Effect of calcium soaps from garlic (Allium sativum) and willow (Salix babylonica) extracts on nematode loads, nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation kinetics in dairy goats.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary calcium soaps from garlic (Allium sativum) and willow (Salix babylonica) extracts on nematode loads, nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation kinetics in dairy goats. Nine adult non-lactating Saanen goats were grouped into a complete randomized block design with 3 treatments (n = 3) over a period of 28 d. Animals were fed a diet based on alfalfa hay and a concentrate that was supplemented (65 g/kg DM) with calcium soaps of safflower (control), garlic or willow. Intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were not affected by dietary calcium soaps. However, the highest digestibility of DM and OM were observed in willow supplemented goats. In vitro gas kinetics and fermentation profile were not affected by diets. Results from fecal egg count indicated a reduction in total count, Haemonchus spp. and Trychostrongylus spp. for both garlic and willow compared to control. Our results suggest that calcium soaps of garlic or willow extracts can be used to reduce gastrointestinal parasites in goats without compromising productive traits or rumen function.

Effectiveness of cognitive reappraisal and distraction for induced acute pain: A laboratory study.

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive reappraisal and distraction modulate pain; however, little is known about their effectiveness at different levels of pain intensity. Thus, the aim of this study has been to analyze the differential efficacy of both strategies to reduce perceived pain intensity and pain unpleasantness in low and moderate pain levels. METHOD: 3 (emotion regulation strategy: cognitive reappraisal, distraction, and control) × 2 (intensity of the painful stimuli: low and moderate intensity) × 2 (time: pretest and posttest) mixed factorial design. Ninety healthy adults were randomly assigned to one of six experimental conditions. Pain-heat stimuli were administered with an advanced thermal stimulator. All participants completed the experimental pretest and posttest phases; in each phase, 12 pain stimuli were administered. Participants received brief training on how to apply cognitive reappraisal, distraction, and the control condition for the posttest phase. Data were collected from May 2022 to November 2022. RESULTS: Analyses of repeated-measure analysis of variance showed that at posttest cognitive reappraisal and distraction were equally effective in reducing perceived pain intensity in low pain levels, while distraction was more effective than cognitive reappraisal in decreasing perceived pain intensity in moderate pain levels. Both distraction and cognitive reappraisal were effective in decreasing pain unpleasantness regardless of the intensity of the painful stimuli. CONCLUSION: These findings highlighted the beneficial use of both strategies in the short term for pain relief, distraction being more effective in moderate pain levels. Applying both strategies to everyday situations that may cause short-term acute pain could be of great clinical relevance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Treatment-Related Fluctuation in Guillain-Barre Syndrome With the Acute Motor-Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN) Variant: A Case Report.

We present the case of a 60-year-old male patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) who experienced treatment-related fluctuations (TRF) with a history of ayahuasca consumption. The patient presented to the neurological emergency department without a history of infection (upper respiratory tract or diarrhea) or vaccination in the past four weeks, but 14 days prior, the patient had consumed ayahuasca. Upon admission, the patient exhibited progressive weakness in all four limbs, with no cranial nerve involvement, a muscle strength Medical Research Council (MRC) score of 36/60, and generalized areflexia. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed slightly elevated protein levels at 50 mg/dL and a cell count of 2 (lumbar puncture was performed three days after the onset of symptoms). Neurophysiological studies met the criteria for the acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) variant. A diagnosis of GBS was established, Brighton criteria grade 1. The patient received treatment with intravenous human immunoglobulin, resulting in improvement with an MRC score of 48/60 at discharge. However, on day 10, he returned with worsening muscle strength (MRC score of 20/60), necessitating ventilatory support. TRF was considered, and retreatment with human immunoglobulin was initiated.

NOTCH localizes to mitochondria through the TBC1D15-FIS1 interaction and is stabilized via blockade of E3 ligase and CDK8 recruitment to reprogram tumor-initiating cells.

The P53-destabilizing TBC1D15-NOTCH protein interaction promotes self-renewal of tumor-initiating stem-like cells (TICs); however, the mechanisms governing the regulation of this pathway have not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that TBC1D15 stabilizes NOTCH and c-JUN through blockade of E3 ligase and CDK8 recruitment to phosphodegron sequences. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-seq) analysis was performed to determine whether TBC1D15-dependent NOTCH1 binding occurs in TICs or non-TICs. The TIC population was isolated to evaluate TBC1D15-dependent NOTCH1 stabilization mechanisms. The tumor incidence in hepatocyte-specific triple knockout (Alb::CreERT2;Tbc1d15Flox/Flox;Notch1Flox/Flox;Notch2Flox/Flox;HCV-NS5A) Transgenic (Tg) mice and wild-type mice was compared after being fed an alcohol-containing Western diet (WD) for 12 months. The NOTCH1-TBC1D15-FIS1 interaction resulted in recruitment of mitochondria to the perinuclear region. TBC1D15 bound to full-length NUMB and to NUMB isoform 5, which lacks three Ser phosphorylation sites, and relocalized NUMB5 to mitochondria. TBC1D15 binding to NOTCH1 blocked CDK8- and CDK19-mediated phosphorylation of the NOTCH1 PEST phosphodegron to block FBW7 recruitment to Thr-2512 of NOTCH1. ChIP-seq analysis revealed that TBC1D15 and NOTCH1 regulated the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial metabolism-related pathways required for the maintenance of TICs. TBC1D15 inhibited CDK8-mediated phosphorylation to stabilize NOTCH1 and protect it from degradation The NUMB-binding oncoprotein TBC1D15 rescued NOTCH1 from NUMB-mediated ubiquitin-dependent degradation and recruited NOTCH1 to the mitochondrial outer membrane for the generation and expansion of liver TICs. A NOTCH-TBC1D15 inhibitor was found to inhibit NOTCH-dependent pathways and exhibited potent therapeutic effects in PDX mouse models. This unique targeting of the NOTCH-TBC1D15 interaction not only normalized the perinuclear localization of mitochondria but also promoted potent cytotoxic effects against TICs to eradicate patient-derived xenografts through NOTCH-dependent pathways.

Examining the Features of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (ANMDARE) is a neuroimmunological disorder that frequently improves with immunotherapy. Symptomatic treatment with antipsychotics is common in the early stages when psychiatric symptoms predominate, and their use has been associated with serious side effects including neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). The observation of an adverse response to antipsychotics, raising the suspicion of NMS, has been included as a criterion for possible autoimmune psychosis. METHODS: This case-control study included patients who received antipsychotics before referral to the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery of Mexico, where they were diagnosed as having definite ANMDARE, and patients with ANMDARE who did not receive antipsychotics before referral. The neurologic and systemic features that are used to measure an adverse response to antipsychotics, raising the suspicion of NMS, were measured in both groups, including akinesia, autonomic instability, generalized rigidity, elevated concentrations of creatine phosphokinase, and hyperthermia. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the previous use of antipsychotics and the occurrence of NMS-like reactions. RESULTS: A total sample of 112 patients with definite ANMDARE were included in the study. Fifty patients received antipsychotics before being referred to our institution. In this group, thirty-six patients (72%) were initially classified as having an adverse response, raising the suspicion of NMS, with the following features: akinesia (64%), autonomic instability (58%), generalized rigidity (52%), elevated concentrations of creatine phosphokinase (50%), and hyperthermia (14%). Six patients fulfilled the criteria for NMS (12%). The comparison with patients who did not receive antipsychotics before the clinical assessment did not show a significant difference between groups regarding the frequency of akinesia, autonomic instability, generalized rigidity, elevated concentrations of creatine phosphokinase, or hyperthermia. Among different antipsychotics, only haloperidol was significantly associated with generalized rigidity as compared to patients who did not receive antipsychotics. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports previous observations about the high frequency of autonomic dysfunction, hyperthermia, tachycardia, rigidity, and elevated creatine phosphokinase levels in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis following the administration of antipsychotic medications. Nevertheless, our study does not suggest a causal link between atypical antipsychotics and the onset of these neurological symptoms, as they were equally frequent among the group of patients who did not receive antipsychotic treatment.

Cytokine and T cell responses in post-chikungunya viral arthritis: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To define the relationship between chronic chikungunya post-viral arthritis disease severity, cytokine response and T cell subsets in order to identify potential targets for therapy. METHODS: Participants with chikungunya arthritis were recruited from Colombia from 2019-2021. Arthritis disease severity was quantified using the Disease Activity Score-28 and an Arthritis-Flare Questionnaire adapted for chikungunya arthritis. Plasma cytokine concentrations (interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)) were measured using a Meso Scale Diagnostics assay. Peripheral blood T cell subsets were measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Among participants with chikungunya arthritis (N = 158), IL-2 levels and frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) were low. Increased arthritis disease activity was associated with higher levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF and CRP) and immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 (p<0.05). Increased arthritis flare activity was associated with higher Treg frequencies (p<0.05) without affecting T effector (Teff) frequencies, Treg/Teff ratios and Treg subsets. Finally, elevated levels of IL-2 were correlated with increased Treg frequency, percent Tregs out of CD4+ T cells, and Treg subsets expressing immunosuppressive markers, while also correlating with an increased percent Teff out of live lymphocytes (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Chikungunya arthritis is characterized by increased inflammatory cytokines and deficient IL-2 and Treg responses. Greater levels of IL-2 were associated with improved Treg numbers and immunosuppressive markers. Future research may consider targeting these pathways for therapy.

Optimization of the ellagic acid synthesis process at the bioreactor level using non-conventional yeasts

Abstract Ellagic acid (EA) is a phenolic biomolecule. For its biosynthesis, a source of ellagitannins is required, such as strawberries and yeasts, as precursors of the tannase and ß-glucosidase enzymes responsible for hydrolysis of ellagitannins. Two experimental mixture designs were applied., varying the yeast concentration and the number of ellagitannins in the culture medium, evaluating the enzymatic activity and ellagic acid biosynthesis. Aiming to find the optimal compositions of the non-conventional yeasts assessed in the research to biosynthesize ellagic acid feasibly and efficiently using a response surface performing the statistical analysis in the StatGraphics® program for obtaining a higher yield and optimizing the ellagic acid synthesis process, the results indicate that the strains Candida parapsilosis ITM LB33 and Debaryomyces hansenii ISA 1510 have a positive effect on the synthesis of ellagic acid, since as its concentration increases in the mixture the concentration of ellagic acid in the medium also increases; on the other hand, the addition of Candida utilis ITM LB02 causes a negative effect, resulting in the compositions of 0.516876, 0.483124 and 2.58687E-9 respectively, for a treatment under the same conditions, an optimal value of ellagic acid production would be obtained. With an approximate value of 7.33036 mg/mL

Factores inmunológicos relacionados con VIH-1 en pacientes colombianos / Immunological Factors Related to HIV-1 in Colombian Patients / Fatores imunológicos relacionados com HIV-1 em pacientes colombianos

Resumen Introducción : los inflamasomas dirigen la maduración de las citoquinas IL-1b e IL-18, las cuales contribuyen en la patogénesis de la infección por VIH-1. Dada la complejidad de la infección, se hace necesaria la búsqueda de marcadores que permitan identificar nuevos blancos terapéuticos o hacer seguimiento del estado inmunológico de los pacientes. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue explorar el efecto independiente de los principales componentes inflamatorios sobre la infección por VIH-1. Materiales y métodos : estudio analítico con 36 pacientes VIH+ y 36 controles sanos, pareados por edad y sexo. Se cuantificó la carga viral, los linfocitos T CD4+/CD8+, el perfil lipídico, la proteína C reactiva y las concentraciones séricas de IL-1-ß, IL-6 e IL-18. El HIRNA de los genes relacionados con los inflamasomas fue cuantificado por RT-PCR en tiempo real. El análisis estadístico se basó en medidas de resumen, pruebas de hipótesis y regresión logística binaria multivariante. Resultados : se encontraron menores valores de HDL y HIRNA IL-18 y mayores de HIRNA NLRPI y HIRNA ASC en los pacientes con VIH-1, comparados con los controles. Los valores de HDL y HIRNA IL-18 se correlacionaron con los recuentos de linfocitos. En el análisis multivariado se encontró que la relación CD4/CD8, el mRNA IL-18 y el HIRNA ASC pueden constituir las principales variables que tienen un potencial explicativo sobre la infección por VIH-1 en la población de estudio. Conclusión : se evidenció la importancia de estudiar los inflamasomas, dado que en la población de estudio constituyen potenciales blancos terapéuticos para disminuir la respuesta inflamatoria.

Abstract Introduction : Inflammasomes direct the maturation of the cytokines IL-1ß and IL-18, which contribute to the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. Given its complexity, it is necessary to search for markers that can identify new therapeutic targets or monitor the immunological status of patients. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to explore the independent effect of the main inflammatory components on HIV-1 infection. Materials and Methods : Researchers conducted an analytical study with 36 HIV+ patients and 36 healthy controls, matched by age and sex. Viral load, CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes, lipid profile, C-reactive protein and serum concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-18 were quantified. RT-PCR in real time quantified the ITIRNA of the genes related to the inflammasomes. The statistical analysis based on summary measures, hypothesis tests, and multivariate binary logistic regression. Results : Lower values of HDL and ITIRNA IL-18 and higher ITIRNA NLRPI and ITVRNA ASC presented in patients with HIV-1 compared with controls. The values of HDL and ITIRNA IL-18 correlated with lymphocyte counts. The multivariate analysis shows that the CD4 / CD8 ratio, the IL-18 ITIRNA and the ASC ITIRNA can be the main variables that have an explanatory potential on HIV-1 infection in the study population. Conclusion : The importance of studying inflammasomes was evidenced, given that in the study population they are potential therapeutic targets to reduce the inflammatory response.

Resumo Introdução : os inflamassomas dirigem a maduração das citocinas IL-1ß e IL-18; as quais contribuem nas patogêneses da infeção por HIV-1. Dada a complexidade da infeção se faz necessária a busca de marcadores que permitam identificar novos alvos terapêuticos ou fazer seguimento do estado imunológico dos pacientes. Portanto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi explorar o efeito independente os principais componentes inflamatórios sobre a infeção por HIV-1. Materiais e métodos : estudo analítico com 36 pacientes HIV+ e 36 controles saudáveis, pareados por idade e sexo. Se quantificou a carga viral, os linfócitos T CD4+/CD8+, o perfil lipídico, a proteína C reativa e as concentrações séricas de IL-1ß, IL-6 e IL-18. O ITIRNA dos genes relacionados com os inflamassomas foi quantificado por RT-PCR em tempo real. A análise estatística se baseou em medidas de resumo, provas de hipótese e regressão logística binaria multivariado. Resultados : se encontraram menores valores de HDL e TÍTRNA IL-18 e maiores de TÍIRNA NLRPI e TÍTRNA ASC nos pacientes com HIV-1, comparados com os controles. Os valores de HDL e TÍTRNA IL-18 se correlacionaram com os recontos de linfócitos. Na análise multivariada encontrou-se que a relação CD4/CD8, o TÍIRNA IL-18 e o TÍTRNA ASC podem constituir as principais variáveis que têm um potencial explicativo sobre a infeção por HIV-1 na população de estudo. Conclusão : se evidenciou a importância de estudar os inflamassomas, dado que na população de estudo constituem potenciais brancos terapêuticos para diminuir a resposta inflamatória.

Sesgo en la estratificación del síndrome coronario agudo al calcular el grace- score con 1ª, 2ª o troponina Δ / Grace score bias in acute coronary syndrome due to use 1th, 2th or troponin Δ

Introducción: el síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) es la primera causa de mortalidad en Colombia. Una estratificación de riesgo errónea, en la sala de emergencias (ER), afecta las intervenciones realizadas y la tasa de eventos adversos cardiovasculares puede ser mayor. El objetivo de esta investigación fue medir la diferencia en el puntaje GRACE y la estratificación del riesgo coronario, utilizando los resultados de las troponinas medidas secuencialmente durante la atención inicial. Metodología: con un diseño descriptivo retrospectivo, se evaluaron los registros clínicos de pacientes tratados por dolor precordial de probabilidad intermedia para SCA, sin indicación de manejo invasivo inmediato, atendidos en la sala de emergencias de una clínica del tercer nivel de Bogotá, durante el año 2017. Se determinó la diferencia entre la puntuación GRACE calculada con la primera troponina (GRACE-1), la segunda troponina (GRACE-2) o la troponina delta (GRACE-delta) [prueba T pareada], y la proporción de pacientes poco estratificados se midió al usar la primera troponina [X2, puntaje Z]. Resultados: se identificaron 44 pacientes en un período de 6 meses. La mayoría hombres con edad mediana de 73 años. El promedio (DE) de los puntajes GRACE-1, GRACE-2 y GRACE-delta, fue de 114.14 (30.73), 115.55 (30.14) y 111.11 (28.79), respectivamente; al comparar GRACE-delta con GRACE-1 y GRACE-2 se identificaron diferencias significativas (p:<0.05). Se identificó un error en la estratificación del riesgo coronario en 10/44 pacientes (22.7%) y 9/44 (20.4%) presentaron sobreestratificación. Conclusión: la estratificación del riesgo coronario con la primera troponina, a diferencia de la troponina delta (ítem no aclarado en las guías), evidenció una sobreestratificación en al menos 20% de los pacientes, estableciendo la necesidad de procedimientos más invasivos y posiblemente hospitalización más prolongada permanecer.

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the first cause of mortality in Colombia. An erroneous risk stratification, in the emergency room (ER), affects the interventions performed and the rate of major cardiovascular adverse events. We measured the difference in GRACE score and stratification of coronary risk, by using the results of troponins measured sequentially during initial care. Methods: With a retrospective descriptive design, clinical records of patients treated for precordial pain of ≥ intermediate probability for ACS were evaluated, without indication of immediate invasive management, attended in the ER of a clinic of the third level of Bogotá, during 2017. De-termined the difference between the GRACE score calculated with the first (GRACE-1), second (GRACE-2) or troponin delta (GRACE-delta [paired T-test], and the proportion of poorly stratified patients was measured when using the first troponin [X2, Z-score]. Results: 44 patients in a period of 6 months were identified. The majority men, older adults, middle age 73 years. The average (SD) of scores GRACE-1, GRACE-2 and GRACE-delta, was 114.14 (30.73), 115.55 (30.14) and 111.11 (28.79), respectively; when comparing GRACE-delta with GRACE-1 and GRACE-2 significant differences were identified (p:<0.05). Error in the stratification of coronary risk was identified in 10/44 patients (22.7%), and 9/44 (20.4%) presented over-stratification. Conclusion: The stratification of coronary risk using the first troponin, unlike the troponin delta (item not clarified in the guidelines), evidenced an over-stratification in at least 20% of the patients, establishing the need for more invasive procedures and possibly longer hospital stay.

Inflamación y respuesta inmune innata: participación de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad / Inflammation and innate immune response: role of high-density lipoprotein / Inflamação e resposta imune inata: participação das lipoproteínas de altadensidade

RESUMEN Las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL) tienen como función transportar el exceso de colesterol desde los tejidos hacia el hígado, para ser excretado; y de este modo contribuyen al control de las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Además, las HDL pueden modular la respuesta inmune, por sus propiedades anti-inflamatorias, antioxidantes y anti-apoptóticas, entre otras. A nivel celular, las HDL pueden modificar las balsas lipídicas, las cuales son determinantes en la activación de la respuesta inmune frente a patógenos o agentes extraños. En algunas patologías como la sepsis, las HDL participan mediando la eliminación del lipopolisacárido (LPS) a través de su captura y posterior eliminación en el hígado; esto conlleva a una modulación negativa de la expresión del TLR4, principal receptor del LPS. También se ha reportado que las HDL modulan la respuesta inflamatoria a través de la regulación de la activación de la cascada del complemento y la expresión de pentraxina 3. Finalmente, la función y los niveles de las HDL se han encontrado particularmente alterados en algunas patologías infecciosas, ateroesclerosis y sepsis, lo que se ha asociado con el progreso o la severidad de la enfermedad.

SUMMARY The main function of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) is to transport the excess of cholesterol from tissues to the liver, where it is excreted, thus decreasing the risk of atherosclerotic plaques development and cardiovascular diseases establishment. Besides, HDL participates in different processes of the immune response, as its components have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and antiapoptotic activities, among others. At cellular level, these lipoproteins have the ability to modify lipid rafts, critical micro-domains that participate in signaling pathways in response to pathogens. Likewise, it has been reported that HDL have a great impact in sepsis, as they eliminate the excess of LPS in blood and transport it to the liver for its elimination, and downregulate the expression of TLR4, main receptor of this molecule. Also, HDL can modulate humoral innate immune responses through regulating the activation of the complement pathway and the expression of pentraxin 3, resulting in the modulation of inflammatory processes. In fact, it has been reported that in several infectious diseases, atherosclerosis and sepsis, the level and function of HDL are altered, which associates with the progress of the diseases.

RESUMO As lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL) têm a fun- ção de transportar o excesso de colesterol desde os tecidos até ofígado para aqui ser excretado e dessa forma contribuem no controlo das doenças cardiovasculares. Além disso, as HDL podemmodular a resposta imune devido as suas propriedades anti-inflamatórias, antioxidantes e antiapopticas, entreoutras. Anívelcelular, asHDLpodemmodificar os rafts lipídicos, que são essências para a ativa- ção da resposta imune contra patógenos ouagentes estranhos. Nalgumas patologias como a septicemia, as HDL participam mediando a eliminação do lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) através da sua captura e posterior eliminação no fígado. Isto leva a uma modulação negativa da expressão de TLR4, orecetor principal do LPS. Também foi reportado que as HDL modulam a resposta inflamatória através da regulação da ativaçãoda cascata do sistema do complemento e a expressão de pentraxina 3. Por último, a função e os níveis das HDL têm sido especialmente encontrados alterados nalgumas doenças infeciosas, em aterosclerose e em septicemia, o qual esta associado aevolução ou a gravidade da doença.

Características de la estructura molecular de las proteínas E del virus del Zika y E1 del virus de la rubéola y posibles implicaciones en el neurotropismo y en las alteraciones del sistema nervioso / E-ZIKV and E1-RV proteins molecular structure and their potential implications in neurotropism and nervous system disorders

Resumen Introducción. El virus del Zika (ZIKV) es un flavivirus con envoltura, transmitido a los seres humanos principalmente por el vector Aedes aegypti. La infección por ZIKV se ha asociado con un gran neurotropismo y con efectos neuropáticos, como el síndrome de Guillain-Barré en el adulto y la microcefalia fetal y posnatal, así como con un síndrome de infección congénita similar al producido por el virus de la rubéola (RV). Objetivo. Comparar las estructuras moleculares de la proteína de envoltura E del virus del Zika (E-ZIKV) y de la E1 del virus de la rubéola (E1-RV), y plantear posibles implicaciones en el neurotropismo y en las alteraciones del sistema nervioso asociadas con el ZIKV. Materiales y métodos. La secuencia de aminoácidos de la proteína E-ZIKV (PDB: 5iZ7) se alineó con la de la glucopreteína E1 del virus de la rubéola (PDB: 4ADG). Los elementos de la estructura secundaria se determinaron usando los programas Vector NTI Advance®, DSSP y POSA, así como herramientas de gestión de datos (AlignX®). Uno de los criterios principales de comparación y alineación fue la asignación de residuos estructuralmente equivalentes, con más de 70 % de identidad. Resultados. La organización estructural de la proteína E-ZIKV (PDB: 5iZ7) fue similar a la de E1-RV (PDB: 4ADG) (70 a 80 % de identidad), y se observó una correspondencia con la estructura definida para las glucoproteínas de fusión de membrana de clase II de los virus con envoltura. E-ZIKV y E1-RV exhibieron elementos estructurales de fusión muy conservados en la región distal del dominio II, asociados con la unión a los receptores celulares de entrada del virus de la rubéola (glucoproteína de mielina del oligodendrocito, Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein, MOG), y con los receptores celulares Axl del ZIKV y de otros flavivirus. Conclusión. La comparación de las proteínas E-ZIKV y E1-RV es un paso necesario hacia la definición de otros factores moleculares determinantes del neurotropismo y la patogenia del ZIKV, el cual puede contribuir a generar estrategias de diagnóstico, prevención y tratamiento de las complicaciones neurológicas inducidas por el ZIKV.

Abstract Introduction: Zika virus (ZIKV) is an enveloped flavivirus transmitted to humans mainly by Aedes aegypti. ZIKV infection has been associated with high neurotropism and neuropathic effects such as the Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults, and fetal and postnatal microcephaly and the congenital Zika virus syndrome similar to that produced by rubella virus (VR). Objective: To compare Zika virus membrane protein E (E-ZIKV) and rubella virus membrane protein E1 (E1-RV), and to propose possible implications for neurotropism and nervous system disorders associated with ZIKV infections. Materials and methods: The amino acid sequence of E-ZIKV protein (PDB: 5iZ7) was aligned to that of rubella virus glycoprotein E1 (PDB: 4ADG). The secondary structure elements were determined using the programs Vector NTI Advance®, DSSP, and POSA, and integrated data management tools (AlignX®). One of the main comparison and alignment criteria was the allocation of structurally equivalent residues with more than 70% identity. Results: E-ZIKV structural organization (PDB: 5iZ7) was similar to that of E1-RV (PDB: 4ADG) (70%-80% identity), and it was consistent with relevant structural features of viral membrane class II fusion glycoproteins. E-ZIKV and E1-RV exhibited highly conserved fusion structural elements at the distal region of domain II, which has been associated with the RV myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and Axl cell receptors in ZIKV and other flaviviruses. Conclusion: The comparison of E-ZIKV and E1-RV proteins constitutes an essential step towards the definition of ZIKV neurotropism and pathogenesis molecular determinants, and for the adoption of diagnosis, prevention and treatment strategies against neurological complications induced by ZIKV infection.

Ensiling on chemical composition and in vitro fermentation in rabbits of different forages / Diferentes silagens sobre a fermentação in vitro em coelhos

ABSTRACT: The effect of chemical composition of silages on in vitro gas fermentation profiles in rabbits was examined. The study was performed using 7 silages: beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), faba bean (FB, Vicia faba), common vetch (CV, Vicia sativa), ryegrass (Lolium perenne), barley (B, Hordeum vulgare), barley with common vetch (BCV) and barley with faba bean (BFB). We used 3 New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits as donors of caecal content in each incubation run (n=3). Data were analyzed in a completely randomized experimental design. The CV silage showed higher values of crude protein (CP), followed by FB and bean silages (P<0.001). Barley silage had the lowest CP content (96g kg-1 DM) (P=0.001). The NDF and ADF content were lower (P<0.001) for beans and CV compared with the rest of the forage silages. Ryegrass silage had higher values of dry matter degradation, organic matter degradation, relative GP and SCFA (P<0.001). The highest values of digestible energy were for CV and bean silages (P<0.001). Ryegrass and CV silages showed higher levels in GP parameters, which could be associated with their better chemical composition characteristics, mainly protein and fiber content.

RESUMO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a composição química e os padrões in vitro de fermentação cecal em coelhos em crescimento. Foram realizados 7 silagens: feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris), fava (FB, Vicia faba), ervilhaca (CV, Vicia sativa), azevém (Lolium perenne), cevada (B, Hordeum vulgare), cevada com ervilhaca (BCV) e da cevada com fava (BFB). oram usados 3 coelhos New Zealand White (NZW) como doadores de conteúdo cecal em cada série de incubação (n=3). Os dados foram analisados em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. A silagem de CV apresentaram maiores valores de proteína bruta (PB), seguido de silagens de FB e de feijão (P<0,001). Silagem de cevada apresentou o menor teor de PB (96g kg-1 de MS) (P=0,001). O conteúdo FDN e FDA foram menores (P<0,001) para Feijão e CV em comparação com o resto das silagens de forrageiras. Silagens de azevém apresentaram valores mais elevados de degradação de matéria seca, degradação da matéria orgânica, GP relativa e AGCC (P<0,001). Os maiores valores de energia digestível foram de CV e silagens de feijão (P<0,001). Azevém e CV apresentaram melhores níveis de parâmetros GP, que poderiam ser relacionadas com as suas melhores características de composição química, principalmente proteína e teor de fibra.

Efecto inmunomodulador de nanopartículas usadas en nanomedicina / Immunomodulating effect of nanoparticles used in nanomedicine / Efeito imunomodulador de nanopartículas usadas na nanomedicina

Las nanopartículas (NP) son estructuras con tamaño en la escala nanométrica (1 x 10-9 m). Por sus características, en los últimos años ha crecido su potencial para usarlas en los campos biotecnológico y biomédico en una amplia gama de aplicaciones, tales como el diagnóstico, la terapia y la medicina regenerativa. El sistema inmunológico es el responsable de la defensa del cuerpo ante organismos patógenos y otros agentes extraños, como las NP que pueden ser reconocidas por dicho sistema, interactuar con él y modular su función induciendo efectos inmunosupresores o inmunoestimuladores. Las primeras se podrían utilizar como agentes terapéuticos antinflamatorios o para tratar las enfermedades autoinmunes, y las que activan el sistema inmune, como adyuvantes en vacunación o potenciadores de la respuesta inmune en cáncer y otras enfermedades humanas. Sin embargo, su uso en nanomedicina debe estar sujeto a ensayos previos que determinen su efecto en la respuesta inmune antes de aplicarlas a los sistemas biológicos. Por esta razón es importante conocer su composición, tamaño y características superficiales, entre otras propiedades fisicoquímicas, directamente implicadas en los efectos sobre el sistema inmune. Se presenta una visión general de la relación entre las propiedades fisicoquímicas de las NP candidatas para ser usadas en los campos biomédico y biotecnológico y su actividad inmunomoduladora.

Nanoparticles (NP) are structures with a size on the nanometer scale (1 x 10-9 m). Due to their characteristics, their potential use in the fields of biotechnology and biomedicine has grown in recent years with a wide range of applications, such as diagnosis, therapy and regenerative medicine. The immune system is responsible for defending the body against pathogenic organisms and other foreign agents, such as NP, which can be recognized by such system, interact with it and modulate its function inducing immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive effects. The latter could be used as anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents or to treat autoimmune diseases, and those that activate the immune system, as adjuvants in vaccination or enhancers of the immune response in cancer and other human diseases. However, their use in nanomedicine should be submitted to preliminary tests to determine their effects on the immune response before being applied to biological systems. For this reason it is important to know their composition, size and surface characteristics, as well as other physicochemical properties, directly involved in the effects on the immune system. We present an overview about the relationship between the physicochemical characteristics of NP candidates to be used in the biomedical and biotechnological fields and their immunomodulatory activity.

As nanopartículas (NP) são estruturas com um tamanho na escala nanométrica (1 x 10-9 m). Por suas características, nos últimos anos há crescido seu potencial para ser usadas no campo biotecnológico e biomédico em uma ampla gama de aplicações, tais como o diagnóstico, a terapia e a medicina regenerativa. O sistema imunológico é o responsável da defensa do corpo ante organismos patógenos e outros agentes estranhos, como as NP, que podem ser reconhecidas pelo sistema imunológico, interatuar com elee modular sua função induzindo um efeito imunossupressor ou imunoestimulador. As NP com efeitos imunossupressores poderiam ser utilizadas como agentes terapêuticos anti-inflamatórios ou para tratar as doenças autoimunes e as NP que ativam o sistema imune, como adjuvantes em vacinação ou potenciadores da resposta imune no câncer e outras patologias humanas. Porém, seu uso na nanomedicina deve estar sujeito a ensaios prévios que determinem seu efeito na resposta imune antes de ser aplicadas aos sistemas biológicos. Por esta razão é importante conhecer seu composição, tamanho e características da superfície, entre outras propriedades físico-químicas, diretamente implicadas nos efeitos sobre o sistema imune. Aqui recopilamos uma visão geral da relação entre as propriedades físico-químicas das NP candidatas para ser usadas no campo biomédico e biotecnológico e sua atividade imunomoduladora.

Revisión del agave y el mezcal / Review of agave and mezcal

En el presente trabajo, se efectuó una compilación de investigaciones realizadas sobre las diferentes etapas del proceso productivo del mezcal a partir de agave en algunas regiones productoras de México; con el propósito de explicar las problemáticas que enfrenta la cadena productiva agave-mezcal y las estrategias científicas que se han desarrollado para solucionarlas. Con ello se pretende lograr su resistencia y persistencia productiva en el mercado, elaborando un producto que cumpla con las características químicas establecidas por las normas oficiales mexicanas de producción y certificación de calidad, además de ofrecer posibles medidas de control en los procesos para estandarizar el producto y finalmente lograr etapas más eficientes en el proceso de producción.

In this paper, a compilation of investigations of the different stages in the production process of mezcal from agave in some producers regions of Mexico is carried out; to explain some of the problems faced by the productive chain agave-mezcal and scientific strategies that are being developed in the country to solve them. This is intended to achieve its resistance and productive persistence in the market, producing a product that meets the chemical characteristics established by the Mexican official standards of production and quality certification, in addition to establishing more measures of control processes to standardize the product and finally to achieve more efficient steps in the production process.

Procedimientos actuales para la extracción y purificación de flavonoides cítricos / Current procedures for extraction and purification of citrus flavonoides

En la industria alimenticia, los agentes microbicidas son usados para preservar la calidad y seguridad de los alimentos procesados. Los flavonoides encontrados en extractos cítricos han mostrado capacidad de inhibición del crecimiento celular de un gran grupo de microorganismos infecciosos, por lo tanto, éstos compuestos pueden ser útiles como agentes antivirales, antifúngicos y antibacteriales. Los flavonoides que se pueden encontrar principalmente en varias de las especies cítricas son hesperetina, hesperidina, luteolina, naringenina, naringina, narirutina, neohesperidina, nobiletina y tangeretina. A continuación se resumen los procesos utilizados recientemente para extraer, purificar y analizar los flavonoides principales en frutas cítricas. Ya optimizado el medio de cultivo se procedió a realizar una cinética confirmatoria con base a las condiciones encontradas pero evaluando el crecimiento celular por conteo en cámara de Neubauer y la producción de etanol mediante método enzimático (Procedimiento de ensayo K-ETOH, Megazyme) para confirmar los valores.

In the food industry, antimicrobial agents are used for preserving the quality and safety of processed food. Flavonoids found in citrus extracts inhibit cell growth of a large group of infectious microorganisms, therefore, these compounds may be useful as antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial agents. Hesperetin, hesperidin, luteolin, naringenin, naringin, narirutin, neohesperidin, nobiletin and tangeretin are some of the main flavonoids found in various citrus fruits. The processes used in recent years to extract, purify and analyze typical flavonoids from citrus species are reviewed.

Caracterización de las infecciones nosocomiales / Characterization of nosocomial infections

Introducción: las infecciones nosocomiales constituyen un importante problema de salud relacionado con la calidad de la atención y la eficacia del trabajo. Objetivo: caracterizar las infecciones nosocomiales en el Hospital Pediátrico Provincial Docente "Pepe Portilla" durante el período 2010-2011. Material y método: se realizó una investigación observacional, descriptiva, transversal y aplicada. El universo estuvo conformado por los 22652 egresados y la muestra por los 516 casos. Para la obtención de la información se revisaron los registros del departamento de estadística y las historias clínicas, utilizándose para su análisis las frecuencias absolutas, relativas porcentuales y la prueba de X² al 95 % de certeza. Resultados: el sistema respiratorio es el sitio de mayor localización, donde predominaron los hemocultivos negativos. Los gérmenes más aislados fueron: el Staphylococcus epidermidis, la Pseudomonas sp y el Acinetobacter, entre otros. Conclusiones: las infecciones nosocomiales en pediatría constituyen una problema de salud que requiere el fortalecimiento de las actividades de prevención y control, con especial énfasis en su vigilancia sistemática.

Introduction: nosocomial infections constitute an important problem related to the quality and efficiency of the health services. Objective: to characterize nosocomial infections at “Pepe Portilla” Provincial Children Hospital during 2010-2011. Material and method: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and applied research was conducted, which target group was comprised of 22652 patients discharged from the hospital and the sample included 516 patients. To collect the information, the records of the statistics department and the clinical histories were reviewed; where absolute frequencies and relative percentages plus chi square test up to 95% of certainty were used to complete its analysis. Results: respiratory tract was the most affected site, where negative hemocultures prevailed. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas sp and Acinetobacter germs were the most isolated, among others. Conclusions: nosocomial infections constitute a health problem in paediatrics, which requires the strengthening of prevention and control activities, emphasizing on its systemic surveillance.

Caracterización de las infecciones nosocomiales / Characterization of nosocomial infections

Las infecciones nosocomiales constituyen un importante problema de salud relacionado con la calidad de la atención y la eficacia del trabajo. El objetivo fue caracterizar las infecciones nosocomiales en el Hospital Pediátrico Provincial Docente Pepe Portilla durante el período 2010-2011. Se realizó una investigación observacional, descriptiva, transversal y aplicada. El universo estuvo conformado por los 22652 egresados y la muestra por los 516 casos. Para la obtención de la información se revisaron los registros del departamento de estadística y las historias clínicas, utilizándose para su análisis las frecuencias absolutas, relativas porcentuales y la prueba de X2 al 95 por ciento de certeza. El sistema respiratorio es el sitio de mayor localización, donde predominaron los hemocultivos negativos. Los gérmenes más aislados fueron: el Staphylococcus epidermidis, la Pseudomonas sp y el Acinetobacter, entre otros. Las infecciones nosocomiales en pediatría constituyen una problema de salud que requiere el fortalecimiento de las actividades de prevención y control, con especial énfasis en su vigilancia sistemática (AU)

Nosocomial infections constitute an important problem related to the quality and efficiency of the health services. The objective was to characterize nosocomial infections at Pepe Portilla Provincial Children Hospital during 2010-2011. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and applied research was conducted, which target group was comprised of 22652 patients discharged from the hospital and the sample included 516 patients. To collect the information, the records of the statistics department and the clinical histories were reviewed; where absolute frequencies and relative percentages plus chi square test up to 95 per cent of certainty were used to complete its analysis. Respiratory tract was the most affected site, where negative hemocultures prevailed. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas sp and Acinetobacter germs were the most isolated, among others. Nosocomial infections constitute a health problem in paediatrics, which requires the strengthening of prevention and control activities, emphasizing on its systemic surveillance (AU)

Monitoreo de la infección respiratoria aguda en Manizales, mediante sistemas de información geográfica / ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection) screening model in Manizales, based on Geographic Information Systems

La infección respiratoria aguda (IRA) da cuenta anualmente, de al menos 3,5 millones de personas en el mundo, de las cuales la mayoría son niños entre 0 y 5 años. Este flagelo afecta comunidades de países en vías de desarrollo, como también, a los industrializados. Son muchos los factores ambientales que aportan al desarrollo de esta enfermedad y otras que también aquejan el sistema respiratorio en general. Por consiguiente, se necesita de toda herramienta vigente y eficiente para mitigar la situación. Los sistemas de información geográfica (SIG), como herramientas de recolección, estratificación, ubicación y análisis de datos, ofrecen una alternativa para mejorar en la promoción y prevención de las IRA; se citan aquí ejemplos que relacionan los SIG con estudios aplicados al campo de la salud pública y su posible aplicación en procesos investigativos para la ciudad de Manizales. Entre los beneficios esperadosen este tipo de acciones de mitigación y prevención, se incluye la sectorización de la ciudad de acuerdo a los diferentes niveles de contaminantes atmosféricos detectados por los SIG, el número potencial de personas que se pueden ver afectadas y las características físicas y sociales de las mismas...

Propuesta para la integración de los contenidos en Preparación para la Defensa II en Medicina / Proposal for the integration of contents of Preparation for the Defense II in Medicine

El estudio tiene como finalidad diseñar acciones para perfeccionar la integración de los contenidos temáticos en Preparación para la Defensa-II de Medicina, acordes con las dificultades y potencialidades detectadas en un primer momento. La investigación es de enfoque cualitativo y emplea como universo al total de docentes y estudiantes que impartieron o recibieron la asignatura en la sede central y los del Proyecto Policlínico Universitario de Santa Clara, y se trabaja con una muestra seleccionada de manera intencional por criterios, se aplican métodos teóricos y otros del nivel empírico como la observación, encuesta, análisis de documentos y el grupo nominal como técnica. Se realiza triangulación metodológica de la información obtenida, la cual permite identificar los contenidos susceptibles de integración, se formulan orientaciones metodológicas con este propósito, y se diseña un curso para los docentes. Los especialistas consultados ofrecen una valoración satisfactoria del producto según los rubros solicitados.

This study searches about the integration and systematization of contents in the Preparation for the Defense II subject in the Medicine career in the academic year 2009-2010. A qualitative research work was carried out. The universe comprises all the professors and the students who taught or received the subject in the traditional model in the central site and in the polyclinics of Santa Clara municipality. On purposive , probabilistic by criteria sampling there were applied empirical and theoretical methods such as the observation, survey, document analysis, nominal group techniques and the methodological contrasting of information. Taking into account the results of the diagnosis, there were identified the contents which could be integrated, methodological guidelines were elaborated and a course was given to the professors. The specialists considered this product as useful and pertinent.

Sutura primaria e ileostomía transcecal en urgencias quirúrgicas del colon izquierdo / Primary suture and transcecal ileostomy in surgical emergencies of left colon

Introducción: existe una controversia sobre la alternativa quirúrgica para la solución de las urgencias quirúrgicas en el colon izquierdo. Objetivo: comparar la sutura primaria e ileostomía transcecal con una sonda de colostomía convencional en los pacientes operados del colon izquierdo. Métodos: se realizó un estudio analítico, observacional, prospectivo y longitudinal. Universo: se diagnosticaron 70 pacientes con enfermedades quirúrgicas urgentes del colon izquierdo. Muestra: 34 pacientes del Hospital General Docente Abel Santamaría Cuadrado y Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico León Cuervo Rubio, operados entre enero de 2006 y 2010. Se formaron aleatoriamente dos grupos: grupo A (muestra), 34 pacientes con sutura o resección intestinal y anastomosis primaria e ileostomía transcecal con sonda; grupo B (control) 36 pacientes con resección intestinal y colostomía convencional. Se aplicó la prueba Ji cuadrado con un nivel de significación de 0,05 y porcientos. Resultado: predominaron las perforaciones sigmoideas traumáticas 37,1% y el vólvulo del sigmoide con un compromiso vascular 31,4% en ambos grupos, prevalencia en el género masculino y la edad de 51-60 años. En el grupo A el 11,7% de los pacientes presentaron complicaciones no relacionadas con dehiscencia de la anastomosis; en el grupo B alcanzaron el 55,5% predominando la infección de la herida y las generales. La mortalidad global de la sutura primaria con ileostomía transcecal fue de 2,9% y 11,1% en la colostomía convencional. La sonda de ileostomía se retiró como promedio a los 7 días, y la calidad de vida de estos pacientes es satisfactoria en la actualidad. Conclusiones: La sutura primaria e ileostomía transcecal tiene menos complicaciones y mortalidad, minimiza la injuria psicológica, y es la alternativa quirúrgica más fisiológica.

Introduction: a controversy about surgical alternative to the solution of surgical emergencies of left colon gives rise. Objective: to compare primary suture and transcecal ileostomy with a conventional colostomy probe in patients operated on left colon. Methods: an analytical, observational, prospective and longitudinal study. Target group: 70 patients having the diagnosis of surgical emergencies due to left colon conditions. Sample: 34 patients who underwent left colon surgeries from January 2006 and 2010 at "Abel Santamaria Cuadrado" and "Leon Cuervo Rubio" Provincial General University Hospitals. Two groups chosen at random were included: group-A (sample), 34 patients with suture or intestinal resection plus primary anastomosis and transcecal ileostomy with probe; group-B (control) 36 patients with intestinal resection and conventional colostomy. Chi square test with a significance level of 0,05 and percentages were applied. Results: traumatic sigmoid perforations prevailed (37,1%) and sigmoid volvulus with vascular compromise (31,4%) in both groups, male sex and ages from 51 to 60 predominated. In group-A the 11,7% of patients presented complications that were not related to dehiscence of anastomosis; in group-B the complications reached 55,5% prevailing the infection of surgical wound and the general ones. Global mortality of the primary suture with transcecal ileostomy was 2,9% and 11,1% with conventional colostomy. The probe of the ileostomy was removed at 7 days on average; currently the quality of life of these patients is satisfactory. Conclusion: primary suture and transcecal ileostomy present much less complications as well as mortality, it minimizes psychological damage, and this is the most physiologic surgical alternative.