Seed Priming with Carbon Nanomaterials Improves the Bioactive Compounds of Tomato Plants under Saline Stress.

The consumption of food with a high content of bioactive compounds is correlated with the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. Tomato is a food with exceptional nutraceutical value; however, saline stress severely affects the yield, the quality of fruits, and the agricultural productivity of this crop. Recent studies have shown that seed priming can mitigate or alleviate the negative effects caused by this type of stress. However, the use of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) in this technique has not been tested for this purpose. In the present study, the effects of tomato seed priming with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene (GP) (50, 250, and 500 mg L-1) and two controls (not sonicated and sonicated) were evaluated based on the content of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves; the physicochemical parameters of the fruits; and the presence of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds, carotenoids, and stress biomarkers such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the leaves and fruits of tomato plants without saline stress and with saline stress (50 mM NaCl). The results show that saline stress in combination with CNTs and GP increased the content of chlorophylls (9.1-21.7%), ascorbic acid (19.5%), glutathione (≈13%), proteins (9.9-11.9%), and phenols (14.2%) on the leaves. The addition of CNTs and GP increased the activity of enzymes (CAT, APX, GPX, and PAL). Likewise, there was also a slight increase in the content of H2O2 (by 20.5%) and MDA (3.7%) in the leaves. Salinity affected the quality of tomato fruits. The physico-chemical parameters and bioactive compounds in both the stressed and non-stressed tomato plants were modified with the addition of CNTs and GP. Higher contents of total soluble solids (25.9%), phenols (up to 144.85%), flavonoids (up to 37.63%), ascorbic acid (≈28%), and lycopene (12.4-36.2%) were observed. The addition of carbon nanomaterials by seed priming in tomato plants subjected to saline stress modifies the content of bioactive compounds in tomato fruits and improves the antioxidant defense system, suggesting possible protection of the plant from the negative impacts of stress by salinity. However, analysis of the mechanism of action of CNMs through seed priming, in greater depth is suggested, perhaps with the use of omics sciences.

Effect of Three Nanoparticles (Se, Si and Cu) on the Bioactive Compounds of Bell Pepper Fruits under Saline Stress.

The bell pepper is a vegetable with high antioxidant content, and its consumption is important because it can reduce the risk of certain diseases in humans. Plants can be affected by different types of stress, whether biotic or abiotic. Among the abiotic factors, there is saline stress that affects the metabolism and physiology of plants, which causes damage, decreasing productivity and quality of fruits. The objective of this work was to evaluate the application of selenium, silicon and copper nanoparticles and saline stress on the bioactive compounds of bell pepper fruits. The bell pepper plants were exposed to saline stress (25 mM NaCl and 50 mM) in the nutrient solution throughout the crop cycle. The nanoparticles were applied drenching solution of these to substrate (Se NPs 10 and 50 mg L-1, Si NPs 200 and 1000 mg L-1, Cu NPs 100 and 500 mg L-1). The results show that saline stress reduces chlorophylls, lycopene, and ß-carotene in leaves; but increased the activity of some enzymes (e.g., glutathione peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and glutathione). In fruits, saline stress decreased flavonoids and glutathione. The nanoparticles increased chlorophylls, lycopene and glutathione peroxidase activity in the leaves; and ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity, and also phenols, flavonoids, glutathione, ß-carotene, yellow carotenoids in fruits. The application of nanoparticles to bell pepper plants under saline stress is efficient to increase the content of bioactive compounds in fruits.

Eriocoma valdesii, a new species from México (Poaceae, Stipeae).

Eriocoma valdesii sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The new species was found growing on calcareous rocky slopes and hillsides between 1700-2721 m in Coahuila, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas. The new species is morphologically similar to Eriocoma lobata but differs in having ligules (2-) 4.5-8.5 mm long with acute to narrowly acute and lacerate apices and florets with a sharp-pointed callus. In addition, we include a key to the species of Eriocoma in northeastern México.

ResumenSe describe e ilustra una nueva especie, Eriocoma valdesii sp. nov. La nueva especie se encontró creciendo en laderas calcáreas rocosas y laderas entre 1700­2721 m en Coahuila, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí y Tamaulipas. La nueva especie es morfológicamente similar a Eriocoma lobata, pero difiere en tener lígulas de (2­) 4.5­8.5 mm de largo con ápices y flósculos agudos a estrechamente agudos y lacerados con un callo puntiagudo. Además, incluimos una clave para las especies de Eriocoma en el noreste de México.

Coronary Artery Dilation in Children with Febrile Exanthematous Illness without Criteria for Kawasaki Disease / Dilatação das Artérias Coronárias em Crianças com Doença Exantemática Febril sem Critérios para a Doença de Kawasaki

Abstract Background: Coronary dilatation is the most important complication of Kawasaki disease (KD) and, in addition to some clinical characteristics, is common to KD and febrile exanthematous illnesses (FEIs). Objective: To assess whether children with FEI, who do not meet the criteria for KD, have changes in coronary arteries dimensions. Methods: Echocardiography was performed within the first two weeks of the disease in patients < 10 years with fever and exanthema without other KD criteria. To make a comparison with KD patients, we reviewed the echocardiograms and medical records of patients with a diagnosis of KD of the last five years. Coronary ectasia was assessed using Z scores of coronary arteries. The means of the dimensions of the coronary arteries were compared with a z test and a level of significance of 0.05 was adopted. Results: A total of 34 patients were included, 22 (64.7%) with FEI, and 12(35.2%) with a diagnosis of KD. Using the Z scores of coronary artery, a dilation of any of the coronary artery branches was observed in six (27.2%) patients with FEI. Conclusions: An important percentage of patients with FEI has coronary artery dilation.

Resumo Fundamento: A dilatação das artérias coronárias é a principal complicação da Doença de Kawasaki (DK) e, além de algumas características clínicas, é comum à DK e a doenças exantemáticas febris (DEFs). Objetivo: Avaliar se crianças com DEF e que não têm critério para DK apresentam alterações nas dimensões das artérias coronárias. Métodos: Foi realizada ecocardiografia nas primeiras duas semanas da doença em crianças com idade inferior a 10 anos, que apresentaram febre e exantema e nenhum outro critério de DK. Para comparar com pacientes com DK, fizemos a revisão de ecocardiogramas e prontuários médicos de pacientes com diagnóstico de DK dos últimos cinco anos. Ectasia coronária foi avaliada usando escore Z das artérias coronárias. As médias das dimensões das artérias coronárias foram comparadas pelo teste z, e um nível de significância de 0,05 foi adotado. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 34 pacientes, 22 (64,7%) com diagnóstico de DEF e 12 (35,2%) com diagnóstico de DK. Usando o escore Z das artérias coronárias, observou-se dilatação em algum dos ramos da artéria coronária em seis (27,2%) pacientes com DEF. Conclusão: Uma porcentagem importante dos pacientes com DEFs apresenta dilatação das artérias coronárias.

Impact of Selenium and Copper Nanoparticles on Yield, Antioxidant System, and Fruit Quality of Tomato Plants.

The effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on plants are contrasting; these depend on the model plant, the synthesis of the nanoparticles (concentration, size, shape), and the forms of application (foliar, substrate, seeds). For this reason, the objective of this study was to report the impact of different concentrations of selenium (Se) and copper (Cu) NPs on yield, antioxidant capacity, and quality of tomato fruit. The different concentrations of Se and Cu NPs were applied to the substrate every 15 days (five applications). The yield was determined until day 102 after the transplant. Non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant compounds were determined in the leaves and fruits as well as the fruit quality at harvest. The results indicate that tomato yield was increased by up to 21% with 10 mg L-1 of Se NPs. In leaves, Se and Cu NPs increased the content of chlorophyll, vitamin C, glutathione, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and phenylalanine ammonia liasa (PAL). In fruits, they increased vitamin C, glutathione, flavonoids, firmness, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity. The combination of Se and Cu NPs at optimal concentrations could be a good alternative to improve tomato yield and quality, but more studies are needed to elucidate their effects more clearly.

Coronary Artery Dilation in Children with Febrile Exanthematous Illness without Criteria for Kawasaki Disease.

BACKGROUND: Coronary dilatation is the most important complication of Kawasaki disease (KD) and, in addition to some clinical characteristics, is common to KD and febrile exanthematous illnesses (FEIs). OBJECTIVE: To assess whether children with FEI, who do not meet the criteria for KD, have changes in coronary arteries dimensions. METHODS: Echocardiography was performed within the first two weeks of the disease in patients < 10 years with fever and exanthema without other KD criteria. To make a comparison with KD patients, we reviewed the echocardiograms and medical records of patients with a diagnosis of KD of the last five years. Coronary ectasia was assessed using Z scores of coronary arteries. The means of the dimensions of the coronary arteries were compared with a z test and a level of significance of 0.05 was adopted. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were included, 22 (64.7%) with FEI, and 12(35.2%) with a diagnosis of KD. Using the Z scores of coronary artery, a dilation of any of the coronary artery branches was observed in six (27.2%) patients with FEI. CONCLUSIONS: An important percentage of patients with FEI has coronary artery dilation.

Se Nanoparticles Induce Changes in the Growth, Antioxidant Responses, and Fruit Quality of Tomato Developed under NaCl Stress.

Nanotechnology represents an opportunity to improve the use of elements in agriculture. Selenium is an element that is beneficial to plants and essential to the human diet. The size of nanoparticles gives them characteristics that can enhance the benefits that selenium provides to plants. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of selenium nanoparticles on the growth, antioxidant responses, and fruit quality of tomato developed under NaCl stress. Four doses of selenium nanoparticles (1, 5, 10, and 20 mg L-1) under NaCl stress, only NaCl, and a control were evaluated. The results showed that the impact of salinity on the growth of the tomato crop can be reduced with the application of selenium nanoparticles. However, the amount of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic compounds significantly increased in the leaves and fruits of tomato. The results suggest that the application of selenium nanoparticles generated a positive effect against salinity in the tomato crop; moreover, it had a positive impact on the content of beneficial biocompounds for human health in tomato fruits.

A key to the North American genera of Stipeae (Poaceae, Pooideae) with descriptions and taxonomic names for species of Eriocoma, Neotrinia, Oloptum, and five new genera: Barkworthia, ×Eriosella, Pseudoeriocoma, Ptilagrostiella, and Thorneochloa.

Based on earlier molecular DNA studies we recognize 14 native Stipeae genera and one intergeneric hybrid in North America. We provide descriptions, new combinations, and 10 illustrations for species of Barkworthia gen. nov., Eriocoma, Neotrinia, Oloptum, Pseudoeriocoma gen. nov., Ptilagrostiella gen. nov., Thorneochloa gen. nov., and ×Eriosella nothogen. nov. The following 40 new combinations are made: Barkworthiastillmanii, Eriocomaalta, E.arida, E.arnowiae, E.bloomeri, E.bracteata, E.contracta, E.coronata, E.curvifolia, E.hendersonii, E.latiglumis, E.lemmonii, E.lemmoniissp.pubescens, E.lettermanii, E.lobata, E.nelsonii, E.nelsoniissp.dorei, E.nevadensis, E.occidentalis, E.occidentalisssp.californica, E.occidentalisssp.pubescens, E.parishii, E.parishiissp.depaupertata, E.perplexa, E.pinetorum, E.richardsonii, E.robusta, E.scribneri, E.swallenii, E.thurberiana, E.wallowaensis, ×Eriosellacaduca, Pseudoeriocomaacuta, P.constricta, P.editorum, P.eminens, P.hirticulmis, P.multinodis, Ptilagrostiellakingii, and Thorneochloadiegoensis. A key to the native and introduced genera of North American Stipeae, and an overview of the tribe in North America and worldwide are given. Lectotypes are designated for Eriocomacuspidata Nutt., Fendleriarhynchelytroides Steud., Stipabloomeri Bol., Stipacoronata Thurb., Stipamembranacea Pursh, Stipamormonum Mez, Stiparichardsonii Link, and Stipawilliamsii Scribn. Achnatherum s.s. and Piptatherum s.s. are now restricted to Eurasia and the Mediterranean/Asia, respectively.

ResumenBasados en estudios anteriores de ADN molecular, reconocemos 14 géneros nativos de Stipeae y un híbrido intergenérico en América del Norte. Se presentan descripciones, nuevas combinaciones, y 10 ilustraciones para las especies de Barkworthia gen. nov., Eriocoma, Neotrinia, Oloptum, Pseudoeriocoma gen. nov., Ptilagrostiella gen. nov., Thorneochloa gen. nov. y ×Eriosella nothogen. nov. Se realizan las siguientes 40 nuevas combinaciones: Barkworthiastillmanii, Eriocomaalta, E.arida, E.arnowiae, E.bloomeri, E.bracteata, E.contracta, E.coronata, E.curvifolia, E.hendersonii, E.latiglumis, E.lemmonii, E.lemmoniissp.pubescens, E.lettermanii, E.lobata, E.nelsonii, E.nelsoniissp.dorei, E.nevadensis, E.occidentalis, E.occidentalisssp.californica, E.occidentalisssp.pubescens, E.parishii, E.parishiissp.depaupertata, E.perplexa, E.pinetorum, E.richardsonii, E.robusta, E.scribneri, E.swallenii, E.thurberiana, E.wallowaensis, ×Eriosellacaduca, Pseudoeriocomaacuta, P.constricta, P.editorum, P.eminens, P.hirticulmis, P.multinodis, Ptilagrostiellakingii y Thorneochloadiegoensis. Se presenta una clave para los géneros nativos e introducidos de las especies norteamericanas, y una visión general de la tribu en América del Norte y en todo el mundo. Se designan lectotipos para Eriocomacuspidata Nutt., Fendleriarhynchelytroides Steud., Stipabloomeri Bol., Stipacoronata Thurb., Stipamembranacea Pursh, Stipamormonum Mez, Stiparichardsonii Link y Stipawilliamsii Scribn. Achnatherum s.s. y Piptatherum s.s. ahora están con distribución restringida- a Eurasia y el Mediterráneo/Asia, respectivamente.

Detection of vaccine-derived polioviruses in Mexico using environmental surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Early detection and control of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) emergences are essential to secure the gains of polio eradication. METHODS: Serial sewage samples were collected in 4 towns of Mexico before, throughout, and after the May 2010 oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) mass immunization campaign. Isolation and molecular analysis of polioviruses from sewage specimens monitored the duration of vaccine-related strains in the environment and emergence of vaccine-derived polioviruses in a population partially immunized with inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). RESULTS: Sabin strains were identified up to 5-8 weeks after the campaign in all towns; in Aguascalientes, 1 Sabin 3 was isolated 16 weeks after the campaign, following 7 weeks with no Sabin strains detected. In Tuxtla Gutiérrez, type 2 VDPV was isolated from 4 samples collected before and during the campaign, and type 1 VDPV from 1 sample collected 19 weeks afterward. During 2009-2010, coverage in 4 OPV campaigns conducted averaged only 57% and surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) was suboptimal (AFP rate<1 per 100,000 population<15 years of age) in Tuxtla Gutierrez. CONCLUSIONS: VDPVs may emerge and spread in settings with inadequate coverage with IPV/OPV vaccination. Environmental surveillance can facilitate early detection in these settings.

Fístula cervical postesofagectomía: diagnóstico y tratamiento / Cervical anastomotic leak after esophagectomy: Diagnosis and management

Introducción Los tumores del estroma gastrointestinal (GIST) representan el 2% de los tumores digestivos. La cirugía constituye el único método curativo en los casos localizados. El abordaje laparoscópico se ha extendido en los últimos años. Presentamos nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de los GIST. Material y métodos Entre 1997 y 2010 se ha intervenido con intención curativa a 40 pacientes de un total de 45 diagnosticados de GIST. Recogimos prospectivamente datos referentes a: características demográficas, localización y biología tumoral, diagnóstico, tipo de cirugía y resultados de la misma. Resultados Se trataba de 24 varones y 16 mujeres con una edad media de 66,7 años. La localización fue gástrica en 24 casos (60%), en el intestino delgado 13 (32,5%), en el colon 2 (5%) y en el esófago 1 (2,5%). Fueron intervenidos por laparotomía 27 casos, 12 mediante laparoscopia (1 toracoscopia) y 1 resección endoscópica en tumor de sigma. Tras una mediana de seguimiento de 31 meses (2-120) han recidivado 4 casos (10%) todos tras laparotomía. Dos pacientes del grupo de laparotomía han fallecido por la neoplasia. Tras el estudio univariante los factores pronósticos para la RL fueron: tamaño tumoral (p=0,0001), número de mitosis (p=0,001), tratarse de un tumor localmente avanzado (p=0,01) y la rotura tumoral (p=0,002). Tras el estudio multivariante solo permanece el tamaño (p=0,029; RR 1,363; IC 95% 1,033-1,799). Para la supervivencia, tras el estudio univariante, se muestra significativa la presencia de tumor localmente avanzado, mientras que ningún factor se muestra significativo tras el estudio multivariante (AU)

Introduction Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) make up 2% of gastrointestinal tumours. Surgery is the only treatment method in localised cases. The laparoscopic approach has increased over the last few years. We present our experience in the treatment of GIST. Material and methods A total of 40 patients with 45 GIST had been subjected to surgical treatment between 1997 and 2010. Data was retrospectively collected on, demographic characteristics, location and tumour biology, diagnosis, type of surgery and the results of that surgery. Results A total of 24 males and 16 women, with a mean age of 66.7 years, were treated. The location was gastric in 24 cases (60%), small intestine in 13 (32.5%), colon in 2 (5%) and oesophagus in 1 case (2.5%). Laparotomy was performed in 27 cases, 12 by laparoscopy (1 thoracoscopy), and 1 endoscopic sigmoid tumour resection. Four cases (10%), all after laparotomy, had recurred after a median follow-up of 31 months (2-120), and 2 patients of the laparotomy group died due to their cancer. After a univariate analysis, the prognostic factors for a laparoscopic recurrence were: tumour size (P=.0001), mitosis number (P=.001), being a locally advanced tumour (P=.01) and a ruptured tumour (P=.002). Only size remained as a prognostic factor after the multivariate analysis (P=.029; RR 1.363; 95% CI; 1.033-1.799). The presence of a locally advanced tumour was shown to be significant in the univariate analysis, while there were no significant factors after the multivariate analysis (AU)

[Cervical anastomotic leak after esophagectomy: diagnosis and management]. / Fístula cervical postesofagectomía: diagnóstico y tratamiento.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy are still a frequent and severe complication that needs an early diagnosis and an appropriate treatment. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with the management of this complication. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study (2003-2011) of a consecutive series of 77 patients with a cervical esophagogastric anastomosis, 18 of them (23.3%) presenting a leak. Fistulae were classified into 4 groups depending on clinical presentation, radiology (esophagogram or CT), surgical findings (in case of re-operation) and, since 2010, endoscopic examination. Type I leaks were an asymptomatic or radiographic leak, type II had local signs limited to the neck, type III was associated with respiratory symptoms due to a pleural or mediastinal collection, and type IV with a systemic disorder secondary to gastric necrosis. RESULTS: Four patients (22.2%) were classified as type I, 8 (44.4%) as type II, 3 (16.6%) as type III, and 3 (16.6%) as type IV. Eight patients were managed conservatively; in 9 a self-expanding stent was used, 5 required a thoracotomy, and one of them (type IV) died. Leaks were related to a higher associated morbidity (61 versus 30%; P=.019) and a longer hospital stay (median of 28.5 vs 14 days; P=.009). CONCLUSIONS: Almost one quarter of cervical esophagogastric anastomoses present some kind of anastomotic leak. Although most of them can be treated conservatively or by endoscopy, they are associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality.

Events temporarily associated with anti-influenza A (H1N1) vaccination in Mexico.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In Mexico from December 2009 to June 2010, 45,490,501 doses of the vaccine against the influenza virus were administered; 27,048,330 of those corresponded to influenza A (H1N1) and 18,442,171 to seasonal influenza. Therefore, the assessment of events temporarily associated with vaccination (ETAV) is mandatory. METHODS: The database corresponding to the ETAV associated with influenza (A [H1N1] and seasonal) immunization reported between December 2009 and June 2010 was analyzed. Patients who displayed at least one ETAV with one of the following schedules were included: A) influenza A (H1N1) vaccine, B) seasonal influenza vaccine, C) influenza A (H1N1) vaccine and seasonal influenza vaccine. RESULTS: A total of 597 ETAVs were reported. The 20- to 49-year-old age group was the most affected one (52.9%). The ETAV notification rate for influenza A (H1N1) vaccination was 1.41/100,000 applied doses vs. 0.74/100,000 applied doses corresponding to the seasonal influenza vaccination. Fifty seven events were considered serious (14 corresponded to Guillain-Barré syndrome) and these were considered coincidental unrelated events. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence of an increased rate of Guillain-Barré Syndrome with respect to the cases expected in the general population.