A Library of Elastin-like Proteins with Tunable Matrix Ligands for In Vitro 3D Neural Cell Culture.

Hydrogels with encapsulated cells have widespread biomedical applications, both as tissue-mimetic 3D cultures in vitro and as tissue-engineered therapies in vivo. Within these hydrogels, the presentation of cell-instructive extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived ligands and matrix stiffness are critical factors known to influence numerous cell behaviors. While individual ECM biopolymers can be blended together to alter the presentation of cell-instructive ligands, this typically results in hydrogels with a range of mechanical properties. Synthetic systems that allow for the facile incorporation and modulation of multiple ligands without modification of matrix mechanics are highly desirable. In the present work, we leverage protein engineering to design a family of xeno-free hydrogels (i.e., devoid of animal-derived components) consisting of recombinant hyaluronan and recombinant elastin-like proteins (ELPs), cross-linked together with dynamic covalent bonds. The ELP components incorporate cell-instructive peptide ligands derived from ECM proteins, including fibronectin (RGD), laminin (IKVAV and YIGSR), collagen (DGEA), and tenascin-C (PLAEIDGIELTY and VFDNFVL). By carefully designing the protein primary sequence, we form 3D hydrogels with defined and tunable concentrations of cell-instructive ligands that have similar matrix mechanics. Utilizing this system, we demonstrate that neurite outgrowth from encapsulated embryonic dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cultures is significantly modified by cell-instructive ligand content. Thus, this library of protein-engineered hydrogels is a cell-compatible system to systematically study cell responses to matrix-derived ligands.

Cell Microencapsulation Within Engineered Hyaluronan Elastin-Like Protein (HELP) Hydrogels.

Three-dimensional cell encapsulation has rendered itself a staple in the tissue engineering field. Using recombinantly engineered, biopolymer-based hydrogels to encapsulate cells is especially promising due to the enhanced control and tunability it affords. Here, we describe in detail the synthesis of our hyaluronan (i.e., hyaluronic acid) and elastin-like protein (HELP) hydrogel system. In addition to validating the efficacy of our synthetic process, we also demonstrate the modularity of the HELP system. Finally, we show that cells can be encapsulated within HELP gels over a range of stiffnesses, exhibit strong viability, and respond to stiffness cues. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Elastin-like protein modification with hydrazine Basic Protocol 2: Nuclear magnetic resonance quantification of elastin-like protein modification with hydrazine Basic Protocol 3: Hyaluronic acid-benzaldehyde synthesis Basic Protocol 4: Nuclear magnetic resonance quantification of hyaluronic acid-benzaldehyde Basic Protocol 5: 3D cell encapsulation in hyaluronan elastin-like protein gels.

Design Parameters for Injectable Biopolymeric Hydrogels with Dynamic Covalent Chemistry Crosslinks.

Dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) crosslinks can form hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties permissive to injectability and self-healing. However, not all hydrogels with transient crosslinks are easily extrudable. For this reason, two additional design parameters must be considered when formulating DCC-crosslinked hydrogels: 1) degree of functionalization (DoF) and 2) polymer molecular weight (MW). To investigate these parameters, hydrogels comprised of two recombinant biopolymers: 1) a hyaluronic acid (HA) modified with benzaldehyde and 2) an elastin-like protein (ELP) modified with hydrazine (ELP-HYD), are formulated. Several hydrogel families are synthesized with distinct HA MW and DoF while keeping the ELP-HYD component constant. The resulting hydrogels have a range of stiffnesses, G' ≈ 10-1000 Pa, and extrudability, which is attributed to the combined effects of DCC crosslinks and polymer entanglements. In general, lower MW formulations require lower forces for injectability, regardless of stiffness. Higher DoF formulations exhibit more rapid self-healing. Gel extrusion through a cannula (2 m length, 0.25 mm diameter) demonstrates the potential for minimally invasive delivery for future biomedical applications. In summary, this work highlights additional parameters that influence the injectability and network formation of DCC-crosslinked hydrogels and aims to guide future design of injectable hydrogels.

Hard to Swallow: A Review of Interventions to Improve Swallowing Solid Medication.

Solid oral medications are preferred over intravenous or liquid formulations; however, difficulty swallowing solid medication remains a common barrier to adherence. Previous reviews have demonstrated limited evidence on interventions to improve solid medication swallowing abilities. PubMed, Medline (OVID), CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for interventions to improve the pediatric population's ability to swallow solid medications. We included studies in English published after the latest review, from January 2014 through April 2022, with pediatric patients not having comorbid conditions affecting swallowing ability. The authors independently reviewed each study's sampling strategy, study design, and the strength of outcome measures and assigned a numerical rating representing "poor," "fair," or "good" for each category. Individual ratings were averaged per category and a final quality rating score given based on the average of all 3 categories. Our search identified 581 unique records; 10 were included in the final review. Interventions varied and included behavioral therapies and novel products or medication formulations. Three received a "good" quality rating, 5 were "fair," and 2 were "poor." All studies showed their intervention(s) to be successful in improving a child's ability to swallow solid oral medications. Despite the availability of several different effective interventions, pediatric providers do not routinely address patients' difficulty with swallowing solid oral medications. Patients would benefit from implementation of a universal screening process followed by a guideline for appropriate patient-centered interventions; the opportunity exists to use this process as a national quality benchmark reflecting institutional commitment to high-value care.

The Impact of Non-English Language Preference on Pediatric Hospital Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the relationship between non-English language preference (NELP) and hospital outcomes including length of stay (LOS), time of discharge, emergency department return visits, readmissions, and cost for pediatric general medicine inpatients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis at an urban, quaternary care, free-standing children's hospital. Patients ages 0 to 18 admitted to any general medicine service between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019 were included. Patients were divided into 3 language preference categories: English, Spanish, and non-Spanish NELP. Single and multifactor regression analysis was used to model differences in outcome measures by language preference adjusted for technology dependence. RESULTS: A total of 4820 patients met criteria. In adjusted models, the average LOS for English-speaking patients was 126 hours; LOS for patients who preferred Spanish was not significantly different, whereas LOS for patients with non-Spanish NELP was 50% longer (P < .001). English-speaking patients were discharged earliest in the day (mean 3:08 pm), with patients who preferred Spanish discharged 0.5 hours later and patients with non-Spanish NELP discharged 1.1 hours later than English-speaking patients (P < .001). Patients with NELP were found to be technology-dependent more frequently (P < .001) than the English preference group. Emergency department return visits, readmissions, and cost were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: NELP was associated with longer length of stay and discharges later in the day. The most pronounced differences occurred in patients with non-Spanish NELP who also had more frequent technology dependence and more limited access to interpreters.

Household ovicidal alternative for complementary control of Aedes aegypti in the Gran San Miguel de Tucuman agglomerate, Tucumán, Argentina.

Aedes aegypti is closely related to human behavior that allows its establishment through the accumulation of urban solid waste where it lays resistant eggs. Generally, adulticides and larvicides are applied in excess, without ovicidal alternatives, and some household products can help reduce the abundance of quiescent eggs in breeding sites by affecting the viability of eggs. A community involved in prevention and control is one of the most effective strategies for adequate vector management. In this investigation, new alternative strategies for the control of Ae. aegypti are assessed, valuing in laboratory the eggs' response to diverse household products. Susceptibility to different doses of bleach, oil, salt, sodium bicarbonate, vinegar, coffee, garlic, peroxide, and alcohol was measured, as well as its duration over time. New home products were found as alternative ovicidal method. Bleach and sunflower oil had an ovicidal effect at their maximum doses and at almost all of the evaluation times. In contrast, vinegar and coffee had no ovicidal effect at any time, turning out to be stimulators of hatching in the laboratory. These alternative and complementary applications could optimize the surveillance and control of Ae. aegypti in the area, allowing new approaches to reduce populations by eliminating eggs on human microhabitats.

Participación social en las políticas de prevención de Aedes Aegypti / Social participation in Aedes Aegypti prevention policies

Las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores, principalmente las trasmitidas por el Aedes aegypti, suponen una gran amenaza para la salud de las sociedades en todo el mundo. Uno de los pilares para el éxito de los programas de prevención de las Enfermedades Transmitidas por Aedes aegypti es la participación comunitaria o participación social en salud. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los programas deja de lado la revisión sobre las formas de participación desplegada por los actores de la sociedad civil, se centran en la aplicación ideológica/técnica del concepto. El trabajo de investigación tuvo por objetivo indagar sobre el sentido y significado de la participación comunitaria en salud de los diferentes de actores sociales en el Municipio de Tafí Viejo. Se trató de un estudio cualitativo con enfoque etnográfico, cuyos instrumentos de recolección de datos fueron entrevistas de final abierto, observación participante y notas de campo, con los datos obtenidos construyó una matriz de análisis, en la cual se registraron las voces de los actores, donde luego se trabajó en una categorización y subcategorización resumen del estudio. Resultados Con la investigación se pudieron describir aspectos vinculados al control vectorial, el del estado y la participación social en salud. Las nociones de las medidas preventivas para el Aedes aegypti no se encuentran del todo claras. El AA no es un problema, hasta que aparece el Dengue. La comunidad ha transferido la responsabilidad del control del vector al sector salud, mientras que los profesionales identifican la necesidad de movilizar a la comunidad para planear acciones conjuntas. Conclusiones El desafío en el municipio está en el diseño de estrategias para incluir a la comunidad, donde se parta de la exploración previa de sus determinantes, identificando las necesidades que percibe la población y elaborando programas locales, con impronta local.

The protein family TcTASV-C is a novel Trypanosoma cruzi virulence factor secreted in extracellular vesicles by trypomastigotes and highly expressed in bloodstream forms.

TcTASV-C is a protein family of about 15 members that is expressed only in the trypomastigote stage of Trypanosoma cruzi. We have previously shown that TcTASV-C is located at the parasite surface and secreted to the medium. Here we report that the expression of different TcTASV-C genes occurs simultaneously at the trypomastigote stage and while some secreted and parasite-associated products are found in both fractions, others are different. Secreted TcTASV-C are mainly shedded through trypomastigote extracellular vesicles, of which they are an abundant constituent, despite its scarce expression on culture-derived trypomastigotes. In contrast, TcTASV-C is highly expressed in bloodstream trypomastigotes; its upregulation in bloodstream parasites was observed in different T. cruzi strains and was specific for TcTASV-C, suggesting that some host-molecules trigger TcTASV-C expression. TcTASV-C is also strongly secreted by bloodstream parasites. A DNA prime-protein boost immunization scheme with TcTASV-C was only partially effective to control the infection in mice challenged with a highly virulent T. cruzi strain. Vaccination triggered a strong humoral response that delayed the appearance of bloodstream trypomastigotes at the early phase of the infection. Linear epitopes recognized by vaccinated mice were mapped within the TcTASV-C family motif, suggesting that blockade of secreted TcTASV-C impacts on the settlement of infection. Furthermore, although experimental and naturally T. cruzi-infected hosts did not react with antigens from extracellular vesicles, vaccinated and challenged mice recognized not only TcTASV-C but also other vesicle-antigens. We hypothesize that TcTASV-C is involved in the establishment of the initial T. cruzi infection in the mammalian host. Altogether, these results point towards TcTASV-C as a novel secreted virulence factor of T. cruzi trypomastigotes.

Early-onset pediatric atopic dermatitis is characterized by TH2/TH17/TH22-centered inflammation and lipid alterations.

BACKGROUND: Although atopic dermatitis (AD) often starts in early childhood, detailed tissue profiling of early-onset AD in children is lacking, hindering therapeutic development for this patient population with a particularly high unmet need for better treatments. OBJECTIVE: We sought to globally profile the skin of infants with AD compared with that of adults with AD and healthy control subjects. METHODS: We performed microarray, RT-PCR, and fluorescence microscopy studies in infants and young children (<5 years old) with early-onset AD (<6 months disease duration) compared with age-matched control subjects and adults with longstanding AD. RESULTS: Transcriptomic analyses revealed profound differences between pediatric patients with early-onset versus adult patients with longstanding AD in not only lesional but also nonlesional tissues. Although both patient populations harbored TH2-centered inflammation, pediatric AD also showed significant TH17/TH22 skewing but lacked the TH1 upregulation that characterizes adult AD. Pediatric AD exhibited relatively normal expression of epidermal differentiation and cornification products, which is downregulated in adults with AD. Defects in the lipid barrier (eg, ELOVL fatty acid elongase 3 [ELOVL3] and diacylglycerol o-acyltransferase 2 [DGAT2]) and tight junction regulation (eg, claudins 8 and 23) were evident in both groups. However, some lipid-associated mediators (eg, fatty acyl-CoA reductase 2 and fatty acid 2-hydroxylase) showed preferential downregulation in pediatric AD, and lipid barrier genes (FA2H and DGAT2) showed inverse correlations with transepidermal water loss, a functional measure of the epidermal barrier. CONCLUSIONS: Skin samples from children and adult patients with AD share lipid metabolism and tight junction alterations, but epidermal differentiation complex defects are only present in adult AD, potentially resulting from chronic immune aberration that is not yet present in early-onset disease.

Citizens' perceptions of the presence and health risks of synthetic chemicals in food: results of an online survey in Spain / Percepciones de la ciudadanía sobre la presencia y los riesgos para la salud de compuestos químicos sintéticos en los alimentos: resultados de un estudio en línea en España

Objective: To explore factors influencing perceptions and viewpoints on the responsibility for the presence of toxic substances in food, on enforcement of laws and regulations that control human exposure to toxic substances in food, and on the effectiveness of such regulations. Methods: An online survey was completed by 740 individuals from several parts of Spain (median age, 47 years; 67% were women; 70% had completed university studies). Results: Over 87% of respondents said that it was possible that throughout their lives they could have accumulated in their body toxic substances potentially dangerous to their health. The attribution of the responsibility for toxic substances in food to a larger number of social groups was more frequent among respondents who consulted information about the problem more often (odds ratio [OR]: 1.92), who correctly identified factors that increase the likelihood of toxic substances in food being harmful to human health (OR: 2.86), who better knew the health problems that may be caused by such substances (OR: 2.48), and who recognised more food groups that tend to have concentrations of toxic substances potentially harmful to health (OR: 2.92) (all p values <0.001). Women were 65% less likely than men to answer that regulations on toxic substances in food are effective (p<0.001); and so were participants who identified more food groups with potentially toxic concentrations. Conclusions: Among study participants there was a widespread scepticism and distrust towards the enforcement and effectiveness of laws and regulations that in Spain aim to control human exposure to toxic substances in food (AU)

Objetivo: Explorar factores que influyen en las percepciones y puntos de vista de los ciudadanos sobre la responsabilidad de la presencia de sustancias tóxicas en los alimentos, sobre la aplicación de las leyes que en España controlan la exposición humana a dichas sustancias y sobre la efectividad de tales leyes. Método: 740 personas de varias partes de España (mediana de edad, 47 años; 67% mujeres; 70% con estudios universitarios) completaron una encuesta en línea. Resultados: Más del 87% de las personas encuestadas consideraron que era posible que a lo largo de su vida hubiesen acumulado en su cuerpo sustancias tóxicas potencialmente peligrosas para su salud. Atribuir la responsabilidad sobre la presencia de sustancias tóxicas en los alimentos a un mayor número de grupos sociales fue más frecuente entre quienes declararon consultar con más frecuencia información sobre el problema (odds ratio [OR]: 1,92), quienes identificaron correctamente factores que aumentan la probabilidad de que las sustancias tóxicas en los alimentos sean perjudiciales para la salud humana (OR: 2,86), quienes conocían mejor los problemas de salud que pueden ser causados por dichas sustancias (OR: 2,48) y quienes señalaron más grupos de alimentos que tienden a tener concentraciones de tóxicos que pueden ser perjudiciales para la salud (OR: 2,92) (todos los valores de p <0,001). Las mujeres fueron un 65% menos propensas que los hombres a responder que las regulaciones legales sobre sustancias tóxicas en los alimentos son efectivas (p <0,001), y también lo fueron las personas que identificaron más grupos de alimentos con concentraciones potencialmente tóxicas. Conclusiones: Entre los/las participantes en el estudio hubo un amplio escepticismo y desconfianza respecto a la aplicación y la efectividad de la legislación que en España aspira a controlar la exposición humana a sustancias tóxicas en los alimentos (AU)

Citizens' perceptions of the presence and health risks of synthetic chemicals in food: results of an online survey in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To explore factors influencing perceptions and viewpoints on the responsibility for the presence of toxic substances in food, on enforcement of laws and regulations that control human exposure to toxic substances in food, and on the effectiveness of such regulations. METHODS: An online survey was completed by 740 individuals from several parts of Spain (median age, 47 years; 67% were women; 70% had completed university studies). RESULTS: Over 87% of respondents said that it was possible that throughout their lives they could have accumulated in their body toxic substances potentially dangerous to their health. The attribution of the responsibility for toxic substances in food to a larger number of social groups was more frequent among respondents who consulted information about the problem more often (odds ratio [OR]: 1.92), who correctly identified factors that increase the likelihood of toxic substances in food being harmful to human health (OR: 2.86), who better knew the health problems that may be caused by such substances (OR: 2.48), and who recognised more food groups that tend to have concentrations of toxic substances potentially harmful to health (OR: 2.92) (all p values <0.001). Women were 65% less likely than men to answer that regulations on toxic substances in food are effective (p<0.001); and so were participants who identified more food groups with potentially toxic concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Among study participants there was a widespread scepticism and distrust towards the enforcement and effectiveness of laws and regulations that in Spain aim to control human exposure to toxic substances in food.

Early-onset pediatric atopic dermatitis is TH2 but also TH17 polarized in skin.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects 15% to 25% of children and 4% to 7% of adults. Paradigm-shifting discoveries about AD have been based on adult biomarkers, reflecting decades of disease activity, although 85% of cases begin by 5 years. Blood phenotyping shows only TH2 skewing in patients with early-onset pediatric AD, but alterations in early pediatric skin lesions are unknown, limiting advancement of targeted therapies. OBJECTIVE: We sought to characterize the early pediatric AD skin phenotype and its differences from pediatric control subjects and adults with AD. METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR, we assessed biopsy specimens from 19 children with AD younger than 5 years within 6 months of disease onset in comparison with adults with AD or psoriasis and pediatric and adult control subjects. RESULTS: In lesional skin children showed comparable or greater epidermal hyperplasia (thickness and keratin 16) and cellular infiltration (CD3+, CD11c+, and FcεRI+) than adults with AD. Similar to adults, strong activation of the TH2 (IL-13, IL-31, and CCL17) and TH22 (IL-22 and S100As) axes and some TH1 skewing (IFN-γ and CXCL10) were present. Children showed significantly higher induction of TH17-related cytokines and antimicrobials (IL-17A, IL-19, CCL20, LL37, and peptidase inhibitor 3/elafin), TH9/IL-9, IL-33, and innate markers (IL-8) than adults (P < .02). Despite the characteristic downregulation in adult patients with AD, filaggrin expression was similar in children with AD and healthy children. Nonlesional skin in pediatric patients with AD showed higher levels of inflammation (particularly IL-17A and the related molecules IL-19 and LL37) and epidermal proliferation (keratin 16 and S100As) markers (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The skin phenotype of new-onset pediatric AD is substantially different from that of adult AD. Although excess TH2 activation characterizes both, TH9 and TH17 are highly activated at disease initiation. Increases in IL-19 levels might link TH2 and TH17 activation.

Long-term renal and neurologic outcomes among survivors of diethylene glycol poisoning.

IMPORTANCE: At least 13 medication-associated diethylene glycol (DEG) mass poisonings have occurred since 1937. To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study characterizing long-term health outcomes among survivors beyond the acute poisoning period. OBJECTIVE: To characterize renal and neurologic outcomes among survivors of a 2006 DEG mass-poisoning event in Panama for 2 years after exposure. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective longitudinal study used descriptive statistics and mixed-effects repeated-measures analysis to evaluate DEG-poisoned survivors at 4 consecutive 6-month intervals (0, 6, 12, and 18 months). Case patients included outbreak survivors with a history of (1) ingestion of DEG-contaminated medication, (2) hospitalization for DEG poisoning, and (3) an unexplained serum creatinine level of 1.5 mg/dL or higher (to convert to micromoles per liter, multiply by 88.4) during acute illness or unexplained exacerbation of preexisting end-stage renal disease. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Demographics, mortality, dialysis dependence, renal function, neurologic signs and symptoms, and nerve conduction studies. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients enrolled, 5 (15.6%) died and 1 was lost to follow-up, leaving 26 patients at 18 months. Three (9.4%) missed 1 or more evaluations. The median age was 62 years (range, 15-88 years), and 59.4% were female. Three (9.4%) patients had preexisting renal failure. Enrollment evaluations occurred at a median of 108 days (range, 65-154 days) after acute illness. The median serum creatinine level for the 22 patients who were not dialysis dependent at time 0 was 5.9 mg/dL (range, 1.8-17.1 mg/dL) during acute illness and 1.8 mg/dL (range, 0.9-5.9 mg/dL) at time 0. Among non-dialysis-dependent patients, there were no significant differences in the log of serum creatinine or estimated glomerular filtration rate over time. The number of patients with subjective generalized weakness declined significantly over time (P < .001). A similar finding was observed for any sensory loss (P = .05). The most common deficits at enrollment were bilateral lower extremity numbness in 13 patients (40.6%) and peripheral facial nerve motor deficits in 7 (21.9%). All patients with neurologic deficits at enrollment demonstrated improvement in motor function over time. Among 28 patients (90.3%) with abnormal nerve conduction study findings at enrollment, 10 (35.7%) had motor axonal involvement, the most common primary abnormality. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Neurologic findings of survivors tended to improve over time. Renal function generally improved among non-dialysis-dependent patients between acute illness and the first evaluation with little variability thereafter. No evidence of delayed-onset neurologic or renal disease was observed.

Clinical, laboratory, diagnostic, and histopathologic features of diethylene glycol poisoning--Panama, 2006.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Diethylene glycol is a toxic industrial solvent responsible for more than 13 mass poisonings since 1937. Little is known about the clinical spectrum, progression, and neurotoxic potential of diethylene glycol-associated disease because of its high mortality and the absence of detailed information in published mass poisoning reports. This incident includes the largest proportion of cases with neurotoxic signs and symptoms. We characterize the features of a diethylene glycol mass poisoning resulting from a contaminated cough syrup distributed in Panama during 2006. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review and descriptive analysis in a tertiary level, urban health care facility. A case was a person admitted to the Social Security Metropolitan Hospital in Panama City between June 1 and October 22, 2006, with unexplained acute kidney injury and a serum creatinine level of greater than or equal to 2 mg/dL, or unexplained chronic renal failure exacerbation (>2-fold increase in baseline serum creatinine level) and history of implicated cough syrup exposure. Main outcomes and measures were demographic, clinical, laboratory, diagnostic, histopathologic, and mortality data with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Forty-six patients met inclusion criteria. Twenty-four (52%) were female patients; median age was 67 years (range 25 to 91 years). Patients were admitted with acute kidney injury or a chronic renal failure exacerbation (median serum creatinine level 10.0 mg/dL) a median of 5 days after symptom onset. Forty patients (87%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 74% to 95%) had neurologic signs, including limb (n=31; 77%; 95% CI 62% to 89%) or facial motor weakness (n=27; 68%; 95% CI 51% to 81%). Electrodiagnostics in 21 patients with objective weakness demonstrated a severe sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy (n=19; 90%; 95% CI 70% to 99%). In 14 patients without initial neurologic findings, elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein concentrations without pleocytosis were observed: almost all developed overt neurologic illness (n=13; 93%; 95% CI 66% to 100%). Despite use of intensive care and hemodialysis therapies, 27 (59%) died a median of 19 days (range 2 to 50 days) after presentation. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of patients with diethylene glycol poisoning developed progressive neurologic signs and symptoms in addition to acute kidney injury. Facial or limb weakness with unexplained acute kidney injury should prompt clinicians to consider diethylene glycol poisoning. Elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein concentrations without pleocytosis among diethylene glycol-exposed persons with acute kidney injury may be a predictor for progressive neurologic illness.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community differs between a coexisting native shrub and introduced annual grass.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been implicated in non-native plant invasion success and persistence. However, few studies have identified the AMF species associating directly with plant invaders, or how these associations differ from those of native plant species. Identifying changes to the AMF community due to plant invasion could yield key plant-AMF interactions necessary for the restoration of native plant communities. This research compared AMF associating with coexisting Bromus tectorum, an invasive annual grass, and Artemisia tridentata, the dominant native shrub in western North America. At three sites, soil and root samples from Bromus and Artemisia were collected. Sporulation was induced using trap cultures, and spores were identified using morphological characteristics. DNA was extracted from root and soil subsamples and amplified. Sequences obtained were aligned and analyzed to compare diversity, composition, and phylogenetic distance between hosts and sites. Richness of AMF species associated with Artemisia in cultures was higher than AMF species associated with Bromus. Gamma diversity was similar and beta diversity was higher in AMF associated with Bromus compared to Artemisia. AMF community composition differed between hosts in both cultures and roots. Two AMF species (Archaeospora trappei and Viscospora viscosum) associated more frequently with Artemisia than Bromus across multiple sites. AMF communities in Bromus roots were more phylogenetically dispersed than in Artemisia roots, indicating a greater competition for resources within the invasive grass. Bromus associated with an AMF community that differed from Artemisia in a number of ways, and these changes could restrict native plant establishment.

Ambliopía en escolares del seminternado Juventud de acero, del municipio de Caimito / Amblyopia found in school children of "Juventud de Acero" elementary school located in Caimito municipality

Objetivo: determinar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la ambliopía en escolares del seminternado Juventud de Acero, del municipio de Caimito, en la provincia de Artemisa, en el período comprendido de enero a junio de 2011. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, en escolares con edades comprendidos entre 5 a 11 años. El universo de trabajo estuvo constituido por 459 alumnos, matrícula de la institución durante el curso escolar 2011-2012. La muestra fue de 403 niños, a quienes se les determinó la agudeza visual sin corrección. A los que presentaron agudeza visual menor de 1,0 se les realizó examen oftalmológico y refracción. Se estudiaron las variables: edad, sexo, defecto refractivo, etiología y grado de severidad de la ambliopía. Resultados: en el universo estudiado se constató ambliopía en el 4,2 por ciento, del cual el 76,5 por ciento presentó afectación unilateral. El sexo femenino fue afectado en el 70,6 por ciento y los niños con edades entre 7 y 8 años en un 35,4 y 29,4 por ciento. El astigmatismo miópico mixto fue detectado en el 20,8 por ciento y el miópico compuesto en el 16,7 por ciento. La ambliopía anisometrópica se observó en el 47,0 por ciento, seguida de la refractiva 35,3 por ciento. Se encontró la forma leve en el 76,2 por ciento de los ojos y profunda en el 4,8 por ciento. Conclusiones: la frecuencia de presentación de la ambliopía fue baja, y la unilateral fue la más observada por estar asociada principalmente a anisometropía. Los escolares más afectados fueron los del sexo femenino y los de edades entre 7 y 8 años. El defecto refractivo más frecuente fue el astigmatismo mixto. Predominaron la ambliopía ligera y la de etiología anisometrópica(AU)

Objective: to determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of amblyopia in school children from Juventud de Acero elementary school in Caimito municipality, Artemisa province. Method: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted in 5 through 11 years-old children from January to June 2011. The universe of study was 459 students, who attended the school during the 2011-2012 academic year. The final sample comprised 403 children whose visual acuity without correction was estimated; those with visual acuity smaller than 1.0 underwent ophthalmological test and refraction. The studied variables were age, sex, refractive error, etiology and severity of amblyopia.Results: it was confirmed that amblyopia affected 4.2 percent of students, 76.5 percent of whom presented unilateral amblyopia. The females represented 70.6 percent whereas children aged 7 and 8 years accounted for 35.4 percent and 29.4 percent, respectively. Mixed myopic astigmatism was detected in 20.8 percent and the compound myopic in 16.7 percent of studied children. The anisometropic amblyopia was observed in 47.0 percent, followed by the refractive type in 35.3 percent, being the slight form observed in 76.2 percent and the acute form in 4.8 percent of eyes.Conclusions: the frequency of amblyopia occurrence was low, and the unilateral type was the most observed mainly associated to anisometropia. The female students and those school children aged 7 and 8 years were the most affected. The most frequent refractive defect was mixed astigmatism. Slight amblyopia of anisometropic etiology prevailed(AU)

Ambliopía en escolares del seminternado Juventud de acero, del municipio de Caimito / Amblyopia found in school children of "Juventud de Acero" elementary school located in Caimito municipality

Objetivo: determinar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la ambliopía en escolares del seminternado Juventud de Acero, del municipio de Caimito, en la provincia de Artemisa, en el período comprendido de enero a junio de 2011. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, en escolares con edades comprendidos entre 5 a 11 años. El universo de trabajo estuvo constituido por 459 alumnos, matrícula de la institución durante el curso escolar 2011-2012. La muestra fue de 403 niños, a quienes se les determinó la agudeza visual sin corrección. A los que presentaron agudeza visual menor de 1,0 se les realizó examen oftalmológico y refracción. Se estudiaron las variables: edad, sexo, defecto refractivo, etiología y grado de severidad de la ambliopía. Resultados: en el universo estudiado se constató ambliopía en el 4,2 por ciento, del cual el 76,5 por ciento presentó afectación unilateral. El sexo femenino fue afectado en el 70,6 por ciento y los niños con edades entre 7 y 8 años en un 35,4 y 29,4 por ciento. El astigmatismo miópico mixto fue detectado en el 20,8 por ciento y el miópico compuesto en el 16,7 por ciento. La ambliopía anisometrópica se observó en el 47,0 por ciento, seguida de la refractiva 35,3 por ciento. Se encontró la forma leve en el 76,2 por ciento de los ojos y profunda en el 4,8 por ciento. Conclusiones: la frecuencia de presentación de la ambliopía fue baja, y la unilateral fue la más observada por estar asociada principalmente a anisometropía. Los escolares más afectados fueron los del sexo femenino y los de edades entre 7 y 8 años. El defecto refractivo más frecuente fue el astigmatismo mixto. Predominaron la ambliopía ligera y la de etiología anisometrópica

Objective: to determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of amblyopia in school children from Juventud de Acero elementary school in Caimito municipality, Artemisa province. Method: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted in 5 through 11 years-old children from January to June 2011. The universe of study was 459 students, who attended the school during the 2011-2012 academic year. The final sample comprised 403 children whose visual acuity without correction was estimated; those with visual acuity smaller than 1.0 underwent ophthalmological test and refraction. The studied variables were age, sex, refractive error, etiology and severity of amblyopia.Results: it was confirmed that amblyopia affected 4.2 percent of students, 76.5 percent of whom presented unilateral amblyopia. The females represented 70.6 percent whereas children aged 7 and 8 years accounted for 35.4 percent and 29.4 percent, respectively. Mixed myopic astigmatism was detected in 20.8 percent and the compound myopic in 16.7 percent of studied children. The anisometropic amblyopia was observed in 47.0 percent, followed by the refractive type in 35.3 percent, being the slight form observed in 76.2 percent and the acute form in 4.8 percent of eyes.Conclusions: the frequency of amblyopia occurrence was low, and the unilateral type was the most observed mainly associated to anisometropia. The female students and those school children aged 7 and 8 years were the most affected. The most frequent refractive defect was mixed astigmatism. Slight amblyopia of anisometropic etiology prevailed

Analysis of bacterial community diversity in anaerobic fluidized bed bioreactors treating 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) and n-methyl-4-nitroaniline (MNA) using 16S rRNA gene clone libraries.

Clone libraries were used to evaluate the effects of 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) and n-methyl-4-nitroaniline (MNA) on bacterial populations within three anaerobic bioreactors. Prior to the addition of DNAN and MNA greater than 69% of the clones in each reactor were identified as a single Desulfuromonales species. However, after 60 days of treatment the Desulfuromonales distribution decreased to less than 13% of the distribution and a clone identified as a Levilinea sp. became the dominant organism at greater than 27% of the clone distribution in each reactor suggesting the species may play an important roll in the reduction of DNAN and MNA.