APGW/AKH Precursor from Rotifer Brachionus plicatilis and the DNA Loss Model Explain Evolutionary Trends of the Neuropeptide LWamide, APGWamide, RPCH, AKH, ACP, CRZ, and GnRH Families.

In the year 2002, DNA loss model (DNA-LM) postulated that neuropeptide genes to emerged through codons loss via the repair of damaged DNA from ancestral gene namely Neuropeptide Precursor Predictive (NPP), which organization correspond two or more neuropeptides precursors evolutive related. The DNA-LM was elaborated according to amino acids homology among LWamide, APGWamide, red pigment-concentrating hormone (RPCH), adipokinetic hormones (AKHs) and in silico APGW/RPCH NPPAPGW/AKH NPP were proposed. With the above principle, it was proposed the evolution of corazonin (CRZ), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), AKH, and AKH/CRZ (ACP), but any NPP never was considered. However, the evolutive relation via DNA-LM among these neuropeptides precursors not has been established yet. Therefore, the transcriptomes from crabs Callinectes toxotes and Callinectes arcuatus were used to characterized ACP and partial CRZ precursors, respectively. BLAST alignment with APGW/RPCH NPP and APGW/AKH NPP allow identified similar NPP in the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis and other invertebrates. Moreover, three bioinformatics algorithms and manual verification were used to purify 13,778 sequences, generating a database with 719 neuropeptide precursors. Phylogenetic trees with the DNA-LM parameters showed that some ACP, CRZ, AKH2 and two NPP share nodes with GnRH from vertebrates and some of this neuropeptide had nodes in invertebrates. Whereas the phylogenetic tree with standard parameters do not showed previous node pattern. Robinson-Foulds metric corroborates the differences among phylogenetic trees. Homology relationship showed four putative orthogroups; AKH4, CRZ, and protostomes GnRH had individual group. This is the first demonstration of NPP in species and would explain the evolution neuropeptide families by the DNA-LM.

Population genomic analysis reveals geographic structure and climatic diversification for Macrophomina phaseolina isolated from soybean and dry bean across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Colombia.

Macrophomina phaseolina causes charcoal rot, which can significantly reduce yield and seed quality of soybean and dry bean resulting from primarily environmental stressors. Although charcoal rot has been recognized as a warm climate-driven disease of increasing concern under global climate change, knowledge regarding population genetics and climatic variables contributing to the genetic diversity of M. phaseolina is limited. This study conducted genome sequencing for 95 M. phaseolina isolates from soybean and dry bean across the continental United States, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. Inference on the population structure using 76,981 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) revealed that the isolates exhibited a discrete genetic clustering at the continental level and a continuous genetic differentiation regionally. A majority of isolates from the United States (96%) grouped in a clade with a predominantly clonal genetic structure, while 88% of Puerto Rican and Colombian isolates from dry bean were assigned to a separate clade with higher genetic diversity. A redundancy analysis (RDA) was used to estimate the contributions of climate and spatial structure to genomic variation (11,421 unlinked SNPs). Climate significantly contributed to genomic variation at a continental level with temperature seasonality explaining the most variation while precipitation of warmest quarter explaining the most when spatial structure was accounted for. The loci significantly associated with multivariate climate were found closely to the genes related to fungal stress responses, including transmembrane transport, glycoside hydrolase activity and a heat-shock protein, which may mediate climatic adaptation for M. phaseolina. On the contrary, limited genome-wide differentiation among populations by hosts was observed. These findings highlight the importance of population genetics and identify candidate genes of M. phaseolina that can be used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underly climatic adaptation to the changing climate.

ANCA vasculitis and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with Sjögren's syndrome: Case report and literature review

ANCA-associated vasculitis may occur concomitantly with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) or arise during its evolution. We present the case of a patient who underwent dry symptoms, a positive Schirmer test and an SS-compatible autoimmunity profile and, simultaneously, deterioration of renal function, anaemia, and dyspnoea, requiring renal biopsy and fibro-bronchoscopy. Complementary studies documented acute necrotizing glomerulonephritis with extracapillary proliferation, and membranoproliferative pattern with immune complex deposition. Bronchoalveolar lavage was compatible with alveolar haemorrhage. Kidney lung syndrome secondary to ANCA vasculitis was diagnosed and treatment with steroid and intravenous cyclophosphamide with clinical and paraclinical improvement was instituted. Mixed renal involvement found in this case is uncommon in patients with SS, and treatment changes significantly, hence the importance of differential diagnosis and reporting in the literature.

La vasculitis asociada con anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos-ANCA puede presentarse concomitantemente con síndrome de Sjögren primario o surgir durante su evolución. Se presenta el caso de una paciente que cursó con síntomas secos, test de Schirmer positivo, perfil de autoinmunidad compatible con síndrome de Sjögren y, de forma simultánea, deterioro de la función renal, anemia y disnea, por lo que requirió biopsia renal y fibrobroncoscopia. Los estudios complementarios documentaron glomerulonefritis aguda necrosante con proliferación extracapilar y patrón membranoproliferativo con depósito de complejos inmunes. El lavado broncoalveolar fue compatible con hemorragia alveolar. Se hizo diagnóstico de síndrome de pulmón-rinón secundario a vasculitis ANCA y se instauró tratamiento con esteroide y ciclofosfamida intravenosa, con mejoría clínica y paraclínica. El compromiso renal mixto encontrado en este caso es infrecuente en pacientes con SS, y el tratamiento cambia ostensiblemente, de ahí la importancia del diagnóstico diferencial y el reporte en la literatura.

Photochemically derived 1-aminonorbornanes provide structurally unique succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors with in vitro and in planta activity.

Agrochemical fungicidal leads have been prepared from photochemically derived 1-aminonorbornane building blocks. The unique 1-aminonorbornane core is generated via direct excitation of a Schiff base precursor, leveraging the N-centered radical character of the excited state species to facilitate a series of radical reactions that construct the norbornane core. This process requires no exogenous reagents, only solvent and photons; thus, it represents an exceptionally simple and efficient means of generating the key building blocks. These (hetero) arene-fused 1-aminonorbornanes are unprecedented in both the agrochemical and pharmaceutical discovery literature; therefore, photochemical advances have provided the unique opportunity to explore the functional utility of novel chemical space. Toward this end, the 1-aminonorbornanes were used to generate next-generation succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors. In vitro fungicidal activity is demonstrated against three fungal plant pathogens affecting field crops, specifically: Fusarium graminearum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Macrophomina phaseolina. The in vitro performance against F. graminearum was shown to translate into a greenhouse setting. The discovery of in planta fungicidal activity illustrates the interdisciplinary value available via photochemical innovation.

Risks of Adverse Childhood Outcomes According to Prenatal Time of Exposure to Zika Virus: Assessment in a Cohort Exposed to Zika During an Outbreak in Colombia.

Late gestational exposure to Zika increases the odds of delay in the Bayley-II mental developmental index (MDI) in children with normal baseline neurologic assessments; 9-fold when comparing third and first trimester exposure. Risk of MDI developmental delay increases by 8% for each week of gestational age at time of exposure.

Outcomes of Congenital Zika Virus Infection During an Outbreak in Valle del Cauca, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing information in the literature regarding congenital Zika infection, gaps remain in our knowledge of its clinical manifestations. METHODS: We did a prospective observational study of exposed fetuses and infants whose mothers developed symptomatic and confirmed Zika infection during pregnancy in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. We performed neurological, ophthalmologic and audiologic evaluations, and classified outcomes as possibly or uncertainly related to Zika. Frequencies of outcomes were compared according to the trimester of pregnancy when infection occurred. RESULTS: We evaluated 171 products of gestation including 17 pregnancy losses and 154 patients evaluated postnatally. Ninety (52.6%) pregnancies presented an adverse outcome, 36% possibly related with Zika and the remaining 64% of uncertain relation. Infection in the first trimester had the highest frequencies of adverse outcomes possibly related with Zika compared with the second and third trimesters (39% vs. 12.5% vs. 12%) with risk ratios of adverse outcomes possibly related to Zika in pregnancies infected in the first versus second or third trimester of 3.1 (95% CI: 2.4-4.1) and 3.3 (95% CI: 2.5-4.2), respectively. The frequencies of pregnancy loss and microcephaly were 9.4% and 4.5%, respectively. Auditory and ophthalmic abnormalities possibly related with Zika were present in 3% and 6% of the patients evaluated, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high frequency of gestational and neonatal complications in pregnant women who acquired Zika infection, especially in early pregnancy, resulting in a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Preventive measures are urgently needed to reduce the clinical burden during future Zika outbreaks.

Glomerulopatía membranosa con glomerulonefritis necrosante. Una asociación infrecuente / Membranous glomerulopathy with necrotizing glomerulonephritis. An infrequent association

Resumen Antecedentes: la asociación entre glomerulopatía membranosa y glomerulonefritis necrosante crescéntica es infrecuente: 0.4%, confiriendo un escenario de peor pronóstico. Se requieren estudios que precisen el esquema de tratamiento óptimo, sin embargo, el rápido inicio de terapia inmunosupresora impacta en la preservación de la función renal. Objetivo: exponer un caso en el cual se presenta esta asociación y tiene adecuada respuesta con el tratamiento realizado. Métodos: en este artículo se presenta un caso de una mujer con síndrome nefrótico a quien se le documenta glomerulopatía membranosa con proliferación extracapilar confirmada con biopsia renal, sin evidencia de autoinmunidad, neoplasia ni proceso infeccioso. Tras el diagnóstico se inició manejo con metilprednisolona y ciclofosfamida con adecuada evolución, sin deterioro de la función renal y con mejoría de proteinuria. Conclusión: la presencia de proliferación extracapilar da peor pronóstico en los pacientes con glomerulopatía membranosa, el inicio oportuno del tratamiento es fundamental. (Acta Med Colomb 2019; 44: 39-42).

Abstract Background: the association between membranous glomerulopathy and crescentic necrotizing glomerulonephritis is infrequent: 0.4%, conferring a worst prognosis scenario. Studies that require the optimal treatment scheme are required; however, it has been described that the rapid onset of immunosuppressive therapy impacts on the preservation of renal function. Objective: to present a case in which this association is presented and has an adequate response to the performed treatment. Methods: in this article, a case of a woman with nephrotic syndrome with a documented membranous glomerulopathy with extracapillary proliferation confirmed by renal biopsy, without evidence of autoimmunity, neoplasia or infectious process is presented. After the diagnosis, treatment with methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide was started with adequate evolution, without deterioration of renal function and with improvement of proteinuria. Conclusion: the presence of extracapillary proliferation gives worse prognosis in patients with membranous glomerulopathy. The timely initiation of treatment is essential. (Acta Med Colomb 2019; 44: 39-42).

Root environment is a key determinant of fungal entomopathogen endophytism following seed treatment in the common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris.

The common bean is the most important food legume in the world. We examined the potential of the fungal entomopathogens Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae applied as seed treatments for their endophytic establishment in the common bean. Endophytic colonization in sterile sand:peat averaged ca. 40% higher for fungus treatments and ca. six times higher for volunteer fungi (other fungal endophytes naturally occurring in our samples), relative to sterile vermiculite. Colonization by B. bassiana and M. anisopliae was least variable in sterile vermiculite and most variable in sterile soil:sand:peat. The impact of soil sterilization on endophytic colonization was assessed in a separate experiment using six different field-collected soils. Soil sterilization was the variable with the largest impact on colonization (70.8% of its total variance), while the fungal isolate used to inoculate seeds explained 8.4% of the variance. Under natural microbial soil conditions experienced by common bean farmers, seed inoculations with B. bassiana and M. anisopliae are unlikely to yield predictable levels of endophytic colonization.

Fungal endophytes in germinated seeds of the common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris.

We conducted a survey of fungal endophytes in 582 germinated seeds belonging to 11 Colombian cultivars of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The survey yielded 394 endophytic isolates belonging to 42 taxa, as identified by sequence analysis of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Aureobasidium pullulans was the dominant endophyte, isolated from 46.7 % of the samples. Also common were Fusarium oxysporum, Xylaria sp., and Cladosporium cladosporioides, but found in only 13.4 %, 11.7 %, and 7.6 % of seedlings, respectively. Endophytic colonization differed significantly among common bean cultivars and seedling parts, with the highest colonization occurring in the first true leaves of the seedlings.

Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae endophytically colonize cassava roots following soil drench inoculation.

We investigated the fungal entomopathogens Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae to determine if endophytic colonization could be achieved in cassava. An inoculation method based on drenching the soil around cassava stem cuttings using conidial suspensions resulted in endophytic colonization of cassava roots by both entomopathogens, though neither was found in the leaves or stems of the treated cassava plants. Both fungal entomopathogens were detected more often in the proximal end of the root than in the distal end. Colonization levels of B. bassiana were higher when plants were sampled at 7-9 days post-inoculation (84%) compared to 47-49 days post-inoculation (40%). In contrast, the colonization levels of M. anisopliae remained constant from 7-9 days post-inoculation (80%) to 47-49 days post-inoculation (80%), which suggests M. anisopliae is better able to persist in the soil, or as an endophyte in cassava roots over time. Differences in colonization success and plant growth were found among the fungal entomopathogen treatments.

A Broken Heart: Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy.

This case illustrates the unusual presentation of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in an elderly male patient with characteristic chest pain and dyspnea associated with electrocardiographic changes of biphasic T wave inversions and QT-interval prolongation on anterior segment, mimicking acute coronary syndrome. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a transient systolic dysfunction of the apical and/or mid and anterior segments of left ventricle most frequently seen in post- menopausal women, up to 80 to 100% of cases. Often there is a history of a recent (within the previous two months) episode of severe emotional or physical stress associated with the event.

Establishing fungal entomopathogens as endophytes: towards endophytic biological control.

Beauveria bassiana is a fungal entomopathogen with the ability to colonize plants endophytically. As an endophyte, B. bassiana may play a role in protecting plants from herbivory and disease. This protocol demonstrates two inoculation methods to establish B. bassiana endophytically in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), in preparation for subsequent evaluations of endophytic biological control. Plants are grown from surface-sterilized seeds for two weeks before receiving a B. bassiana treatment of 10(8) conidia/ml (or water) applied either as a foliar spray or a soil drench. Two weeks later, the plants are harvested and their leaves, stems and roots are sampled to evaluate endophytic fungal colonization. For this, samples are individually surface sterilized, cut into multiple sections, and incubated in potato dextrose agar media for 20 days. The media is inspected every 2-3 days to observe fungal growth associated with plant sections and record the occurrence of B. bassiana to estimate the extent of its endophytic colonization. Analyses of inoculation success compare the occurrence of B. bassiana within a given plant part (i.e. leaves, stems or roots) across treatments and controls. In addition to the inoculation method, the specific outcome of the experiment may depend on the target crop species or variety, the fungal entomopathogen species strain or isolate used, and the plant's growing conditions.

¿Quién se informa con el consentimiento informado? / Informed consent is for whom?

Objetivo: Evaluar el grado de conocimiento que sobre el consentimiento informado tienen los pacientes que aceptan con su firma las cirugías electivas de la especialidad de Cirugía General en los quirófanos del Hospital Universitario San Jorge de Pereira. Métodos: Se aplicaron dos instrumentos de medición a 59 pacientes previa intervención quirúrgica en las salas de Cirugía del Hospital Universitario San Jorge de Pereira, después de firmar el consentimiento informado. Resultados: La aplicación de la población de estudio mostró una alta tasa de replicabilidad y validez predictiva para el Test. Uno de cada dos pacientes presenta calidad de información deficiente o insuficiente en el conocimiento del consentimiento informado, sin evidenciar ninguna asociación con las variables sociodemográficas estudiadas. Conclusiones: Es imperativo establecer mecanismos para lograr una comunicación efectiva con el paciente de tal manera que se supere el acto mecánico de la simple obtención de la firma en el consentimiento informado.

Objective: Evaluating the degree of knowledge about informed consent in patients agreeing to elective general surgery (by signing the aforementioned informed consent form) in the operating rooms of the San Jorge teaching hospital in Pereira. Methods: Two measurement instruments were used with 59 patients prior to their undergoing surgery in the operating theatres of the San Jorge teaching hospital in Pereira, after having signing an informed consent form. Results: Test application to the study population revealed a high rate of reproducibility and predictive validity. One in every two patients (50%) had deficient or insufficient information in terms of their knowledge about the informed consent form (no evidence was found of association with the sociodemographic variables being studied). Conclusions: Mechanisms must be established for effective communication with patients so that the simple mechanical act of obtaining a signature on an informed consent becomes more meaningful.

[Informed consent is for whom?]. / ¿Quién se informa con el consentimiento informado?

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the degree of knowledge about informed consent in patients agreeing to elective general surgery (by signing the aforementioned informed consent form) in the operating rooms of the San Jorge teaching hospital in Pereira. METHODS: Two measurement instruments were used with 59 patients prior to their undergoing surgery in the operating theatres of the San Jorge teaching hospital in Pereira, after having signing an informed consent form. RESULTS: Test application to the study population revealed a high rate of reproducibility and predictive validity. One in every two patients (50%) had deficient or insufficient information in terms of their knowledge about the informed consent form (no evidence was found of association with the sociodemographic variables being studied). CONCLUSIONS: Mechanisms must be established for effective communication with patients so that the simple mechanical act of obtaining a signature on an informed consent becomes more meaningful.

Medical students' attitudes towards mental disorders and their correlation with academic performance / Actitud de los estudiantes de medicina hacia las enfermedades mentales y su relación con el rendimiento académico

Medical students do not seem to be as attracted to psychiatry as a medical specialty as they are to internal medicine or surgery. They are probably not interested in mental illnesses during their studies or other kinds of factors may be causing this. Objetive. Identify which mental disorders were most interesting to a group of medical students and how that preference correlates with academic performance. Methods. After three months of theoretical lessons and a four-hour practice, 93 medicine students at the Universidad de los Andes of Venezuela, expressed and justified their preference for a specific topic of psychiatry. These data were correlated to academic performance. Results. The most popular topic was alcoholism with a 34,4% of preference, followed by bipolar disorder with 26,9%. The main reasons for selection were having had some contact with the illness and fi nding the topic interesting. A total of 52,2% “failed” students preferred alcoholism versus 28,6% of “passed” students (p=0.039). Conclusions. Students with higher academic average were attracted to bipolar disorder because they found it interesting whereas the students with lower academicaverage preferred alcoholism because family members or acquaintances exhibited the symptoms or had drinking habits...

Los estudiantes de medicina no parecen sentirse atraídos hacia la psiquiatría como especialidad con el mismo interés como medicina interna o cirugía. Es probable que durante la carrera no sean motivados por las enfermedades mentales o existan otros factores involucrados en este hecho. Objetivo. Determinar cuáles son las enfermedades mentales de mayor interés para los estudiantes de medicina y su relación con el rendimiento académico. Métodos. Luego de haber recibido clases teóricas durante tres meses y una clase práctica de cuatro horas, 93 estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad de los Andes de Venezuela, manifestaron su preferencia por un tema de psiquiatría en particular y explicaron la razón por la cual ese tema les había llamado la atención. Estos datos fueron relacionados con su promedio académico. Resultados. El tema más escogido fue alcoholismo en un 34,4%, seguido de trastorno bipolar en un 26,9%. La razón principal fue porque habían tenido contacto con la enfermedad o porque el tema les había parecido interesante. Los alumnos reprobados escogieron alcoholismo en un 52,2% versus el 28,6% de los alumnos aprobados (p=0,039). Conclusiones. Los estudiantes con mejor rendimiento académico se vieron atraídos hacia el tema de trastorno bipolar porque les había parecido interesante. Los estudiantes con bajo rendimiento académico se vieron atraídos hacia el tema de alcoholismo porque algún familiar o persona conocida presentaba los síntomas de la enfermedad o hábitos alcohólicos...

Trastornos y hábitos de sueño en niños y adolescentes con autismo / Sleep habits and disorders in children and adolescents

Existe una alta prevalencia de trastornos del sueño en personas con autismo. El propósito de este estudio fue describir las alteraciones del sueño y malos hábitos de sueño en una población de niños y adolescentes con autismo y determinar si existen diferencias según la edad. Estudio transversal, descriptivo. Se incluyeron 14 niños y 12 adolescentes con autismo procedentes del Centro de Atención Integrada para personas con Autismo en San Cristóbal, Venezuela. Fueron evaluados con un cuestionario para padres, que registra los hábitos de sueño en un periodo de 6 meses. Se establecieron comparaciones entre niños menores de 12 años y adolescentes. El trastorno de sueño informado con mayor frecuencia en niños fue dificultad para quedarse dormido (35,7%) y en adolescentes enuresis (30%). En cuanto a malos hábitos de sueño, predominó en niños, la necesidad de estar acompañado al momento de quedarse dormido (64,3%) al igual que en los adolescentes (33,3%). En Venezuela, un alto porcentaje de niños y adolescentes con autismo presentan alteraciones del sueño superiores a la población general; tales como dormir en cama de los padres o necesitar compañía al momento de quedarse dormidos; sin embargo, muchos padres no consideran que esto sea un problema serio que afecte a la familia o al niño.

There is a high prevalence of sleep disorders in people with autism. The objective of this study was to describe sleep disturbances and poor sleep habits in a population of children and adolescents with autism in Venezuela and to determine differences by age. Descriptive, crosssectional study. 14 children and 12 adolescents with autism were assessed with a questionnaire for parents, which recorded the sleep habits from 6 months earlier in the Center of integrated care for people with autism, in San Cristobal, Venezuela. Comparisons were established between children under 12 years old and adolescents. The sleep disorder reported more frequently in children was difficulty falling asleep (35.7%) and enuresis in adolescents (30%). In regard to bad sleep habits, the need to be accompanied at the time of falling asleep predominated in children (64.3%), as well as in adolescents (33.3%). In Venezuela, a high percentage of children and adolescents with autism have more sleep disorders than the general population, as the need to sleep in parent’s bed and the need of company when falling asleep. However, many parents do not considerthis as a serious problem affecting the family or the child.