Influences of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastic on the Hygrothermal and Mechanical Performance of Plasterboard with Polymethylhydrosiloxane Content.

New composites produced with recycled waste are needed to manufacture more sustainable construction materials. This paper aimed to analyze the hygrothermal and mechanical performance of plasterboard with a polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) content, incorporating recycled PET microplastic waste and varying factors such as PMHS dose, homogenization time, and drying temperature after setting. A cube-centered experimental design matrix was performed. The crystal morphology, porosity, fluidity, water absorption, flexural strength, and thermal conductivity of plasterboards were measured. The results showed that incorporating recycled PET microplastics does not produce a significant difference in the absorption and flexural strength of plasterboards. However, the addition of recycled PET reduced the thermal conductivity of plasterboards by around 10%.

Improvement of Plasterboard Properties by the Control of Polymethylhydrosiloxane Dosage, Stirring Time, and Drying Temperature Applied to the Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate and Water Mixture.

Plasterboard is an important building material in the construction industry because it allows for quick installation of walls, partitions, and ceilings. Although a common material, knowledge about its performance related to modern polymers and fabrication conditions is still lacking. The present work analyzes how some manufacturing factors applied during the plaster board fabrication impact on some plasterboard properties, including water absorption, flexural strength, and thermal conductivity. The manufacturing variables evaluated are the dose (D) of polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS), the agitation time of the mixture (H), and the drying temperature of the plaster boards after setting (T). The results suggest that factors D, H, and T induce changes in the porosity and the morphological structure of the calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals formed. Performance is evaluated at two levels of each factor following a statistical method of factorial experimental design centered on a cube. Morphological changes in the crystals of the resulting boards were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the IMAGEJ image analysis program. Porosity changes were evaluated with X-ray microcomputed tomography (XMT) and 3D image analysis tools. The length-to-width ratio of the crystals decreases as it goes from low PMHS dosage to high dosage, favoring a better compaction of the plasterboard under the right stirring time and drying temperature. In contrast, the porosity generated by the incorporation of PMHS increases when going from low-level to high-level conditions and affects the maximum size of the pores being generated, with a maximum value achieved at 0.6% dosage, 40 s, and 140 °C conditions. The presence of an optimal PMHS dosage value that is approximately 0.6-1.0% is evidenced. In fact, when comparing trails without and with PMHS addition, a 10% decrease in thermal conductivity is achieved at high H (60 s) and high T (150 °C) level conditions. Water absorption decreases by more than 90% when PMHS is added, mainly due to the hydrophobic action of the PMHS. Minimum water absorption levels can be obtained at high drying temperatures. Finally, the resistance to flexion is not affected by the addition of PMHS because apparently there are two opposing forces acting: on one hand is the decrease in the length-width ratio giving more compactness, and on the other hand is the generation of pores. The maximum resistance to flexion was found around a dosage of 0.6% PMHS. In conclusion, the results suggest that the addition of PMHS, the correct agitation time of the mixture, and the drying temperature reduce the water absorption and the thermal conductivity of the gypsum boards, with no significant changes in the flexural resistance.

Spectrum of the anomalous origin of the coronary arteries.

The anomalous origin of the coronary arteries (AOCA) has several patterns. Most are functional and asymptomatic. However, some are associated with persistent chest pain and sudden cardiac death. Multiple imaging techniques are available for the assessment of AOCA. We present a report of 4 cases with AOCA, including the anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) of the right coronary artery, AAOCA of the circumflex artery, AAOCA of the left anterior descending artery, and AAOCA of the circumflex artery with retroaortic trajectory, in which the clinical manifestations throughout the cases are discussed, highlighting the similarity among patients despite having different patterns. Multiple imaging techniques are indispensable for assessing AOCA, where transthoracic echocardiogram is the first-line study, and cardiac computed tomography provides detailed cardiac and coronary anatomy.

Tomography and Prognostic Indices in the State of the Art of Evaluation in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia.

Evaluation in medical emergencies of COVID-19 patients represents a challenge to regulate preventive and timely management. There are key imaging and laboratory tools to classify the severity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the chest CT score performance and prognostic indices in COVID-19 patients to predict the progression to critical illness. This was a retrospective study between run between April and December 2020, in which 109 patients were included. Patients of any age and gender and who required hospitalization due to a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis by RT-PCR and chest CT and laboratory were analyzed. In 75% of them, there was at least one comorbidity, and 30% developed critical illness, and the average mortality was 10%. In 49.5%, there was a CORADS-5 on admission, and in 50%, there was a peripheral distribution of the interstitial infiltrate in the left lower lobe. The risk factors were FiO2, CT score > 18, and the NRL index. The combination of the high-risk Quick COVID-19 Severity Index (qCSI) plus CT score > 18 indices was the best prediction index for the development of a critical condition. The combined use of indices in infected COVID-19 patients showed diagnostic accuracy and predicted severity. Imaging and the laboratory tests are key tools independent of the wave of recurrence.

Regulation of Porcine Oviduct Epithelium Functions via Progesterone and Estradiol Is Influenced by Cortisol.

Preimplantation maternal stress, characterized by elevated glucocorticoids (GCs), has been linked to reproductive failures caused by impaired oviduct functionality, which is known to be predominantly regulated by the sex steroids, progesterone (P4) and (17)estradiol (E2). Although steroid receptors share analogous structures and binding preferences, the interaction between GCs and E2/P4 in the oviduct has attracted little attention. Using an air-liquid interface culture model, porcine oviduct epithelial cells were stimulated with single (cortisol, E2, P4) or hormone mixtures (cortisol/E2, cortisol/P4) for 12 hours and 72 hours. Cultures were subsequently assessed for epithelial morphometry, bioelectrical properties, and gene expression responses (steroid hormone signaling, oviductal function, immune response, and apoptosis). Results confirmed the suppressive role of P4 in regulating oviduct epithelium characteristics, which was partially opposed by E2. Besides increasing the ratio of ciliated cells, cortisol antagonized the effect of P4 on epithelial polarity and modified sex steroid-induced changes in transepithelial electrical properties. Both sex steroids affected the glucocorticoid receptor expression, while cortisol downregulated the expression of progesterone receptor. The overall gene expression pattern suggests that sex steroid dominates the cotreatment, but cortisol contributes by altering the gene responses to sex steroids. We conclude that besides its individual action, maternal cortisol interplays with sex steroids at phenotypic and molecular levels in the oviduct epithelium, thereby influencing the microenvironment of gametes and early embryos.

[Diagnostic accuracy of the automatic quantification software in patients with suspected COVID-19 of the Instituto Nacional de Cardiology Ignacio Chávez]. / Precisión diagnóstica del software de cuantificación automática en pacientes con sospecha de COVID-19 del Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez.

Objetivos: Establecer la precisión diagnóstica por tomografía computarizada (TC) de la probabilidad de neumopatía por enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), dada por el sistema de inteligencia artificial (IA) diseñado por Siemens, y el resultado de la evaluación cualitativa CO-RADS (COVID-19 Reporting and Data System) con el estándar de referencia reacción en cadena de la polimerasa transcriptasa inversa (RT-PCR), entregando así la experiencia de nuestra institución. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, comparativo y retrolectivo en 192 pacientes adultos con sospecha de infección por coronavirus 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SARS-CoV-2) que contaban con prueba PCR. Se obtuvo la información de precisión diagnóstica luego de comparar el estándar de referencia (RT- PCR) con el CO-RADS realizado por los observadores y la probabilidad de COVID-19 que arrojaron las imágenes de TC mediante la IA. Resultados: La comparación de la probabilidad de COVID-19 obtenida por la IA vs. la RT-PCR para SARS-CoV- 2 generó un AUC ROC de 0.774 (IC: 0.69-0.81) con p = 0.0001. La probabilidad de COVID-19 tuvo una precisión aceptable, con un buen valor predictivo positivo del 87.80%, pero con un pobre valor predictivo negativo del 58.80%. La variable CO-RADS vs. PCR obtuvo una mayor precisión con valores de sensibilidad y especificidad del 91.80 y 88.7% respectivamente. Conclusión: La comparación entre los resultados obtenidos por la IA y por la variable CO-RADS mostró mayor efectividad en esta última, sin embargo se logró documentar el alto impacto que tiene el sistema de cuantificación automática en la evaluación de estos pacientes, ya que permite agilizar la valoración del radiólogo y funciona como complemento en casos de dudas diagnósticas.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Circulating Leukocytes Obtained during the Recovery from Clinical Mastitis Caused by Escherichia coli in Holstein Dairy Cows.

The risk and severity of clinical infection with Escherichia coli as a causative pathogen for bovine mastitis is influenced by the hosts' phenotypic and genotypic variables. We used RNA-Seq analysis of circulating leukocytes to investigate global transcriptomic profiles and genetic variants from Holstein cows with naturally occurring cases of clinical mastitis, diagnosed using clinical symptoms and milk microbiology. Healthy lactation-matched cows served as controls (CONT, n = 6). Blood samples were collected at two time periods during the recovery phase post diagnosis: EARLY (10.3 ± 1.8 days, n = 6) and LATE (46.7 ± 11 days, n = 3). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the groups were identified using CLC Genomics Workbench V21 and subjected to enrichment analysis. Variant calling was performed following GATKv3.8 best practice. The comparison of E. coli(+) EARLY and CONT cows found the up-regulation of 1090 DEGs, mainly with immune and inflammatory functions. The key signalling pathways involved NOD-like and interleukin-1 receptors and chemokines. Many up-regulated DEGs encoded antimicrobial peptides including cathelicidins, beta-defensins, S100 calcium binding proteins, haptoglobin and lactoferrin. Inflammation had largely resolved in the E. coli(+) LATE group, with only 29 up-regulated DEGs. Both EARLY and LATE cows had up-regulated DEGs encoding ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters and haemoglobin subunits were also up-regulated in LATE cows. Twelve candidate genetic variants were identified in DEGs between the infected and CONT cows. Three were in contiguous genes WIPI1, ARSG and SLC16A6 on BTA19. Two others (RAC2 and ARHGAP26) encode a Rho-family GTPase and Rho GTPase-activating protein 26. These results show that the initial inflammatory response to E. coli continued for at least 10 days despite prompt treatment and provide preliminary evidence for genetic differences between cows that may predispose them to infection.

Bioprosthesis in aortic valve replacement: long-term inflammatory response and functionality.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of long-term inflammatory response and function in postoperative patients with aortic valve replacement (AVR) deserves special analysis because it is important to try to prevent reoperation and improve durability and functionality of the prostheses. It is our objective METHODS: In this study, we included a cohort of patients with aortic valve damage treated by AVR with mechanical prosthesis, bio prosthesis and we included a control group. RESULTS: We found that IL-4 and osteopontin levels were higher in patients with mechanical vs biological prostheses (p=0.01 and p=0.04, respectively), osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels were decreased (p=0.01), women had lower levels of ET-1 and IL-6, (p=0.02) (p=0.04), respectively. Patients older than 60 years had decreased levels of IL-1ß p<0.001) and a higher concentration of IL-4 p<0.05). IL-1ß, OPG and TNFα were higher in patients with less than 5 years of evolution vs more than 10 years (p=0.004, p=0.02 and p=0.03, respectively). Factors such as age, gender, prosthetic and elevated IL-1B and ET-1 levels are associated with valve dysfunction prosthetic. These results indicate that the inflammatory involvement present prior to valve replacement may be perpetuated by various factors in the long term. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide us with the opportunity to effectively treat patients with AVR in the postoperative period, which could prolong the functionality of the bio prostheses. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04557345.

Current State of In Vitro Embryo Production in African Lion (Panthera leo).

In the last 30-40 years, in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF) of domestic cat oocytes have been established as part of the panel of assisted reproduction technologies. As a representative of wild felids, the African lion is not yet considered endangered. Nevertheless, the zoo population management of the African lion itself as well as other closely related felids would benefit from the establishment of an IVF system. Here, we aimed to investigate the transferability of domestic cat IVF technology to the African lion. From the ovaries of 42 lionesses aged between 0.75 and 15 years, a total of 933 IVF-suitable oocytes were retrieved and subjected to IVM and IVF. The overall maturation rate was 40.6% and 18.9% of these oocytes cleaved after fertilization, respectively. Embryos were generated by intracytoplasmic sperm cell injection as well as co-culture with epididymal sperm. Improvements in the model system also led to an improved outcome with in vitro produced embryos in the lion. Compared to domestic cats, the transportation of gonads to a specialized laboratory was time-consuming and influenced oocyte quality negatively. In conclusion, the domestic cat IVF system is adoptable for the African lion, although success rates are still lower.

Dietary intervention improves health metrics and life expectancy of the genetically obese Titan mouse.

Suitable animal models are essential for translational research, especially in the case of complex, multifactorial conditions, such as obesity. The non-inbred mouse (Mus musculus) line Titan, also known as DU6, is one of the world's longest selection experiments for high body mass and was previously described as a model for metabolic healthy (benign) obesity. The present study further characterizes the geno- and phenotypes of this non-inbred mouse line and tests its suitability as an interventional obesity model. In contrast to previous findings, our data suggest that Titan mice are metabolically unhealthy obese and short-lived. Line-specific patterns of genetic invariability are in accordance with observed phenotypic traits. Titan mice also show modifications in the liver transcriptome, proteome, and epigenome linked to metabolic (dys)regulations. Importantly, dietary intervention partially reversed the metabolic phenotype in Titan mice and significantly extended their life expectancy. Therefore, the Titan mouse line is a valuable resource for translational and interventional obesity research.

Genomic characterization of the world's longest selection experiment in mouse reveals the complexity of polygenic traits.

BACKGROUND: Long-term selection experiments are a powerful tool to understand the genetic background of complex traits. The longest of such experiments has been conducted in the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), generating extreme mouse lines with increased fertility, body mass, protein mass and endurance. For >140 generations, these lines have been maintained alongside an unselected control line, representing a valuable resource for understanding the genetic basis of polygenic traits. However, their history and genomes have not been reported in a comprehensive manner yet. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide a summary of the breeding history and phenotypic traits of these lines along with their genomic characteristics. We further attempt to decipher the effects of the observed line-specific patterns of genetic variation on each of the selected traits. RESULTS: Over the course of >140 generations, selection on the control line has given rise to two extremely fertile lines (>20 pups per litter each), two giant growth lines (one lean, one obese) and one long-distance running line. Whole genome sequencing analysis on 25 animals per line revealed line-specific patterns of genetic variation among lines, as well as high levels of homozygosity within lines. This high degree of distinctiveness results from the combined effects of long-term continuous selection, genetic drift, population bottleneck and isolation. Detection of line-specific patterns of genetic differentiation and structural variation revealed multiple candidate genes behind the improvement of the selected traits. CONCLUSIONS: The genomes of the Dummerstorf trait-selected mouse lines display distinct patterns of genomic variation harbouring multiple trait-relevant genes. Low levels of within-line genetic diversity indicate that many of the beneficial alleles have arrived to fixation alongside with neutral alleles. This study represents the first step in deciphering the influence of selection and neutral evolutionary forces on the genomes of these extreme mouse lines and depicts the genetic complexity underlying polygenic traits.

Correlation Between Cardiac Computed Tomography and Histopathology for Evaluating Patients with Aortic Valve Disease.

BACKGROUND: The use of cardiac computed tomography (cardiac CT) and the quantification of the Agatston score for the evaluation of calcium of the aortic valve (AVC) has increased in different clinical contexts for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between cardiac CT and histopathology for the quantification of AVC. METHODS: Ninety patients diagnosed with severe aortic valve dysfunction, of any etiology and regardless of the predominant type of injury, were included. Before the surgical event, a Cardiac CT were performed with Agatston Score measurement. The removed native valve was evaluated by a Pathologist, who provided a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of valve calcium. Calcium density was also analyzed by quantifying the area in pixel units obtained from photomicrographs. Follow-up was performed for four years after the aortic valve replacement. RESULTS: Ninety patients were analyzed. The degenerative etiology predominated 63.3% (57 patients). The calcium load was different for the gender (p = 0.01) and type of valve injury (p = 0.0013). There was a positive correlation between the Agatston score, and the percentage of calcium reported by the pathologist in a conventional qualitative way (rs = 0.75, p < 0.001) and between the AVC and the Cote et al. score (rs = 0.77, p < 0.001). There was no difference in survival after aortic valve replacement concerning valve calcium load. Left ventricular dysfunction showed a significant difference in survival (p = 0.003, Log-rank). CONCLUSION: There is a moderately high correlation between the Agatston score quantified by Cardiac CT and the histopathological evaluation. The severity of the calcification did not prove to be a predictor of death in the postsurgical follow-up.

Percepción de la calidad de vida en pacientes con cáncer de próstata avanzado: un estudio cualitativo descriptivo / Perception of the Quality of Life of Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Objetivo Describir las percepciones de calidad de vida en una muestra de pacientes con cáncer de próstata avanzado de un hospital universitario. Métodos Desde un enfoque cualitativo descriptivo, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y líneas de tiempo para explorar la percepción de calidad de vida de siete pacientes con cáncer de próstata desde su diagnóstico. Por medio de un análisis temático de corte inductivo-deductivo, se identificaron las dimensiones de la calidad de vida que se perciben con mayores cambios a partir de la enfermedad y su tratamiento. Resultados Entre las dimensiones que se encuentran más frecuentemente afectadas están las funciones urinaria, sexual y hormonal. Así mismo, los participantes describen afectaciones relacionadas con los síntomas generales del cáncer y su tratamiento, el estado de ánimo y las limitaciones en la atención por el sistema de salud. Por otra parte, los participantes reportan que su calidad de vida se ve fortalecida gracias a nuevos hábitos y prácticas personales, así como la consolidación del apoyo social, en el que incluyen a la pareja, la familia y la relación con su médico tratante. Conclusiones El fortalecimiento de la relación médico-paciente basada en el trato cordial, disposición afectiva y empatía al momento de la valoración médica, y la consolidación de una adecuada red de apoyo social como mecanismo de afrontamiento ante el proceso de enfermedad se establecen como las principales estrategias para incrementar la percepción de calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de los pacientes con cáncer de próstata avanzado.

Purpose To describe the preception of the quality of life of a sample of patients with advanced prostate cancer from a university hospital. Methods Based on a descriptive qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were held and timelines were developed to explore the perception of quality of life of seven patients with prostate cancer since their diagnosis. Through an inductive-deductive thematic analysis, the dimensions of quality of life that have had more changes due to the disease and its treatment were identified. Results Among the quality of life dimensions that are most frequently affected are urinary, sexual and hormonal functions. Likewise, the participants describe affectations related to the general symptoms of cancer and its treatment, changes in mood, and limitations in the care provided by the health system. However, participants report that their quality of life is strengthened by new habits and personal practices, as well as with the consolidation of social support, in which they include their partners, their families, and their relationship with their treating physician. Conclusions The strengthening of the doctor-patient relationship based on cordial treatment, affective disposition and empathy at the time of the medical evaluation, and the establishment of an adequate social support network as a coping mechanism in the face of the disease process are consolidated as the main strategies to increase the perception of the health-related quality of life of patients with advanced prostate cancer.

[Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and evolution to myeloma: Experience in 153 patients]. / Gammapatía monoclonal de significado incierto y evolución a mieloma múltiple: Experiencia en 153 pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Based on risk factors, the Mayo Clinic Multiple Myeloma Group (MCMMG) established a model of progression from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to multiple myeloma (MM) at 20 years. It is also described that MGUS with a progressive increase of monoclonal protein (M-protein) and/or immunoparesis (IMP) may be more predisposed to progress to myeloma. Our objective was to make a review of MGUS, to see how those who presented IMP and/or progression of their M-protein, contrasting them with MGUS that presented intermediate/high and high risk according to MCMMG. METHODOLOGY AND MATERIALS: A review of the MGUS objectified during the realization of a serum proteinogram (SPEP) was carried out during 2010-2014, in our area. Serum immunoglobulins, serum immunofixation (IFs), and serum free light chain ratio (FLCr) were determined for all MGUS. RESULTS: Of the 153 MGUS that are followed up for 4 years, 6 progress to MM. Of these 6 MM, 5 progress from MGUS with intermediate/high risk taking into account the MCMMG. Of these 5, 3 have IMP or progression of their M-protein. 2 present IMP plus progression of their M-protein. The sixth MM evolves from a MGUS without any risk factor, but with progression of its M-protein plus IMP. CONCLUSIONS: IMP and/or M-protein progression are important risk factors to be taken into account in the MGUS, in the first years after diagnosis, due to their possible evolution to MM.

The rs12617336 and rs17574 Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Polymorphisms Are Associated With Hypoalphalipoproteinemia and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Serum Levels: A Case-Control Study of the Genetics of Atherosclerotic Disease (GEA) Cohort.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) can influence lipid homeostasis and atherosclerosis progression. We aimed to assess the association of DPP4 gene polymorphisms with hypoalphalipoproteinemia and DPP4 serum levels, in a cohort of Mexican individuals. Five DPP4 polymorphisms (rs12617336, rs12617656, rs1558957, and rs3788979, and rs17574) were genotyped in 748 participants with and 745 without hypoalphalipoproteinemia. The associations were evaluated using logistic regression analyses. Under inheritance models adjusted for confounding variables, the rs12617336 (OR = 0.22, P heterozygote = 0.001) and rs17574 (OR = 0.78, P additive = 0.022; OR = 0.73, P dominant = 0.012; OR = 0.73, P heterozygote = 0.017; OR = 0.72, P codominant 1 = 0.014) minor alleles were associated with a low risk of hypoalphalipoproteinemia. After the correction for multiple comparisons, the associations were marginal except the association of the rs12617336 that remaining significant. Additionally, both DPP4 minor alleles were associated with protection for the presence of insulin resistance (IR) (OR = 0.17, P heterozygote = 0.019 for rs12617336 and OR = 0.75, P additive = 0.049 for rs17574). The rs12617336 minor allele was also associated with a low risk of hyperinsulinemia (OR = 0.11, P heterozygote = 0.006). Differences in DPP4 levels were observed in individuals with rs17574 genotypes, the rs17574 GG genotype individuals had the lowest levels. Our data suggest that rs12617336 and rs17574 DPP4 minor alleles could be envisaged as protective genetic markers for hypoalphalipoproteinemia, IR, and hyperinsulinemia. The rs17574 GG genotype was associated with the lowest DPP4 levels.

Global transcriptomic profiles of circulating leucocytes in early lactation cows with clinical or subclinical mastitis.

Bovine mastitis, an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland, is classified as subclinical or clinical. Circulating neutrophils are recruited to the udder to combat infection. We compared the transcriptomic profiles in circulating leukocytes between healthy cows and those with naturally occurring subclinical or clinical mastitis. Holstein Friesian dairy cows from six farms in EU countries were recruited. Based on milk somatic cell count and clinical records, cows were classified as healthy (n = 147), subclinically (n = 45) or clinically mastitic (n = 22). Circulating leukocyte RNA was sequenced with Illumina NextSeq single end reads (30 M). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the groups were identified using CLC Genomics Workbench V21, followed by GO enrichment analysis. Both subclinical and clinical mastitis caused significant changes in the leukocyte transcriptome, with more intensive changes attributed to clinical mastitis. We detected 769 DEGs between clinical and healthy groups, 258 DEGs between subclinical and healthy groups and 193 DEGs between clinical and subclinical groups. Most DEGs were associated with cell killing and immune processes. Many upregulated DEGs in clinical mastitis encoded antimicrobial peptides (AZU1, BCL3, CAMP, CATHL1, CATHL2, CATHL4,CATHL5, CATHL6, CCL1, CXCL2, CXCL13, DEFB1, DEFB10, DEFB4A, DEFB7, LCN2, PGLYRP1, PRTN3, PTX3, S100A8, S100A9, S100A12, SLC11A1, TF and LTF) which were not upregulated in subclinical mastitis. The use of transcriptomic profiles has identified a much greater up-regulation of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides in circulating leukocytes of cows with naturally occurring clinical compared with subclinical mastitis. These could play a key role in combatting disease organisms.

The kidnapping of mitochondrial function associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Infection by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) leads to multi-organ failure associated with a cytokine storm and septic shock. The virus evades the mitochondrial production of interferons through its N protein and, from that moment on, it hijacks the functions of these organelles. The aim of this study was to show how the virus kidnaps the mitochondrial machinery for its benefit and survival, leading to alterations of serum parameters and to nitrosative stress (NSS). In a prospective cohort of 15 postmortem patients who died from COVID-19, six markers of mitochondrial function (COX II, COX IV, MnSOD, nitrotyrosine, Bcl-2 and caspase-9) were analyzed by the immune colloidal gold technique in samples from the lung, heart, and liver. Biometric laboratory results from these patients showed alterations in hemoglobin, platelets, creatinine, urea nitrogen, glucose, C-reactive protein, albumin, D-dimer, ferritin, fibrinogen, Ca²âº, K⁺, lactate and troponin. These changes were associated with alterations in the mitochondrial structure and function. The multi-organ dysfunction present in COVID-19 patients may be caused, in part, by damage to the mitochondria that results in an inflammatory state that contributes to NSS, which activates the sepsis cascade and results in increased mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Evaluation of changes in intestinal microbiota in Crohn's disease patients after anti-TNF alpha treatment.

Intestinal dysbiosis is key in the onset and development of Crohn's disease (CD). We evaluated the microbiota changes in CD patients before and after a six-month anti-TNF treatment, comparing these changes with the microbiota of healthy subjects. This prospective multicenter observational study involved 27 CD patients initiating anti-TNF treatment and 16 healthy individuals. Inflammatory activity was determined at baseline, 3 and 6 months, classifying patients into responders and non-responders. Fecal microbiota was analyzed by massive genomic sequencing thought 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing before and after six months of anti-TNF treatment. The CD cohort showed a decrease in genera of the class Clostridia, short-chain fatty acid producers, and an increase in the phylum Proteobacteria (p < 0.01) versus the healthy cohort. After anti-TNF treatment, the phylum Proteobacteria also increased in non-responders versus responders (13/27) (p < 0.005), with the class Clostridia increasing. In addition, alpha diversity increased in responders versus non-responders (p < 0.01), tending towards eubiosis. An association was found (p < 0.001) in the F.prausnitzii/E.coli ratio between responders and non-responders. The F/E ratio was the most accurate biomarker of anti-TNF response (area under the curve 0.87). Thus, anti-TNF treatment allows partial restoration of intestinal microbiota in responders and the F.prausnitzii/E.coli ratio can provide a reliable indicator of response to anti-TNF in CD.

First Results: Innovative Solar Disinfection Technology for Treated Wastewater that Integrates Materiality, Geometry, and Reflective Panels.

Climate change is having drastic consequences in Chile. The lack of water in various regions is causing environmental impacts on ecosystems, including the decrease in the productive activities of rural economies and the deterioration in the quality of life of the inhabitants that occupy the affected physical spaces. In this paper, we propose a sustainable, low-cost treatment of wastewater and its reuse as an adaptation and mitigation policy, patented in 2019, that consists of a wastewater disinfection system based on solar energy. This system can work in both continuous and discontinuous modes. The water passes through a canal of reflective material in the continuous regime, and in the batch regime, the water remains in the canal. The panels are located parallel to the lateral faces of the canal. These panels concentrate the radiation in the canal through reflection. The trapezoidal geometry of the disinfectant canal deflects the radiation and reflects in the direction of the front walls of the canal, radiating what is returned and vice versa. The fraction of the radiation reflected outside the canal reaches the reflective side panels that return the radiation to the canal. The synergy of these three considerations increases the radiation in the canal area, augmenting the elimination of the bacterial load. In the trapezoidal reflective canal without panels, only 5% of the measured radiation exceeded the atmospheric radiation, eliminating 83% of the coliforms. The incorporation of panels surpassed the atmospheric radiation over 36% of the measured radiations, and the removal of coliforms exceeded 99.7%.