Phenylalanine ammonia lyase is more relevant than Chalcone synthase and Chalcone isomerase in the biosynthesis of flavonoids during postharvest senescence of broccoli.

Broccoli contains a high content of nutraceutical compounds, such as glucosinolates and flavonoids. In this work, the effect of different treatments that modulate postharvest senescence of broccoli was evaluated and flavonoid metabolism during postharvest storage was analyzed at 20°C. A decrease in hue angle (HUE°) and chlorophylls and an increase in flavonoid content were detected during senescence. It observed that most of the treatments that delayed senescence also decreased flavonoid content, except visible light and UV-C treatments. In all cases, a direct correlation between those treatments that increased flavonoid biosynthesis and BoPAL gene expression was detected. This response was not detected in the expression of the other two flavonoid synthesis relevant genes BoCHS and BoCHI, suggesting that BoPAL has a greater influence on the regulation of the via, during broccoli senescence. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Broccoli is a vegetable with valuable nutritional properties. Because it is in full development at the time of harvest, it has a short shelf life. In this work, it is showed that visible light and UV-C treatments not only delayed the senescence of broccoli, but also increased flavonoid content. Our results suggest that the most important enzyme in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway during broccoli postharvest is phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and that this may be a key point in regulating the biosynthesis of these nutritionally valuable compounds.

Expression of BoNOL and BoHCAR genes during postharvest senescence of broccoli heads.

BACKGROUND: Chlorophyll is the most abundant pigment on Earth, essential for the capture of light energy during photosynthesis. During senescence, chlorophyll degradation is highly regulated in order to diminish toxicity of the free chlorophyll molecule due to its photoactivity. The first step in the chlorophyll degradation pathway is the conversion of chlorophyll b to chlorophyll a by means of two consecutive reactions catalyzed by enzymes coded by NYC1 (NON-YELLOW COLORING 1), NOL (NYC1-LIKE) and HCAR. RESULTS: In this work, we studied the expression of NOL and HCAR genes during postharvest senescence of broccoli. We found that the expression of BoNOL increase during the first days of storage and then decrease. In the case of BoHCAR, its expression is maintained during the first days and then it also diminishes. Additionally, the effect of different postharvest treatments on the expression of these genes was also analyzed. It was observed that the expression of BoNOL is lower in the treatments performed with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) and modified atmospheres, while BoHCAR expression showed an increase in these same treatments, and a decrease in the treatment with ethylene. There were no variations in the expression of both genes in heat treatment, UV-C treatment and visible light treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that both BoHCAR and BoNOL show a lower regulation of their expression than other genes involved in chlorophyll degradation during senescence. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Expression profiling of endo-xylanases during ripening of strawberry cultivars with contrasting softening rates. Influence of postharvest and hormonal treatments.

BACKGROUND: Softening is one of the main features that determine fruit quality during strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa, Duch.) ripening and storage. Being closely related to textural changes, the molecular and biochemical bases underlying strawberry cell-wall metabolism is a matter of interest. Here we investigated the abundance of transcripts encoding putative strawberry endo-xylanases in plant tissues, during fruit ripening and under postharvest and hormonal treatments. Total xylanase activity and expression of related genes in strawberry varieties with contrasting firmness were analyzed. RESULTS: FaXynA and FaXynC mRNA abundance was significantly higher than FaXynB in each plant tissue studied. Higher total xylanase activity was detected at the end of the ripening of the softer cultivar ('Toyonoka') in comparison with the firmer one ('Camarosa'), correlating with the abundance of FaXynA and FaXynC transcripts. Postharvest 1-methylcyclopropene treatment up-regulated FaXynA and FaXynC expressions. FaXynC mRNA abundance decreased with heat treatment but the opposite was observed for FaXynA. Calcium chloride treatment down-regulated FaXynA and FaXynC expression. Both genes responded differently to plant growth regulators' exposure. FaXynC expression was down-regulated by auxins and gibberellins treatment and up-regulated by abscisic acid. FaXynA was up-regulated by auxins, while no changes in mRNA levels were evident by abscisic acid and gibberellins treatment. Ethephon exposure did not change FaXynA and FaXynC expressions. CONCLUSION: New knowledge about the presence of xylanases in ripening strawberry fruit and their response to postharvest and hormonal treatments is provided. Our findings suggest a role for endo-xylanases in hemicelluloses depolymerization and possibly in strawberry fruit softening. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cirugía pancreatobiliar laparoscópica: experiencia inicial en el hospital regional de alta especialidad.

BACKGROUND: At present benign and malignant pancreatobiliar diseases, required a multidisciplinary management, and the different techniques to solve this pathology has been improve with new technology and surgeons training. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe that de minimally invasive surgery on benign and malignant pancreatobiliar diseases is feasible and offer good results. METHOD: In Hospital regional ISSSTE Puebla from July 2013 to July 2018, 30 consecutive patients with different pancreas and biliary pathologies have been operated by totally laparoscopic, by the same surgeon and surgical team, and following for up to 4 years. RESULTS: None all the patients presented sever complications during surgery or after immediate surgery and no reoperations. Surgical time and blood loss was acceptable. CONCLUSION: The results we obtained are positive and encouraging because the morbidity and mortality are similar to the different sources we reviewed, nevertheless, this study is our initial experience and we required more cases to obtain a significant sample.

ANTECEDENTES: En la actualidad las enfermedades benignas y malignas de las vías biliares y del páncreas requieren un manejo multidisciplinario, y las técnicas para resolver este tipo de padecimientos han avanzado gracias al mejoramiento en la tecnología y la capacidad del personal humano. OBJETIVO: El propósito de este trabajo es presentar varios casos y demostrar que la cirugía de mínima invasión en patología benigna y maligna pancreatobiliar es viable y se pueden obtener adecuados resultados. MÉTODO: De julio de 2013 a julio de 2018, 30 pacientes consecutivos han sido intervenidos quirúrgicamente por vía laparoscópica por diversas enfermedades que involucran páncreas y vías biliares, por el mismo cirujano y equipo quirúrgico, con un seguimiento de hasta 4 años. RESULTADOS: Ninguno de los pacientes intervenidos presentó complicaciones graves en el transoperatorio ni en el posquirúrgico inmediato, ninguno fue sometido a una segunda cirugía y los tiempos quirúrgicos y el sangrado fueron aceptables. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados son positivos y muy alentadores, ya que la morbilidad fue muy similar a la de las series que se revisaron; sin embargo, este estudio es nuestra experiencia inicial y requerimos aumentar el número de casos para obtener una muestra significativa.

Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectoy.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatoduodenectomy or Whipple's operation, is the elective surgical procedure to treat different periampullary diseases. Through the years this surgery has been doing open, but in the lasts decades thanks to the improve technology and trained surgeons, today is feasible doing it laparoscopic with good results. OBJECTIVE: To present the initial experience and results in totally laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy in Hospital Regional ISSSTE Puebla, reporting the second number of cases in México. METHOD: Since July 2014-July 2018, 8 patients has been operated by totally laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy, 7 in Hospital Regional ISSSTE Puebla and 1 in a private Hospital. RESULTS: Evaluating all the patients, not one had mortality during operation, no morbidity or immediate reoperation, so the results are favourable. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy is a very complex procedure but feasible, and good results depends on various factors, like the appropriate patient selection.

ANTECEDENTES: La pancreatoduodenectomía o cirugía de Whipple es el procedimiento de elección en el tratamiento de las enfermedades periampulares. A través de los años se ha realizado de manera abierta, y actualmente, gracias a la mejora de los recursos humanos y tecnológicos, se realiza este procedimiento por mínima invasión con buenos resultados. OBJETIVO: Presentar la experiencia inicial en la pancreatoduodenectomía totalmente laparoscópica en el Hospital de Alta Especialidad del Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE) de Puebla, dando a conocer la segunda serie de casos reportada en México. MÉTODO: De julio de 2014 a julio de 2018 se han realizado ocho pancreatoduodenectomías totalmente laparoscópicas, siete en el hospital de alta especialidad ISSSTE Puebla y una en un hospital privado. RESULTADOS: En todos los pacientes intervenidos los resultados son favorables, sin mortalidad transoperatoria y sin presentar complicaciones graves ni reintervención. CONCLUSIÓN: La pancreatoduodenectomía laparoscópica es un procedimiento de alta complejidad que, teniendo una adecuada selección de pacientes y un manejo multidisciplinario, se puede llevar a cabo con excelentes resultados.

Impact of the protocol proposed by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in patients at high risk of choledocholithiasis, in Puebla Regional Hospital ISSSTE in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Choledocholithiasis is one of the main complications of cholelithiasis with a prevalence in the Mexican population of 14%. The management through the guide proposed by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) in 2010 can support the surgeon for the timely resolution of the pathology. OBJECTIVE: To determine that the guide proposed by ASGE for the management of choledocholithiasis in patients with "high risk" reduces the complications of this pathology. METHODS: A comparative, retrospective case-control study was conducted from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. We included patients who were stratified at high risk of choledocholithiasis according to the ASGE guidelines. They were divided into 2 groups: the case group (diagnosis by ASGE guidelines) was submitted directly to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the second group (no ASGE) followed the protocol of performing computed tomography, magnetic cholangioresonance, and finally ERCP. RESULTS: Of 61 patients with choledocholithiasis, the following groups were compared: the appearance of cholangitis, the complications after ERCP, time of ERCP, days of hospital stay and mortality. Obtaining significant difference in: "complications post ERCP" group ASGE 3/35 (9%), group no ASGE 8/26 (30.7%) with OR of 0.2 (0.05 - 0.9 IC 95%) and a p = 0.03; "Cholangitis" group ASGE 2/35 (5.7%), group no ASGE 8/26 (30-7%) with ORP 0.13 (0.03-0.71 IC 95%) and p = 0.009. CONCLUSION: In our setting, the use of the ASGE guideline reduces the presence of cholangitis and post-ERCP complications.

ANTECEDENTES: La coledocolitiasis es una de las principales complicaciones de la colelitiasis, con una prevalencia en la población mexicana del 14%. El manejo a través de la guía propuesta por la American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) en 2010 puede apoyar al cirujano para la resolución oportuna de la patología. OBJETIVO: Determinar que el uso de la guía de la ASGE para el manejo de coledocolitiasis en pacientes con «alto riesgo¼ reduce las complicaciones de esta patología. MÉTODO: Estudio comparativo, retrospectivo, de casos y controles, del 1 de enero de 2015 al 31 de diciembre de 2017. Se incluyeron pacientes que se estratificaron en alto riesgo de coledocolitiasis de acuerdo con la guía ASGE y se dividieron en dos grupos: el grupo de casos (diagnóstico por guía ASGE) fue sometido directamente a colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE), y el otro grupo (no ASGE) siguió el protocolo de realizar tomografía computarizada, colangiorresonancia magnética y finalmente CPRE. RESULTADOS: De 61 pacientes con coledocolitiasis, se comparó entre los grupos la aparición de colangitis, las complicaciones posteriores a la CPRE, el tiempo de realización de la CPRE, los días de estancia hospitalaria y la mortalidad. Se obtuvo diferencia significativa en complicaciones tras la CPRE (grupo ASGE 3/35 [9%], grupo no ASGE 8/26 [30.7%]; odds ratio [OR]: 0.2; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 0.05-0.9; p = 0.03) y en colangitis (grupo ASGE 2/35 [5.7%], grupo no ASGE 8/26 [30-7%]; OR: 0.13; IC 95%: 0.03-0.71; p = 0.009). CONCLUSIÓN: En nuestro medio, el empleo de la guía ASGE reduce la presencia de colangitis y las complicaciones tras la CPRE.

Mechanisms of plant protection against two oxalate-producing fungal pathogens by oxalotrophic strains of Stenotrophomonas spp.

KEY MESSAGE: Oxalotrophic Stenotrophomonas isolated from tomato rhizosphere are able to protect plants against oxalate-producing pathogens by a combination of actions including induction of plant defence signalling callose deposition and the strengthening of plant cell walls and probably the degradation of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid plays a pivotal role in the virulence of the necrotrophic fungi Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. In this work, we isolated two oxalotrophic strains (OxA and OxB) belonging to the bacterial genus Stenotrophomonas from the rhizosphere of tomato plants. Both strains were capable to colonise endophytically Arabidopsis plants and protect them from the damage caused by high doses of oxalic acid. Furthermore, OxA and OxB protected Arabidopsis from S. sclerotiorum and B. cinerea infections. Bacterial inoculation induced the production of phenolic compounds and the expression of PR-1. Besides, both isolates exerted a protective effect against fungal pathogens in Arabidopsis mutants affected in the synthesis pathway of salicylic acid (sid2-2) and jasmonate perception (coi1). Callose deposition induced by OxA and OxB was required for protection against phytopathogens. Moreover, B. cinerea and S. sclerotiorum mycelial growth was reduced in culture media containing cell wall polysaccharides from leaves inoculated with each bacterial strain. These findings suggest that cell walls from Arabidopsis leaves colonised by these bacteria would be less susceptible to pathogen attack. Our results indicate that these oxalotrophic bacteria can protect plants against oxalate-producing pathogens by a combination of actions and show their potential for use as biological control agents against fungal diseases.

Calcium chloride treatment modifies cell wall metabolism and activates defense responses in strawberry fruit (Fragaria × ananassa, Duch).

BACKGROUND: Fruit dips in calcium ions solutions have been shown as an effective treatment to extend strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa, Duch) quality during storage. In the present work, strawberry fruit were treated with 10 g L-1 calcium chloride solution and treatment effects on cell wall enzymes activities and the expression of encoding genes, as well as enzymes involved in fruit defense responses were investigated. RESULTS: Calcium treatment enhanced pectin methylesterase activity while inhibited those corresponding to pectin hydrolases as polygalacturonase and ß-galactosidase. The expression of key genes for strawberry pectin metabolism was up-regulated (for FaPME1) and down-regulated (for FaPG1, FaPLB, FaPLC, FaßGal1 and FaAra1) by calcium dips. In agreement, a higher firmness level and ionically-bound pectins (IBPs) amount were detected in calcium-treated fruit compared with controls. The in vitro and in vivo growth rate of fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea was limited by calcium treatment. Moreover, the activities of polyphenol oxidases, chitinases, peroxidases and ß-1,3-glucanases were enhanced by calcium ion dips. CONCLUSION: News insights concerning the biochemical and molecular basis of cell wall preservation and resistance to fungal pathogens on calcium-treated strawberries are provided. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of heat treatment on enzyme activity and expression of key genes controlling cell wall remodeling in strawberry fruit.

Modification of cell wall polymers composition and structure is one of the main factors contributing to textural changes during strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa, Duch.) fruit ripening and storage. The present study aimed to provide new data to understand the molecular basis underlying the postharvest preservation of strawberry cell wall structure by heat treatment. Ripe fruit (cv. Aroma) were heat-treated in air oven (3 h at 45 °C) and then stored 8 days at 4 °C + 2 days at 20 °C, while maintaining a set of non-treated fruit as controls. The effect of heat stress on the expression pattern of key genes controlling strawberry cell wall metabolism, as well as some enzymatic activities was investigated. The expression of genes proved to be relevant for pectin disassembly and fruit softening process (FaPG1, FaPLB, FaPLC, FaAra1, FaßGal4) were down-regulated by heat treatment, while the expression of genes being involved in the reinforcement of cell wall as pectin-methylesterase (FaPME1) and xyloglucan endo-transglycosilase (FaXTH1) was up-regulated. Total cell wall amount as well as cellulose, hemicellulose, neutral sugars and ionically and covalently bounded pectins were higher in heat-stressed fruit compared to controls, which might be related to higher firmness values. Interestingly, heat stress was able to arrest the in vitro cell wall swelling process during postharvest fruit ripening, suggesting a preservation of cell wall structure, which was in agreement with a lower growth rate of Botrytis cinerea on plates containing cell walls from heat-stressed fruit when compared to controls.

Long-Term Dietary Intake of Chia Seed Is Associated with Increased Bone Mineral Content and Improved Hepatic and Intestinal Morphology in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) provide an unusually high content of α-linolenic acid with several potential health benefits, but few studies have examined the long-term intake of n-3 fatty acid-rich plant foods such as chia. In this work, we investigated some of the effects of a diet containing 10% chia seeds versus a conventional isocaloric diet for 10 and 13 months on body measurements, musculoskeletal system, the liver, and the intestines of 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats assigned into two groups. The n-6/n-3 ratios for the control and chia diets were 7.46 and 1.07, respectively. For the first 10 months of the diet, the body parameters and weights were similar, but at 13 months, the bone mineral content (BMC) of the chia-fed rats was significantly higher than that of the controls whether in total or proximal areas of the left tibia. Also, significant positive correlations were found between the age of the chia group and the bone mineral density, BMC, weight of the musculoskeletal system, final body weight, and skin weight. Liver and intestinal examinations showed improved morphology associated with lower lipid deposit in hepatocytes and increased intestinal muscle layers and crypt size in the chia group. This study provides new data suggesting the potential benefits associated with the long-term intake of chia seeds.

Novel insights of ethylene role in strawberry cell wall metabolism.

Due to its organoleptic and nutraceutical qualities, strawberry fruit (Fragaria x ananassa, Duch) is a worldwide important commodity. The role of ethylene in the regulation of strawberry cell wall metabolism was studied in fruit from Toyonoka cultivar harvested at white stage, when most changes associated with fruit ripening have begun. Fruit were treated with ethephon, an ethylene-releasing reagent, or with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), a competitive inhibitor of ethylene action, maintaining a set of non-treated fruit as controls for each condition. Ethephon treated-fruit showed higher contents of hemicelluloses, cellulose and neutral sugars regarding controls, while 1-MCP-treated fruit showed a lower amount of those fractions. On the other hand, ethephon-treated fruit presented a lower quantity of galacturonic acid from ionically and covalently bound pectins regarding controls, while 1-MCP-treated fruit showed higher contents of those components. We also explored the ethylene effect over the mRNA accumulation of genes related to pectins and hemicelluloses metabolism, and a relationship between gene expression patterns and cell wall polysaccharides contents was shown. Moreover, we detected that strawberry necrotrophic pathogens growth more easily on plates containing cell walls from ethephon-treated fruit regarding controls, while a lower growth rate was observed when cell walls from 1-MCP treated fruit were used as the only carbon source, suggesting an effect of ethylene on cell wall structure. Around 60% of strawberry cell wall is made up of pectins, which in turns is 70% made by homogalacturonans. Our findings support the idea of a central role for pectins on strawberry fruit softening and a participation of ethylene in the regulation of this process.

Neurovascular structures at risk during anterolateral and medial arthroscopic approaches of the hip / Estructuras neurovasculares en riesgo durante abordajes artroscopicos anterolaterales y mediales de la cadera

To describe the safety areas for placement of 5 anterolateral portals (anterior, anterior lateral, posterior lateral, proximal anterior medial and distal anterior medial portals) and 3 recently described medial portals (anterior medial, posterior medial and distal posterior medial portals) to provide topographical description of the safety of each. A descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study in which femoral triangle dissection was performed in 12 hips. 5 lateral portals and the 3 medial portals were placed. Clinically relevant neurovascular structures associated with each portal, were identified measured and documented. The lateral portal with the highest risk of injury to a nearby neurovascular structure was the anterior portal, the most adjacent to the femoral cutaneous nerve, 1.42 cm (±0.85) lateral to the portal. In the medial portals, the anterior medial portal has the narrowest margin in relation to the femoral artery, 2.14 cm (±0.35) lateral to the portal and medial to the obturator nerve by 0.87 cm (±0.62). The lateral portals have a higher safety margin; the portal with the most proximity to a neurovascular structure is the anterior portal, associated laterally with the femoral cutaneous nerve, presenting a higher risk of injury. Medial portals have a higher risk of injuring the femoral neurovascular bundle as well as the obturator nerve.

El objetivo fue describir las áreas de seguridad para la colocación de 5 portales estándar (portal anterior, anterolateral, posterolateral, portal anterior proximal medial y portal anterior distal medial) y 3 portales mediales emergentes (antero medial, portal posteromedial y posteromedial distal) para proporcionar una descripción topográfica de la seguridad de cada portal. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal, en la que se disecó el triángulo femoral de 12 caderas. Se colocaron los 5 portales laterales y los 3 portales mediales. Se documentó la medición de cada estructura neurovascular de relevancia clínica en relación a cada uno de los portales evaluados. En cuanto al portal de mayor riesgo entre los laterales, se encontró el portal anterior con mayor cercanía al nervio cutáneo femoral lateral (1,42±0,85 cm), ubicado lateral al portal. En los portales mediales el portal anterior medial tiene el margen más estrecho respecto a la arteria femoral (2,14±0,35 cm) lateral al portal, y medial el nervio obturador (0,87±0,62 cm). Los portales laterales tienen un amplio margen de seguridad, el portal con el margen más reducido es el portal anterior en relación al nervio cutáneo femoral lateral, presentando un elevado riesgo de lesionarlo, los portales mediales tienen un alto riesgo de lesionar las estructuras neurovasculares femorales y el nervio obturador.

Overexpression of the carbohydrate binding module of strawberry expansin2 in Arabidopsis thaliana modifies plant growth and cell wall metabolism.

Several cell wall enzymes are carbohydrate active enzymes that contain a putative Carbohydrate Binding Module (CBM) in their structures. The main function of these non-catalitic modules is to facilitate the interaction between the enzyme and its substrate. Expansins are non-hydrolytic proteins present in the cell wall, and their structure includes a CBM in the C-terminal that bind to cell wall polymers such as cellulose, hemicelluloses and pectins. We studied the ability of the Expansin2 CBM (CBMFaEXP2) from strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa, Duch) to modify the cell wall of Arabidopsis thaliana. Plants overexpressing CBMFaEXP2 were characterized phenotypically and biochemically. Transgenic plants were taller than wild type, possibly owing to a faster growth of the main stem. Cell walls of CBMFaEXP2-expressing plants were thicker and contained higher amount of pectins. Lower activity of a set of enzymes involved in cell wall degradation (PG, ß-Gal, ß-Xyl) was found, and the expression of the corresponding genes (AtPG, Atß-Gal, Atß-Xyl5) was reduced also. In addition, a decrease in the expression of two A. thaliana Expansin genes (AtEXP5 and AtEXP8) was observed. Transgenic plants were more resistant to Botrytis cinerea infection than wild type, possibly as a consequence of higher cell wall integrity. Our results support the hypothesis that the overexpression of a putative CBM is able to modify plant cell wall structure leading to modulation of wall loosening and plant growth. These findings might offer a tool to controlling physiological processes where cell wall disassembly is relevant, such as fruit softening.

Insuficiencia renal aguda inducida por mordedura de serpiente Bothrops / Acute renal failure induced by Bothrops snake bite

Mujer de 58 años de edad, remitida a urgencias por presentar cuadro clínico de insuficiencia renal aguda (IRA) secundaria a mordedura de serpiente (Bothrops Atrox). Ingresa hipotensa con elevación de azoados e hiperkalemia, ecografía renal dentro de parámetros normales. Se maneja terapia dialítica con lo cual presenta mejoría clínica. En este reporte se detallan aspectos del diagnóstico, manejo clínico y posibles mecanismos fisiopatológicos que explican el daño renal.

A 58 years old woman was referred to the emergency room with acute renal failure (ARF) having suffered a snake bite (Bothrops Atrox). On examination she was found with hypotension, elevated kidney function, hyperkalemia and a renal ultrasound with no abnormalities. Clinical improvement was achieved with dialytic therapy. In this report, certain aspects of the diagnosis are highlighted such as clinical management and possible pathophysiological mechanism of urderlying kidney damage.

Ethylene is involved in strawberry fruit ripening in an organ-specific manner.

The fruit of the strawberry Fragaria×ananassa has traditionally been classified as non-climacteric because its ripening process is not governed by ethylene. However, previous studies have reported the timely endogenous production of minor amounts of ethylene by the fruit as well as the differential expression of genes of the ethylene synthesis, reception, and signalling pathways during fruit development. Mining of the Fragaria vesca genome allowed for the identification of the two main ethylene biosynthetic genes, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase and ACC oxidase. Their expression pattern during fruit ripening was found to be stage and organ (achene or receptacle) specific. Strawberry plants with altered sensitivity to ethylene could be employed to unravel the role of ethylene in the ripening process of the strawberry fruit. To this end, independent lines of transgenic strawberry plants were generated that overexpress the Arabidopsis etr1-1 mutant ethylene receptor, which is a dominant negative allele, causing diminished sensitivity to ethylene. Genes involved in ethylene perception as well as in its related downstream processes, such as flavonoid biosynthesis, pectin metabolism, and volatile biosynthesis, were differently expressed in two transgenic tissues, the achene and the receptacle. The different transcriptional responsiveness of the achene and the receptacle to ethylene was also revealed by the metabolic profiling of the primary metabolites in these two organs. The free amino acid content was higher in the transgenic lines compared with the control in the mature achene, while glucose and fructose, and citric and malic acids were at lower levels. In the receptacle, the most conspicuous change in the transgenic lines was the depletion of the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates at the white stage of development, most probably as a consequence of diminished respiration. The results are discussed in the context of the importance of ethylene during strawberry fruit ripening.

Anthropometric references for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in the anatomical position

Recent anatomical and biomechanical studieshave established that the anatomical position inthe reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) is ideal because this position resultsin a lower placement of the femoral tunnels,which provides optimal biomechanical function ofthe graft, and because anterior translation androtational stability are controlled. Ten femurs (fiveleft and five right) and ten tibias (five left and fiveright) were dissected to analyze the various bonyprominences of the lateral wall of the intercondylarfossa. Parameters were also established forthe measurement of the ACL and its anteromedialand posterolateral bundles. Regarding theresults in the medial wall of the lateral femoralcondyle, different bony landmarks were considered,such as the distances from the bonecartilagetransition of anterior and posterior pointof femoral condyle to the bifurcated ridge obtaining7.68 + 2.15 mm and 7.99 + 2.15 mm, respectively. On the tibial bone we considered thelength between the free edges of lateral and medialmenisci, to the medial and lateral edges ofanterior cruciate ligament (ACL), finding a distanceof 2.5 cm + 1.20mm. All these referencesduring knee arthroscopy are useful to the sur-geon, providing tools for the proper placement ofthe tunnels used in the reconstruction surgery ofthe ACL (AU)

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Reducing harm from HIV/AIDS misconceptions among female sex workers in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico: A cross sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: HIV prevalence is increasing among female sex workers (FSWs) in Mexico's Northern border region, who experience multiple occupational risks. Improving vulnerable populations' education, empowerment, and access to preventive services are important components of harm reduction strategies. Given the increasing interest in adapting harm reduction principles from drug use to sex work and other public health responses to the HIV epidemic, we used a sex work harm reduction framework to guide our investigation of FSWs' HIV knowledge. METHODS: From 2004-2006, FSWs aged ≥18 years in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez participated in a behavioral intervention study and completed structured interviews. Measures included HIV knowledge assessment and factors within each domain of our theoretical framework for sex work harms: (1) socio-demographic factors that may lead to sex work, (2) sex work characteristics and behaviors that may lead to harm, and (3) mutually reinforcing harms that lead to sex work and result from it (e.g., drug abuse). Negative binomial regression identified factors independently associated with suboptimal HIV knowledge (i.e., incorrect responses during the HIV knowledge assessment). RESULTS: Among 924 FSWs, the median proportion of incorrect responses was nearly one third (28% incorrect). Examination of item responses revealed misconceptions regarding specific transmission and prevention mechanisms, including prevention of mother to child transmission. Suboptimal HIV knowledge was independently associated with older age, lower education, living in Tijuana (vs. Ciudad Juarez), inconsistent condom use for vaginal sex with male clients, and lacking prior HIV testing. CONCLUSIONS: Our application of a sex work harm reduction framework to the study of FSWs' HIV knowledge is an important first step in enhancing HIV prevention efforts in Northern Mexican border cities. Our findings imply that interventions should identify and discredit local HIV misconceptions to improve knowledge of specific HIV transmission routes and self-protective strategies (e.g., condom negotiation). Interventions will require materials appropriate for women from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and may benefit from innovative harm reduction approaches such as peer education and outreach.

Effects of ethylene, cytokinin and physical treatments on BoPaO gene expression of harvested broccoli.

BACKGROUND: Broccoli is a highly perishable vegetable that shows enhanced postharvest senescence and intense de-greening caused by chlorophyll degradation. One of the key steps of chlorophyll catabolism is the opening of chlorophyll tretrapyrrole catalysed by pheophorbide a oxygenase (PaO). In this study the expression of a gene encoding a putative PaO was characterised under several chemical and physical treatments. RESULTS: A fragment of a gene encoding a PaO from broccoli (BoPaO) was cloned. The expression of BoPaO showed an important increment during postharvest senescence, in correlation with chlorophyll degradation. Furthermore, broccoli heads were treated with the hormones cytokinin and ethylene. Cytokinin delayed the increment in BoPaO expression, while ethylene accelerated the process. Also, several postharvest treatments were applied in order to evaluate their effect on BoPaO expression. Samples treated with modified atmosphere, hot air, UV-C or white light showed a delay in chlorophyll degradation and de-greening. In most cases the treatments also delayed the increment in BoPaO expression during senescence. CONCLUSION: A close correlation between chlorophyll degradation and BoPaO expression was found during broccoli senescence. This relationship was corroborated in samples treated with different hormonal and physical applications.

Effect of visible light treatments on postharvest senescence of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.).

BACKGROUND: Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) is a rapidly perishable vegetable crop. Several postharvest treatments have been applied in order to delay de-greening. Since light has been shown to have an effect on pigment accumulation during development and darkness is known to induce senescence, the effect of continuous and periodic exposure to low-intensity white light at 22 °C on postharvest senescence of broccoli heads was assayed. RESULTS: Exposure to a constant dose of 12 micromol m(-2) s(-1) was selected as the most suitable treatment and was employed for subsequent experiments. During the course of the treatments, hue and L* values as well as chlorophyll content and visual observation of florets indicated an evident delay in yellowing in treated samples compared with controls. No statistically significant differences in total protein content were found, but soluble protein content was higher in treated samples. Total and reducing sugar as well as starch levels decreased during postharvest senescence, with lower values in control samples. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that storage under continuous low-intensity light is an efficient and low-cost treatment that delays postharvest senescence while maintaining the quality of harvested broccoli florets.

Chlorophyllase versus pheophytinase as candidates for chlorophyll dephytilation during senescence of broccoli.

Degradation of chlorophylls during senescence is a highly regulated process which requires the concerted action of several enzymes. Traditionally, it has been stated that the dismantling process of the chlorophyll molecule begins with a dephytilation step, followed by Mg(2+) removal and other breakdown reactions. Recently, new evidence suggests the possibility of a rearrangement in the first two steps of this process, occurring Mg(2+) removal prior to the loss of the phytol side chain. With the purpose of approximating to the real sequential order of these reactions and to assess if dephytilation occurs on intact (catalyzed by chlorophyllase) or Mg-free (catalyzed by pheophytinase) chlorophyll, expression of both genes was analyzed in broccoli tissue during senescence. Samples of broccoli florets treated with plant hormones, such as cytokinin and ethylene were utilized, as to assess the effect of such compounds on the expression of these genes. Results showed that chlorophyllase expression did not correlate to typical expression patterns for genes related to senescence, since a decrease in expression during senescence was found for one of the two chlorophyllase genes analyzed, and the hormonal-treatment effects on gene expression did not match those observed on chlorophyll content for both chlorophyllase genes. Pheophytinase expression patterns, on the other hand, displayed an increase in the first 3 days of induced senescence, followed by lower expression values towards the end of the experiment. Samples subjected to postharvest treatments mostly showed an inhibition of pheophytinase expression, especially in samples in which degradation of chlorophylls had been delayed. These results suggest that pheophytinase expression correlates to the visual manifestation of postharvest treatments, supporting the possibility that this enzyme is responsible for the dephytilation step in chlorophyll breakdown.