Complete mitochondrial genome of the introduced Indian walking stick Carausius morosus (Lonchodidae, Insecta) from California.

We present the complete mitochondrial genome of Carausius morosus from Salinas, CA. The mitochondrial genome of C. morosus is circular, AT rich (78.1%), and 16,671 bp in length. It consists of 13 protein-coding, 22 transfer RNA, and 2 ribosomal RNA genes and is identical in gene content to Carausius sp.

Metformin Alleviates Diabetes-Associated Hypertension by Attenuating the Renal Epithelial Sodium Channel.

Diabetic nephropathy is the primary cause of morbidity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. New data indicate that hypertension, a common comorbidity in T2DM, can worsen outcomes of diabetic nephropathy. While metformin is a commonly prescribed drug for treating type 2 diabetes, its blood pressure regulating ability is not well documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of metformin on normalizing blood pressure in salt-loaded hypertensive diabetic db/db mice. Sixteen-week-old male and female diabetic db/db mice were individually placed in metabolic cages and then randomized to a control vehicle (saline) or metformin treatment group. We evaluated the blood pressure reducing ability of metformin in salt-induced hypertension and progression of nephropathy in db/db mice. We observed that metformin- normalized systolic blood pressure in hypertensive diabetic mice. Mechanistically, metformin treatment reduced renal cathepsin B expression. Low cathepsin B expression was associated with reduced expression and activity of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), sodium retention, and thus control of hypertension. In addition, we identified that urinary extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the diabetic mice are enriched in cathepsin B. Compared to treatment with urinary EVs of vehicle-treated hypertensive diabetic mice, the amiloride-sensitive transepithelial current was significantly attenuated upon exposure of renal collecting duct cells to urinary EVs isolated from metformin-treated db/db mice or cathepsin B knockout mice. Collectively, our study identifies a novel blood pressure reducing role of metformin in diabetic nephropathy by regulating the cathepsin B-ENaC axis.

Effect of Exercise on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is a biomarker of neuroplasticity linked with better functional outcomes after stroke. Early evidence suggests that increased concentrations after exercise may be possible for people with stroke, however it is unclear how exercise parameters influence BDNF concentration. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis searched 7 electronic databases. Experimental or observational studies measuring changes in BDNF concentration after exercise in people poststroke were included. Data were extracted including characteristics of the study, participants, interventions, and outcomes. Several fixed and random effects meta-analyses were completed. RESULTS: Seventeen studies including a total of 687 participants met the eligibility criteria (6 randomized trials). Significant improvements were observed in BDNF concentration following a single session (mean difference, 2.49 ng/mL; [95% CI, 1.10-3.88]) and program of high intensity aerobic exercise (mean difference, 3.42 ng/mL; [95% CI, 1.92-4.92]). CONCLUSIONS: High intensity aerobic exercise can increase circulating BDNF concentrations, which may contribute to increased neuroplasticity. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/; Unique identifier: CRD42021251083.

Water soluble microparticles of Sambucus nigra L. (elderberry) as a potential herbal medicine.

Although traditional use of elderberry flowers is recognized by Medical Agencies, there are not suitable products on the Brazilian market. To overcome poor stability of tinctures of Sambucus nigra flowers, we aimed to develop spray dried microparticles. Statistical experimental design was applied taking inlet temperature and maltodextrin% at five different levels. Next, we applied a stability study for 60 days under accelerated conditions (40 °C/75% RH) and 180 days at room temperature (15-30 °C). We monitored flavonoid content as markers. The best drying condition was 188 °C and 65% of carrier and enabled microparticles with more than 90% of markers recovery. After 180 days, the dried extract remained with 90.8% at room temperature. The markers were released from microparticles in two minutes. In conclusion, the spray drying process and formulation enabled elderberry flowers to be easier to apply in solid pharmaceutical forms.

Human Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Attenuates ENaC and MARCKS and Lowers Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Diabetic db/db Mice.

Hypertension may develop before or after the onset of diabetes and it is known to increase the risk of developing diabetic nephropathy. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a multi-functional protein with beneficial effects in various diseases but its role in reducing blood pressure in the diabetic kidney has not been thoroughly studied. Like blood pressure, epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) and its adaptor protein myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) are regulated by circadian rhythms. Our hypothesis is that administration of human AAT (hAAT) reduces blood pressure in hypertensive diabetic mice by attenuating membrane expression of ENaC and its association with the actin cytoskeleton. First, we show hAAT administration results in reduced blood pressure in diabetic db/db mice compared to vehicle treatment in both the inactive and active cycles. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses showed a reduction of ENaC and the actin cytoskeleton protein, MARCKS in the kidneys of diabetic db/db mice treated with hAAT compared to vehicle. hAAT treatment resulted in elevated amounts of extracellular vesicles present in the urine of diabetic db/db mice compared to vehicle treatment both in the inactive and active cycles. Multiple hexosylceramides, among other lipid classes increased in urinary EVs released from hAAT treated hypertensive diabetic mice compared to vehicle treated mice. Taken together, these data suggest hAAT treatment could normalize blood pressure in the diabetic kidney in a mechanism involving attenuation of renal ENaC and MARCKS protein expression and possibly ceramide metabolism to hexosylceramide in kidney cells.

Prevalence and risk factors of suicidal ideation among victims of child sexual abuse seen at the Philippine General Hospital Child Protection Unit

Objectives@#Suicidal ideation is a serious concern even among the pediatric population. This study aimed to determine its prevalence among victims of child sexual abuse and the factors that may contribute to its occurrence. @*Methods@#A cross-sectional analytic study was done using medical records of 393 victims of child sexual abuse seen at the PGH CPU from 2017–2019. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the associations of age, sex, closest relation to perpetrator, mode, and chronicity of sexual abuse to the presence of suicidal ideation. @*Results@#The prevalence of suicidal ideation among victims of child sexual abuse is 28%. The factors that were found to have a statistically significant association with suicidal ideation were age and closest relation to perpetrator. For each additional year from 6 to 17 years of age, the odds of having suicidal ideation increased by a factor of 1.33 (95% CI 1.19, 1.49; p<0.001). Victims who were abused by an immediate family member had increased odds of suicidal ideation by a factor of 2.12 (95% CI 1.12, 4.03; p=0.021).@*Conclusion@#Suicide is prevalent among victims of child sexual abuse. A high index of suspicion should be given to older adolescents and those whose perpetrators are immediate family members.

ZnO Films Incorporation Study on Macroporous Silicon Structure.

In the present work, we developed hybrid nanostructures based on ZnO films deposited on macroporous silicon substrates using the sol-gel spin coating and ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) techniques. The changes in the growth of ZnO films on macroporous silicon were studied using a UV-visible spectrometer, an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). XRD analysis revealed the beneficial influence of macroporous silicon on the structural properties of ZnO films. SEM micrographs showed the growth and coverage of ZnO granular and flake-like crystals inside the pores of the substrate. The root mean square roughness (RMS) measured by AFM in the ZnO grown on the macroporous silicon substrate was up to one order of magnitude higher than reference samples. These results prove that the methods used in this work are effective to cover porous and obtain nano-morphologies of ZnO. These morphologies could be useful for making highly sensitive gas sensors.

Revisiting Poststroke Upper Limb Stratification: Resilience in a Larger Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Upper limb (UL) impairment in stroke survivors is both multifactorial and heterogeneous. Stratification of motor function helps identify the most sensitive and appropriate assessments, which in turn aids the design of effective and individualized rehabilitation strategies. We previously developed a stratification method combining the Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT) and Box and Block Test (BBT) to stratify poststroke UL motor function. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the resilience of the stratification method in a larger cohort and establish its appropriateness for clinical practice by investigating limitations of the GPT completion time. METHODS: Post hoc analysis of motor function for 96 community-dwelling participants with stroke (n = 68 male, 28 female, age 60.8 ± 14 years, 24.4 ± 36.6 months poststroke) was performed using the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (F-M), BBT, and GPT. Hypothesis-free and hypothesis-based hierarchical cluster analyses were conducted to determine the resilience of the stratification method. RESULTS: The hypothesis-based analysis identified the same functional groupings as the hypothesis-free analysis: low (n = 32), moderate (n = 26), and high motor function (n = 38), with 3 exceptions. Thirty-three of the 38 participants with fine manual dexterity completed the GPT in ≤5 minutes. The remaining 5 participants took 6 to 25 minutes to place all 25 pegs but used alternative movement strategies to complete the test. The GPT time restriction changed the functional profile of the moderate and high motor function groups leading to more misclassifications. CONCLUSION: The stratification method unambiguously classifies participants by UL motor function. While the inclusion of a 5-minute cutoff time for the GPT is preferred for clinical practice, it is not recommended for stratification purposes.

Renal ischemia-reperfusion leads to hypertension and changes in proximal tubule Na+ transport and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system: Role of NADPH oxidase.

Acute renal injury (AKI) is a risk factor for the development of hypertension, which involves oxidative stress, changes in Na+ handling, and the intrarenal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) as underlying mechanisms. We investigated in rats whether renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) leads to changes in the proximal tubule ATP-dependent Na+ transport and the intrarenal content of RAAS components, as well as the role of NADPH oxidase. Rats weighing 300-350 g were submitted to AKI by bilateral IR (n = 25). After IR injury, the animals were followed up for 4 weeks. One part (n = 7) received daily treatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (100 mg/kg, drinking water), while another part (n = 9) received apocynin 24 h before and after IR. One group was submitted to sham surgery (n = 8). Four weeks after IR, the rats presented elevated systolic blood pressure, as well as increased lipid peroxidation, NADPH oxidase activity, (Na++K+)ATPase activity, and upregulation of type 1 angiotensin II receptor in the renal cortex. On the other hand, there was a decrease in Na+-ATPase activity and downregulation of the isoforms 1 and 2 of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, type 2 angiotensin II receptor, and of the α and ε isoforms of protein kinase C. Most of these alterations was prevented by both apocynin treatment protocols. Thus, we conclude that AKI-induced by IR may induce changes in proximal tubule ATPases and RAAS components compatible with renal Na+ retention and hypertension. These data also indicate that the NADPH oxidase represents a key factor in the origin of these alterations.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms on CYP2C9 gene among Filipinos and its association with post-operative pain relief via COX-2 inhibitors.

CYP2C9 gene encodes an enzyme involved in the metabolism of a wide variety of drugs which include celecoxib. This study investigated the frequencies of the alleles and genotypes of CYP2C9*1, CYP2C9*2, and CYP2C9*3 among Filipinos who underwent surgery, and to determine the association of CYP2C9 polymorphisms with post-operative pain relief via COX-2 inhibitors. Response to celecoxib was determined using the numerical rating scale (0-10) on the 24th and 48th hour of surgery. The CYP2C9 alleles were detected by real-time PCR. For CYP2C9*1 and CYP2C9*3, the allele frequencies among Filipinos were 99% and 1% respectively, which is similar with other East Asians. CYP2C9*2 alleles were not detected. The frequencies of CYP2C9*1/*1 and CYP2C9*1/*3 genotypes were 98% and 2% respectively. At 24 hours post-surgery, the average pain score was 2.57 ± 1.03, while on 48 hours post-surgery, the average pain score was 0.67 ± 0.61 among those who have the wild-type CYP2C9*1 allele. The average pain score on the 24th and 48th hour post-operatively was observed to be 2.5 ± 0.71 and 0.5 ± 0.71 respectively among two patients classified as intermediate metabolizer carrying the CYP2C9*1/*3 genotype. Low frequencies of CYP2C9 polymorphisms were observed in the present study, this pattern was similar with other Asians except Indians, and considerably lower than Caucasians. Our results suggest that CYP2C9 genotyping is not routinely needed for Filipinos but must be considered among mixed races. Consequently, a more personalized therapeutic strategy was derived from these data, resulting in good clinical outcomes and less adverse drug effects.

Clinical features and outcomes of nonconvulsive status epilepticus in a developing country: A 5-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the frequency of electrographically confirmed nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) in a cohort suspected with this condition and to determine the demographic/clinical profile, treatment, and outcomes of these patients in the context of a developing country, the Philippines. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study among patients with suspected with NCSE admitted in the Philippine General Hospital from 2014 to 2019. Using the Salzberg 2013 criteria to diagnose NCSE, three electroencephalographers independently reviewed the electroencephalogram (EEG) tracings of suspected patients and were blinded from the clinical information. Then, we obtained pertinent clinical data from the medical records of EEG-confirmed NCSE cases. RESULTS: Out of 89 patients suspected with NCSE and with available EEG tracings, information from a total of 14 patients (15.7%) with electrographically confirmed cases were included in the analysis. Median age was 52 ranging from 22 to 77 and female-to-male ratio was 1.3:1. The following conditions were associated with NCSE: intracranial tumor (n = 4), metabolic encephalopathy (n = 4), autoimmune encephalitis (n = 3), intracranial hemorrhage (n = 3), sepsis (n = 3), cardiac arrest (n = 2), hypoxic-ischemic injury (n = 2), antiepileptic withdrawal (n = 1), intracranial abscess (n = 1), head trauma (n = 1), and meningitis (n = 1). Three patients (21.4%) had relatively good clinical outcomes (mRS 0-2) while 6 patients (42.8%) had poor outcomes (mRS 3-5) at discharge. Five patients (35.7%) died due to medical/neurological complications. Our review of the literature showed that the profile of NCSE cases identified in our resource-limited institution strengthens the findings in other populations. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that approximately 1 in 6 patients who are suspected with NCSE may have electrographic evidence of NCSE in our setting. The most common etiologies associated with NCSE were intracranial tumors and metabolic conditions. Further studies may entail a prospective collection of data to validate the estimates of our study.

Plant-Derived Butters as Lipid Nanocarriers: A Systematic and Prospective Review.

BACKGROUND: Pharmaceutical nanotechnology represents an efficient alternative for the delivery of pharmacologically active plant-derived compounds, considering their protective capacity, oral bioavailability and drug vectorization capacity. In this context, butters obtained from plant seeds have emerged as promising products for the development of pharmacologically active nanostructures. They possess a complex lipid composition, allowing the formation of different emulsion systems with solid cores, since this mixture of different triglycerides is solid at room temperature and body temperature. Therefore, the systematic mapping around the technological development of nanostructures produced from plant-derived butters is potentially valuable for researchers interested in novel alternative formulations for pharmacological therapy, with potential industrial, economic, health and societal impacts. METHODS: Systematic review was carried out by the search of scientific papers and patents deposited in official databases concerning the development of nanostructured pharmaceutical products using plantderived butters as starting material. The publications obtained were subjected to sorting and analysis by applying the following inclusion/exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The Solid Lipid Nanoparticle (SLN) was the type of nanostructure produced in all the analyzed scientific papers, due to the physicochemical characteristics of the lipid constituents of plantderived butters. In this sense, 54% of the articles have reported the use of Cocoa Butter for the production of nanostructures; 28% for Shea Butter; 6% for Cupuacu Butter, 6% for Murumuru Butter and 6% for Bacuri Butter. DISCUSSION: In the technological prospection, only two patents exhibited SLN as an invention based on cocoa butter and on shea butter, respectively. The production methods employed have included: phase inversion temperature, microemulsion, hot high pressure homogenization, high shear homogenization and ultrasonication. CONCLUSION: In light of this prospective review, the encouragement of novel studies in lipids-based nanotechnology is evident, considering the small number of findings so far, in order to stimulate new research involving plant-derived butters from easily cultivated fruits in tropical regions, then stimulating the pharmaceutical development of new therapeutic alternatives using biocompatible and sustainable raw materials.

Sudden Death Report in Mexico (1998-2014).

Introduction: Sudden death (SD) is a health problem worldwide affecting all strata of the population. The main cause of SD is ischemic heart disease (IHD). The aims of the study were as follows: (i) to analyze the incidence of deaths from IHD in two successive periods (1998-2006 and 2007-2015) to visualize the magnitude of the problem and (ii) to review the official reports of SD in the same lapse of time. Materials and Methods: During that period, instantaneous death (ISD) and death that occurred in the first 24 h after the onset of symptoms were analyzed according to the official databases of National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) and National Health Information System (SINAIS). Results: There was an under-registration of SD cases in Mexico. Only 1394 cases of ISD were recorded officially in 17 years period of study, whereas it is estimated that 33,000 cases occur annually, exclusively due to sudden cardiac death. Conclusion: There is a serious gap in the official epidemiological information; placing the real problem in perspective would help to establish the adequate public policies for both, prevention and investigation of the causes of SD in Mexico.

Introducción: La muerte súbita (MS) es un problema mundial de salud que afecta a todos los estratos de la población. La principal causa de MS es la cardiopatía isquémica. Los objetivos del estudio fueron: i) Analizar la incidencia de muertes por cardiopatía isquémica en dos períodos sucesivos (1998-2006 y 2007-2015) para visualizar la magnitud del problema, y ii) revisar los informes oficiales de MS en los mismos lapsos. Metodología: Durante ese período, se analizaron la muerte instantánea (MSI) y la muerte ocurrida en las primeras 24 h después del inicio de los síntomas (MS24h) de acuerdo con las bases de datos oficiales del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI) y el Sistema Nacional de Información de Salud (SINAIS). Resultados: Existe un subregistro de casos de MS en México. Solo 1,394 casos de MSI se registraron oficialmente en el período de estudio de 17 años, mientras que se estima que ocurren 33,000 casos al año, solo por muerte súbita cardíaca. Conclusión: Existe una subregistro de información epidemiológica oficial; poner el problema real en perspectiva ayudaría a establecer políticas públicas adecuadas tanto para la prevención como para la investigación de las causas de la MS en México.

Genetic lines respond uniquely within the chicken thymic transcriptome to acute heat stress and low dose lipopolysaccharide.

Exposure to high temperatures is known to impair immune functions and disease resistance of poultry. Characterizing changes in the transcriptome can help identify mechanisms by which immune tissues, such as the thymus, respond to heat stress. In this study, 22-day-old chickens from two genetic lines (a relatively resistant Fayoumi line and a more susceptible broiler line) were exposed to acute heat stress (35 °C) and/or immune simulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 µg/kg). Transcriptome responses in the thymus were identified by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Expression of most genes was unaffected by heat and/or LPS in the Fayoumi line, whereas these treatments had more impact in the broiler line. Comparisons between the broiler and Fayoumi transcriptomes identified a large number of significant genes both at homeostasis and in response to treatment. Functional analyses predicted that gene expression changes impact immune responses, apoptosis, cell activation, migration, and adhesion. In broilers, acute heat stress changed thymic expression responses to LPS and could impact thymocyte survival and trafficking, and thereby contribute to the negative effects of high temperatures on immune responses. Identification of these genes and pathways provides a foundation for testing targets to improve disease resistance in heat-stressed chickens.

Association between APOE polymorphisms and lipid profile in Mexican Amerindian population.

BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a glycoprotein that plays an important role in lipid homeostasis at both cerebral and systemic levels. Moreover, the differential distribution of APOE gene alleles among different populations, means that ApoE isoforms could have different effects on lipids metabolism. The present study aims to evaluate the relationship between APOE gene alleles and the lipid profile in a Mexican Amerindian (MA) population. METHODS: This study included 1997 MA individuals of different ethnicities distributed throughout different states of Mexico. All individuals underwent anthropometric measurements as well as laboratory tests including fasting glucose (FG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). TaqMan® probe genotyping assays were used to genotype APOE. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to determine the correlation between APOE gene alleles and genotypes and the biochemical variables measured. RESULTS: Among the biochemical variables analyzed, only the HDL-C and LDL-C levels showed statistical differences (p-value < .05) between individuals carrying different APOE alleles. For HDL-C, individuals carrying the E2 allele had higher HDL-C levels, followed by individuals carrying the E3 allele and carriers of the E4 allele presented the lowest levels of HDL-C (E2 > E3 > E4). This relationship was inversed for LDL-C levels (E2 < E3 < E4). Nevertheless, the difference of HDL-C levels between APOE-E3 and APOE-E4 carriers remained only in obese individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that APOE gene genotypes play an important role in the differential modulation of lipid profiles in the MA population with obesity.

Sudden Death Report in Mexico (1998-2014).

Introduction: Sudden death (SD) is a health problem worldwide affecting all strata of the population. The main cause of SD is ischemic heart disease (IHD). The aims of the study were as follows: (i) to analyze the incidence of deaths from IHD in two successive periods (1998-2006 and 2007-2015) to visualize the magnitude of the problem and (ii) to review the official reports of SD in the same lapse of time. Materials and Methods: During that period, instantaneous death (ISD) and death that occurred in the first 24 h after the onset of symptoms were analyzed according to the official databases of National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) and National Health Information System (SINAIS). Results: There was an under-registration of SD cases in Mexico. Only 1394 cases of ISD were recorded officially in 17 years period of study, whereas it is estimated that 33,000 cases occur annually, exclusively due to sudden cardiac death. Conclusion: There is a serious gap in the official epidemiological information; placing the real problem in perspective would help to establish the adequate public policies for both, prevention and investigation of the causes of SD in Mexico.

Introducción: La muerte súbita (MS) es un problema mundial de salud que afecta a todos los estratos de la población. La principal causa de MS es la cardiopatía isquémica. Los objetivos del estudio fueron: i) Analizar la incidencia de muertes por cardiopatía isquémica en dos períodos sucesivos (1998-2006 y 2007-2015) para visualizar la magnitud del problema, y ii) revisar los informes oficiales de MS en los mismos lapsos. Metodología: Durante ese período, se analizaron la muerte instantánea (MSI) y la muerte ocurrida en las primeras 24 h después del inicio de los síntomas (MS24h) de acuerdo con las bases de datos oficiales del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI) y el Sistema Nacional de Información de Salud (SINAIS). Resultados: Existe un subregistro de casos de MS en México. Solo 1,394 casos de MSI se registraron oficialmente en el período de estudio de 17 años, mientras que se estima que ocurren 33,000 casos al año, solo por muerte súbita cardíaca. ­. Conclusión: Existe una subregistro de información epidemiológica oficial; poner el problema real en perspectiva ayudaría a establecer políticas públicas adecuadas tanto para la prevención como para la investigación de las causas de la MS en México.

Sudden Death Report in Mexico (1998-2014) / Reporte de muerte súbita en Mexico (1998-2014)

Abstract Introduction: Sudden death (SD) is a health problem worldwide affecting all strata of the population. The main cause of SD is ischemic heart disease (IHD). The aims of the study were as follows: (i) to analyze the incidence of deaths from IHD in two successive periods (1998-2006 and 2007-2015) to visualize the magnitude of the problem and (ii) to review the official reports of SD in the same lapse of time. Materials and Methods: During that period, instantaneous death (ISD) and death that occurred in the first 24 h after the onset of symptoms were analyzed according to the official databases of National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) and National Health Information System (SINAIS). Results: There was an under-registration of SD cases in Mexico. Only 1394 cases of ISD were recorded officially in 17 years period of study, whereas it is estimated that 33,000 cases occur annually, exclusively due to sudden cardiac death. Conclusion: There is a serious gap in the official epidemiological information; placing the real problem in perspective would help to establish the adequate public policies for both, prevention and investigation of the causes of SD in Mexico.

Resumen Introducción: La muerte súbita (MS) es un problema mundial de salud que afecta a todos los estratos de la población. La principal causa de MS es la cardiopatía isquémica. Los objetivos del estudio fueron: i) Analizar la incidencia de muertes por cardiopatía isquémica en dos períodos sucesivos (1998-2006 y 2007-2015) para visualizar la magnitud del problema, y ii) revisar los informes oficiales de MS en los mismos lapsos. Metodología: Durante ese período, se analizaron la muerte instantánea (MSI) y la muerte ocurrida en las primeras 24 h después del inicio de los síntomas (MS24h) de acuerdo con las bases de datos oficiales del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI) y el Sistema Nacional de Información de Salud (SINAIS). Resultados: Existe un subregistro de casos de MS en México. Solo 1,394 casos de MSI se registraron oficialmente en el período de estudio de 17 años, mientras que se estima que ocurren 33,000 casos al año, solo por muerte súbita cardíaca. Conclusión: Existe una subregistro de información epidemiológica oficial; poner el problema real en perspectiva ayudaría a establecer políticas públicas adecuadas tanto para la prevención como para la investigación de las causas de la MS en México.

Xanthomonas citri pv. viticola Affecting Grapevine in Brazil: Emergence of a Successful Monomorphic Pathogen.

The pathovar viticola of Xanthomonas citri causes bacterial canker of grapevine. This disease was first recorded in India in 1972, and later in Brazil in 1998, where its distribution is currently restricted to the northeastern region. A multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) based on seven housekeeping genes and a multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) with eight loci were performed in order to assess the genetic relatedness among strains from India and Brazil. Strains isolated in India from three related pathovars affecting Vitaceae species and pathogenic strains isolated from Amaranthus sp. found in bacterial canker-infected vineyards in Brazil were also included. MLSA revealed lack of diversity in all seven genes and grouped grapevine and Amaranthus strains in a monophyletic group in X. citri. The VNTR (variable number of tandem repeat) typing scheme conducted on 107 strains detected 101 haplotypes. The total number of alleles per locus ranged from 5 to 12. A minimum spanning tree (MST) showed that Brazilian strains were clearly separated from Indian strains, which showed unique alleles at three loci. The two strains isolated from symptomatic Amaranthus sp. presented unique alleles at two loci. STRUCTURE analyses revealed three groups congruent with MST and a fourth group with strains from India and Brazil. Admixture among populations were observed in all groups. MST, STRUCTURE and e-BURST analyses showed that the strains collected in 1998 belong to two distinct groups, with predicted founder genotypes from two different vineyards in the same region. This suggest that one introduction of grape planting materials contaminated with genetically distinct strains took place, which was followed by pathogen adaptation. Genome sequencing of one Brazilian strain confirmed typical attributes of pathogenic xanthomonads and allowed the design of a complementary VNTR typing scheme dedicated to X. citri pv. viticola that will allow further epidemiological survey of this genetically monomorphic pathovar.

Improved Kinematics and Motor Control in a Longitudinal Study of a Complex Therapy Movement in Chronic Stroke.

Impaired motor control post-stroke is typically measured using clinical assessments employing categorical and subjective scoring. We investigated quantitative kinematic parameters of a complex movement with therapy in chronic stroke. Tri-axial accelerometry of the more-affected arm of 24 patients was recorded during early- (day 2-3) and late- (days 12-14) therapy, and for 13 patients at 6-month follow-up. Clinical assessments included the classification of motor-function as low, moderate, or high. Kinematic parameters were measured during Wii-baseball swings to assess the effect of time and the level of motor-function. Clinical tests improved over time (all p < 0.01). Increased acceleration magnitude over time was significant only at proximal sensors (p < 0.05), and there was an effect of motor-function at distal sensors (p < 0.05). Normalized velocity decreased (p < 0.05) at all sensors over time. Peak acceleration and peak deceleration increased over time, predominately at proximal sensors. Kinematic parameters provide an objective and quantitative measure of change in motor-function that is not possible with clinical assessments. The complex patterns of change were not consistent between and within levels of motor-function but reflected improved motor control that was sustained over time. These data emphasize the potential for ongoing improvements in motor capacity in chronic stroke with additional rehabilitation.