Nanoparticles of Betalain-Gelatin with Antioxidant Properties by Coaxial Electrospraying: Preparation and Characterization.

Betalains are bioactive compounds with attractive antioxidant properties for the food industry, endowing them with potential application in food coatings to maintain quality and extend shelf life. However, they have low stability to factors such as light, temperature, and humidity. An alternative to protect bioactive compounds is nanoencapsulation; one of the most used techniques to produce an encapsulation is coaxial electrospraying. In this research, the preparation and characterization of gelatin-betalain nanoparticles were carried out using the coaxial electrospray technique. Betalains were extracted from pitaya (Stenocereus thurberi) and encapsulated in gelatin. The obtained material was evaluated by SEM, FTIR, TGA, and DSC techniques and for its antioxidant capacity. By SEM, nanoparticles with spherical and monodisperse morphologies were observed, with betalain concentrations of 1 and 3% w/v and average diameters of 864 and 832 µm, respectively. By FTIR, the interaction between betalain and gelatin was observed through amino groups and hydrogen bonds. Likewise, the antioxidant activity of the betalains was maintained at the time of encapsulation, increasing the antioxidant activity as the concentration increased. The results of the DPPH, ABTS, and total phenols methods were 645.4592 µM T/g, 832.8863 ± 0.0110 µM T/g, and 59.8642 ± 0.0279 mg GAE/g for coaxial nanoparticles with 3% betalains, respectively. Therefore, the coaxial electrospray technique was useful for obtaining nanoparticles with good antioxidant properties, and due to the origin of its components and since the use of toxic solvents is not necessary in the technique, the material obtained can be considered food grade with potential application as a coating on functional foods.

Molecular detection of Theileria cervi in equids from México.

Equine piroplasmosis is a parasitic illness caused by various protozoa of the Babesia and Theileria genera, which parasitize within red blood cells. The transmission of these pathogens occurs through certain genus of ticks, including Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus. In recent times, an increase in the identification of new Theileria species and genotypes has been observed. This is further complicated by the presence of mixed Theileria infections in both mammals and tick vectors, particularly in regions where wildlife and livestock share habitats and vectors. Therefore, the objective of this study is to document the occurrence of Theileria cervi in a non-typical host. A total of 88 horses (Equus caballus) and 10 donkeys (Equus asinus) were sampled in three municipalities in Veracruz, Mexico. Molecular techniques were employed to identify Babesia/Theileria through the amplification of a segment of the 18S-rDNA and hsp70 genes. The phylogenetic reconstruction grouped the obtained sequences into a monophyletic cluster alongside sequences of T. cervi. This work represents the first documented occurrence of T. cervi in equids. These findings have significant implications from an epidemiological point of view. In addition, further studies are needed to determine the distribution and pathogenicity of this species for domestic animals and to develop effective control strategies.

New records, and molecular detection of vector-borne pathogens in Felicola subrostratus from eastern Mexico.

The study of lice associated with domestic cats is a neglected area of veterinary parasitology. In particular, the presence of the cat louse Felicola subrostratus, a small Ischnoceran species found in the fur of the domestic cat, is rarely recognized. In America, this species has been reported across six countries. Although it was also recently reported in Mexico, no studies on the molecular identification of the specimens or the monitoring of potential bacterial, and protozoan pathogens have been carried out. Thus, this work aimed to collect, and identify lice associated with domestic and free ranging cats from the states of Veracruz and Tabasco, using amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and the ribosomal 18S rDNA genes, and to monitor selected vector-borne bacterial (Bartonella, Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia) and protozoan (Babesia, and Hepatozoon) agents. Only entire lice were used for molecular host and pathogen identification. Eighty-one lice, identified as F. subrostratus, were recovered from five infested cats, and 30 were selected for molecular identification and pathogen surveillance. Analysis of the COI and 18S rDNA partial sequences showed a similarity of 96.79%-100% with sequences of F. subrostratus from the US. Mycoplasma haemofelis and Hepatozoon canis DNA was detected in three and four samples, respectively. This work provides new collection locations for F. subrostratus, and the first sequences of the COI and 18S rDNA genes from Mexico. It also reports two pathogenic microorganisms found in the lice.

Identification of the G184C, C190A and T2134A mutations in the para-sodium channel gene of the southern cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus associated with resistance to cypermethrin in northern Veracruz, Mexico.

The southern cattle tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) represents one of the ectoparasites with the greatest distribution worldwide. Infestations by this arthropod can cause a decrease in the production of meat and milk, as well as anaemia and the transmission of bacterial and parasitic agents. For this reason, several active molecules have been developed to control these arthropods. A widely used group of ixodicides are pyrethroids, especially cypermethrin, which have knockdown effects on ticks. Resistance to cypermethrin has been reported in ticks since the 2000s; it was registered for the first time in Mexico in 2009. Even though multiple studies have evaluated resistance with conventional tests, there are few studies in Mexico that have identified the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with resistance. Hence, the aim of this work was to monitor three mutations associated with resistance in the sodium/chlorine channel in eight populations of ticks from northern Veracruz. Engorged adult females were collected from which genomic DNA was extracted. Subsequently, three mutations in domains II and III of para­sodium channel gene were detected by conventional PCR and sequencing. Global alignments were done with the reference sequences deposited in GenBank. A total of 116 engorged females were analysed, of which 10 tested positive for G184C and C190A of domain II of the para­sodium channel gene. T2134A was present in domain III in a single production unit. This is the first work where molecular monitoring of cypermethrin resistance has been carried out in the northern zone of the state of Veracruz.

Confirmation of the presence of Rickettsia felis infecting Ornithodoros puertoricensis in Mexico.

Soft ticks are neglected competent vectors of a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, among which bacteria of the genera Rickettsia and Borrelia stand out. In Mexico, previous studies have shown the presence of a member of the Ornithodoros talaje complex in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae Kerr) from southeastern Mexico. However, its specific identification has not been achieved. Two D. virginiana were treated in a private clinic during the period of April-May 2022. Tick larvae were manually removed, DNA extraction was performed, and some genes from various bacterial and parasitic pathogens were amplified and sequenced. A total of 96 larvae were recovered, which were morphologically identified as Ornithodoros puertoricensis (Ixodida: Argasidae Fox); the 16 S sequences showed a similarity of 96.79%-99.51% with sequences of O. puertoricensis from Panama and Colombia. The presence of Rickettsia felis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae Bouyer et al.) was detected in 15 specimens from one host. The soft tick O. puertoricensis is recorded for the first time as an ectoparasite of the Virginia opossum in America and represents the second report for this soft tick in Mexico since 1963. This represents the most northern record of this tick species in its geographic distribution and brings a new soft tick-Rickettsia association.

First report of Babesia bigemina in Lama glama in a zoological garden of Veracruz, Mexico.

Zoological gardens represent specialised centres for the preservation of biological inventories and genetic diversity, allowing the recognition of multiple species in critical conservation categories. However, the close coexistence of multiple species of vertebrates that may be associated with various species of ectoparasites may be the cause of the transmission of multiple infectious agents, among which tick-borne pathogens stand out. In these areas, several animal species usually live in a small space and proximity to other wildlife, visitors and keepers. In Mexico, little is known about the disease agents transmitted by arthropods in zoological gardens. For this reason, the aim of this study was to identify the presence of Babesia/Theileria in animals maintained in captivity. As a part of a project identifying vector-borne pathogens in wildlife, 24 animals were sampled in the Miguel Angel de Quevedo zoo. Molecular identification of Babesia/Theileria was realised through amplification of a fragment of the mitochondrial cytB gene and the ribosomal 18S-rDNA. Two neotropical camelids (Lama glama) tested positive (2/3 = 66.6%) to Babesia bigemina. Our results represent the first record of B. bigemina in animals in captivity in a zoological garden in Mexico and the first finding of this haemoparasite in neotropical camelids in Mexico.

No molecular evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals from Veracruz, Mexico.

Active epidemiological surveillance of infectious agents represents a fundamental tool for understanding the transmission dynamics of pathogens and establishing public policies that can reduce or limit their expansion. Epidemiological surveillance of emerging agents, such as the recently recognized severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of COVID-19, is essential to establish the risk of transmission between species. Recent studies reveal that companion animals are organisms susceptible to being infected by this pathogen due to the close contact they have with their owners. For this reason, the aim of the present work was to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, where there is active transmission of this microorganism in human populations. Oral and nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from dogs and cats with a history of exposure to patients with COVID-19. Total RNA was extracted and detection of viral genes N1 and N2 was performed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). All 130 samples of companion animals tested by RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 were negative at the time they were collected. This study represents the second active surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in populations of domestic dogs and cats in Latin America and the first approach in Mexico. Given that coronaviruses have shown a high capacity to be transmitted between species, it is imperative to establish measures to prevent this agent from entering and establishing in populations of companion animals.

Prevención primaria y secundaria de muerte súibita en el ICD Registry Latin America / Primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death in the icd registry-latin america

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The ICD Registry is an observational study conducted in Latin America to collect data on indications and follow-up care for primary or secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death patients. The objective of this study is to compare and evaluate the characteristics of primary versus secondary prevention in the patient population enrolled in the registry. METHODS: Demographic data, indication, etiology, NYHA functional class and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), pharmacological treatment at implant and the type of ICD implanted were also collected. During the follow-up period the ICD therapies delivered, patient hospitalizations and mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: 507 patients were evaluated. Average age 60 +/- 14 years old, 78% male. Coronary heart disease was the most common etiology (43.6%). NYHA Functional Class I/II at the time of implant (73.6%). Average LVEF was 34 +/- 16%. Out of 507 patients, 189 received an ICD for primary prevention; 318 for secondary prevention. Primary prevention patients were older, predominantly male and had a lower EF. The rate of mortality and hospitalizations were similar between both groups with a higher rate of appropriate therapies in secondary prevention patients. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate clinical characteristics of primary prevention patients in Latin America. There were no significant statistically differences in a short follow-up period in mortality or hospitalization as compared to the secondary prevention patient population in the Registry.

[Primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death in the ICD Registry-Latin America]. / Prevención primaria y secundaria de muerte súibita en el ICD Registry Latin America.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The ICD Registry is an observational study conducted in Latin America to collect data on indications and follow-up care for primary or secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death patients. The objective of this study is to compare and evaluate the characteristics of primary versus secondary prevention in the patient population enrolled in the registry. METHODS: Demographic data, indication, etiology, NYHA functional class and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), pharmacological treatment at implant and the type of ICD implanted were also collected. During the follow-up period the ICD therapies delivered, patient hospitalizations and mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: 507 patients were evaluated. Average age 60 +/- 14 years old, 78% male. Coronary heart disease was the most common etiology (43.6%). NYHA Functional Class I/II at the time of implant (73.6%). Average LVEF was 34 +/- 16%. Out of 507 patients, 189 received an ICD for primary prevention; 318 for secondary prevention. Primary prevention patients were older, predominantly male and had a lower EF. The rate of mortality and hospitalizations were similar between both groups with a higher rate of appropriate therapies in secondary prevention patients. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate clinical characteristics of primary prevention patients in Latin America. There were no significant statistically differences in a short follow-up period in mortality or hospitalization as compared to the secondary prevention patient population in the Registry.

[Immune response of preterm infants to hepatitis B vaccine administered within 24 hours after birth]. / Resposta imune à vacinação contra hepatite B em recém-nascidos pré-termo, iniciada no primeiro dia de vida.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immune response of preterm infants to hepatitis B vaccination. METHODS: Three doses of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (5 micro g dose) were administered to 35 preterm and 21 full-term infants within 24 hours after birth and at one and six months of postnatal age. RESULTS: A protective antibody response (anti-HB > 10 mUI/mL) was observed three months after the last dose in 92.6% and 100% of preterm and full-term infants (p > 0.05), respectively. Newborns with gestational age below 34 weeks presented lower antibody responses in all three periods. However, gestational age was not important to determine the antibody response in the three periods analyzed. When antibody response was analyzed in terms of birth weight, it was observed that a protective response was present in 75 and 100% of newborns with birth weight < or = 1,500 g and > 1,500 g, respectively. Birth weight was shown to be a relevant factor in determining a protective antibody response at six months of postnatal age. Nonresponders received a fourth vaccine dose and an adequate antibody response was obtained in 100%. CONCLUSION: The antibody response of preterm infants was similar to that of term newborns. Hepatitis B vaccination can be initiated on the first day of life in preterm newborns, following the same scheme recommended for term newborns. However, in preterm infants with birth weight less than or equal to 1,500 g, whose antibody response is lower, anti-HB titers should be monitored at nine months of age, or a four-dose vaccination scheme should be provided, with doses on the first day of postnatal life and one, six and nine months later.

Resposta imune à vacinação contra hepatite B em recém-nascidos pré-termo, iniciada no primeiro dia de vida / Immune response of preterm infants to hepatitis B vaccine administered within 24 hours after birth

OBJETIVO: Investigar a resposta imune à vacina contra hepatite B em recém-nascidos pré-termo visando determinar a taxa de soroproteção, analisar a relação desta com a idade gestacional e o peso de nascimento. MÉTODOS: A vacina recombinante contra hepatite B (5 æg por dose) foi aplicada em 35 recém-nascidos pré-termo e 21 recém-nascidos a termo, no primeiro dia, a 1 mês e aos 6 meses de vida. Foram determinados os títulos de anti-HBs em todos os recém-nascidos com 6, 9 e 12 meses. RESULTADOS: Aos 9 meses, as taxas de soroproteção (anti-HBs > 10 mUI/mL) foram de 92,6 e 100 por cento nos recém-nascidos pré-termo e a termo, respectivamente (p > 0,05). Nos recém-nascidos com peso de nascimento < 1.500 e > 1.500 g, as taxas foram de 75 e 100 por cento, respectivamente. Nos recém-nascidos com idade gestacional < 34 semanas, foram encontradas taxas de soroproteção menores em todos os períodos. Estudando a influência do peso de nascimento e da idade gestacional, verificou-se que o peso foi o parâmetro que mais influenciou a taxa de soroproteção, especialmente na determinação sorológica aos 6 meses. Os recém-nascidos que não responderam receberam uma quarta dose da vacina, com 100 por cento de resposta. CONCLUSÕES: Frente aos resultados obtidos, os recém-nascidos pré-termo apresentam resposta imunológica semelhante aos recém-nascidos a termo e, portanto, podem iniciar o esquema vacinal logo após o nascimento, seguindo o esquema aplicado aos recém-nascidos a termo. Deve-se ressaltar que os recém-nascidos com peso de nascimento < 1.500 g, nos quais 25 por cento não responderam com títulos protetores, deveriam ser avaliados através de sorologia após a terceira dose da vacina, ou então dever-se-ia preconizar um esquema vacinal constituído de quatro doses, aplicadas no primeiro dia de vida e a 1, 6 e 12 meses.

Hiperglicemia e glicosúria em recém-nascidos pré-termo recebendo glicose parenteral: influência do peso, idade gestacional e velocidade de infusäo / Hyperglycemia and glucosuria in preterm infants receiving parenteral glucose: influence of birth weight, gestational age and infusion rate

Objetivo: Devido à diminuiçäo da morbimortalidade em recém-nascidos pré-termo, é preocupaçäo cada vez maior nutri-los adequadamente. A alimentaçäo enteral nem sempre é possível, tornando-se necessária a parenteral, que tem como um dos seus componentes principais a glicose. Esta näo é isenta de riscos, facilitando o aparecimento de hiperglicemia e podendo acarretar glicosúria, desidrataçäo e hemorragias intracranianas. O objetivo desta pesquisa é avaliar a influência da idade gestacional, do peso de nascimento e da velocidade da infusäo de glicose sobre hiperglicemia e glicosúria. Métodos: A pesquisa foi conduzida no Berçário do Hospital Santa Catarina (Säo Paulo). Foi desenvolvido um estudo prospectivo com 40 recém-nascidos pré-termo recebendo glicose parenteral, nos quais realizaram-se 511 determinaçöes concomitantes de glicose sanguínea e glicosúria, com média de 12,8 dosagens por recém-nascido. Resultados: Foram encontrados 59 (11,5 por cento) episódios de hiperglicemia, com maior freqüência em idades gestacionais menores do que 34 semanas, peso de nascimento inferiores a 1500g e velocidades de infusäo de glicose superiores a 6mg/kg/min. Foram detectados 31 (6,1 por cento) episódios de glicosúria, sendo mais freqüentes em idades gestacionais inferiores a 34 semanas, pesos de nascimento menores do que 1500g e velocidade de infusäo de glicose superiores a 6mg/kg/min...

Valor preditivo do "Clinical Risk Index for Babies" para o risco de mortalidade neonatal / Predictive value of the \"Clinical Risk Index for Babies\" for the risk of neonatal death

Compara o valor preditivo do CRIB (Clinical risk Index for Babies) para o risco de mortalidade neonatal ao peso de nascimento (PN) e idade gestacional (IG). Numa coorte prospectiva foram estudados, durante o ano de 1996, 71 recém-nascidos admitidos na unidade de terapia intensiva, com PN<1.500 g e/ou IG<31 semanas. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 29,6 por cento; para PN<1.000 g ou IG<29 semanas foi de 60 por cento, enquanto que para o escore de CRIB>10 foi de 100 por cento. O escore de CRIB>10 correspondeu a maiores especificidade e valor preditivo positivo em relaçäo aos demais parâmetros. A área determinada pela "receiver operating characteristic" relativa ao CRIB também foi superior. O CRIB mostrou-se um marcador mais acurado na previsäo de risco de mortalidade quando comparado ao PN ou IG isoladamente

Ruptura prolongada de membranas e infeccao neonatal / Prolonged rupture of the membranes and neonatal infection

Objetivo: Avaliar um esquema de abordagem ao nascimento de recém-nascidos cujas mäes tivessem ruptura de membranas (RPM) por 24 horas ou mais antes do parto, com base em parâmetros, clínicos e laboratoriais selecionados, de infecçäo neonatal. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, incluindo recém-nascidos admitidos no Berçário anexo à Maternidade (HC-FMUSP) no período de maio de 1994, cujas mäes tivessem RPM>- 24 horas. Em todos os recém-nascidos realizou-se hemograma (cordäo umbilical e 24 horas) e hemocultura (cordäo umbilical). Receberam antibioticoterapia os recém-nascidos com sinais clínicos de corioamnionite, IG <- 34 semanas e/ou IG > 34 semanas e < 37 semanas, na presença de fatores de risco para infecçäo. Os recém-nascidos incluidos foram distribuidos em 4 subgrupos: GI (PRM <- 48 horas), GII (RPM > 7 dias e ...

Estudio de los trastornos psíquicos y somáticos que inciden en el climaterio / Studies of psychiatric disorders and somatics provoques climateric period

Se realiza un estudio de los trastornos psíquicos y somáticos que inciden en el climaterio en 100 mujeres, en las edades comprendidas entre 45 y 59, provenientes del consultorio No 31 del médico de la familia del Policlínico Comunitario Oeste de la ciudad de CamagÜey, entre los meses de octubre de 1989 a diciembre de 1990, y se seleccionaron las 100 primeras historias clínicas de las mujeres comprendidas en estas edades. Se encontró que los trastornospsíquicos más frecuentes fueron la ansiedad, la irritabilidad y la depresión y los trastornos somáticos más frecuentes fueron el bochorno, la perspiración y los dolores óseos. Se detectó además que los trastornos menstruales más frecuentesson: la amenorrea y la hiperpolimenorrea y entre las afecciones asociadas, la hipertensión arterial, la osteoartrosis y la neurosis. Las vivencias con mayor repercusión psíquica y somática resultaron ser la ansiedad y los dolores óseos