Prevalence, coinfection, and risk factors associated with Fasciola hepatica and other gastrointestinal parasites in cattle from the Peruvian Amazon.

Background and Aim: Extensive cattle rearing is a major source of economy for the inhabitants of the Amazon region of Peru. Milk and meat production is generally affected by the prevalence of various parasites, including hepatic and gastrointestinal parasites, as these products provide ideal conditions for parasitic growth. This poses a serious public health threat. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, coinfection, and risk factors associated with the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) and other gastrointestinal parasites in cattle from the Amazon region of Peru. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples obtained from 1450 bovine specimens were analyzed using flotation and sedimentation methods to identify parasites, including Eimeria spp., strongyle-type eggs (STEs), and F. hepatica. We collected information about the specimens, including age, sex, origin, breed, category, frequency of deworming, farm size, herd size, water sources, and rearing system by conducting simple inspections and interviewing owners. The data obtained were statistically evaluated using the Chi-square test (p < 0.05) to determine the association between the qualitative variables. We also calculated the odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval to identify the risk factors. Results: We observed that F. hepatica, Eimeria spp., and STEs were 45.6%, 39.8%, and 35.3% prevalent, respectively. We found risk factors related to distomatosis in the animals from Huambo, where the drinking water sources are mainly streams, ditches, and rivers, while the specimens from Valle Chico were predisposed to coccidiosis. Further, the risk factors related to the presence of STEs in feces were age (61-90 months), origin (Valle Chico), herd size (<50 animals), and type of extensive rearing. Furthermore, significant coinfection was observed between Eimeria spp. and STEs. Conclusion: The high percentages of parasites in cattle observed were related to epidemiological factors, such as the origin of the sample, water sources, age, herd size, and extensive breeding. Similarly, the presence of STEs was a risk factor for contracting coccidiosis. Our future goals include investigating these parasites using a larger sample size and identifying more risk factors using more sensitive and specific diagnostic tests.

Assessment of intrarenal temperature dynamics when using holmium and thulium: YAG lasers in an ex vivo porcine kidney model.

AIM: To measure the temperature dynamics at the renal surface and within the urinary tract when using Ho:YAG and Tm:YAG lasers for tissue ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Porcine kidneys were used. Both types of lasers with different configurations and fiber sizes were used through a flexible ureteroscope. The temperature at the renal surface was recorded using a thermal camera while the intrarenal temperature was measured using two thermal probes, the first one at the ureteropelvic junction and the second one at the calyx used for lasering. Temperature was determined at 0.5-1-3-5 and 10 min. RESULTS: Recordings at the ureteropelvic junction and calyx revealed significant increases when using Tm:YAG with the 273 µm (10 W to 50 W) (p ≤ 0.02) and 550 µm (10 W) fiber (p = 0.04). With Ho:YAG there was a significant increase when using 273 µm (at 10 W and 20 W) (p ≤ 0.03) and 365 µm (10 W) fibers (p = 0.04). Regarding fiber size there was a significant difference when using Tm:YAG (at 20 W and 40 W) (p < 0.05). The thermal camera recorded a mean increase of 8 °C in the UPJ while the remaining areas of the kidney did not undergo significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: Temperature changes were greater when using the Ho:YAG laser with respect to Tm:YAG at similar power settings for tissue ablation. The greatest temperature increase was recorded at the UPJ from where the heat dissipated throughout the kidney.

Evaluación de la dinámica de la temperatura intrarrenal con el uso de láseres holmio y tulio YAG en un modelo exvivo de riñón porcino / Assessment of intrarenal temperature dynamics when using holmium and thulium: YAG lasers in an ex vivo porcine kidney model

Objetivo Medir la dinámica de la temperatura en la superficie renal y dentro de la vía urinaria al usar los láseres Ho:YAG y Tm:YAG para la ablación tisular. Materiales y métodos Se utilizaron riñones porcinos. Ambos tipos de láseres con diferentes configuraciones y tamaños de fibras se usaron a través de un ureteroscopio flexible. La temperatura en la superficie renal fue registrada mediante una cámara termográfica mientras que la intrarrenal fue medida a través de dos termómetros, el primero en la unión pieloureteral y el segundo en el cáliz elegido para el uso del láser. La temperatura fue determinada a los 0,5-1-3-5 y 10 minutos. Resultado Los registros en la unión pieloureteral y en el cáliz revelaron incrementos significativos al usar el Tm:YAG con la fibra de 273μm (10W a 50W) (p≤0,02) y de 550μm (10W) (p=0,04). Con el Ho:YAG se registró un incremento significativo al usar fibras de 273μm (a 10W y 20W) (p≤0,03) y de 365μm (10W) (p=0,04). Respecto al tamaño de las fibras, hubo una diferencia significativa al usar el Tm:YAG (a 20W y 40W) (p<0,05). La cámara termográfica registró un incremento medio de 8°C en la unión pieloureteral mientras que el resto del riñón no sufrió cambios significativos. Conclusione Los cambios de temperatura fueron mayores al usar el láser Ho:YAG respecto al Tm:YAG a configuraciones de poder similares para la ablación tisular. El mayor incremento de temperatura fue registrado en la unión pieloureteral desde donde el calor se disipaba al resto del riñón (AU)

Aim To measure the temperature dynamics at the renal surface and within the urinary tract when using Ho:YAG and Tm:YAG lasers for tissue ablation. Materials and methods Porcine kidneys were used. Both types of lasers with different configurations and fiber sizes were used through a flexible ureteroscope. The temperature at the renal surface was recorded using a thermal camera while the intrarenal temperature was measured using two thermal probes, the first one at the ureteropelvic junction and the second one at the calyx used for lasering. Temperature was determined at 0.5-1-3-5 and 10minutes. Results Recordings at the ureteropelvic junction and calyx revealed significant increases when using Tm:YAG with the 273μm (10W to 50W) (p≤0.02) and 550μm (10W) fiber (p=0.04). With Ho:YAG there was a significant increase when using 273μm (at 10W and 20W) (p≤0.03) and 365μm (10W) fibers (p=0.04). Regarding fiber size there was a significant difference when using Tm:YAG (at 20W and 40W) (p<0.05). The thermal camera recorded a mean increase of 8°C in the UPJ while the remaining areas of the kidney did not undergo significant changes. Conclusions Temperature changes were greater when using the Ho:YAG laser with respect to Tm:YAG at similar power settings for tissue ablation. The greatest temperature increase was recorded at the UPJ from where the heat dissipated throughout the kidney (AU)

Identification by molecular techniques of halophilic bacteria producing important enzymes from pristine area in Campeche, Mexico / Identificação por técnicas moleculares de bactérias halofílicas que produzem enzimas importantes em área intocada de Campeche, México

Abstract Isla Arena is located in the coordinate 20° 70´ N - 90° 45´ W, from Campeche, Mexico. In these estuaries, the ocean mixes with fresh water, and ecosystems are concentrated where petenes and pink flamingos proliferate. Crustaceans and mollusks abound in the sea. Despite its enormous marine wealth, there are no studies carried out on which halophilic microorganisms are present in these waters. In this work, the diversity and structure of the microbial community was investigated through a metagenomics approach and corroborated for sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. It was found that the phylum Fimicutes predominates with more than 50%, in almost the same proportion of the class Bacilli and with almost 41% of relative abundance of the order Bacillales. The sequencing results showed that one of the samples presented a high percentage of similarity (99.75%) using the Nucleotide BLAST program with a peculiar microorganism: Bacillus subtilis. This microorganism is one of the best characterized bacteria among the gram-positive ones. Our results demonstrate that B. subtilis can be an efficient source of proteases, lipases and cellulases, from halophilic microbial communities located in poorly explored areas.

Resumo Isla Arena está localizada na coordenada 20°70'N - 90°45'W, de Campeche, México. Nesses estuários, o oceano se mistura com a água doce e os ecossistemas se concentram onde proliferam petenos e flamingos rosa. Crustáceos e moluscos abundam no mar. Apesar de sua enorme riqueza marinha, não há estudos realizados sobre a presença de microrganismos halofílicos nessas águas. Neste trabalho, a diversidade e estrutura da comunidade microbiana foram investigadas através de uma abordagem metagenômica e corroboradas para o sequenciamento de genes 16S rRNA. Verificou-se que o filo Fimicutes predomina com mais de 50%, quase na mesma proporção da classe Bacilli e com quase 41% de abundância relativa da ordem Bacillales. Os resultados do sequenciamento mostraram que uma das amostras apresentou alto percentual de similaridade (99,75%) pelo programa Nucleotide BLAST com um microrganismo peculiar: Bacillus subtilis. Nossos resultados demonstram que B. subtilis pode ser uma fonte eficiente de proteases, lipases e celulases, provenientes de comunidades microbianas halofílicas localizadas em áreas pouco exploradas.

Identification by molecular techniques of halophilic bacteria producing important enzymes from pristine area in Campeche, Mexico / Identificação por técnicas moleculares de bactérias halofílicas que produzem enzimas importantes em área intocada de Campeche, México

Isla Arena is located in the coordinate 20° 70´ N - 90° 45´ W, from Campeche, Mexico. In these estuaries, the ocean mixes with fresh water, and ecosystems are concentrated where petenes and pink flamingos proliferate. Crustaceans and mollusks abound in the sea. Despite its enormous marine wealth, there are no studies carried out on which halophilic microorganisms are present in these waters. In this work, the diversity and structure of the microbial community was investigated through a metagenomics approach and corroborated for sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. It was found that the phylum Fimicutes predominates with more than 50%, in almost the same proportion of the class Bacilli and with almost 41% of relative abundance of the order Bacillales. The sequencing results showed that one of the samples presented a high percentage of similarity (99.75%) using the Nucleotide BLAST program with a peculiar microorganism: Bacillus subtilis. This microorganism is one of the best characterized bacteria among the gram-positive ones. Our results demonstrate that B. subtilis can be an efficient source of proteases, lipases and cellulases, from halophilic microbial communities located in poorly explored areas.

Isla Arena está localizada na coordenada 20°70’N - 90°45’W, de Campeche, México. Nesses estuários, o oceano se mistura com a água doce e os ecossistemas se concentram onde proliferam petenos e flamingos rosa. Crustáceos e moluscos abundam no mar. Apesar de sua enorme riqueza marinha, não há estudos realizados sobre a presença de microrganismos halofílicos nessas águas. Neste trabalho, a diversidade e estrutura da comunidade microbiana foram investigadas através de uma abordagem metagenômica e corroboradas para o sequenciamento de genes 16S rRNA. Verificou-se que o filo Fimicutes predomina com mais de 50%, quase na mesma proporção da classe Bacilli e com quase 41% de abundância relativa da ordem Bacillales. Os resultados do sequenciamento mostraram que uma das amostras apresentou alto percentual de similaridade (99,75%) pelo programa Nucleotide BLAST com um microrganismo peculiar: Bacillus subtilis. Nossos resultados demonstram que B. subtilis pode ser uma fonte eficiente de proteases, lipases e celulases, provenientes de comunidades microbianas halofílicas localizadas em áreas pouco exploradas.

Identification by molecular techniques of halophilic bacteria producing important enzymes from pristine area in Campeche, Mexico

Abstract Isla Arena is located in the coordinate 20° 70´ N - 90° 45´ W, from Campeche, Mexico. In these estuaries, the ocean mixes with fresh water, and ecosystems are concentrated where petenes and pink flamingos proliferate. Crustaceans and mollusks abound in the sea. Despite its enormous marine wealth, there are no studies carried out on which halophilic microorganisms are present in these waters. In this work, the diversity and structure of the microbial community was investigated through a metagenomics approach and corroborated for sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. It was found that the phylum Fimicutes predominates with more than 50%, in almost the same proportion of the class Bacilli and with almost 41% of relative abundance of the order Bacillales. The sequencing results showed that one of the samples presented a high percentage of similarity (99.75%) using the Nucleotide BLAST program with a peculiar microorganism: Bacillus subtilis. This microorganism is one of the best characterized bacteria among the gram-positive ones. Our results demonstrate that B. subtilis can be an efficient source of proteases, lipases and cellulases, from halophilic microbial communities located in poorly explored areas.

Resumo Isla Arena está localizada na coordenada 20°70N - 90°45W, de Campeche, México. Nesses estuários, o oceano se mistura com a água doce e os ecossistemas se concentram onde proliferam petenos e flamingos rosa. Crustáceos e moluscos abundam no mar. Apesar de sua enorme riqueza marinha, não há estudos realizados sobre a presença de microrganismos halofílicos nessas águas. Neste trabalho, a diversidade e estrutura da comunidade microbiana foram investigadas através de uma abordagem metagenômica e corroboradas para o sequenciamento de genes 16S rRNA. Verificou-se que o filo Fimicutes predomina com mais de 50%, quase na mesma proporção da classe Bacilli e com quase 41% de abundância relativa da ordem Bacillales. Os resultados do sequenciamento mostraram que uma das amostras apresentou alto percentual de similaridade (99,75%) pelo programa Nucleotide BLAST com um microrganismo peculiar: Bacillus subtilis. Nossos resultados demonstram que B. subtilis pode ser uma fonte eficiente de proteases, lipases e celulases, provenientes de comunidades microbianas halofílicas localizadas em áreas pouco exploradas.

Carcinoma uretral primario: resultados de la experiencia de un único centro / Primary urethral carcinoma: Results from a single center experience

Introducción y objetivo El carcinoma primario de uretra (CPU) es una enfermedad neoplásica poco frecuente que surge en la uretra, sin evidencia de carcinoma previo o sincrónico en todo el tracto urinario. Dado que las enfermedades raras suelen diagnosticarse y tratarse de forma incorrecta, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la experiencia de un único centro urológico en el tratamiento del CPU, centrándose en las neoplasias que surgen de la uretra anterior masculina.Materiales y métodos Se revisaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de los pacientes con neoplasias a nivel de la uretra peneana y bulbar que se presentaron en nuestro centro terciario de referencia entre enero de 1988 y diciembre de 2018. Se excluyeron los pacientes con carcinoma de la uretra prostática. El diagnóstico se obtuvo con la ayuda de una uretroscopia y biopsia de la lesión. El estadio patológico local se evaluó mediante resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN) con contraste en pacientes seleccionados. El estadiaje se evaluó mediante examen clínico, ecografía y tomografía computarizada (TC). La cirugía radical (cistectomía radical + penectomía total + linfadenectomía inguinal bilateral) se propuso a los pacientes con tumores ≥ T2 o cN + con un buen estado funcional, tumor proximal y sin comorbilidades graves. En caso de afectación ganglionar, se ofreció adicionalmente quimioterapia neoadyuvante. Los pacientes con enfermedad localizada (< T2) y/o tumor más distal fueron sometidos a uretrectomía o penectomía parcial. Se evaluaron las curvas de Kaplan-Meier para el análisis de la supervivencia global (SG), la supervivencia cáncer específica (SCE) y la supervivencia libre de recidiva (SLR).Resultados Se estudiaron retrospectivamente un total de 13 pacientes varones con CPU anterior. Se realizó penectomía total en siete casos, mientras que cinco casos recibieron uretrectomía parcial y un caso, penectomía parcial. De los siete pacientes que se sometieron a una

Introduction and aim of the study Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare neoplastic disease arising in the urethra, without any evidence of a previous or synchronous carcinoma of the entire urinary tract. Since rare diseases are often incorrectly diagnosed and managed, the aim of this study was to analyze the experience of a single urology center in the treatment of PUC, focusing on neoplasms arising from the male anterior urethra.Materials and methods Medical records of patients with neoplasms at the level of the penile and bulbar urethra who presented at our tertiary referral center between January 1988 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with carcinoma of the prostatic urethra were excluded. The diagnosis was obtained with the aid of urethroscopy and lesion biopsy. Local staging was performed by means of contrast-enhanced MRI in selected patients. Staging was achieved by clinical examination, ultrasonography, and CT scan. Radical surgery (radical cystectomy + total penectomy + bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy) was proposed to patients with ≥T2 tumors or cN + with a good performance status, proximal tumor and without severe comorbidities. In case of nodal involvement, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was additionally offered. Patients with localized disease (ResultsA total of 13 male patients with anterior PUC were studied retrospectively. Total penectomy was performed in 7 cases, while partial urethrectomy was performed in 5 cases, and partial penectomy in 1 case. Of the 7 patients who underwent total penectomy, 5 underwent radical cystectomy with bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy. Three patients were treated with neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy, of which 2 were cT3N + and

Primary urethral carcinoma: Results from a single center experience.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare neoplastic disease arising in the urethra, without any evidence of a previous or synchronous carcinoma of the entire urinary tract. Since rare diseases are often incorrectly diagnosed and managed, the aim of this study was to analyze the experience of a single urology center in the treatment of PUC, focusing on neoplasms arising from the male anterior urethra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of patients with neoplasms at the level of the penile and bulbar urethra who presented at our tertiary referral center between January 1988 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with carcinoma of the prostatic urethra were excluded. The diagnosis was obtained with the aid of urethroscopy and lesion biopsy. Local staging was performed by means of contrast-enhanced MRI in selected patients. Staging was achieved by clinical examination, ultrasonography, and CT scan. Radical surgery (radical cystectomy + total penectomy + bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy) was proposed to patients with ≥T2 tumors or cN+ with a good performance status, proximal tumor and without severe comorbidities. In case of nodal involvement, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was additionally offered. Patients with localized disease (

Identification by molecular techniques of halophilic bacteria producing important enzymes from pristine area in Campeche, Mexico.

Isla Arena is located in the coordinate 20° 70´ N - 90° 45´ W, from Campeche, Mexico. In these estuaries, the ocean mixes with fresh water, and ecosystems are concentrated where petenes and pink flamingos proliferate. Crustaceans and mollusks abound in the sea. Despite its enormous marine wealth, there are no studies carried out on which halophilic microorganisms are present in these waters. In this work, the diversity and structure of the microbial community was investigated through a metagenomics approach and corroborated for sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. It was found that the phylum Fimicutes predominates with more than 50%, in almost the same proportion of the class Bacilli and with almost 41% of relative abundance of the order Bacillales. The sequencing results showed that one of the samples presented a high percentage of similarity (99.75%) using the Nucleotide BLAST program with a peculiar microorganism: Bacillus subtilis. This microorganism is one of the best characterized bacteria among the gram-positive ones. Our results demonstrate that B. subtilis can be an efficient source of proteases, lipases and cellulases, from halophilic microbial communities located in poorly explored areas.

Antimicrobial profile of a dental implant abutment coating to prevent adhesion and migration of bacteria and screw loosening.

OBJECTIVE: Failure of dental implants treatment is frequently the result of bacterial colonization of implants followed by diseases like peri-implantitis. Recent studies have been made regarding the surface treatment of implants components, namely abutments that are in the interface of the living tissue with the implant. This work aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial profile of a silane-based coating with TiO2 adapted to an abutment screw, that was also developed as an anti-loosening agent, to prevent adhesion and migration of Gram + and Gram-bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, respectively. METHODS: Direct contact antimicrobial studies were conducted on coated and uncoated samples by resazurin fluorescent assay and cytotoxicity assessment was done via MTT indirect method on days 1 and 4. Sterilizations studies by FTIR analysis were also performed to understand the ideal balance between sterilization efficacy and coating functionality subjecting the samples to ethylene oxide, gamma irradiation, and autoclave sterilization, before antimicrobial testing. The implant system as a whole was also studied for its ability to block bacterial migration and preventing microleakage as well as an assessment of initial bacterial adhesion evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Direct contact studies performed on coated samples showed a very high antimicrobial activity, while cytotoxicity assays revealed the coating to be safe and non-leachable. Sterilizations studies showed that the antimicrobial features of the coating were preserved and interchangeable regardless of the sterilization method. The implant system migration studies demonstrated that the implant system works as an efficient barrier for the studied bacteria. SIGNIFICANCE: The acquired results clearly show that it is possible to obtain a highly functional coating with obvious and marked antimicrobial features that together with an abutment that prevents bacterial migration and versatility in sterilization methodology has a very high potential in the dental implant field.

Primary urethral carcinoma: Results from a single center experience. / Carcinoma uretral primario: resultados de la experiencia de un único centro.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare neoplastic disease arising in the urethra, without any evidence of a previous or synchronous carcinoma of the entire urinary tract. Since rare diseases are often incorrectly diagnosed and managed, the aim of this study was to analyze the experience of a single urology center in the treatment of PUC, focusing on neoplasms arising from the male anterior urethra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of patients with neoplasms at the level of the penile and bulbar urethra who presented at our tertiary referral center between January 1988 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with carcinoma of the prostatic urethra were excluded. The diagnosis was obtained with the aid of urethroscopy and lesion biopsy. Local staging was performed by means of contrast-enhanced MRI in selected patients. Staging was achieved by clinical examination, ultrasonography, and CT scan. Radical surgery (radical cystectomy + total penectomy + bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy) was proposed to patients with ≥T2 tumors or cN + with a good performance status, proximal tumor and without severe comorbidities. In case of nodal involvement, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was additionally offered. Patients with localized disease (

Electrospun nanofiber scaffolds for the propagation and analysis of breast cancer stem cells in vitro.

Despite advances in cancer treatment, breast cancer remains the second foremost cause of cancer mortality among women, with a high rate of relapse after initial treatment success. A subpopulation of highly malignant cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), is suspected to be linked to metastasis and relapse. Targeting of CSCs may therefore provide a means of addressing cancer-related mortality. However, due to their low population in vivo and a lack of proper culture platform for their propagation, much of the CSC biology remains unknown. Since maintenance of CSCs is heavily influenced by the tumor microenvironment, this study developed a 3D culture platform that mimics the metastatic tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) to effectively increase CSC population in vitro and allow CSC analysis. Through electrospinning, nanofibers that were aligned, porous, and collagen-coated were fabricated from polycaprolactone to recreate the metastatic tumor ECM assemblage. Breast cancer cells seeded onto the nanofiber scaffolds exhibited gross morphology and cytoskeletal phenotype similar to invasive cancer cells. Moreover, the population of breast cancer stem cells increased in nanofiber scaffolds. Analysis of breast cancer cells grown on the nanofiber scaffolds demonstrated an upregulation of mesenchymal markers and an increase in cell invasiveness suggesting the cells have undergone epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These results indicate that the fabricated nanofiber scaffolds effectively mimicked the tumor microenvironment that maintains the cancer stem cell population, offering a platform to enrich and analyze CSCs in vitro.

How pollinator visits are affected by flower damage and ants presence in Ipomoea carnea subs. fistulosa (Martius and Choise) (Convolvulaceae)? / Como as visitas de polinizadores são afetadas por dano as flores e presença de formigas em Ipomoea carnea subs. fistulosa (Martius e Choise) (Convolvulaceae)?

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of florivory and of the patrolling ants associated to EFNs-extrafloral nectaries, on the frequency of floral visitors, using the specie Ipomoea carnea subs. fistulosa (Martius and Choise) in Caatinga area. The floral attributes of the species were characterized. The effect of florivoria on the frequency of visitors and the influence of the presence of ants associated with the NEFs on the pollinator visit rate were evaluated. The rate of natural florivoria was recorded and collected floral visitors and ants over eight months. The damage on floral structure and the presence of ants foraging in the flowers causes a decrease in the number of total visits. The results may be justified by the fact that the floral damage consisted in the loss of important floral attributes. These effects for Ipomoea carnea subs. fistulosa can affect reproductive success, since it is a self-incompatible species and depends on the activity of the pollinators for their fertilization to occur.

Resumo Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito da florivoria e do patrulhamento de formigas nos NEFs - nectários extraflorais sobre a frequência dos visitantes florais, utilizando a espécie Ipomoea carnea subs. fistulosa (Martius e Choise), em uma área de Caatinga. Os atributos florais da espécie foram caracterizados. Foram avaliados o efeito da florivoria sobre a frequência dos visitantes e a influência da presença de formigas associadas aos NEFs sobre a taxa de visita de polinizadores. Ao longo de oito meses foram registrados a taxa de florivoria natural foi registrada e realizada a coleta de visitantes florais e formigas. Os danos na estrutura floral e presença de formigas forrageando nas flores provocam decréscimo no número de visitas totais. Os resultados podem ser justificado pelo fato de que o dano floral consistiu na perda de atributos florais importantes. Estes efeitos para Ipomoea carnea subs. fistulosa podem afetar o sucesso reprodutivo, uma vez que é uma espécie autoincompatível e depende da atividade dos polinizadores para que a sua fecundação ocorra.

How pollinator visits are affected by flower damage and ants presence in Ipomoea carnea subs. fistulosa (Martius and Choise) (Convolvulaceae)?

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of florivory and of the patrolling ants associated to EFNs-extrafloral nectaries, on the frequency of floral visitors, using the specie Ipomoea carnea subs. fistulosa (Martius and Choise) in Caatinga area. The floral attributes of the species were characterized. The effect of florivoria on the frequency of visitors and the influence of the presence of ants associated with the NEFs on the pollinator visit rate were evaluated. The rate of natural florivoria was recorded and collected floral visitors and ants over eight months. The damage on floral structure and the presence of ants foraging in the flowers causes a decrease in the number of total visits. The results may be justified by the fact that the floral damage consisted in the loss of important floral attributes. These effects for Ipomoea carnea subs. fistulosa can affect reproductive success, since it is a self-incompatible species and depends on the activity of the pollinators for their fertilization to occur.

Estudio morfométrico del punto asterional y su relación con los senos venosos durales / Morphometric study of the asterional point and its relationship with the dural venous sinuses

INTRODUCCIÓN: la importancia de conocer las diferentes reparaciones anatómicas que involucran la parte ósea de la fosa posterior con estructuras neurovasculares, disminuye la incidencia de complicaciones relacionadas con su acceso dentro del procedimiento neuroquirúrgico. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo basado en la evaluación de 90 hemicráneas secas, del Museo de Anatomía de la Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. RESULTADOS: la prevalencia de asterión tipo I fue de 28.9%, mientras que la de tipo II fue de 71.1%. La prevalencia del número de venas emisarias fue: una vena 54.4%, dos venas 42.2% y tres venas 3.3%. Los promedios para las características morfométricas son los siguientes: de Asterion a protuberancia occipital externa de 68.8 mm, de Asterion a cresta suprameatal de 50.1 mm, de Asterion a vena emisaria de 54.1 mm, de Asterion a Vértice del proceso mastoideo de 54.1 mm y de asterion a plano horizontal de Francfort 14.6 mm. La ubicación del asterión en el seno transverso fue la siguiente: al mismo nivel del seno, 47.8% de los casos, en el codo en 13.3%, superior al seno 31.1% e inferior a este en el 7.8%. CONCLUSIONES: hay una diferencia en algunos resultados morfométricos del asterión con respecto a otros autores, lo que podría determinar una configuración craneal diferente para nuestra población. Esto debe considerarse para evitar complicaciones durante el período transoperatorio en una cirugía de fosa posterior. Estos resultados reflejan la necesidad de realizar un estudio con una población más grande para obtener resultados reales, estableciendo así parámetros de corte que nos permitirán tener nuestra propia bibliografía sobre cómo proceder en nuestra actividad quirúrgica.

INTRODUCTION: the importance of knowing the different anatomical repairs that involve the bony part of the posterior fossa with neurovascular structures, decreases the incidence of complications related to its access within the neurosurgical procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: descriptive study based on the evaluation of 90 dry hemicranial, from the Anatomy Museum of the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. RESULTS: the prevalence of asterion type I was 28.9%, while that of type II was 71.1%. The prevalence of the number of emissary veins was: One vein 54.4%, Two veins 42.2% and Three veins 3.3%. The averages for morphometric characteristics are as follows: from Asterion to external occipital protuberance 68.8 mm, from Asterion to suprameatal crest 50.1 mm, from Asterion to emissary vein 54.1 mm, from Asterion to Vertex from the mastoid process 54.1 mm and from asterion to horizontal plane of Frankfurt 14.6 mm. The location of asterion in the transverse sinus was the following: at the same level of the sinus 47.8% of the cases, in the elbow in 13.3%, superior to the sinus 31.1% and inferior to this in the 7.8%. CONCLUSIONS: there is a difference in some morphometric results of the asterion with respect to other authors, which could determine a different cranial configuration for our population. This should be considered to avoid complications during the transoperative period in a posterior fossa surgery. These results reflect the need to carry out a study with a larger population, in order to have real results, thus establishing cutting parameters that will allow us to have our own bibliography on how to proceed in our surgical activity.

Comparative analysis of in vitro proliferative, migratory and pro-angiogenic potentials of bovine fetal mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are found in virtually all tissues, where they self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types. Cumulative data indicate that MSCs secrete paracrine factors that may play key roles in the treatment of various acute and chronic pathological conditions in diverse animal species including cattle. The aim of the present study was to compare the potentials for proliferation, migration and pro-angiogenesis of bovine fetal BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs under in vitro conditions. Growth curves and population doubling time (PDT) were determined for BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs in order to compare in vitro cell proliferation potentials. The ability of BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs to migrate was evaluated by scratch plate and transwell migration assays. The pro-angiogenic potential of conditioned medium from BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs was compared using an endothelial cell (EC) tubule formation assay. BM-MSCs displayed higher proliferation curves and doubled their populations in fewer days compared to AT-MSCs. No significant differences were detected in the number of migrant cells between BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs; however, a higher migration value was detected for BM-MSCs compared to fibroblasts (FBs), and a higher number of migrant cells were attracted by DMEM supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) compared to stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1). More tubules of ECs were formed after exposure to concentrated conditioned medium from AT-MSCs compared to BM-MSCs, FBs or DMEM controls. Despite common mesodermal origin, BM-MSCs display higher proliferative capacity and lower pro-angiogenic potential compared to AT-MSCs; however, both cell types possess similar migratory ability.

Sertoli cell-mediated differentiation of bovine fetal mesenchymal stem cells into germ cell lineage using an in vitro co-culture system.

In vitro gamete derivation based on differentiation of germ cells (GC) from stem cells has emerged as a potential new strategy for the treatment of male infertility. This technology also has potential applications in animal reproduction as an alternative method for dissemination of elite animal genetics, production of transgenic animals, and conservation of endangered species. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotent progenitor cells defined by their ability to differentiate into mesodermal lineages. Under the effect of selected bioactive factors, MSC upregulate expression of pluripotent and GC specific-markers revealing their potential for GC differentiation. In addition to the effect of trophic factors, cell-to-cell interaction with Sertoli cells (SC) may be required to guide the sequential differentiation of MSC into GC. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of coculture with SC on the potential for in vitro GC differentiation of bovine fetal MSC (bfMSC) derived from bone marrow (BM-MSC) and adipose tissue (AT-MSC). bfMSC were isolated from male bovine fetuses and SC were collected from adult bull testes. The effect of SC interaction with BM-MSC or AT-MSC was analyzed on the expression of pluripotent factors OCT4 and NANOG, GC genes FRAGILLIS, STELLA and VASA and male GC markers DAZL, PIWIL2, STRA8 and SCP3 at Day 14 of coculture. Flow cytometry analyses detected that the majority (95,5% ±â€¯2.5; P < 0.05) of the isolated population of SC cultures were positive for SC-specific marker WT1. Levels of mRNA of WT1 in BM-MSC and AT-MSC were lower (P < 0.05) compared to SC; whereas, WT1 expression was not detected in bovine fetal fibroblasts (FB). Cocultures of BM-MSC and AT-MSC with SC had higher (P < 0.05) OCT4 mRNA levels compared to monocultures of BM-MSC, AT-MSC and SC. Moreover, cocultures of BM-MSC with SC had higher (P < 0.05) proportion of cells positive for Oct4 and Nanog compared to monocultures of BM-MSC and SC. Levels of mRNA of DAZL, PIWIL2 and SCP3 were upregulated in cocultures of AT-MSC with SC compared to monocultures of AT-MSC and SC. Accordingly, the proportion of cells positive for Dazl were higher (P < 0.05) in cocultures of AT-MSC with SC compared to monocultures of AT-MSC and SC. Changes in gene expression profiles during coculture of SC with AT-MSC suggest that cell-to-cell interaction or bioactive factors provided by SC may induce progression of AT-MSC into early stages of GC differentiation.

Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency incidence in a Hispanic population.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (D-G6PD) is a common erythroenzymopathy that needs to be addressed as an important public health issue. Proper population monitoring is needed to anticipate clinical complications. A joint venture between Genomi-k (a Mexican company focused on newborn screening) and several university researchers conducted a retrospetive study for D-G6PD based on 156,152 newborn screening reports belonging to the Mexican population comprising a period of 10 years. We identified 540 male newborns affected with this deficiency, representing an incidence of 6.78 cases per 1,000 newborn males. A single double mutation of G202A:A376G was detected in 97.22% of cases. In regions where there is an absence of a national centralized health data for D-G6PD, information from a non-probabilistic large population sample can be used as a national incidence subrogate.

Development of an electrochemical biosensor for the determination of triglycerides in serum samples based on a lipase/magnetite-chitosan/copper oxide nanoparticles/multiwalled carbon nanotubes/pectin composite.

A very sensitive electrochemical biosensor to determine totals triglycerides (TGs) in serum samples has been developed. It is based on the electrochemical oxidation of glycerol at glassy carbon electrodes modified with magnetic nanoparticles bonded to lipase enzyme and copper oxide nanoparticles, both supported on a multiwalled carbon nanotubes/pectin dispersion. Glycerol is produced by enzymatic reaction between the TGs present in samples and the lipase immobilized. The quantification of triglycerides was performed by amperometric measurements. The proposed electrochemical biosensor improves the performance of others methods developed for the TGs quantification. The determination of TGs does not need a pretreatment of serum samples. The PLS-1 algorithm was used for the quantification of TGs. According to this algorithm, the of detection and quantification limits were from 3.2 × 10-3 g L-1 to 3.6 × 10-3 g L-1, and from 9.6 × 10-3 to 1.1 × 10-2 g L-1, respectively. The sensitivity was 1.64 × 10-6 A L g-1. The proposed electrochemical biosensor exhibited a very good performance, a stability of 20 days, very good reproducibility and repeatability, and it is presented as a very good alternative for the determination of TGs in human serum clinical samples.

In vitro differentiation of bovine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into male germ cells by exposure to exogenous bioactive factors.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotent progenitor cells defined by their ability to self-renew and give rise to differentiated progeny. Previous studies have reported that MSC may be induced in vitro to develop into different types of specialized cells including male gametes. In vitro gamete derivation technology has potential applications as an alternative method for dissemination of elite animal genetics, production of transgenic animals and conservation of endangered species. This study aimed at investigating the in vitro effect of BMP4, TGFß1 and RA on the potential for germ cell (GC) differentiation of bovine foetal MSC (bfMSC) derived from bone marrow (BM). The effect of BMP4, TGFß1 and RA was analysed on the expression of pluripotent, GC and male GC markers on bfMSC during a 21-day culture period. bfMSC cultured under in vitro conditions expressed OCT4, NANOG and DAZL, but lacked expression of mRNA of VASA, STELLA, FRAGILIS, STRA8 and PIWIL2. Treatment with exogenous BMP4 and TGFß1 induced a transient increase (p < .05) in DAZL and NANOG mRNA levels, respectively. However, exposure to RA was more effective in increasing (p < .05) expression of DAZL and regulating expression of OCT4 and mRNA levels of NANOG. These data suggest that bfMSC may possess potential for early GC differentiation, where OCT4, NANOG and specially DAZL may play significant roles in controlling progression along the GC lineage.