Comparative study between Salkowski reagent and chromatographic method for auxins quantification from bacterial production.

Introduction: The Salkowski reagent method is a colorimetric technique used to determine auxin production, specifically as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). It was developed to determine indoles rapidly; however, it does not follow Beer's law at high concentrations of IAA. Thus, there could be an overestimation of IAA with the Salkowski technique due to the detection of other indole compounds. Methods: This study aims to compare the Salkowski colorimetric method versus a chromatographic method to evidence the imprecision or overestimation obtained when auxins, such as indole-acetic acid (IAA), are determined as traits from promoting growth plant bacteria (PGPB), using ten different strains from three different isolation sources. The analysis used the same bacterial culture to compare the Salkowski colorimetric and chromatographic results. Each bacterium was cultivated in the modified TSA without or with tryptophan for 96 h. The same supernatant culture was used in both methods: Salkowski reagent and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). Results: The first method indicated 5.4 to 27.4 mg L-1 without tryptophan in ten evaluated strains. When tryptophan was used as an inductor of auxin production, an increase was observed with an interval from 4.4 to 160 mg L-1. The principal auxin produced by all strains was IAA from that evaluated by the LC-MS/MS method, with significantly higher concentration with tryptophan addition than without. Strains belonging to the Kocuria genus were highlighted by high IAA production. The indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) was detected in all the bacterial cultures without tryptophan and only in K. turfanensis As05 with tryptophan, while it was not detected in other strains. In addition, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) was detected at trace levels (13-16 µg L-1). Conclusions: The Salkowski reagent overestimates the IAA concentration with an interval of 41-1042 folds without tryptophan and 7-16330 folds with tryptophan as inductor. In future works, it will be necessary to determine IAA or other auxins using more suitable sensitive techniques and methodologies.

PGPB Consortium Formulation to Increase Fermentable Sugar in Agave tequilana Weber var. Blue: A Study in the Field.

Agave tequilana Weber var. Blue is used as the primary raw material in tequila production due to its fructans (inulin) content. This study evaluates the formulation of a plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) consortium (Pseudomonas sp. and Shimwellia sp.) to increase sugars in A. tequilana under field conditions. A total of three doses were tested: low (5 L ha-1), medium (10 L ha-1), and high (15 L ha-1), with a cellular density of 1 × 108 CFU mL-1 and one control treatment (without application). Total reducing sugars (TRS), inulin, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and plant growth were measured in agave plants aged 4-5 years at 0 (T0), 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 12 (T12) months. Yield was recorded at T12. The TRS increased by 3%, and inulin by 5.3% in the high-dose treatment compared to the control at T12. Additionally, a low content of sucrose, glucose, and fructose (approximately 1%) was detected. At T12, the weight of agave heads increased by 31.2% in the medium dose and 22.3% in the high dose compared to the control. The high dose provided a higher inulin content. The A. tequilana plants were five years old and exhibited growth comparable to the standards for 6-7-year-old plants. This study demonstrates a sustainable strategy for tequila production, optimizing the use of natural resources and enhancing industry performance through increased sugar content and yield.

Thermal Treatment to Obtain 5-Hydroxymethyl Furfural (5-HMF), Furfural and Phenolic Compounds from Vinasse Waste from Agave.

Vinasses represent important final disposal problems due to their physical-chemical composition. This work analyzed the composition of tequila vinasses and increased 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, and phenolic compounds using thermal hydrolysis with hydrogen peroxide as a catalyst. A statistical Taguchi design was used, and a UPLC-MS (XEVO TQS Micro) analysis determined the presence and increase of the components. The treatment at 130 °C, 40 min, and 0.5% of catalyst presented the highest increase for 5-HMF (127 mg/L), furfural (3.07 mg/L), and phenol compounds as chlorogenic (0.36 mg/L), and vanillic acid (2.75 mg/L). Additionally, the highest removal of total sugars (57.3%), sucrose (99.3%), and COD (32.9%). For the treatment T130:30m:0P the syringic (0.74 mg/L) and coumaric (0.013 mg/L) acids obtained the highest increase, and the treatment T120:30m:1P increased 3-hydroxybenzoic (1.30 mg/L) and sinapic (0.06 mg/L) acid. The revaluation of vinasses through thermal treatments provides guidelines to reduce the impact generated on the environment.

Neuroinflammation and neuroprogression produced by oxidative stress in euthymic bipolar patients with different onset disease times.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with systemic toxicity, represented by changes in biomarkers associated with mood episodes, leading to neurological damage, which may reflect cognitive functions and functionality and the progression of the disease. We aimed to analyze the effect of four biomarkers, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA-RS), related to oxidative stress in BD and to correlate them with cognitive functions and functionality. We studied 50 bipolar types I/II patients in the euthymic phase, which was divided into two subgroups with 25 patients each (≤ 3 years and ≥ 10 years of diagnosis, from the first episode of mania) and 25 control patients. To analyze frontal cognitive functions and functionality, we used the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) tests, respectively. The scores of the FAST and FAB tests showed an increase and decrease respectively, in both bipolar groups, when compared to the control group, demonstrating impairment in cognitive functions and functionality since the disease onset. In addition, changes occurred in all six domains of the FAST test, and in four domains of the FAB test in bipolar patients when compared to the control group. Regarding oxidative stress biomarkers, we did not find changes in SOD and GSH-Px activities; however, a significant increase in CAT activity and lipid peroxidation was observed in both groups, although the patients were euthymic and medicated. These results allow us to raise the hypothesis that since the beginning of the disease, the euthymic bipolar patient has presented a level of oxidative stress, which gets worse with the evolution of the disease, promoting impairments in the frontal cognitive functions and functionality gradually.

Active revegetation after mining: what is the contribution of peer-reviewed studies?

Knowing the state of the art on research related to post-mining active revegetation can help to improve revegetation success and identify research gaps. We performed a systematic review about active revegetation after mining and identified 203 relevant studies. Most studies were performed in the USA (34%), in regions with a temperate climate (59%) and in abandoned coal mines (45%). The studies were focused on the plantation of woody species (59%) or sowing of herbaceous species (39%). The most widely evaluated treatments were the addition of amendments (24%) and fertilizers (21%), mainly with positive and neutral effects; in general, organic amendments presented more positive effects than inorganic amendments and fertilizers. We also identified studies on the effects of plowing, inoculation of microorganisms, nurse plants, herbivore exclusion and watering. The results of these treatments should be taken with caution, because they can vary according to the functional strategies of the introduced species and the local context, such as the degree of nutrient limitation in the mining area and abiotic conditions. Further research is needed in non-temperate climates, involving long-term monitoring and with detailed descriptions of the interventions to better interpret results and general implications of active revegetation of mining areas.

ABO blood group system and occurrence of ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke (IS) is a multifactorial disease that presents high rates of morbimortality in Brazil. Several studies proved that there is a link between the ABO blood group system and the occurrence of thrombotic events. Nonetheless, its association with IS is not well established. OBJECTIVE: For that reason, the purpose hereof was to investigate the relation between the ABO blood groups and the occurrence of IS in a Brazilian cohort of cerebrovascular diseases. METHODS: Five hundred and twenty-nine subjects were included over 12 months, from which 275 presented an IS episode and 254 composed the control group. Blood samples were drawn for direct and reverse serotyping. The control and IS groups were compared regarding the traditional risk factors and the distribution of the ABO blood groups. RESULTS: The IS group presented a higher prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), diabetes mellitus, smoking habits, family history, cardiopathy, and sedentary lifestyle in comparison with the control group. The AB blood type prevailed among the patients (5.1 vs. 1.6%; p<0.05) and this group had more SAH cases in comparison with the O type group (92.9 vs. 67.3%; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the occurrence of IS is more frequent among patients of the AB blood type.

ABO blood group system and occurrence of ischemic stroke / Sistema ABO de grupos sanguíneos e ocorrência de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico

ABSTRACT Background: Ischemic stroke (IS) is a multifactorial disease that presents high rates of morbimortality in Brazil. Several studies proved that there is a link between the ABO blood group system and the occurrence of thrombotic events. Nonetheless, its association with IS is not well established. Objective: For that reason, the purpose hereof was to investigate the relation between the ABO blood groups and the occurrence of IS in a Brazilian cohort of cerebrovascular diseases. Methods: Five hundred and twenty-nine subjects were included over 12 months, from which 275 presented an IS episode and 254 composed the control group. Blood samples were drawn for direct and reverse serotyping. The control and IS groups were compared regarding the traditional risk factors and the distribution of the ABO blood groups. Results: The IS group presented a higher prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), diabetes mellitus, smoking habits, family history, cardiopathy, and sedentary lifestyle in comparison with the control group. The AB blood type prevailed among the patients (5.1 vs. 1.6%; p<0.05) and this group had more SAH cases in comparison with the O type group (92.9 vs. 67.3%; p<0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the occurrence of IS is more frequent among patients of the AB blood type.

RESUMO Antecedentes: O acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCI) é uma doença multifatorial que apresenta altas taxas de morbimortalidade no Brasil. Vários estudos provaram que existe uma ligação entre o sistema ABO de grupos sanguíneos e a ocorrência de eventos trombóticos. No entanto, sua associação com AVCI não está bem estabelecida. Objetivo: Por essa razão, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a relação entre os grupos sanguíneos ABO e a ocorrência de AVCI em uma coorte brasileira de doenças cerebrovasculares. Métodos: Ao longo de 12 meses foram incluídos 529 indivíduos, dos quais 275 apresentaram um episódio de AVCI e 254 compuseram o grupo controle. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para sorotipagem direta e reversa. Os grupos controle e AVCI foram comparados em relação aos fatores de risco tradicionais e à distribuição dos grupos sanguíneos ABO. Resultados: O grupo AVCI apresentou maior prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS), diabetes mellitus, tabagismo, história familiar, cardiopatia e estilo de vida sedentário em comparação ao grupo controle. O tipo sanguíneo AB prevaleceu entre os pacientes (5,1 vs. 1,6%; p<0,05) e apresentou mais casos de HAS em comparação ao tipo O (92,9 vs. 67,3%; p<0,05). Conclusões: Nossos resultados sugerem que a ocorrência de AVCI é mais frequente entre os pacientes do tipo sanguíneo AB.

Antibiotherapy at birth in very low birth weight infants before and after the use of interleukin 6 as an infectious biomarker in a tertiary level unit.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal sepsis is a condition with high mortality and morbidity that contributes to high rates of antibiotic therapy at birth. In addition, very low birth weight newborns (VLBWN) are particularly vulnerable. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) seems to be an early and effective marker that could help a better selection of patients to be treated. This study aimed to evaluate the use of antibiotics in the first 72 hours of life in VLBW infants before and after using IL-6 as an infection marker. Also, we wanted to analyze the differences in morbidity and mortality during admission and other factors associated with the decision to start antibiotic treatment. METHODS: We conducted a cohort retrospective study. We included VLBWN born in our hospital or admitted before 72 hours of life in two two-year periods (2007-2008 and 2011-2012). RESULTS: Antibiotics use during the first 72 hours of life was analyzed as the primary variable, which was reduced by 20% on the second period (p = 0.002). Regarding the analysis of secondary variables, we found no significant differences in mortality during hospital admission and the incidence of nosocomial sepsis, enterocolitis, or invasive fungal infection. The multivariate analysis indicated extreme prematurity and the study group as the most strongly related factors to the start of antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 was a useful marker of infection to reduce the use of antibiotic therapy in VLBW infants without increasing mortality.

Anti-Inflammatory and Healing Activity of the Hydroalcoholic Fruit Extract of Solanum diploconos (Mart.) Bohs.

BACKGROUND: Solanum diploconos (Mart.) Bohs is a native Brazilian plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, popularly known as "tomatinho do mato" and poorly investigated. Herein, we presented for the first time evidence for the anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of S. diploconos fruit hydroalcoholic extract. Material and Methods. In vitro fMLP-induced chemotaxis, LPS-induced inflammatory mediator levels (cytokines by ELISA and NO release by Griess reaction), and adhesion molecule expression (CD62L, CD49d, and CD18, by flow-cytometry) were assessed in neutrophils treated with different concentrations of the extract. Inflammation resolution was measured by the efferocytosis assay and the healing activity by in vivo and in vitro assays. The air pouch model of carrageenan-induced inflammation in Swiss mice was used to investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of the extract. Leukocyte influx (by optical microscopy) and cytokine release were quantified in the pouch exudates. Additionally, the acute and subacute toxic and genotoxic effects of the extract were evaluated. RESULTS: In vitro, the extract impaired neutrophil chemotaxis and its ability to produce and/or release cytokines (TNFα, IL-1ß, and IL-6) and NO upon LPS stimuli (p < 0.01). LPS-treated neutrophils incubated with the extract presented increased CD62L expression (p < 0.01), indicating a reduced activation. An enhanced efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages was observed and accompanied by higher IL-10 and decreased TNFα secretion (p < 0.01). In vivo, similar results were noted, including reduction of neutrophil migration, protein exudation, and cytokine release (p < 0.01). Also, the extract increased fibroblast proliferation and promoted skin wound healing (p < 0.01). No signs of toxicity or genotoxicity were observed for the extract. CONCLUSION: S. diploconos fruit extract is anti-inflammatory by modulating neutrophil migration/activation as well macrophage-dependent efferocytosis and inflammatory mediator release. It also indicates its potential use as a healing agent. Finally, the absence of acute toxic and genotoxic effects reinforces its possible use as medicinal product.

Thalassobacillus, a genus of extreme to moderate environmental halophiles with biotechnological potential.

Thalassobacillus is a moderately halophilic genus that has been isolated from several sites worldwide, such as hypersaline lakes, saline soils, salt flats, and volcanic mud. Halophilic bacteria have provided functional stable biomolecules in harsh conditions for industrial purposes. Despite its potential biotechnological applications, Thalassobacillus has not been fully characterized yet. This review describes the Thalassobacillus genus, with the few species reported, pointing out its possible applications in enzymes (amylases, cellulases, xylanases, and others), biosurfactants, bioactive compounds, biofuels production, bioremediation, and plant growth promotion. The Thalassobacillus genus represents a little-explored biological resource but with a high potential.

Neonatal unplanned extubations: an unsolved safety issue / Extubaciones neonatales no programadas: un problema de seguridad no resuelto

Abstract Background: Unplanned extubations are safety events relatively frequent in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU). This study aimed to describe the frequency and characteristics of unplanned extubations in a NICU. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of unplanned extubations in the NICU of a tertiary regional referral hospital. We reviewed medical records for data collection and performed the statistical analysis, comparing the cases of unplanned extubations with those in which it did not occur among all the cases that received intubation and invasive neonatal mechanical ventilation. Results: A total of 958 newborns were admitted to the NICU, of which 174 required assistance with invasive mechanical ventilation (18.1%) and 28 experienced unplanned extubations (16.1%): 25 patients with one episode, one with two episodes, and two with three episodes. The rate was 2.93 unplanned extubations for every 100 days of invasive mechanical ventilation in 5 years, with a significant decrease in the last three years (p = 0.0158). We found a statistically significant correlation between a weight < 1500 g and unplanned extubation in the multivariate analysis, although sedation appears to affect its interaction. Conclusions: Unplanned extubations are a relatively frequent problem, although with a tendency to decrease in recent years. The weight of the patients at birth and sedation during ventilation are important factors in this safety problem.

Resumen Introducción: La extubación no programada es un evento de seguridad relativamente frecuente en las unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN). El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la frecuencia y las características de las extubaciones no programadas en una UCIN. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo de las extubaciones no programadas en la UCIN de un hospital regional de referencia de tercer nivel. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y se realizó el análisis estadístico de los datos, comparando los casos de extubación no programada con aquellos en los que no sucedió entre todos los pacientes que recibieron intubación y ventilación mecánica invasiva neonatal. Resultados: Ingresaron en la UCIN 958 neonatos, de los cuales 174 precisaron asistencia con ventilación mecánica invasiva (18.1%) y 28 tuvieron una extubación no programada (16.1%). De estos, 25 presentaron un episodio, uno presentó dos episodios y dos presentaron tres episodios de extubación no programada. La tasa fue de 2.93 extubaciones no programadas por cada 100 días de ventilación mecánica invasiva en 5 años, con una importante disminución en los últimos 3 años (p = 0.0158). El peso < 1500 g se relacionó con las extubaciones no programadas de forma estadísticamente significativa en el análisis multivariante, aunque la sedación aparece como un factor modificador de efecto a través de su interacción. Conclusiones: Las extubaciones no programadas son un problema relativamente frecuente, aunque con tendencia a disminuir en los últimos años. El peso de los pacientes al nacimiento y la sedación son factores importantes en este problema de seguridad.

[Effectiveness of treadmill training on the motor development of children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome]. / Eficacia de la marcha en cinta rodante sobre el desarrollo motor de niños con parálisis cerebral y síndrome de Down.

Cerebral palsy and Down syndrome are two conditions that present with a deficit in motor development. Treadmill interventions were found to improve this delay in development. This work aimed to describe and analyze the methodological quality of studies that applied treadmill interventions alone or combined with other therapies to promote gait and balance in children under 12 years of age with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. A systematic review was made in different databases: PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane and Science Direct. Only randomized clinical trials published to date were selected. The methodological quality of the identified studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Of the 324 articles initially found, 10 were selected, which met the established inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis. The variables analyzed were gait and balance in both populations after the treadmill intervention, with and without suspension of body weight. The main conclusion was that the application of a treadmill alone is an effective intervention to promote the development of gait and balance in children under 12 years with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.

La parálisis cerebral y el síndrome de Down son dos afecciones que cursan con déficit del desarrollo motor. Este retraso mejora con el uso de cinta rodante. Se realizó una revisión sistemática en diferentes bases de datos con el propósito de analizar estudios y s u calidad metodológica en relación a la aplicación del uso exclusivo de cinta rodante y su combinación con otras terapias para fomentar la marcha y equilibrio en niños menores de 12 años con parálisis cerebral y síndrome de Down. Se seleccionaron únicamente ensayos clínicos aleatorizados publicados hasta la fecha en PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane y Science Direct. La calidad metodológica de los estudios identificados se evaluó a través de la escala PEDro. De los 324 artículos inicialmente encontrados, se seleccionaron los 10 que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión establecidos para su análisis cualitativo. Las variables analizadas fueron la marcha y el equilibrio en ambas poblaciones tras la intervención con cinta rodante, con y sin suspensión del peso corporal. Concluimos que la aplicación de cinta rodante como única herramienta terapéutica resulta una intervención eficaz para favorecer el desarrollo de la marcha y el equilibrio en niños de 0 a12 años con parálisis cerebral y síndrome de Down.

Neonatal unplanned extubations: an unsolved safety issue.

BACKGROUND: Unplanned extubations are safety events relatively frequent in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU). This study aimed to describe the frequency and characteristics of unplanned extubations in a NICU. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of unplanned extubations in the NICU of a tertiary regional referral hospital. We reviewed medical records for data collection and performed the statistical analysis, comparing the cases of unplanned extubations with those in which it did not occur among all the cases that received intubation and invasive neonatal mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: A total of 958 newborns were admitted to the NICU, of which 174 required assistance with invasive mechanical ventilation (18.1%) and 28 experienced unplanned extubations (16.1%): 25 patients with one episode, one with two episodes, and two with three episodes. The rate was 2.93 unplanned extubations for every 100 days of invasive mechanical ventilation in 5 years, with a significant decrease in the last three years (p = 0.0158). We found a statistically significant correlation between a weight < 1500 g and unplanned extubation in the multivariate analysis, although sedation appears to affect its interaction. CONCLUSIONS: Unplanned extubations are a relatively frequent problem, although with a tendency to decrease in recent years. The weight of the patients at birth and sedation during ventilation are important factors in this safety problem.

Eficacia de la marcha en cinta rodante sobre el desarrollo motor de niños con parálisis cerebral y síndrome de down / Effectiveness of treadmill training on the motor development of children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome

Resumen La parálisis cerebral y el síndrome de Down son dos afecciones que cursan con déficit del desarrollo motor. Este retraso mejora con el uso de cinta rodante. Se realizó una revisión sistemática en dife rentes bases de datos con el propósito de analizar estudios y s u calidad metodológica en relación a la aplicación del uso exclusivo de cinta rodante y su combinación con otras terapias para fomentar la marcha y equilibrio en niños menores de 12 años con parálisis cerebral y síndrome de Down. Se seleccionaron únicamente ensayos clínicos aleatorizados publicados hasta la fecha en PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane y Science Direct. La calidad me todológica de los estudios identificados se evaluó a través de la escala PEDro. De los 324 artículos inicialmente encontrados, se seleccionaron los 10 que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión establecidos para su análisis cualitativo. Las variables analizadas fueron la marcha y el equilibrio en ambas poblaciones tras la intervención con cinta rodante, con y sin suspensión del peso corporal. Concluimos que la aplicación de cinta rodante como única herramienta terapéutica resulta una intervención eficaz para favorecer el desarrollo de la marcha y el equilibrio en niños de 0 a12 años con parálisis cerebral y síndrome de Down.

Abstract Cerebral palsy and Down syndrome are two conditions that present with a deficit in motor development. Treadmill interventions were found to improve this delay in development. This work aimed to describe and analyze the methodological quality of studies that applied treadmill interventions alone or combined with other therapies to promote gait and balance in children under 12 years of age with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. A systematic review was made in different databases: PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane and Science Direct. Only randomized clinical trials published to date were selected. The methodological quality of the identified studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Of the 324 articles initially found, 10 were selected, which met the established inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis. The variables analyzed were gait and bal ance in both populations after the treadmill intervention, with and without suspension of body weight. The main conclusion was that the application of a treadmill alone is an effective intervention to promote the development of gait and balance in children under 12 years with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.

Toxicological and anti-inflammatory profile of Synadenium grantii Hook. f. in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Synadenium grantii Hook. f., popularly known as "janaúba" or "leiterinha", is used in the folk medicine to treat gastric disorders, some types of neoplasias and inflammatory diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to show the anti-inflammatory activity of the methanol extract obtained from S. grantii stems and also certify the safety of the extract performing toxicological analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carrageenan-induced inflammation in the subcutaneous tissue of male Swiss mice orally pre-treated with the S. grantii extract (1, 3 or 10 mg/kg). The leukocyte influx (optical microscopy) and secretion of chemical mediators (TNF, IL-6 and IL-1ß, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) were quantified in the inflamed exudate. The toxicity was investigated using the dose-fixed procedure (acute toxicity) and repeated dose 28-day (subacute toxicity) in mice orally treated with S. grantii extract. The open field and rota-rod test were used to evaluate possible interference of adverse effect of S. grantii on motor coordination, locomotor and exploratory activity. RESULTS: The analysis of the inflammatory exudate of S. grantii-treated mice demonstrated reduction in the polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) migration to the inflamed tissue, as well as the reduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-1ß. Furthermore, the acute and sub-acute toxicity studies did not show significant changes in body weight, general behaviour, biochemical parameters, organ weight and liver and kidney histopathological analysis. However, animals acutely treated with S. grantii presented reduction in the number of crosses in relation to the vehicle group, without significant difference in the number of elevations and latency time between the groups in rota-rod test. The obtained results allow to set the NOAEL (Non-observed-adverse-effect level) in 100 mg/kg for this specie of rodent. CONCLUSIONS: Together, the results herein obtained show that S. grantii extract presented anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing the influx of PMN to the inflamed tissue, as well as the cytokines TNF and IL-1ß levels. In addition, S. grantii extract seemed not to present significant acute or subacute toxicity when administered to mice, demonstrating for the first time the safety of this extract, when orally administered.

Type-I Cryoglobulinaemia Associated to Monoclonal Gammapathy of Undetermined Significance.

Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins that undergo reversible precipitation at cold temperatures. Monoclonal type-I cryoglobulinaemia is the least frequent and is associated to hematological diseases such as multiple myeloma, Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and lymphoma. We describe the case of a 60-year-old female patient, who suffered from burning pain in her feet for ten months before her admission. The patient presented intermittent distal cyanosis that progressed to digital ischaemia. She also reported paresthesia in her hands, difficulty in writing, and a 26-kg-weight loss. At the physical examination, it was identified livedo reticularis, palpable purpura, and painful ecchymotic lesions in her calves and feet. Moreover, peripheral pulses were palpable and symmetrical. It was observed an atrophy of the right first dorsal interosseous and both extensor digitorum brevis, as well as a distal bilateral apalesthesia and allodynia. Both Achilles reflexes were absent. Laboratory tests revealed anemia, high erythrosedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Serum protein electrophoresis showed a monoclonal IgG-Kappa gammopathy. The results also evidenced the presence of Bence-Jones proteinuria. The bone marrow biopsy revealed less than 10% of plasma cells, and skin biopsy informed leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The patient was treated with high-dose intravenous steroids and cyclophosphamide. The treatment showed that the skin lesions had improved, pain disappeared and motor deficit stopped its progression.

Elderly patients with cancer admitted to intensive care unit: A multicenter study in a middle-income country.

BACKGROUND: Very elderly critically ill patients (ie, those older than 75 or 80 years) are an increasing population in intensive care units. However, patients with cancer have encompassed only a minority in epidemiological studies of very old critically-ill patients. We aimed to describe clinical characteristics and identify factors associated with hospital mortality in a cohort of patients aged 80 or older with cancer admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study in 94 ICUs in Brazil. We included patients aged 80 years or older with active cancer who had an unplanned admission. We performed a mixed effect logistic regression model to identify variables independently associated with hospital mortality. RESULTS: Of 4604 included patients, 1807 (39.2%) died in hospital. Solid metastatic (OR = 2.46; CI 95%, 2.01-3.00), hematological cancer (OR = 2.32; CI 95%, 1.75-3.09), moderate/severe performance status impairment (OR = 1.59; CI 95%, 1.33-1.90) and use of vasopressors (OR = 4.74; CI 95%, 3.88-5.79), mechanical ventilation (OR = 1.54; CI 95%, 1.25-1.89) and renal replacement (OR = 1.81; CI 95%, 1.29-2.55) therapy were independently associated with increased hospital mortality. Emergency surgical admissions were associated with lower mortality compared to medical admissions (OR = 0.71; CI 95%, 0.52-0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Hospital mortality rate in very elderly critically ill patients with cancer with unplanned ICU admissions are lower than expected a priori. Cancer characteristics, performance status impairment and acute organ dysfunctions are associated with increased mortality.

Neoaltar: An interactive multimedia day of the dead experience.

Technology has permeated many aspects of human life, from everyday events, entertainment, learning environments, festivities, even solemn ceremonies; such is the case of the century-old Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead. Altars or offerings as they are sometimes called, are a central part of this celebration; whether they are small homemade shrines or big public installations, they are a narrative medium to tell the life-story and honor the memory of a beloved or important individual. This paper presents the creation of a traditional and technologically enhanced offering dubbed Neoaltar, from the identification and classification of narrative elements found in traditional altars, the proposal of an interactive multimedia interface based on a user experience model, and the construction, installation, live demonstration and evaluation of the altar. The exhibition of the offering was done during the most important and publicly open Day of the Dead event in the Mexican city of Juárez; as part of this study a survey was created, and information gathered from 120 users is analyzed and presented. The Neoaltar strives to tell the life story of the departed by introducing a non-linear interactive multimedia narrative while keeping with tradition by using a non-invasive approach to technology inclusion.

Potential of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst and Sesuvium verrucosum Raf. as an agronomic management alternative to recover the productivity of saline soils.

Water scarcity and increasing salinity are the main limiting environmental factors directly affecting the establishment and development of agroecosystems. The objective of this study was to assess the capacity of the halophytes Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst and Sesuvium verrucosum Raf., to improve the chemical properties of a saline soil during a 240-day period in the field so as to subsequently examine their potential to associate with Zea mays in the previously desalinated surface. The treatments proposed were [T1 (reference soil sample), T2 (soil + B. monnieri), T3 (soil + S. verrucosum), and T4 (soil + B. monnieri + S. verrucosum)]. The results showed that the association of the species B monnieri and S. verrucosum has the potential to enhance the chemical characteristics of the severely saline and clayey soil, showing ECe reductions of 11.13-7.97 dS/m and pH of 7.84-7.42, as well as increase in soil porosity from 54.71% to 57.23%. It was also found that the association of these plants have a phytodesalination capacity of 1.21 t Na+ ha-1, this served to prepare the conditions for the growth of the Z. mays and generate yields of 8.5 t ha-1.

Validation of the 10-item resilience scale with Mexican college students. / Validación de la escala de resiliencia de 10 ítems en universitarios mexicanos.

BACKGROUND: Resilience is the ability to emerge strengthened in an adverse scenario. One population that suffer constant stress are doctors and medical students, which is why it is necessary to have validated instruments to assess resilience. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity and reliability parameters of the 10-item resilience scale, Connor-Davidson (CD-RISC-10), in a Mexican university sample. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 1333 first-year medical students who agreed to participate in the study was evaluated; sample selection was for convenience, with an average age of 18 years (standard deviation: 1.4 years; 17-39 years). CD-RISC-10 scale was applied to the sample. In a sub-sample, Mexican resilience scale (RESI-M) was applied to assess convergent validity; the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory were used to divergent validity. RESULTS: A factorial analysis was performed with a factor that explains 96.245 of the total variances. The internal consistency of the scale presented a Cronbach's alpha of 0.935. The test-retest was r = 0.521, p = 0.01; the correlation with the RESI-M was moderate (r = 0.61, p = 0.0001). The correlation with the Beck Anxiety Inventory was r = −0.214 (p < 0.05) and with the Beck Depression Inventory, r = −199, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 10-item Spanish version of the Connor and Davidson CD-RISC had adequate psychometric properties to estimate resilience in medical university students.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La resiliencia es la capacidad de salir fortalecido en un escenario adverso. Una población que sufre estrés constante es la de los médicos y los estudiantes de medicina, por lo que es necesario contar con instrumentos validados para evaluar la resiliencia. OBJETIVO: Evaluar los parámetros de validez y confiabilidad de la escala de resiliencia de 10 ítems Connor-Davidson (CD-RISC-10) en una muestra universitaria mexicana. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se evaluó una muestra de 1333 estudiantes de primer año de Medicina. La selección fue por conveniencia, con una media de edad de 18 años (desviación estándar: 1.4 años; rango: 17-39 años). A la muestra se le aplicó la escala CD-RISC-10. En una submuestra se aplicó escala de resiliencia mexicana (RESI-M) para evaluar la validez convergente; para la validez divergente se utilizaron el Inventario de Ansiedad de Beck y el Inventario de Depresión de Beck. RESULTADOS: Se hizo un análisis factorial con un factor que explica el 96.245 de la varianza total. La consistencia interna de la escala presentó un alfa de Cronbach de 0.935. La prueba test-retest fue de r = 0.521 (p = 0.01) y la correlación con la RESI-M fue moderada, con r = 0.61 (p = 0.0001). La correlación con el Inventario de Ansiedad de Beck fue r = -0.214 (p < 0.05) y con el Inventario de Depresión de Beck fue r = -199 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIÓN: La versión en español de la CD-RISC-10 presenta adecuadas propiedades psicométricas para estimar la resiliencia en estudiantes universitarios de medicina.