggesting that event dependence dominated the data despite attempts to create independence by increasing the space in time between admissions. Our analysis showed that independent of the intercurrent event duration, prior events have an influence on future events. Hence, event dependence should be accounted for when analyzing recurrent events and challenges contemporary methods for such analysis.

Acute myocardial infarction triggered by use of synthetic cannabis.

A young woman presented with an anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction shortly after synthetic cannabis use. This report highlights the cardiovascular risks of these drugs.

Growth modeling to control (in vitro) Fusarium verticillioides and Rhizopus stolonifer with thymol and carvacrol / Modelización del crecimiento in vitro para controlar Fusarium verticillioides y Rhizopus stolonifer con timol y carvacrol

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity (in vitro) of thymol and carvacrol alone or in mixtures against Fusarium verticillioides and Rhizopus stolonifer, and to obtain primary growth models. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated with fungal radial growth with thymol or carvacrol concentrations (0-1600mg/l). Mixtures were evaluated using concentrations below MIC values. Radial growth curves were described by the modified Gompertz equation. MIC values of carvacrol were 200mg/l for both fungi. Meanwhile, MIC values of thymol were between 500 and 400mg/l for F verticillioides and R. stolonifer, respectively. A synergistic effect below MIC concentrations for carvacrol (100mg/l) and thymol (100-375 mg/l) was observed. Significant differences (p <0.05) between the Gompertz parameters for the antimicrobial concentrations and their tested mixtures established an inverse relationship between antimicrobial concentration and mycelial development of both fungi. Modified Gompertz parameters can be useful to determine fungistatic concentrations.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la actividad antifúngica in vitro del timol y del carvacrol, solos o en mezclas, contra Fusarium verticillioides y Rhizopus stolonifer, y obtener modelos primarios de crecimiento. Se evaluó la concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) con el crecimiento radial, se ensayaron concentraciones de timol y carvacrol de 0 a 1.600 mg/l. Las mezclas se evaluaron utilizando concentraciones por debajo de los valores de CIM. Las curvas de crecimiento radial fueron descritas por la ecuación de Gompertz modificada. Se obtuvieron los siguientes valores de CIM: carvacrol, 200 mg/l para las 2 especies; timol, 500 mg/l y 400 mg/l para F. verticillioides y R. stolonifer, respectivamente. Se observó un efecto sinèrgico a concentraciones inferiores a las CIM para el carvacrol (100mg/l) y el timol (100-375 mg/l). Hubo diferencias significativas (p <0,05) entre los parámetros de crecimiento de Gompertz; se estableció que existe una relación inversa entre la concentración de los antimicrobianos y el desarrollo del micelio de ambos hongos.

Asymptomatic Ascending Aorta Aneurysm With Severe Aortic Regurgitation Caused by Multiple Intimal-Medial Tears Unassociated With Aortic Dissection.

A 62-year-old man was found to have an asymptomatic ascending aortic aneurysm (6.6 cm) associated with severe aortic regurgitation. Operative resection of the wall of the aneurysm disclosed its cause to be multiple healed intimal-medial tears without dissection involving a previously normal aorta. The concept of an intimal-medial tear unassociated with aortic dissection is a poorly recognized entity and these tears appear to be asymptomatic and after the aortic tearing lead to aneurysmal formation.

Prognostic value of urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 for mortality: A cohort study of stable coronary artery disease patients treated with aspirin.

AIM: There is a variable cardiovascular risk reduction attributable to aspirin because of individual differences in the suppression of thromboxane A2 and its downstream metabolite 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 (11dhTxB2 ). The aim of this study is to evaluate the optimal cut point of urinary 11dhTxB2 for the risk of mortality in aspirin-treated coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a prospective cohort study including stable CAD patients who visited the Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital in Dallas or the Texas Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, TX between 2010 and 2013. The outcome of all-cause mortality was ascertained from chart review and automated sources. The 449 patients included in this analysis had a mean age of 66.1 ± 10.1 years. 67 (14.9%) patients died within 5 years; 56 (87.5%) of the 64 patients with known cause of death suffered a cardiovascular related mortality. Baseline ln(urinary 11dhTxB2 /creatinine) ranged between 5.8 and 11.1 (median = 7.2) with the higher concentrations among those who died (median: 7.6) than those who survived (median = 7.2, P < 0.001). Using baseline ln(11dhTxB2 ) to predict all-cause mortality, the area under the curve was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.64-0.76). The optimal cut point was found to be ln(7.38) = 1597.8 pg/mg, which had the following decision statistics: sensitivity = 0.67, specificity = 0.62, positive predictive value = 0.24, negative predictive value = 0.92, and accuracy = 0.63. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate the optimal cut point for urine 11dhTxB2 is 1597.8 (pg/mg) for the risk prediction of mortality over five years in stable patients with CAD patients treated with aspirin.

Growth modeling to control (in vitro) Fusarium verticillioides and Rhizopus stolonifer with thymol and carvacrol.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity (in vitro) of thymol and carvacrol alone or in mixtures against Fusarium verticillioides and Rhizopus stolonifer, and to obtain primary growth models. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated with fungal radial growth with thymol or carvacrol concentrations (0-1600mg/l). Mixtures were evaluated using concentrations below MIC values. Radial growth curves were described by the modified Gompertz equation. MIC values of carvacrol were 200mg/l for both fungi. Meanwhile, MIC values of thymol were between 500 and 400mg/l for F. verticillioides and R. stolonifer, respectively. A synergistic effect below MIC concentrations for carvacrol (100mg/l) and thymol (100-375mg/l) was observed. Significant differences (p<0.05) between the Gompertz parameters for the antimicrobial concentrations and their tested mixtures established an inverse relationship between antimicrobial concentration and mycelial development of both fungi. Modified Gompertz parameters can be useful to determine fungistatic concentrations.

Urinary metabolites in patients undergoing coronary catheterization via the radial versus femoral artery approach.

The transradial approach (TRA) for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with lower rates of vascular complications and acute kidney injury when compared to the transfemoral approach (TFA). Urine metabolites and proteins may be useful in identifying the dynamic changes at the vascular endothelial cell level. We attempted to explore the changes in the measurable signals of endothelial and nephron injury within 60 to 90 minutes after catheterization among those with the TRA and TFA approaches. Consecutive patients of a single interventionist who underwent coronary angiography between June 2015 and May 2016 were included. Of the 60 patients included in the analysis, the baseline characteristics were similar between those with a TRA (n = 30) and TFA (n = 30) approach. The values of the biomarkers were natural log transformed for the analysis. We found that the mean values of heat shock protein 27, taurine, and sulfuric acid did not significantly change after the procedure. However, the median value of thioredoxin decreased (P = 0.002) and that of talose increased (P = 0.01) after the procedure. None of the patients in our cohort experienced vascular complications or acute kidney injury. No differences in the values of urinary metabolites (pre, post, and delta) were found between TRA and TFA except for postprocedural thioredoxin. In conclusion, this exploratory study showed no difference in the patterns of acute vascular/renal injury metabolic markers before and after catheterization irrespective of the arterial access site.

Aorto-right atrial fistula after Bentall repair.

We describe a man with the Marfan syndrome and a prior ascending aortic aneurysm resection who presented with knee pain and concern of endocarditis. Transesophageal echocardiogram showed no vegetations, and computed tomography angiogram of the heart showed a possible pseudoaneurysm. Cardiac catheterization and aortogram revealed the diagnosis of an aorto-right atrial fistula, which was then operatively repaired. This case highlights the role that cardiac catheterization with aortogram can play in the detection of aorto-atrial fistula.

Urinary 11-Dehydro-Thromboxane B2 and Mortality in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

Antiplatelet therapy with aspirin has been shown to reduce adverse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet cyclooxygenase-1 and attenuates thromboxane A2 (TXA2)-mediated platelet aggregation, but there is variable suppression of cyclooxygenase-1. From a cohort of patients with stable CAD, we performed blinded, detailed chart abstraction, and measured urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 (11dhTxB2), an inactive metabolite of TxA2 from frozen samples. There were 327 men (73%) and 122 women (27%) with a mean age (±SD) of 67 ± 10 and 65 ± 10 years, respectively. A positive linear trend for age was observed among tertiles of 11dhTxB2 (p trend = 0.01). Higher proportions of women (p = 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p trend = 0.0003), and heart failure (p trend = 0.003) were observed in the upper tertile of 11dhTxB2. Sixty-seven patients (14.9%) died over a median follow-up of 1,149 days and 87.5% of the deaths were due to cardiovascular causes. Twenty-six nonsurvivors (38.8%) were treated with P2Y12 receptor antagonists versus 161 survivors (42.2%; p = 0.61). By stepwise Cox proportional hazards analysis, we identified that patients in the middle (hazard ratio 7.14; 95% CI 2.46 to 20.68) and upper tertiles (hazard ratio 9.91; 95% CI 3.45 to 28.50) had higher risks for mortality after adjusting for age and co-morbidities. In conclusion, urinary concentration of 11dhTxB2 was a strong independent risk factor for all-cause mortality among patients with stable CAD on aspirin therapy and may be a marker for patients with CAD who require more intensive secondary prevention measures.

Residual thromboxane activity and oxidative stress: influence on mortality in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin use is effective in the prevention of cardiovascular disease; however, not all patients are equally responsive to aspirin. Oxidative stress reflected by F2-isoprostane [8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α (8-IsoPGF2α)] is a potential mechanism of failure of aspirin to adequately inhibit cyclooxygenase-1. The objective was to examine the relation between all-cause mortality and the concentrations of urinary 11-dehydro thromboxane B2 (11dhTxB2) and 8-IsoPGF2α in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: The data for this analysis are from a prospective study in which patients were categorized into four groups based on the median values of 11dhTxB2 and 8-IsoPGF2α. RESULTS: There were 447 patients included in this analysis with a median (range) age of 66 (37-91) years. The median (range) values of 11dhTxB2 and 8-IsoPGF2α were 1404.1 (344.2-68296.1) and 1477.9 (356.7-19256.3), respectively. A total of 67 (14.9%) patients died over a median follow-up of 1149 days. The reference group for the Cox proportional hazards survival analysis was patients with values of 11dhTxB2 and 8-IsoPGF2α below their corresponding medians. Adjusting for the age and sex, patients with values of 11dhTxB2 greater than the median had a significantly higher risk of mortality when compared with the reference group (high 11dhTxB2 and low 8-IsoPGF2αadj: hazard ratio: 3.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.6-6.6, P=0.002; high 11dhTxB2 and 8-IsoPGF2αadj: hazard ratio: 3.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.8-7.3, P<0.001). The findings were similar when we adjusted for the comorbidities of cancer, kidney function, and ejection fraction. CONCLUSION: We found that 11dhTxB2 appears to be a better prognostic marker for mortality as compared with 8-IsoPGF2α, suggesting aspirin resistance itself is a stronger independent determinant of death in CAD patients treated with aspirin.

Myocardial Infarction Related to Trauma.

Myocardial infarction (MI) secondary to acute coronary occlusion related to trauma is rare. A previously healthy man developed acute MI shortly after a motor vehicle accident. This case illustrates the feasibility of primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute MI due to complete coronary artery occlusion related to trauma, including the use of manual thrombectomy, stents, and dual antiplatelet therapy. This approach requires the intervention of a multidisciplinary team in a Level 1 trauma center that can rapidly evaluate the patient and rule out other life-threatening injuries that could preclude antiplatelet therapy.

Ergotismo por automedicación / Ergotism by automedication

Los autores informan sobre 7 casos clínicos de ergotismo gangrenoso (6 mujeres y 1 hombre) provocado por la ingestión inmoderada de ergotamina ministrada para aliviar las crisis de migraña. En todos los enfermos estaban presentes síntomas y signos clínicos, ecográficos y angiográficos de constricción arterial severa y ninguno sufrió alucinaciones. El ergotismo fue tratado con la suspensión de la ergotamina, la ministración de vasodilatadores y la simpatectomía. Después del tratamiento, la mejoría de los 7 pacientes fue evidente por la desaparición de los síntomas y signos de isquemia distal y aumento significativo (P < 0.05) del índice pletismográfico de perfusión sanguínea, medido por medio de la ecografía Doppler. Estos cambios fueron observados aún en un paciente que perdió 2 dedos del pie derecho, secundariamente al ergotismo gangrenoso. Si bien, ninguno de los enfermos manifestó alucinaciones, los autores hacen referencia al primer uso del cornezuelo de centeno, reconocido históricamente, en las ceremonias mágico religiosas de Eleusis de la Grecia clásica; así, como al caso de brujería de Salem, Nueva Inglaterra, en 1692. La migraña no puede ser considerada banal; frecuentemente, causa desesperación del enfermo, que se intoxica con la ergotamina, cuando es sólo este medicamento el recomendado por su médico tratante. En consecuencia, el médico especialista, familiar, general o rural, debe conocer perfectamente la terapia profiláctica de las crisis de migraña con medicamentos vasodilatadores y así, reducir la posibilidad de ergotismo.

Slender versus threatening angiodysplasias. Observe, operate or obturate? a delusive decision / Angiodisplasias pequeñas y tolerables versus extensas y peligrosas

Aparte del éxito inmediato de la cirugía y embolización terapéutica de las angiodisplasias, un cierto número de pacientes regresan a la consulta médica con recanalización de las fístulas arteriovenosas, después de haber sido resecadas o embolizadas. A partir de la presentación y discusión de dos casos clínicos de angiodisplasias torácicas: una simple y poco complicada y otra compleja y peligrosa, que amenazaba la vida de la paciente, los autores ponen de relieve las complicaciones y recidivas que siguen al tratamiento quirúrgico o a la embolización arterial terapéutica. La ocurrencia de recidivas tiene lugar aún cuando sea una sóla arteria la que persiste después de la resección quirúrgica o la embolización y hay cosas tan rebeldes al tratamiento que los enfermos imploran la amputación del miembro afectado por la angiodisplasia, la cual renace en el muñón del miembro amputado. La evolución, natural o postoperatoria, de la angiodisplasia está marcada por la angiogénesis incontrolable, cuya causa probable es un error en el programa genético, que persiste a pesar de la resección de la malformación vascular y es la causa del fracaso terapéutico