Alpha-helical domain from IL-8 of salmonids: Mechanism of action and identification of a novel antimicrobial function.

In this work, the potential antimicrobial role and mechanism of action of α-helix domain of trout and salmon IL-8 against Eschericia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus was investigated. By an in silico analysis of the primary structure of IL-8 from Oncorhynchus mykiss and salmo salar, it was evidenced that γ-core motif was present, as in the vast majority of kinocidins. The α-helix domain of IL-8 (αIL-8) was synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis and showed a tendency to form an α-helix conformation, as revealed by circular dichroism. Additionally, it was demonstrated that αIL-8 from both species showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Membrane permeabilization and co-localization assay, as well as scanning electron microscopy, showed that these peptides were accumulated on the cell surface and in the cytoplasm, suggesting that they were capable of permeabilizing and disrupt the bacterial membranes and interact with cytoplasmic components. Our results represent the first analysis on the antimicrobial function of IL-8-derived peptide from salmonids.

New morphological and biological contributions to adults and immature forms of Pissonotusparaguayensis (Fulgoromorpha, Delphacidae) in wetlands of Argentina.

In the search for insects as biological control agents for the water primrose, the delphacid Pissonotusparaguayensis (Delphacidae) was found on Ludwigiagrandiflorasubsp.hexapetala (Onagraceae) in a wetland of Central East Argentina. The morphology of the unknown females (brachypterous and macropterous) and immature stages are described and illustrated. Adults and nymphs were collected in wetlands of Del Plata River Basin, from Buenos Aires to the northeastern part of Argentina. A rearing methodology was developed to perform biological studies. Both winged forms and structural features of the female genitalia are described for the first time at the genus level. Eggs and immature stages are described and keyed; fifth nymphal instars may be easily recognised by the yellowish colouration, blackish on dorsal of head, thorax and abdomen with conspicuous yellowish pits, ventrally only darkened on base of frons extended to lower level of eyes and dorsal surface of antennomeres I and II, and legs with distinctive black marks at femoro-tibial joint and apex. The geographical distribution is updated, expanding its range into Argentina, making Buenos Aires the southernmost limit of the genus in America. Biological information of the species is also reported here: life cycle, fecundity, oviposition behaviour, and host plant. Field observations showed that P.paraguayensis breeds, feeds, and causes damage to L.g.subsp.hexapetala. This delphacid presents a certain degree of specificity to the Ludwigia species in the Jussiaea section in host specificity tests. More studies are required to test this species as a potential biological control agent.

Genomic and ecological evidence shed light on the recent demographic history of two related invasive insects.

Hypogeococcus pungens is a species complex native to southern South America that is composed of at least five putative species, each one specialized in the use of different host plants. Two of these undescribed species were registered as invasive in Central and North America: Hyp-C is a cactophagous mealybug that became an important pest that threatens endemic cactus species in Puerto Rico, and Hyp-AP feeds on Amaranthaceae and Portulacaceae hosts, but does not produce severe damage to the host plants. We quantified genomic variation and investigated the demographic history of both invasive species by means of coalescent-based simulations using high throughput sequencing data. We also evaluated the incidence of host plant infestation produced by both species and used an ecological niche modeling approach to assess potential distribution under current and future climatic scenarios. Our genetic survey evinced the footprints of strong effective population size reduction and signals of genetic differentiation among populations within each species. Incidence of plant attacks varied between species and among populations within species, with some host plant species preferred over others. Ecological niche modeling suggested that under future climatic scenarios both species would expand their distribution ranges in Puerto Rico. These results provide valuable information for the design of efficient management and control strategies of the Puerto Rican cactus pest and shed light on the evolutionary pathways of biological invasions.

Laparoscopic procedures experience in Mexico during 2015: ¿Where are we?

BACKGROUND: 26 years have passed from the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Mexico. Since then the laparoscopy has been adopted of variable way and has extended into different specialties. OBJECTIVE: To identify the place that laparoscopic approaches occupy at the present time in Mexico. METHOD: We searched the codes that had the word laparoscopy or laparoscopic in the records of the Automated System of Hospitable Discharges in 2015. Based on the obtained information there was realized a descriptive and retrospective study. RESULTS: We found 55 different procedures in a total of 30,174. Of them, 79.7% in women and 20.3% in men. The most common age was between 25 and 29 years. The ten first ones were cholecystectomy, appendectomy, total abdominal laparoscopic hysterectomy, procedures to create esophago-gastric sphincter competence, unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, partial cholecystectomy, ovarian resection, umbilical hernia repair, incidental appendectomy and unilateral oophorectomy (94.6%). The States with the major number are Mexico City, State of Mexico, Jalisco, Guanajuato and Sonora. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic procedures have increase in the national health systems and there is concordance of the most common with the international statistics. However, is necessary to diversify them and reduce the times of hospital stay. Its application is in process and it still face challenges in relation to availability of organizational elements, equipment, infrastructure and training, although there are different ways to overcome them.

ANTECEDENTES: Han pasado 26 años desde la primera colecistectomía laparoscópica en México. Desde entonces, la laparoscopía se ha adoptado de forma variable y se ha extendido a diferentes especialidades. OBJETIVO: Identificar el sitio que ocupan los abordajes laparoscópicos en México. MÉTODO: Se buscaron los códigos que tuvieran la palabra laparoscopia o laparoscópica en los registros del Sistema Automatizado de Egresos Hospitalarios en 2015. Con los datos obtenidos se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron 55 procedimientos diferentes en un total de 30,174. De ellos, el 79.7% en mujeres y el 20.3% en hombres. La edad más común fue entre los 25 y 29 años. Los diez primeros fueron colecistectomía, apendicectomía, histerectomía total abdominal laparoscópica, procedimientos para creación de competencia esfinteriana esofagogástrica, salpingo-ooforectomía unilateral, colecistectomía parcial, escisión local o destrucción de ovario, plastia umbilical, apendicectomía incidental y ooforectomía unilateral (94.6% del total). Los Estados con el mayor número reportado fueron Ciudad de México, Estado de México, Jalisco, Guanajuato y Sonora. CONCLUSIONES: Los procedimientos laparoscópicos han ido en aumento en los sistemas de salud nacionales y hay concordancia de los más comunes con las estadísticas internacionales. Sin embargo, es necesario diversificarlos y disminuir los tiempos de estancia hospitalaria. Su aplicación está en proceso y aún enfrentan retos en relación con la disponibilidad de elementos organizacionales, equipo, infraestructura y entrenamiento, aunque existen diferentes alternativas para vencerlos.