Exploring the microbiome of two uterine sites in cows.

Bacterial communities in the mammalian reproductive system can be rich and diverse, differing in structure and quantity depending on location. In addition, its microbiome is associated with the state of health of this tract and reproductive success. This study evaluated the microbiome composition of the uterine body (UB) and uterine horn mucosa (UH) samples using 16S rRNA sequencing of samples extracted from cows in the Amazon region. It was observed that four main phyla were shared between the uterine sites: Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. Linear discriminant analysis effect size and heat tree analysis showed that members of Lachnospiraceae (NK3A20 group) and Oscillospiraceae were significantly more abundant in the UB than in UH. In addition, there are more unique genera in the UB than in the UH. A higher bacterial load in UB than in UH is expected because of the exposure to external factors of UB. However, comparing the site's communities through beta diversity did not generate well-defined clustering. Thus, it can be attributed to the closeness of the sites, which would make the niches similar ecologically and microbiologically. Therefore, this research provides knowledge to understand biomarkers in the prior reproduction period.

Glycosylation is key for enhancing drug recognition into spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2.

The emergence of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 and its spread since 2019 represents the major public health problem worldwide nowadays, which has generated a high number of infections and deaths. The spike protein (S protein) is the most studied protein of SARS-CoV-2, and key to host-cell entry through ACE2 receptor. This protein presents a large pattern of glycosylations with important roles in immunity and infection mechanisms. Therefore, understanding key aspects of the molecular mechanisms of these structures, during drug recognition in SARS-CoV-2, may contribute to therapeutic alternatives. In this work, we explored the impact of glycosylations on the drug recognition on two domains of the S protein, the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the N-terminal domain (NTD) through molecular dynamics simulations and computational biophysics analysis. Our results show that glycosylations in the S protein induce structural stability and changes in rigidity/flexibility related to the number of glycosylations in the structure. These structural changes are important for its biological activity as well as the correct interaction of ligands in the RBD and NTD regions. Additionally, we evidenced a roto-translation phenomenon in the interaction of the ligand with RBD in the absence of glycosylation, which disappears due to the influence of glycosylation and the convergence of metastable states in RBM. Similarly, glycosylations in NTD promote an induced fit phenomenon, which is not observed in the absence of glycosylations; this process is decisive for the activity of the ligand at the cryptic site. Altogether, these results provide an explanation of glycosylation relevance in biophysical properties and drug recognition to S protein of SARS-CoV-2, which must be considered in the rational drug development and virtual screening targeting S protein.

[Impact of confinement measures on the Covid-19 pandemic on alcohol risk consumption.] / Impacto de las medidas de confinamiento durante la pandemia de Covid-19 en el consumo de riesgo de alcohol.

OBJECTIVE: The public health strategies adopted for the containment of COVID-19 have generated psychosocial stressors that act as risk factors for alcohol consumption. The objectives of this study were to establish whether alcohol risk consumption varied during COVID-19 confinement, and how these variations manifested as a function of different sociodemographic variables. METHODS: The study was conducted during confinement with 3,779 participants in Spain. We used an online survey with sociodemographic variables (sex, age and employment situation) and AUDIT-C. Frequency and mean difference analysis were performed (Student t, ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis) to establish intra-group variations before the pandemic compared to during confinement, and intergroup for each time period, reporting effect size. RESULTS: Alcohol risky consumption presented high prevalence rates before confinement (25,9% of alcohol consumers), showing a general decrease during confinement (15,1%), both in men (X2=224,829; p<0,001) and women (X2=214,324; p<0,001). Women had higher risk consumption rates both before the pandemic (X2=13,124; p<0,001; d=1,067) and during confinement (X2=26,316; p<0,001; d=2,85); however, men reported higher score in AUDIT-C before the pandemic (t(2343)=-7,887; p<0,001; d=0,322) and during confinement (t(2343)=-5,664; p<0,001; d=0,231). Considering age, significant differences in prevalence among groups were found before the pandemic (X2=22,889; p<0,001) and during confinement (X2=38,302; p<0,001), with the age range 18-24 showing less prevalence. Differences among age groups were also found in the risky consumption scores during confinement (F(5,2338)=43,849; p=0,001), increasing with age. With regards to the employment situation, differences before the pandemic (KW(5,2933)=13,467; p=0,019; E2R=0,44), and during confinement (KW(5,2933)=149,818; p<0,001; E2R=0,51) were also found. Self-employed workers showed a higher score in alcohol risky consumption with respect to full-time employees (p=0,047). CONCLUSIONS: The alcohol risky consumption decreased in a generalized way during the confinement by COVID-19, but the changes in prevalence and risk index were dependent on sociodemographic variables. It is recommended that these findings are considered in the design of public health policies and strategies.

OBJETIVO: Las estrategias de salud pública adoptadas para la contención del COVID-19 han generado estresores psicosociales que actúan como factores de riesgo del consumo de alcohol. Los objetivos del estudio fueron establecer si el consumo de riesgo de alcohol varió durante el confinamiento por COVID-19 durante los meses de abril y mayo de 2020, y cómo estas variaciones se manifestaban en función de distintas variables sociodemográficas. METODOS: El estudio se desarrolló durante el confinamiento con 3.779 participantes en España. Se utilizó una encuesta online con variables sociodemográficas (sexo, edad y situación laboral) y el AUDIT-C. Se realizó análisis de frecuencias y diferencia de medias (t de Student, ANOVA y Kruskal-Wallis) para establecer las variaciones a nivel intragrupo entre antes de la pandemia y durante el confinamiento, e intergrupo para cada periodo temporal, reportando tamaño del efecto. RESULTADOS: El consumo de riesgo de alcohol presentó una prevalencia elevada antes del confinamiento (25,9% de los consumidores de alcohol), mostrando un descenso durante el confinamiento (15,1%), tanto en hombres (X2=224,829; p<0,001) como en mujeres (X2=214,324; p<0,001). Las mujeres presentaron una mayor prevalencia de consumo de riesgo antes de la pandemia (X2=13,124; p<0,001; d=1,067) como durante el confinamiento (X2=26,316; p<0,001; d=2,85); sin embargo, los hombres reportaron mayores puntuaciones que las mujeres en el AUDIT-C antes de la pandemia (t(2343)=-7,887; p<0,001; d=0,322) y durante el confinamiento (t(2343)=-5,664; p<0,001; d=0,231). A nivel de edad, se encontraron diferencias significativas de prevalencia entre los distintos grupos antes de la pandemia (X2=22,889; p<0,001) y durante el confinamiento (X2=38,302; p<0,001), siendo el rango de 18-24 años el de menor prevalencia. También se observaron diferencias entre los grupos de edad en las puntuaciones de consumo de riesgo durante el confinamiento (F(5,2338)=43,849; p=0,001), aumentando conforme es mayor la edad. Respecto a la situación laboral, existen diferencias tanto antes de la pandemia (KW(5,2933)=13,467; p=0,019; E2R=0,44), como durante el confinamiento (KW(5,2933)=149,818; p<0,001; E2R=0,51). Ser trabajador autónomo mostró una mayor puntuación de consumo de riesgo de alcohol con respecto a ser trabajador a tiempo completo (p=0,047). CONCLUSIONES: El consumo de riesgo de alcohol desciende de manera generalizada durante el confinamiento por COVID-19, pero los cambios en prevalencia y probabilidad de ser consumidor de riesgo de alcohol son dependientes de variables sociodemográficas. Se recomienda contemplar estos hallazgos en el diseño de políticas y estrategias de salud pública.

Gender differences among cannabis self-cultivators in Spain. / Diferencias de género entre autocultivadores de cannabis en España.

The increase in cannabis use coincides with the proliferation of small-scale cannabis cultivation. These crops facilitate substance availability and increased use. Some investigations have studied the characteristics of small-scale cultivators; however, it is not known whether their profiles differ by gender. The aim of the present study was to analyse differences among growers regarding sociodemographic variables, patterns of use and health problems from a gender perspective. A descriptive observational study was designed with a sample of 219 cultivators (157 men and 62 women), aged between 18 and 34. Problematic use of cannabis (CPQ), cannabis dependence (SDS), patterns of abuse (CAST), risky alcohol use (AUDIT), nicotine dependence (FTND) and sociodemographic variables (ad hoc questionnaire) were analysed. The results showed convergence between men and women in some indicators: early onset and daily cannabis use, psychosocial problems deriving from use, a similar number of problematic use and cannabis dependence cases, as well as a polydrug trend. Conversely, men reported greater physical problems and more intensive use of cannabis and alcohol. Women cannabis growers presented a similar profile to their male counterparts, whereas studies of the general population have shown cannabis use to be higher among men than women. This fact supports the relevance of researching specific risk factors related to gender, which can exert a differential influence on the intensity of use, and their relationship with small-scale cultivation. Implications of these results for planning preventive strategies and treatment are discussed from a gender perspective.

El incremento en el consumo de cannabis coincide con la proliferación del cultivo de cannabis a pequeña escala. Estos cultivos favorecen la disponibilidad de la sustancia e incrementan su consumo. Investigaciones previas han dejado entrever las características definitorias de poblaciones de cultivadores, pero se desconoce si su perfil difiere en función del género. El objeto del presente estudio fue analizar las diferencias de género en autocultivadores en relación con variables sociodemográficas, patrones de consumo y problemáticas de salud. Se diseñó un estudio observacional descriptivo, con una muestra de 219 cultivadores (157 hombres y 62 mujeres), con edades entre 18 y 34 años. Se analizaron problemas de consumo (CPQ), dependencia del cannabis (SDS), patrones de abuso(CAST), consumo de riesgo de alcohol (AUDIT), dependencia de la nicotina (FTND) y variables sociodemográficas (cuestionario ad hoc). Los resultados mostraron convergencia entre hombres y mujeres en los indicadores: inicio temprano y consumo diario de cannabis, problemáticas psicosociales derivadas del consumo, un número similar de casos de consumo problemático y dependencia del cannabis y tendencia al policonsumo. Contrariamente, los varones refirieron mayores problemas físicos, consumo intensivo de cannabis y de alcohol. A diferencia de los estudios en población general, donde el consumo de cannabis es mayor en hombres que en mujeres, las mujeres autocultivadoras presentan un perfil similar a los autocultivadores hombres. Este hecho sugiere la necesidad de investigar sobre los factores de riesgo específicos al género que pueden estar influyendo diferencialmente en el consumo intensivo y su relación con el autocultivo. Se discuten las implicaciones de los resultados en la planificación de estrategias preventivas y de tratamiento, desde una perspectiva de género.

Diferencias de género entre autocultivadores de cannabis en España / Gender differences among cannabis self-cultivators in Spain

El incremento en el consumo de cannabis coincide con la proliferación del cultivo de cannabis a pequeña escala. Estos cultivos favorecen la disponibilidad de la sustancia e incrementan su consumo. Investigaciones previas han dejado entrever las características definitorias de poblaciones de cultivadores, pero se desconoce si su perfil difiere en función del género. El objeto del presente estudio fue analizar las diferencias de género en autocultivadores en relación con variables sociodemográficas, patrones de consumo y problemáticas de salud. Se diseñó un estudio observacional descriptivo, con una muestra de 219 cultivadores (157 hombres y 62 mujeres), con edades entre 18 y 34 años. Se analizaron problemas de consumo (CPQ), dependencia del cannabis (SDS), patrones de abuso(CAST), consumo de riesgo de alcohol (AUDIT), dependencia de la nicotina (FTND) y variables sociodemográficas (cuestionario ad hoc). Los resultados mostraron convergencia entre hombres y mujeres en los indicadores: inicio temprano y consumo diario de cannabis, problemáticas psicosociales derivadas del consumo, un número similar de casos de consumo problemático y dependencia del cannabis y tendencia al policonsumo. Contrariamente, los varones refirieron mayores problemas físicos, consumo intensivo de cannabis y de alcohol. A diferencia de los estudios en población general, donde el consumo de cannabis es mayor en hombres que en mujeres, las mujeres autocultivadoras presentan un perfil similar a los autocultivadores hombres. Este hecho sugiere la necesidad de investigar sobre los factores de riesgo específicos al género que pueden estar influyendo diferencialmente en el consumo intensivo y su relación con el autocultivo. Se discuten las implicaciones de los resultados en la planificación de estrategias preventivas y de tratamiento, desde una perspectiva de género

The increase in cannabis use coincides with the proliferation of small-scale cannabis cultivation. These crops facilitate substance availability and increased use. Some investigations have studied the characteristics of small-scale cultivators; however, it is not known whether their profiles differ by gender. The aim of the present study was to analyse differences among growers regarding sociodemographic variables, patterns of use and health problems from a gender perspective. A descriptive observational study was designed with a sample of 219 cultivators (157 men and 62 women), aged between 18 and 34. Problematic use of cannabis (CPQ), cannabis dependence (SDS), patterns of abuse (CAST), risky alcohol use (AUDIT), nicotine dependence (FTND) and sociodemographic variables (ad hoc questionnaire) were analysed. The results showed convergence between men and women in some indicators: early onset and daily cannabis use, psychosocial problems deriving from use, a similar number of problematic use and cannabis dependence cases, as well as a polydrug trend. Conversely, men reported greater physical problems and more intensive use of cannabis and alcohol. Women cannabis growers presented a similar profile to their male counterparts, whereas studies of the general population have shown cannabis use to be higher among men than women. This fact supports the relevance of researching specific risk factors related to gender, which can exert a differential influence on the intensity of use, and their relationship with small-scale cultivation. Implications of these results for planning preventive strategies and treatment are discussed from a gender perspective

Preclinical Studies of the Biosafety and Efficacy of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Pre-Seeded into ß-TCP Scaffolds after Transplantation.

Background: Cell-Based Therapies (CBT) constitute a valid procedure for increasing the quantity and quality of bone in areas with an inadequate bone volume. However, safety and efficacy should be investigated prior to clinical application. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biodistribution, safety and osteogenic capacity of bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs) pre-seeded into ß-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and implanted into NOD/SCID mice at subcutaneous and intramuscular sites. Methods: hBMMSCs were isolated, characterized and then cultured in vitro on a porous ß-TCP scaffold. Cell viability and attachment were analyzed and then hBMMSCs seeded constructs were surgically placed at subcutaneous and intramuscular dorsal sites into NOD/SCID mice. Acute and subchronic toxicity, cell biodistribution and efficacy were investigated. Results: There were no deaths or adverse events in treated mice during the 48-hour observation period, and no toxic response was observed in mice. In the 12-week subchronic toxicity study, no mortalities, abnormal behavioral symptoms or clinical signs were observed in the saline control mice or the hBMMSCs/ß-TCP groups. Finally, our results showed the bone-forming capacity of hBMMSCs/ß-TCP since immunohistochemical expression of human osteocalcin was detected from week 7. Conclusions: These results show that transplantation of hBMMSCs/ß-TCP in NOD/SCID mice are safe and effective, and might be applied to human bone diseases in future clinical trials.

Multi-scale measurements show limited soil greenhouse gas emissions in Kenyan smallholder coffee-dairy systems.

Efforts have been made in recent years to improve knowledge about soil greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes from sub-Saharan Africa. However, data on soil GHG emissions from smallholder coffee-dairy systems have not hitherto been measured experimentally. This study aimed to quantify soil GHG emissions at different spatial and temporal scales in smallholder coffee-dairy farms in Murang'a County, Central Kenya. GHG measurements were carried out for one year, comprising two cropping seasons, using vented static chambers and gas chromatography. Sixty rectangular frames were installed on two farms comprising the three main cropping systems found in the area: 1) coffee (Coffea arabica L.); 2) Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum); and 3) maize intercropped with beans (Zea mays and Phaseolus vulgaris). Within these fields, chambers were allocated on fertilised and unfertilised locations to capture spatial variability. Cumulative annual fluxes in coffee plots ranged from 1 to 1.9kgN2O-Nha-1, 6.5 to 7.6MgCO2-Cha-1 and -3.4 to -2.2kgCH4-Cha-1, with 66% to 94% of annual GHG fluxes occurring during rainy seasons. Across the farm plots, coffee received most of the N inputs and had 56% to 89% higher emissions of N2O than Napier grass, maize and beans. Within farm plots, two to six times higher emissions were found in fertilised hotspots - around the perimeter of coffee trees or within planted maize rows - than in unfertilised locations between trees, rows and planting holes. Background and induced soil N2O emissions from fertiliser and manure applications in the three cropping systems were lower than hypothesized from previous studies and empirical models. This study supplements methods and underlying data for the quantification of GHG emissions at multiple spatial and temporal scales in tropical, smallholder farming systems. Advances towards overcoming the dearth of data will facilitate the understanding of synergies and tradeoffs of climate-smart approaches for low emissions development.

Cell therapy in bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

OBJECTIVE: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a clinical condition found in patients who have received intravenous or oral bisphosphonate therapy for various diseases related to bone. This report describes a novel treatment of BRONJ using autologous bone marrow stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, beta tricalcium phosphate, and demineralized bone matrix. STUDY DESIGN: We report a 71-year-old woman with history of multiple myeloma treated with intravenous zoledronic acid during 4 years. After a tooth extraction, the patient presented with a painful BRONJ lesion with no healing wound and cortical bone exposure. The patient was surgically managed with a standardized protocol of autologous stem cell therapy combining bone marrow harvest, cell concentration procedures, and intraoral surgery. RESULTS: CT scan performed 6 months later showed improvement of bone and concentric ossification. Cellular therapy might be considered a new strategy to heal BRONJ lesions.

CD133+ cell content does not influence recovery time after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Infusion of an adequate dose of CD34+ mononuclear hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is the single most important variable to assure success in hematopoietic grafting. CD133+ HSCs constitute the CD34+ subgroup with higher differentiation potential. The number of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized CD133+ HSCs administered during hematopoietic grafting and its relationship with the number of days needed to regain hematopoiesis was determined. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with malignant hematologic diseases who received an autologous (n = 15) or allogeneic (n = 23) HSC transplant were prospectively evaluated. G-CSF was administered for 5 days at 10 microg/kg/day. Hematopoietic progenitors were recovered from peripheral blood on day 5 by leukopheresis. CD34+ and CD133+/CD34+ cell populations were quantified by flow cytometry; the number of days to hematologic recovery was documented. RESULTS: A median dose of 4.56 x 10(6)/kg CD34+ HSCs (range, 1.35 x 10(6)-14.6 x 10(6)) was recovered and transplanted; of these grafted cells, a median 3.25 x 10(6) were also CD133+ (range, 1.25 x 10(6)-14.3 x 10(6)). In the autologous group, the median number of days to reach a platelet (PLT) count of 20 x 10(9)/L or greater was 12, and 15 days to obtain a neutrophil count of 0.5 x 10(9)/L or greater; in the allogeneic group 13 and 16 days, respectively, were required (p > 0.05). A median 76.5% of G-CSF-mobilized CD34+ HSCs coexpressed the CD133+ antigen (range, 23.1-97.9). CONCLUSIONS: A higher number of CD133+/CD34+ HSCs in the graft was not clearly associated with a shorter neutrophil or PLT recovery time in either allogeneic or autologous recipients.

[Is it possible to cure a patient with mycosis fungoides? A case report]. / Es posible curar a un paciente con micosis fungoides? Informe de un caso.

Sezary syndrome (SS) and mycosis fungoides (MF) are a group of non Hodgkin lymphomas that originate from T-lymphocytes and involve mostly the skin. These entities are generally non treatable and patient prognosis remains poor even with the advent of current treatment schedules. Complete remissions are seldom observed. For this reason, bone marrow transplant has been used as a treatment option. The high mortality associated with this procedure has turned reduced intensity conditioning stem cell transplant into a treatment option. This case study illustrates how stem cell transplant offers complete remission of this type of lymphomas.

Es posible curar a un paciente con micosis fungoides? Informe de un caso / Is it possible to cure a patient with mycosis fungoides? A case report

La micosis fungoides y el síndrome de Sezary están constituidos por un grupo de linfomas no Hodgkin indolentes, extranodales, con origen en linfocitos T; afectan la piel de manera primaria; son generalmente incurables y los pacientes tienen mal pronóstico porque la enfermedad es habitualmente refractaria a diversas modalidades terapéuticas. El trasplante de médula ósea alogénico es una opción terapéutica más. La alta mortalidad del acondicionamiento pretrasplante convencional ha hecho que se considere el trasplante alogénico con acondicionamiento de intensidad reducida como una opción viable para esta enfermedad. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con micosis fungoides a quien se hizo un trasplante hematopoyético con un esquema no mieloablativo y en quien se logró remisión completa sostenida de la enfermedad.

Sezary syndrome (SS) and mycosis fungoides (MF) are a group of non Hodgkin lymphomas that originate from T-lymphocytes and involve mostly the skin. These entities are generally non treatable and patient prognosis remains poor even with the advent of current treatment schedules. Complete remissions are seldom observed. For this reason, bone marrow transplant has been used as a treatment option. The high mortality associated with this procedure has turned reduced intensity conditioning stem cell transplant into a treatment option. This case study illustrates how stem cell transplant offers complete remission of this type of lymphomas.

Aumento de volumen escrotal secundario a histiocitosis de células de Langerhans de la túnica vaginal: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Langerhans cell histiocytosis with secondary testicular enlargement a case report and review of the literature

Introducción. La histiocitosis de células de Langerhans (HCL) es una alteración inmunológica que consiste en la proliferación e infiltración de histiocitosis, puede ser sistémica o localizada. El diagnóstico es histopatológico y el tratamiento es con quimioterapia, radioterapia y/o cirugía, dependiendo de la localización. No se ha descrito a la fecha compromiso gonadal. Caso Clínico. Masculino de 6 años con padecimiento de 24 horas de evolución con aumeto de volumen escrotal derecho, súbito, indoloro, hiperemia local y transiluminación negativa. El ultrasonido y la tomografía axial computada mostraron líquido intraescrotal escapsulado y crecimiento testicular derecho. En la exploración quirúrgica se encontró hidrocele hemorrágico con engrosamiento de la túnica vaginal y un nódulo en el cordón espermático que fueron resecados además de biopsia testicular. El estudio histopatológico reveló HCL en la vaginal y en el nódulo, sin afectación testicular. Los estudios de extensión fueron negativos. Conclusiones. Primer caso de HCL en la túnica vaginal testicular. El tratamiento curativo es la resección de la lesión en la forma localizada. Puede ser causa de hidrocele a tensión