Formulating Parasiticidal Fungi in Dried Edible Gelatins to Reduce the Risk of Infection by Trichuris sp. among Continuous Grazing Bison.

Control of infection by gastrointestinal nematodes remains a big problem in ruminants under continuous grazing. For the purpose of decreasing the risk of infection by Trichuris sp. in captive bison (Bison bison) always maintained in the same plot, dried gelatins having ≥106 chlamydospores of both Mucor circinelloides and Duddingtonia flagrans were given to them for one week, and at the end, fecal samples (FF) collected each week for four weeks were analyzed immediately. Feces taken one week prior to gelatin administration served as controls (CF). Eggs of Trichuris sp. were sorted into non-viable and viable, then classified into viable undeveloped (VU), viable with cellular development (VCD), or viable infective (VI). Ovistatic and ovicidal effects were determined throughout the study. In FF, viability of Trichuris eggs decreased between 9% (first week) and 57% (fourth week), egg development was delayed during the first two weeks, and VI percentages were significantly lower than in CF (p = 0.001). It is concluded that the preparation of gelatins with chlamydospores of parasiticidal fungi and their subsequent dehydration offer an edible formulation that is ready to use, stress-free to supply, and easy to store, as well as being well-accepted by ruminants and highly efficient to reduce the risk of Trichuris sp. infection among animals under continuous grazing regimes.

Logical Intelligence and Mathematical Competence Are Determined by Physical Fitness in a Sample of School Children.

Previous research has shown positive relationships between fitness level and different cognitive abilities and academic performance. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between logical-mathematical intelligence and mathematical competence with physical fitness in a group of pre-adolescents. Sixty-three children (50.79% girls; 49.21% boys) from Castro del Río (Córdoba, Spain), aged between 11 and 12 years (M = 11.44, SD = 0.64), participated in this research. The Superior Logical Intelligence Test (SLIT) and the EVAMAT 1.0-5 battery were used. Physical fitness was evaluated by the horizontal jump test, the 4×10 meter speed-agility test, and the Course Navette test. The analyses showed positive relationships between physical fitness with logical-mathematical intelligence and mathematical competence. Specifically, linear regression analyzes indicated that the 4×10 speed-agility test significantly predicted mathematical competence (R 2 = 0.16; ß = -0.41) and the horizontal jump test significantly predicted logical-mathematical intelligence (R 2 = 0.24; ß = 0.50). These results are in agreement with previous research, highlighting the importance of improving physical fitness from an early age due to its benefits for intellectual and academic development.

p53 in AgRP neurons is required for protection against diet-induced obesity via JNK1.

p53 is a well-known tumor suppressor that has emerged as an important player in energy balance. However, its metabolic role in the hypothalamus remains unknown. Herein, we show that mice lacking p53 in agouti-related peptide (AgRP), but not proopiomelanocortin (POMC) or steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1) neurons, are more prone to develop diet-induced obesity and show reduced brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenic activity. AgRP-specific ablation of p53 resulted in increased hypothalamic c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity before the mice developed obesity, and central inhibition of JNK reversed the obese phenotype of these mice. The overexpression of p53 in the ARC or specifically in AgRP neurons of obese mice decreased body weight and stimulated BAT thermogenesis, resulting in body weight loss. Finally, p53 in AgRP neurons regulates the ghrelin-induced food intake and body weight. Overall, our findings provide evidence that p53 in AgRP neurons is required for normal adaptations against diet-induced obesity.

[Influence of thoracentesis and pleural biopsy on biochemical parameters and cytology of pleural fluid]. / Influencia de la toracocentesis y la biopsia pleural en la bioquímica y la citología del líquido pleural.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of thoracentesis and pleural biopsy on biochemical parameters and cytology of pleural fluid from patients with lymphocytic exudate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, descriptive study was performed in 72 patients with pleural effusion who had lymphocytic exudate and in whom biopsy was indicated. Biochemical variables and cytology of pleural fluid were analyzed at baseline, 48 hours later (immediately prior to biopsy), and 48 hours after biopsy. RESULTS: The patients had a mean (SD) age of 63 (17) years, 57% were smokers, and 61% were men. Effusion was right-sided in 36% of patients, unilateral in 80%, and massive in 21%. The etiology was benign in 43 cases and neoplastic in 29 (40%). Pleural lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was found to be increased following biopsy. This effect was significant in the overall population of 72 patients (649 [481] U/L just prior to biopsy and 736 [536] U/L 48 hours after biopsy; mean increase, 86 U/L; 95% confidence interval, 45-128 U/L; P< .001), in patients with pleural tumors (799 [529] U/L prior to biopsy and 957 [571] U/L 48 hours later, P< .001), and in those with LDH concentration greater than 266 U/L. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study show that a single thoracentesis procedure does not alter biochemical parameters or pleural cytology after 48 hours in lymphocytic exudates. Pleural needle biopsy leads to a significant increase in the concentration of LDH in patients with pleural tumors or higher baseline concentrations of LDH. Thoracentesis, pleural biopsy, or a combination of the two do not lead to significant changes in the number of eosinophils in pleural fluid.

Influencia de la toracocentesis y la biopsia pleural en la bioquímica y la citología del líquido pleural / Influence of thoracentesis and pleural biopsy on biochemical parameters and cytology of pleural fluid

Objetivo: Valorar la influencia de la toracocentesis y la biopsia pleural en la bioquímica y la citología del líquido en los pacientes con un exudado linfocitario. Pacientes y métodos: Se ha realizado un estudio prospectivo y descriptivo de 72 pacientes con derrame pleural que tenían un exudado linfocitario e indicación de biopsia. Se analizaron y compararon la bioquímica y citología del líquido pleural al inicio, a las 48 h de la punción (antes de la biopsia) y a las 48 h de la biopsia pleural. Resultados: Los pacientes tenían una edad media ± desviación estándar de 63 ± 17 años, el 57% eran fumadores y el 61%, varones. El derrame era derecho en un 36%, unilateral en un 80% y masivo en el 21%. La etiología era benigna en 43 casos y neoplásica en 29 (40%). La lactatodeshidrogenasa (LDH) pleural aumentó después de la biopsia en el análisis de todos los pacientes (649 ± 481 U/l antes de ésta y 736 ± 536 U/l a las 48 h; aumentó en promedio 86 U/l; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 45-128 U/l; p < 0,001), en los pacientes con neoplasia pleural (799 ± 529 U/l de LDH antes de la biopsia y 957 ± 571 U/l a las 48 h; p < 0,001) o valores de LDH superiores a 266 U/l. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio demuestra que una única toracocentesis no modifica los valores de la bioquímica o la citología pleural a las 48 h en los exudados linfocitarios. La biopsia pleural transparietal aumenta de forma significativa los valores de la LDH en los pacientes con neoplasia pleural o valores iniciales de LDH más elevados. La realización de la toracocentesis, la biopsia pleural o ambas técnicas no modifica de forma significativa el número de eosinófilos del líquido pleural

Objective: To assess the influence of thoracentesis and pleural biopsy on biochemical parameters and cytology of pleural fluid from patients with lymphocytic exudate. Patients and methods: A prospective, descriptive study was performed in 72 patients with pleural effusion who had lymphocytic exudate and in whom biopsy was indicated. Biochemical variables and cytology of pleural fluid were analyzed at baseline, 48 hours later (immediately prior to biopsy), and 48 hours after biopsy. Results: The patients had a mean (SD) age of 63 (17) years, 57% were smokers, and 61% were men. Effusion was right-sided in 36% of patients, unilateral in 80%, and massive in 21%. The etiology was benign in 43 cases and neoplastic in 29 (40%). Pleural lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was found to be increased following biopsy. This effect was significant in the overall population of 72 patients (649 [481] U/L just prior to biopsy and 736 [536] U/L 48 hours after biopsy; mean increase, 86 U/L; 95% confidence interval, 45-128 U/L; P<.001), in patients with pleural tumors (799 [529] U/L prior to biopsy and 957 [571] U/L 48 hours later, P<.001), and in those with LDH concentration greater than 266 U/L. Conclusions: The results of our study show that a single thoracentesis procedure does not alter biochemical parameters or pleural cytology after 48 hours in lymphocytic exudates. Pleural needle biopsy leads to a significant increase in the concentration of LDH in patients with pleural tumors or higher baseline concentrations of LDH. Thoracentesis, pleural biopsy, or a combination of the two do not lead to significant changes in the number of eosinophils in pleural fluid

Characterization of Naegleria fowleri strains isolated from human cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in Mexico.

The protozoon Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) is a free-living amoeba that produces primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is an acute and frequently fatal infection of the central nervous system. We characterized the strains of N. fowleri isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of two cases presented in northwestern Mexico. The strains were isolated and cultured in 2% bactocasitone medium. Enflagellation assays, ultrastructural analysis, protein and protease electrophoresis patterns, and PCR were performed as confirmatory tests. Virulence tests were done using in Balb/c mice. Light microscopy analysis of brain tissue showed amoebae with abundant inflammatory reaction and extensive necrotic and hemorrhagic areas. The enflagellation assay was positive and the electron microscopy showed trophozoites with morphologic features typical of the genus. Protein and protease profiles of the isolated strains were identical to the reference strain. Finally, a 1500-bp PCR product was found in all three strains. Based on all the analyses performed, we concluded that the etiologic agent of both PAM cases was N. fowleri. The need for better epidemiological information and educational programs about basic clinical and pathological aspects of free-living amoebae provided by the health authorities are emphasized.

La utilidad de la escala de ASA y de la radiografía de tórax como indicadores de riesgo cardiovascular perioperatorio / The uselfuness of the ASA Scala and Chest X-ray As indicators of perioperative cardiovascular risk

El objetivo del presente trabajo es evaluar la utilidad de las escalas más utilizadas en el riesgo peroperatorio, sin considerar a la gasometría arterial. Con los resultados obtenidos en este estudio, proponemos conjuntar la escala de la Asociación Americana de Anestesiología (ASA), el diagnóstico radiográfico de EPOC con el índice de riesgo multifactorial de Goldman. Esta estrategia incrmenta lacerteza diagnóstica propia del índice de Goldman, es práctica, no implica mayor costo y permite obtener una mayor graduación del riesgo de morbilidad cardiovascular perioperatoria