Search

os inhibidores del punto de control inmunitario (IPCI) son un grupo farmacológico destacable dentro de la inmunoterapia oncológica. Los IPCI se administran en monoterapia o en terapia combinada junto a quimioterápicos como el cisplatino, mostrando excelentes resultados clínicos. Sin embargo, no están exentos de reacciones adversas como la lesión renal inducida por IPCI, mínimamente estudiada y que empeora el pronóstico del paciente. El objetivo del estudio fue la caracterización funcional del daño renal asociado a los IPCI (anti-CTLA-4 y anti-PD-1) y a la combinación de estos con cisplatino, mediante una batería de biomarcadores de lesión renal. En el estudio, se emplearon ratones macho C57BL/6 divididos en grupos experimentales. Cada grupo recibió, correspondientemente: anti-PD-1, anti-CTLA-4, cisplatino o la terapia combinada de cisplatino+anti-CTLA-4+anti-PD-1. El análisis de biomarcadores se realizó mediante técnicas colorimétricas y de inmunoensayo. Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis estadístico empleando el programa IBM SPSS® Statistics. Los biomarcadores plasmáticos (creatinina y urea) no mostraron lesión renal en ningún grupo de tratamiento, mientras que los biomarcadores urinarios (NGAL, KIM-1 y albúmina) aumentaron en los grupos de terapia combinada mostrando daño renal subclínico. Por ello, los biomarcadores urinarios podrían resultar ventajosos en el diagnóstico precoz del daño renal asociado a IPCI en pacientes oncológicos.

Background. Food insecurity, affecting approximately 10% of the U.S. population, with up to 40% or higher in some communities, is associated with higher rates of chronic conditions and inversely associated with diet quality. Nutrition interventions implemented at food pantries are an effective strategy to increase healthy food choices and improve health outcomes for people experiencing food and nutrition insecurity. Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP), a stoplight nutrition ranking system, can facilitate healthy food procurement and distribution at pantries. Purpose. Guided by the RE-AIM Framework, this study assesses the implementation and outcomes of SWAP as nutritional guidance and institutional policy intervention, to increase procurement and distribution of healthy foods in pantries. Method. Mixed-methods evaluation included observations, process forms, and in-depth interviews. Food inventory assessments were conducted at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Results. Two large pantries in New Haven, Connecticut, collectively reaching more than 12,200 individuals yearly, implemented SWAP in 2019. Implementation was consistent prepandemic at both pantries. Due to COVID-mandated distribution changes, pantries adapted SWAP implementation during the pandemic while still maintaining the “spirit of SWAP.” One pantry increased the percentage of Green foods offered. Challenges to healthy food distribution are considered. Discussion. This study has implications for policy, systems, and environmental changes. It shows the potential for SWAP adoption at pantries, which can serve as a guide for continued healthy food procurement and advocacy. Maintaining the “spirit of SWAP” shows promising results for food pantries looking to implement nutrition interventions when standard practice may not be possible.

Los inhibidores del punto de control inmunitario (ICI) constituyen el grupo inmunoterapéutico más relevante del ámbito oncológico, pero no están exentos de efectos adversos. Las lesiones renales, aunque raras, empeoran el pronóstico. Actualmente existen combinaciones de inmunoterapia y quimioterapia que mejoran la eficacia, pero aumentan el riesgo de sufrir efectos secundarios nefrotóxicos. El objetivo fue la evaluación histológica del daño renal asociado a los ICI anti-CTLA-4 y anti-PD-1 en combinación con cisplatino. Se diseñó un modelo experimental en ratones C57BL/6 tratados con la terapia combinada de cisplatino (10 mg/kg, dosis única) con anti-CTLA-4 o anti-PD-1 (10 o 15 mg/kg/día, durante 6 días). Se incluyeron grupos con las monoterapias de los fármacos y un grupo control. La evaluación del daño renal histológico se realizó de forma ciega siguiendo un protocolo de cuantificación de lesión tisular basado en una escala. Los datos fueron analizados con el programa estadístico IBM SPSS Statistics. Los resultados mostraron daño renal tubular, más pronunciado en la corteza externa, asociado al tratamiento con cisplatino, mientras que no hubo alteraciones estructurales en la monoterapia con ICI. El cotratamiento potenció el daño estructural renal del cisplatino. Esta potenciación fue más evidente en la región corticomedular, lo que sugiere que la combinación de fármacos provoca una lesión más profunda en el riñón.

Climate change has advanced plant phenology globally 4-6 d °C

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved, small non-coding RNA molecules (∼21 nucleotides) that regulate numerous biological processes, including developmental timing, hematopoiesis, organogenesis, apoptosis, cell differentiation, and proliferation either by mRNA degradation or translation repression. Since eye physiology requires a perfect orchestration of complex regulatory networks, an altered expression of key regulatory molecules such as miRNAs potentially leads to numerous eye disorders. In recent years, comprehensive progress has been made in demonstrating the precise roles of miRNAs, emphasizing their potential use in diagnostic and therapeutic purposes of chronic human diseases. Thus, this review explicitly illustrates the regulatory roles of miRNAs in four common eye disorders, such as cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and uveitis, and their application in disease management.

Proper muscle contraction requires the assembly and maintenance of sarcomeres and myofibrils. Although the protein components of myofibrils are generally known, less is known about the mechanisms by which they individually function and together synergize for myofibril assembly and maintenance. For example, it is unclear how the disruption of actin filament (F-actin) regulatory proteins leads to the muscle weakness observed in myopathies. Here, we show that knockdown of Drosophila Tropomodulin (Tmod), results in several myopathy-related phenotypes, including reduction of muscle cell (myofiber) size, increased sarcomere length, disorganization and misorientation of myofibrils, ectopic F-actin accumulation, loss of tension-mediating proteins at the myotendinous junction, and misshaped and internalized nuclei. Our findings support and extend the tension-driven self-organizing myofibrillogenesis model. We show that, like its mammalian counterpart, Drosophila Tmod caps F-actin pointed-ends, and we propose that this activity is crucial for cellular processes in different locations within the myofiber that directly and indirectly contribute to the maintenance of muscle function. Our findings provide significant insights to the role of Tmod in muscle development, maintenance and disease.

We present the case of a 16-year-old male who asked in an emergency department for sudden abdominal pain since many hours and loss of consciousness. Few days before, he had odynophagia and high fever. Leucocytosis with lymphocytosis predominance in analysis and splenic rupture with hemoperitoneum in echography and computerized tomography was shown. The treatment consisted in urgent surgery (splenectomy), which was uneventful. Splenic rupture is an emergency in young patients, so it is essential to do a good anamnesis and physical exploration to avoid mistakes with a potentially fatal outcome.

ObjectiveHere we aimed to investigate the association of the Xq28 risk haplotype (H1) with susceptibility to childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to compare its frequency and genetic structure in the Mexican population with those in other continental populations.MethodsWe genotyped 15 single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) that form the H1 haplotype, using TaqMan real-time PCR. The association analysis [case-control and transmission disequilibrium test (TDT)] included 376 cases and 400 adult controls, all of whom were mestizos (MEZ). To identify risk alleles in Mexican Indigenous individuals, SNVs were imputed from whole-exome sequencing data of 1,074 individuals. The allelic frequencies determined in MEZ and Indigenous individuals were compared with those of the continental populations from the 1,000 Genomes database phase 3. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis of risk alleles was performed on all populations. Interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) mRNA levels were determined using real-time PCR.ResultsCase-control analysis revealed genetic association with childhood-onset SLE for all 15 SNVs (OR = 1.49–1.75; p = 0.0095 to 1.81 × 10–4) and for the Xq28 risk haplotype (OR = 1.97, p = 4 × 10–6). Comparing with individuals of European ancestry (0.14–0.16), the frequencies of the risk alleles were significantly higher in the MEZ individuals (0.55–0.68) and even higher in Indigenous individuals (0.57–0.83). LD analysis indicated a differential haplotype structure within the Indigenous groups, which was inherited to the MEZ population as a result of genetic admixture. Individuals homozygous for the Xq28 risk haplotype exhibited decreased levels of both MECP2A and B transcripts.ConclusionWe found that the H1 risk haplotype differs in its conformation in the Mexican population. This difference could be attributed to positive selection within the Indigenous population, with its inheritance now having an autoimmune health impact in both the Mexican Indigenous and MEZ populations.

La etiología de diversos tipos de cáncer, además de patologías relacionadas con el sistema cardiovascular y respiratorio, reside en el consumo de tabaco. Hoy en día, los nuevos estudios apuntan a que el tabaco produce un daño renal que puede degenerar en insuficiencia renal crónica a largo plazo. No obstante, los parámetros utilizados en clínica para la detección del daño renal, como la creatinina plasmática, no son útiles para evidenciar la disfunción. Por ello, los métodos de diagnóstico más innovadores incluyen los biomarcadores urinarios de daño renal temprano, que permitirían prevenir la evolución de la enfermedad renal. Por otra parte, basándonos en estudios previos de nuestro laboratorio, se ha desarrollado el concepto de predisposición adquirida al daño renal, así como la existencia de biomarcadores urinarios asociados a esta condición. Nuestro objetivo es estudiar si determinados biomarcadores de predisposición son capaces de detectar entre los pacientes fumadores a aquellos que están predispuestos a sufrir daño renal. Nuestros resultados demuestran que algunos de estos biomarcadores se excretan en orina de un modo significativamente superior en individuos fumadores respecto a no fumadores. La mayor excreción de dichos biomarcadores podría estar relacionada con una predisposición de los individuos fumadores a sufrir disfunción renal, aspecto clave a tener en cuenta en clínica.

Thermal manifestations are commonly found in central Mexico as result of the volcanic activity originating from the formation of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt during the Quaternary. The Rancho Nuevo hot spring is one of them that has not been described before with a discharge temperature near 92 °C. The goal of the present study is to provide geothermal characteristics of thermal manifestations at Rancho Nuevo location based on geochemical and mineralogical results to explain deep-subsurface processes that occurred in the geothermal system. The presence of kaolinite, montmorillonite, opal, zeolite, barite, pyrite, and stibnite in altered soil sediments or around the hot springs identified by the techniques used in the present study, confirms the presence of hydrothermal activity. In addition, based on the X-ray diffraction, calcite precipitates at the surface of the thermal springs. This mineral association reflects deep geothermal processes and is eventually deposited in shallow zones. Fluid mixing processes and variations in redox conditions are suggested by mineral association and isotopic sulfur data. Finally, based on the physicochemical data provided by the water samples and the discharge conditions of the springs, stability diagrams were constructed for pyrite, barite, and zeolites using the Geochemist’s Work Bench program to corroborate these data with the mineralogical results. The mineralogical results and distribution, as well as the N-S trend of mineral associations suggest interaction processes between geothermal fluid and rocks of the stratigraphic sequence, and active major faults, enabling the upward flow of deep geothermal fluids. The approach to the conceptual model of the Rancho Nuevo geothermal prospect reveals an attractive potential for the exploration of a viable geothermal resource in central Mexico.

Proper muscle contraction requires the assembly and maintenance of sarcomeres and myofibrils. While the protein components of myofibrils are generally known, less is known about the mechanisms by which they individually function and together synergize for myofibril assembly and maintenance. For example, it is unclear how the disruption of actin filament (F-actin) regulatory proteins leads to the muscle weakness observed in myopathies. Here, we show that knockdown of Drosophila Tropomodulin (Tmod) results in several myopathy-related phenotypes, including reduction of muscle cell (myofiber) size, increased sarcomere length, disorganization and misorientation of myofibrils, ectopic F-actin accumulation, loss of tension-mediating proteins at the myotendinous junction, and misshaped and internalized nuclei. Our findings support and extend the tension-driven self-organization myofibrillogenesis model. We show that, like its mammalian counterpart, Drosophila Tmod caps F-actin pointed-ends, and this activity is critical for cellular processes in different locations within the myofiber that directly and indirectly contribute to the maintenance of muscle function. Our findings provide significant insights to the role of Tmod in muscle development, maintenance, and disease.SUMMARY STATEMENTDrosophila Tropomodulin knockdown in larval myofibers results in myopathy-related phenotypes. Our findings support that Tmod acts in actin-related processes at different subcellular locales, all critical for muscle integrity and function.

The β-delayed one- and two-neutron emission probabilities (P_{1n} and P_{2n}) of 20 neutron-rich nuclei with N≥82 have been measured at the RIBF facility of the RIKEN Nishina Center. P_{1n} of ^{130,131}Ag, ^{133,134}Cd, ^{135,136}In, and ^{138,139}Sn were determined for the first time, and stringent upper limits were placed on P_{2n} for nearly all cases. β-delayed two-neutron emission (β2n) was unambiguously identified in ^{133}Cd and ^{135,136}In, and their P_{2n} were measured. Weak β2n was also detected from ^{137,138}Sn. Our results highlight the effect of the N=82 and Z=50 shell closures on β-delayed neutron emission probability and provide stringent benchmarks for newly developed macroscopic-microscopic and self-consistent global models with the inclusion of a statistical treatment of neutron and γ emission. The impact of our measurements on r-process nucleosynthesis was studied in a neutron star merger scenario. Our P_{1n} and P_{2n} have a direct impact on the odd-even staggering of the final abundance, improving the agreement between calculated and observed Solar System abundances. The odd isotope fraction of Ba in r-process-enhanced (r-II) stars is also better reproduced using our new data.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) diagnosis relies on plasma creatinine concentration (Crpl), a relatively insensitive, surrogate biomarker of glomerular filtration rate that increases only after significant damage befalls. However, damage in different renal structures may occur without increments in Crpl, a condition known as subclinical AKI. Thus, detection of alterations in other aspects of renal function different from glomerular filtration rate must be included in an integral diagnosis of AKI. With this aim, we adapted to and validated in rats (for preclinical research) the furosemide stress test (FST), a tubular function test hitherto performed only in humans. We also tested its sensitivity in detecting subclinical tubular alterations. In particular, we predisposed rats to AKI with 3 mg/kg cisplatin and subsequently subjected them to a triggering insult (ie, 50 mg/kg/d gentamicin for 6 days) that had no effect on nonpredisposed animals but caused an overt AKI in predisposed rats. The FST was performed immediately before adding the triggering insult. Predisposed animals showed a reduced response to the FST (namely, reduced furosemide-induced diuresis and K+ excretion), whereas nonpredisposed animals showed no alteration, compared to the controls. Computational modeling of epithelial transport of solutes and water along the nephrons applied to experimental data suggested that proximal tubule transport was only minimally reduced, the sodium-chloride symporter was upregulated by 50%, and the renal outer medullary potassium channel was downregulated by 85% in predisposed animals. In conclusion, serial coupling of the FST and computational modeling may be used to detect and localize subclinical tubular alterations.

To evaluate the learning curve of the simplified fluoroscopic biplanar (0–90o) puncture technique for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. We prospectively evaluated patients with renal stones treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy by a single institution’s fellows employing the simplified bi-planar (0–90o) fluoroscopic puncture technique for renal access. The learning curve was assessed with the fluoroscopic screening time and the percutaneous renal puncture time. Data obtained were compared to a subset of patients operated by a senior surgeon. Eighty-nine patients were included in the study. Forty patients were operated by fellow-1, 39 by fellow-2, and 10 patients by the senior surgeon. Demographic data of all patients between groups were homogeneous, with no difference in gender (p = 0.432), age (p = 0.92), stone volume (p = 0.78), puncture laterality (p = 0.755), and body mass index (p = 0.365). The mean puncture time was 7.5, 4, and 3.1 min for fellow-1, fellow-2, and expert, respectively. The mean fluoroscopic screening time for the puncture was 10, 11, and 5.1 s for fellow-1, fellow-2, and the expert, respectively. Stone cases, both fellows needed to complete 10 procedures to match the senior surgeon in the mean puncture time (p = 0.046); meanwhile, the fluoroscopic screening time was equal even before to complete 10 procedures. This study suggests that with the simplified biplanar (0–90o) puncture technique, the fluoroscopic screening time used in the learning process is brief. A novice fellow could require to complete ten cases to flatten the learning curve treating complex stone cases, and a flat learning curve is seen since the beginning when treating simple renal stones.

Modern agriculture has boosted the production of food based on the use of pesticides and fertilizers and improved plant varieties. However, the impact of some such technologies is high and not sustainable in the long term. Although the importance of rhizospheres in final plant performance, nutrient cycling, and ecosystems is well recognized, there is still a lack of information on the interactions of their main players. In this paper, four accessions of pepper are studied at the rhizosphere and root level under two farming systems: organic and conventional. Variations in soil traits, such as induced respiration, enzymatic activities, microbial counts, and metabolism of nitrogen at the rhizosphere and bulk soil, as well as measures of root morphology and plant production, are presented. The results showed differences for the evaluated traits between organic and conventional management, both at the rhizosphere and bulk soil levels. Organic farming showed higher microbial counts, enzymatic activities, and nitrogen mobilization. Our results also showed how some genotypes, such as Serrano or Piquillo, modified the properties of the rhizospheres in a very genotype-dependent way. This specificity of the soil–plant interaction should be considered for future breeding programs for soil-tailored agriculture.

This is a qualitative research with an exploratory ethnographic design, aimed to examining the behavior patterns and shared beliefs of a religious group. The data was obtained through qualitative interviews (ethnographic interviews and focus groups) in which a question guide was used. Participants were boys and girls, ages 10-11; eighteen in total. In addition, 20 parents were interviewed through focus groups. All the participants belonged to the Christian religion. The study revealed that spirituality and religion seem to stand in the way of children’s behavior to reduce, control, and restore those behaviors that their beliefs dictate are wrong. Narratives about their spiritual life made it possible to determine that their thinking about God is a cognitive, deeply emotional, personal, and social exercise. They have developed spiritual lives and conceptsof God that direct their feelings and religious experiences. They have a spiritual understanding underpinned by thoughtful thinking and family interactions. They find in their religion the satisfaction of the psychological needs of belonging, security, self-esteem, love and justice that allow their self-realization and self-transcendence when they achieve communion with the sacred or God. Parents argued that the spiritual and religious beliefs are necessary to raise appropriately the sons and daughters. They feel advantageous over the nonreligious because they have the teachings of the Bible, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the support of the church.

Rumenotomy is one of the most widely used surgical techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of different rumen conditions in ruminants. It is commonly used for large ruminants, such as cattle. Although this technique is also applied to small ruminants, there is a lack of standardization. To date, it has not been fully described in the available literature, which is mostly from developing countries with a small number of peer-reviewed publications. This review is thus intended to summarize the body of knowledge related to the technique that has been published so far and make it available for clinical practice. The indications for rumenotomy, preoperative management of patients, different surgical techniques and postoperative management, including complications from the procedure, are discussed.

Ovine reproductive behavior depends on annual photoperiodic cycle and its impact on endogenous melatonin secretion. In this regard, exogenous melatonin administration previous to the physiological anestrus period could modify the reproductive performance of sheep. Two independent studies were performed to evaluate such hypothesis in hair sheep implanted with melatonin prior to the anestrus season in northwest Mexico. Study 1 involved 15 rams assigned to one of three treatments receiving 0mg (n=5), 18mg (n=5) or 36mg (n=5) of melatonin subcutaneously. Study variables were measured monthly since implantation (d0) and included testosterone concentration, scrotal circumference, mass motility, individual motility, and sperm concentration. Study 2 included 50 ewes assigned to one of two treatments receiving 0mg (n=25) or 18mg (n=25) of melatonin subcutaneously. In ewes, progesterone concentration and the frequency of females in anestrus were measured during the implantation (-30d), as well as at the beginning (0d) and at the end (45d) of the mating period, while pregnancy rate was determined by ultrasonography 45d after. Continuous variables were analyzed using a mixed effects model considering treatment, time, and the treatment by time interaction as fixed effects. Animal nested within treatment was the random effect. Binary variables were analyzed using the chi-square test. In males, melatonin improved testosterone and sperm concentrations (P

Some studies aimed at revealing the relationship between protein structure and their functional properties. However, the majority of these reports have been carried out using protein isolates. There are limited reports on the possible relationship between the functional properties and the structure of a purified protein. In this work the amaranth 11S globulin acidic subunit (AAC) and five mutations of the same protein that were modified in their variable regions with antihypertensive peptides (VYVYVYVY and RIPP), were analyzed at two ionic strength (2.9 and 17.6 g/L NaCl) and pH (3.0–7.0). Results revealed better solubility for the proteins mutated at the terminal ends (AACM.1 and AACM.4) and lower solubility for the protein inserted with RIPP peptide. Spectroscopy studies revealed an increase of β-sheet structure at high salt concentration for all proteins. It was also observed that salt concentration acted as a modulator, which allowed a better foam features for all modified proteins limiting movement of side chains and reducing red-shifted displacement of λmax. All proteins showed foam capacity ranging from 76 to 93% although foam stability was twofold better for modified proteins than for AAC at high salt concentration. This study allowed better understanding about the structural changes that influence the foaming properties of engineered proteins.

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic drug whose clinical use and efficacy are limited by its nephrotoxicity, which affects mainly the renal tubules and vasculature. It accumulates in proximal and distal epithelial tubule cells and causes oxidative stress-mediated cell death and malfunction. Consequently, many antioxidants have been tested for their capacity to prevent cisplatin nephrotoxicity. In this study, we made a systematic review of the literature and meta-analyzed 152 articles, which tested the nephroprotective effect of isolated compounds or mixtures of natural origin on cisplatin nephrotoxicity in preclinical models. This meta-analysis identified the most effective candidates and examined the efficacy obtained by antioxidants administered by the oral and intraperitoneal routes. By comparing with a recent, similar meta-analysis performed on clinical studies, this article identifies a disconnection between preclinical and clinical research, and contextualizes, discusses, and integrates the existing preclinical information toward the optimized selection of candidates to be further explored (clinical level). Despite proved efficacy, this article discusses the barriers limiting the clinical development of natural mixtures, such as those in extracts from Calendula officinalis flowers and Heliotropium eichwaldii roots. On the contrary, isolated compounds are more straightforward candidates, among which arjunolic acid and quercetin stand out in this meta-analysis.

Radon is a radioactive gas that can migrate from soils and rocks and accumulate in indoor areas such as dwellings and buildings. Many studies have shown a strong association between the exposure to radon, and its decay products, and lung cancer (LC), particularly in miners. In Mexico, according to published surveys, there is evidence of radon exposure in large groups of the population, nevertheless, only few attention has been paid to its association as a risk factor for LC. The aim of this ecological study is to evaluate the excess risk of lung cancer mortality in Mexico due to indoor radon exposure. Mean radon levels per state of the Country were obtained from different publications and lung cancer mortality was obtained from the National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics for the period 2001–2013. A model proposed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection to estimate the annual excess risk of LC mortality (per 105 inhabitants) per dose unit of radon was used. The average indoor radon concentrations found rank from 51 to 1863 Bq m−3, the higher average dose exposure found was 3.13 mSv year−1 in the north of the country (Chihuahua) and the mortality excess of LC cases found in the country was 10 ± 1.5 (range 1–235 deaths) per 105 inhabitants. The highest values were found mainly in the Northern part of the country, where numerous uranium deposits are found, followed by Mexico City, the most crowded and most air polluted area in the country. A positive correlation (r = 0.98 p

A design for an all-digital high-resolution pulse-width modulator (HRPWM) architecture is presented in this work. The architecture is based on a novel digitally controlled delay element that combines two different approaches, achieving a variable time interval up to 54 ps, and adjustable against process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations. The proposed system uses several delay elements with a counter-based digital pulse-width modulator (DPWM) in a hybrid configuration, which allows to obtain duty cycles with 18-bit resolution without using a high-frequency internal clock and maintaining a low power dissipation. The HRPWM was implemented in a standard low-cost 130-nm CMOS technology, together with a memory used to store the duty cycles, and a serial communication module. Post layout simulation results show good linearity between the control word and the duty cycle in all the range. The chip can be fine tuned to improve its performance using the calibration capabilities of the architecture. The analysis includes a comparison with another state-of-art HRPWMs showing the advantages of the proposed approach. Fil: Morales, Juan Ignacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Eléctrica "Alfredo Desages". Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y de Computadoras. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Eléctrica "Alfredo Desages"; Argentina Fil: Chierchie, Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Eléctrica "Alfredo Desages". Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y de Computadoras. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Eléctrica "Alfredo Desages"; Argentina Fil: Mandolesi, Pablo Sergio. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Eléctrica "Alfredo Desages". Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y de Computadoras. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Eléctrica "Alfredo Desages"; Argentina Fil: Paolini, Eduardo Emilio. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Eléctrica "Alfredo Desages". Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y de Computadoras. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Eléctrica "Alfredo Desages"; Argentina

The ectoparasitoid Tamarixia triozae is a promising biological control agent of the tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, based on its high parasitism rates on different crops. The parasitism, host feeding, and transgenerational effects (in terms of sex ratio) of T. triozae females exposed to three insecticides (soybean oil, imidacloprid, and abamectin) as eggs, larvae, and pupae were evaluated when a mixture of second, third, fourth, and fifth instars of the host B. cockerelli was offered. The concentrations bioassayed of each insecticide corresponded to the minimum field-registered concentration [MiFRC] and one-half the MiFRC. No parasitism of B. cockerelli second instars was recorded when parasitoid's females were exposed in any of the three immature stages to any of the insecticides. In contrast, in some cases, parasitism of T. triozae females treated as eggs, larvae, or pupae with soybean oil and imidacloprid was reduced in third, fourth, or fifth instar. In most cases, the host feeding was reduced in second and third instar of the host B. cockerelli when T. triozae females were treated as eggs, larvae, or pupae. Any insecticide modified the sex ratio in the F2 generation. In conclusion, both parasitism and host feeding were affected by the insecticides depending on the concentration and on the nymphal instar of the host B. cockerelli offered.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a secreted low-molecular weight iron-siderophore-binding protein. NGAL overexpression in injured tubular epithelia partly explains its utility as a sensitive and early urinary biomarker of acute kidney injury (AKI). Herein, we extend mechanistic insights into the source and kinetics of urinary NGAL excretion in experimental AKI. Three models of experimental AKI were undertaken in adult male Wistar rats; renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and gentamicin (G) and cisplatin (Cisp) nephrotoxicity. Alongside standard histological and biochemical assessment of AKI, urinary NGAL excretion rate, plasma NGAL concentration, and renal NGAL mRNA/protein expression were assessed. In situ renal perfusion studies were undertaken to discriminate direct shedding of NGAL to the urine from addition of NGAL to the urine secondary to alterations in the tubular handling of glomerular filtrate-derived protein. Renal NGAL expression and urinary excretion increased in experimental AKI. In acute studies in both the IRI and G models, direct renal perfusion with Kreb’s buffer eliminated urinary NGAL excretion. Addition of exogenous NGAL to the Kreb’s buffer circuit, reestablishment of perfusion with systemic blood or reperfusion with renal vein effluent restored high levels of urinary NGAL excretion. Urinary NGAL excretion in AKI arises in large proportion from reduced reabsorption from the glomerular filtrate. Hence, subclinical cellular dysfunction could increase urinary NGAL, particularly in concert with elevations in circulating prerenal NGAL and/or pharmacological inhibition of tubular reabsorption. More granular interpretation of urinary NGAL measurements could optimize the scope of its clinical utility as a biomarker of AKI.

A hydrogeochemical and isotopic study was conducted in the western portion of the Celaya Valley Aquifer, Mexico, to assess the role of dissolved carbon dioxide in groundwater contamination. The partial pressure of carbon dioxide value is used to evaluate a complex hydrogeochemical environment, and the carbon dioxide behavior is used to identify the natural and anthropogenic processes related to pollution sources in a thermal aquifer located in the western portion of the Celaya Valley Aquifer. Results indicate that during groundwater migration from the recharge zone to the center of the basin, a hydrogeochemical evolution from calcium bicarbonated and calcium–bicarbonate–chloride type to sodium–bicarbonate type occurs. During this process, deep fluids that migrate through the fault system interact with the aquifer; these fluids contain carbon dioxide released from the metamorphism of the carbonated basement, although another source is not discarded as the dissolved inorganic carbon typical of meteoric groundwater produced from atmospheric carbon dioxide. The hydrogeochemical and isotopic evidences of delta carbon thirteen, delta oxygen eighteen and delta deuterium indicate that the dissolved content of carbon dioxide in the aquifer is involved in the silicate weathering process that plays a major role during water type evolution. In some cases, during weathering, potentially toxic elements are released in amounts that represent an environmental risk, among which arsenic and fluoride stand out, mainly in depth wells. Additionally, other isotopic and hydrogeochemical evidence indicates a biological source of carbon dioxide in the shallow aquifer, primarily due to the agricultural activity carried out in the entire study area.

A relation between tobacco and renal damage has been described during the last years. Referring to early diagnosis of renal disease, our group has developed the acquired predisposition concept, which can be applied to the smoking patient context. So, our hypothesis is that tobacco may cause predisposition to acute kidney injury (AKI), which means smokers may suffer AKI after being exposed to any nephrotoxin, including under-toxicity-level doses. Our aim was to study the relationship between the predisposition biomarkers 1 (BM1), 2 (BM2) and 3 (BM3) (characterized in our laboratory) and tobacco consumption.Urinary samples were taken from smokers and non-smokers volunteers with no renal damage nor exposure to risk factors of renal disease. The plasma creatinine of the patients was obtained from their medical history. The cotinine levels, which inform of the grade of smoking, were measured by ELISA. The urinary creatinine, used to correct urinary concentrations of biomarkers, was measured with a commercial kit based on Jaffe reaction, and the urinary biomarkers levels were measured by Western blot.Only BM3 showed greater excretion in smoking patients than in non-smokers. However, that excretion is not related to cotinine levels. In any case, BM3 could be a good clinical biomarker of AKI predisposition which would help to prevent renal damage in smokers.

Quercetin, a flavonoid with promising therapeutic potential, has been shown to protect from cisplatin nephrotoxicity in rats following intraperitoneal injection, but its low bioavailability curtails its prospective clinical utility in oral therapy. We recently developed a micellar formulation (P-quercetin) with enhanced solubility and bioavailability, and identical nephroprotective properties. As a first aim, we herein evaluated the oral treatment with P-quercetin in rats, which displayed no nephroprotection. In order to unravel this discrepancy, quercetin and its main metabolites were measured by HPLC in the blood and urine after intraperitoneal and oral administrations. Whilst quercetin was absorbed similarly, the profile of its metabolites was different, which led us to hypothesize that nephroprotection might be exerted in vivo by a metabolic derivate. Consequently, we then aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective capacity of quercetin and its main metabolites (quercetin 3

Infection by Aspergillus covers a broad clinical spectrum, including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and its disseminated extrapulmonary form, invasive aspergillosis (IA). It typically occurs in severely immunocompromised hosts, but it sometimes affects the immunocompetent population, especially patients with acute diseases being treated at the intensive care unit (ICU) and less often those with chronic conditions. In this article, we report the case of a 50-year-old male, with diabetes mellitus (DM) as the only risk factor, treated for IPA and IA with cardiac and central nervous system (CNS) involvement at a high complexity institution in Cali-Colombia. Clinical presentation and radiological findings are unspecific and require a high level of suspicion. To confirm the case, histological or cytological of the fungus is required; histopathological examination of lung tissue is the gold standard, but it is difficult to perform due to respiratory compromise and high risk of bleeding, so bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) plays an essential role in the diagnostic process. A diagnostic algorithm that includes risk assessment, symptoms, imaging findings, and isolation in cultures is essential to allow the diagnosis and initiation of treatment promptly, which includes a combination of surgery and antifungal medications for long periods, even life-long treatment.