Advances in Material Modification with Smart Functional Polymers for Combating Biofilms in Biomedical Applications.

Biofilms as living microorganism communities are found anywhere, and for the healthcare sector, these constitute a threat and allied mechanism for health-associated or nosocomial infections. This review states the basis of biofilms and their formation. It focuses on their relevance for the biomedical sector, generalities, and the major advances in modified or new synthesized materials to prevent or control biofilm formation in biomedicine. Biofilm is conceptualized as an aggregate of cells highly communicated in an extracellular matrix, which the formation obeys to molecular and genetic basis. The biofilm offers protection to microorganisms from unfavorable environmental conditions. The most frequent genera of microorganisms forming biofilms and reported in infections are Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia spp., and Candida spp. in implants, heart valves, catheters, medical devices, and prostheses. During the last decade, biofilms have been most commonly related to health-associated infections and deaths in Europe, the United States, and Mexico. Smart, functional polymers are materials capable of responding to diverse stimuli. These represent a strategy to fight against biofilms through the modification or synthesis of new materials. Polypropylene and poly-N-isopropyl acrylamide were used enough in the literature analysis performed. Even smart polymers serve as delivery systems for other substances, such as antibiotics, for biofilm control.

Efficacy of Biorational Products for Managing Diseases of Tomato in Greenhouse Production.

Gray mold (Botrytis cinerea), late blight (Phytophthora infestans), powdery mildew (Leveillula taurica), pith necrosis (Pseudomonas corrugata), and bacterial canker (Clavibacter michiganensis) are major diseases that affect tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in greenhouse production in Mexico. Management of these diseases depends heavily on chemical control, with up to 24 fungicide applications required in a single season to control fungal diseases, thus ensuring a harvestable crop. While disease chemical control is a mainstay practice in the region, its frequent use increases the production costs, likelihood of pathogen-resistance development, and negative environmental impact. Due to this, there is a need for alternative practices that minimize such effects and increase profits for tomato growers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of biorational products in the control of these diseases in greenhouse production. Four different treatments, including soil application of Bacillus spp. or B. subtilis and foliar application of Reynoutria sachalinensis, Melaleuca alternifolia, harpin αß proteins, or bee honey were evaluated and compared to a conventional foliar management program (control) in a commercial production greenhouse in Central Mexico in 2016 and 2017. Disease incidence was measured at periodic intervals for six months and used to calculate the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). Overall, the analysis of the AUDPC showed that all treatments were more effective than the conventional program in controlling most of the examined diseases. The tested products were effective in reducing the intensity of powdery mildew and gray mold, but not that of bacterial canker, late blight, and pith necrosis. Application of these products constitutes a disease management alternative that represents cost-saving to tomato growers of about 2500 U.S. dollars per production cycle ha-1, in addition to having less negative impact on the environment. The products tested in this study have the potential to be incorporated in an integrated program for management of the examined diseases in tomato in this region.

Estudio del índice nivel/dosis de la fenitoína en pacientes epilépticos voluntarios de Mérida / Study of the level/dose index of phenytoin in volunteer epileptic patients from Mérida

INTRODUCCIÓN La fenitoína es usada con mucha frecuencia en nuestro medio, por lo que se requiere hacer estudios de monitorización terapéutica, que contribuya a minimizar los efectos adversos y optimizar la terapia farmacológica. En ese contexto, nuestro objetivo ha sido determinar el índice nivel/dosis de la fenitoína en pacientes epilépticos voluntarios de Mérida. MÉTODOS Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y por reclutamiento consecutivo concurrente, conformado por 30 pacientes voluntarios con diagnóstico de epilepsia. Las muestras de suero se obtuvieron en niveles mínimos de pacientes que estaban en tratamiento con fenitoína durante 1 mes. Los niveles del fármaco se cuantificaron por el método de Inmunoensayo de enzima donante clonada en el equipo Indiko Thermo Scientific. RESULTADOS El índice nivel/dosis fue de 1,4 y 1,6, la concentración plasmática de 4,8mg/l y 8,0mg/l, la capacidad metabólica de 388,4 y 462,9mg/día, respectivamente en mujeres y hombres. Mientras que el nivel de la concentración plasmática en el estado estacionario fue de 6,5mg/l y 5,5mg/l, la dosis de carga máxima de 237,3mg y de 395,6mg, respectivamente en mujeres y hombres con epilepsia de la ciudad de Mérida. CONCLUSIONES Nuestros resultados sugieren que se debe individualizar la dosis en base al índice nivel/dosis de cada paciente, ya que no se puede extrapolar para todos los pacientes con epilepsia, debido a diversos factores como al fenotipo metabólico y al uso de fármacos inductores e inhibidores enzimáticos.

INTRODUCTION Phenytoin is used very frequently in our environment, so it is necessary to do studies of therapeutic monitoring, which helps to minimize adverse drug reaction and optimize pharmacological therapy. In this context, our objective was to determine the level/dose index of phenytoin in volunteer epileptic patients from Mérida. METHODS A descriptive, observational and consecutive concurrent recruitment study was carried out, consisting of 30 volunteer patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy. The serum samples were obtained in minimum levels from patients who were in treatment with phenytoin for 1 month. The levels of the drug were quantified by the method of donor enzyme immunoassay cloned in the Indiko Thermo Scientific equipment. RESULTS The level/dose index was 1,4 and 1,6, the plasma concentration of 4,8mg/l and 8,0mg/l, the metabolic capacity of 388,4 and 462,9mg/day, respectively in women and men. While the level of plasma concentration at steady state was 6,5mg/l and 5,5mg/l, the maximum loading dose of 237,3mg and 395,6mg, respectively in women and men with epilepsy of the city of Mérida. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the dose should be individualized based on the level/dose index of each patient, since it can not be extrapolated for all patients with epilepsy, due to various factors such as the metabolic phenotype and the use of enzyme-inducing drugs and inhibitors.

Marginal filling and adhesive resistance of bulk fill resin applying 18% edta gel compared with 37% phosphoric acid gel in vitro dental conditioning / Sellado marginal y resistencia adhesiva de resina bulk fill aplicando gel de edta al 18% comparado con el gel de ácido fosfórico al 37% en el acondicionamiento dental in vitro

Objective. To evaluate the degree of marginal sealing and adhesive strength in Bulk-Fill resin by applying 18% EDTA gel compared to 37% phosphoric acid gel in dental conditioning. Materials and methods. The study was transversal, experimental comparative, and applied. The sample group consisted of 60 teeth with Class I cavities, which were later subjected to conditioning. This was carried out separately with phosphoric acid gel for 15 seconds, and 18% EDTA gel within two different time frames: 60 and 90 seconds. All samples were incubated at 37ºC for a period of 24 hours and thermocycled between 5 to 55ºC for 500 cycles. To assess microfiltration, they were immersed in methylene blue at 37ºC for 4 hours, and were later sectioned and observed through a stereomicroscope. In order to perform the traction, the conventional testing machine was used at a speed of 0.75mm/min until the screw with the resin detached. Results: Samples conditioned with 37% phosphoric acid showed a greater degree 1 microfiltration and a mean adhesive resistance of 7.97 MPa. The same number of microfiltration grades 1 and 2 was found when using EDTA gel for 60 seconds, with a mean tensile strength of 8.8 MPa. On the other hand, applying EDTA gel for 90 seconds showed mostly grade 1 microfiltrations, and to a lesser extent, grade 0 and 2, with a mean resistance of 9.2 MPa. Conclusion: There are no statistically significant differences regarding adhesive strength between the two gels; however, better marginal filling was observed when samples were conditioned with 18% EDTA gel for 90 seconds.

Objetivo. Evaluar el grado de sellado marginal y resistencia adhesiva en resina Bulk ­ Fill aplicando gel de EDTA al 18% en comparación al gel de ácido fosfórico al 37% en el acondicionamiento dental. Materiales y métodos. El tipo de estudio fue transversal, comparativo, de nivel aplicativo y diseño experimental. La muestra estuvo conformada por 60 dientes con cavidades clase I; se realizó el acondicionamiento con gel de ácido fosfórico, gel del EDTA al 18% en 60 segundos y 90 segundos. El total de las muestras fueron incubados a 37°C por 24 horas, se termocicló con 500 ciclos entre 5 a 55ºC. Para evaluar microfiltración, fueron sumergidos en azul de metileno a 37ºC por 4 horas, fueron seccionadas y observados al estereomicroscopio, para realizar la tracción se empleó la máquina de ensayos universales a una velocidad de 0.75mm/min hasta que se desprendiera el tornillo con la resina. Resultados. Las muestras acondicionadas con ácido fosfórico al 37% presenta mayor microfiltración grado 1 y el promedio de su resistencia adhesiva es de 7.97Mpa, la microfiltración obtenida con EDTA en 60 segundos presenta equidad entre grado 1 y 2; promedio de resistencia a la tracción de 8.8 Mpa y el EDTA 90 segundos presentó mayor microfiltración grado 1 y el resto 0 y 2; el promedio de resistencia fue 9.2 Mpa. Conclusión. No existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas al comparar los acondicionantes para la prueba de resistencia adhesiva, sin embargo se observó mejor sellado marginal cuando se acondicionó con gel de EDTA al 18 % por 90 segundos.

Synchronous Resection of Colon Adenocarcinoma and Bisegmentectomy of Liver Metastases.

Colorectal cancer is one of the main neoplasms worldwide; at the time of diagnosis about 25% of cases already have an advanced stage with the presence of metastases. A 58-year-old female presented with nausea, vomiting, and black stools and diffuse abdominal pain associated with 7% weight loss. She was referred to our hospital with signs of digestive tract bleeding and anemic syndrome. Panendoscopy revealed body and fundus gastropathy and presence of Helicobacter pylori, and colonoscopy showed a neoplastic lesion at the ascending colon level. A synchronous resection was performed in a single surgical time of colorectal cancer and liver metastases with a duration of 4 h and bleeding of 900 mL. The oral feeding started 24 h after surgery, presenting gas channeling at 24 h and evacuations at 48 h. The total intrahospital stay was 5 days. Synchronous resection of hepatic metastases in colorectal cancer is still rarely performed, despite the fact that in recent years the number of cases has increased because of better surgical techniques. Synchronous resection of colorectal cancer and liver metastases can be performed safely, without increasing transoperative mortality when performed in specialized centers with a multidisciplinary team; however, it is essential to emphasize the importance of negative surgical margins (R0) of the primary tumor and later to be complemented with adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy.

[Retrospective seroprevalence study of bovine leptospirosis in Mexico considering the ecological regions]. / Estudio retrospectivo de seroprevalencia de leptospirosis bovina en M'exico considerando las regiones ecológicas.

The newly published information about the different ecological regions of Mexico was analyzed aimed at knowing the situation of bovine leptospirosis. A bibliographical search was made and the articles were chosen according to the following inclusion criteria: a) diagnosis technique: microscopic agglutination, b) positive criterion titres of 1:100 or higher, c) time period: 1991-2003, d) publications such as thesis, memoirs of congresses, non-scientific journals and journals with arbitrage, e) location by states. The duplicated information was considered as the exclusion criteria. The results of frequency and of serovarieties of leptospirosis were reported by state, considering the different ecological regions. Reference to 17 states is made. The arid and semi-arid region had a frequency of 37.8 % with a range from 31% to 59%, the prevalent serovars were H-89 strain (hardjo genotype hardjoprajitno), hardjo, wolffi and tarassovi. In the dry tropical region, there was a frequency of 45.9 % with a range from 27 to 72 %. The prevailing serovarieties were wolffi, hardjo and tarassovi. In the humid tropical region , the frequency was 63.8 % with a range between 31.7 and 84.6 %. The predominating serovarieties were H-89 strain (hardjo genotype hardjoprajitno), hardjo, wolffi and tarassovi. In the mild climate, the average frequency of leptospirosis was 39.4 % with a range from 22.1 to 54.3 %. The prevailing serovarieties were Palo Alto strain (icterohaemorrhagiae), Sinaloa ACR strain (portlandvere), bratislava, pyrogenes, pomona, and H-89 strain (hardjoprajitno), hardjo, wolffi and tarassovi. It was concluded that the presence of antobodies against L. interrogans is endemic in the different ecological regions of Mexico and that there is an elevated prevalence of serovarieties hardjo, wolffi y tarassovi; although in the temperate region, the Palo Alto strain (icterohaemorrhagiae), the Sinaloa ACR strain (portland vere) and Bratislava are present, too. Apparently, the climate influences on the frequency of presentation of the serovarieties. This is the first analysis of bovine leptospirosis by regions made in Mexico.

[Evaluation of an homologous bacterin against bovine leptospirosis]. / Evaluación de una bacterina homóloga contra la leptospirosis bovina.

48 adult bovine females dividided into 6 groups were used aimed at characterizing the immune response induced in breastfeeeding cows by an homologous bacterin formulated with different adjuvants. They were intramuscularly administered 2 milliliters of a bacterin formulated with Leptospira interrogans serovars uam, wolffi, hardjo, bratislava, grippotyphosa and panama added with different adjuvants, such as aluminum hydroxide, Freud's complete adjuvant, Freud's incomplete adjuvant, liposoluble vitamins, bacterin plus disparasitization with levamisol. The control group was administred only with bacterin. Immunization took place in 2 occasions at a time interval of 28 days. Blood samples were taken every 7 days during the first month after vaccination, and every 28 days for the next 8 months. All the sera were analyzed by the microscopic agglutination test. The results were transformed into Log10 and they were analyzed by NLIN and GLM of SAS. The period of greater response was estimated by the prediction model (Wood). The bacterin did not produce alteration either in the physiological constants, or in milk production. The serovars of Leptospira interrogans that induced higher titers were uam, hardjo and wolffi. The statistical difference between treatments and between serovars was determined.

[Diagnostic serology of swine leptospirosis in Mexico 1995-2000]. / Serología diagnóstica de leptospirosis porcina en México 1995-2000

Results obtained from sample testing of 1970 swines from a number of Mexican farms were analyzed. Such samples had been received in the Leptospira Lab of Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana de Xochimilco from 1995 to 2000. Sera with titers equal to or higher than 1:1000 were considered positive; 39,8% of the animals were seropositive (784) and the most frequent serovarieties were bratislava, 22.5%; icterohaemorrhagiae strain Palo Alto, 14,5%; portland vere strain Sinaloa ACR, 13,8%; icterohaemorrhagiae, 11,1%; grippotyphosa, 8,9%; hardjo strain H89,7.2%; tarassovi,7.1%; panama, 5.8%, pomona and hardjo, 5.1%; wolffi, 3%; shermani, 2.4%; pyrogenes, 1.2%; canicola, 0.8%; hebdomadis, 0,5%. The bratislava serovariety has been reported as the cause of reproductive failure in several countries and it holds the first place in serological studies. Therefore, the present paper provides information for stating that this is one of the most significant serovarieties in Mexico.

[Serological study of bovine leptospirosis in Mexico]. / Estudio serológico de leptospirosis bovina en México.

The results of 4 043 bovine sera samples from various Mexican regions, which were sent to a diagnosis lab, were analyzed. The method was the agglutination technique, taking the dilution rate 1:1000 or higher as positive. The analysis revealed 31,1% of seroprevalence and the most frequent serovarietes were hardjo (strain H 89 isolated in Mexico), wolffi and tarassovi. There is coincidence with early data obtained in Mexico on a 34% of prevalence found in a similar study performed in 1994, and with the scientific literature from other countries. The former study also indicated that tarassovi and wolffi were the most common leptospira, so there is coincidence with the figures in the reviewed literature. It was concluded that there was no significant variation in the prevalence rate between the 1994 study and the present one; therefore, it is recommended that this study be promoted so as to increase the bovine vaccination and achieve a reduction in leptospirosis in Mexico.

Frecuencia de Leptospira interrogans en unidades de producción porcina del altiplano de México / Survey of L. interrogans in pig farms of the high plateau of Mexico

Con el fin de conocer cuáles son las serovariedades más frecuentes del leptospira en explotaciones porcinas tecnificadas y de traspatio de la zona del altiplano de México, se hizo un muestreo serológico de hembras de cuatro o más partos de 17 granjas tecnificadas (114 cerdas) y de 12 explotaciones de traspatio (50 cerdas). Se emplearon 12 antígenos de L. interrogans en la técnica de algutinación microscópica y se consideraron positivos los sueros a partir de la dilución de 1:100. La serovariedad bratislava se encontró en 28 por ciento de las hembras de granjas tecnificadas y explotaciones de traspatio, y panama en 24.5 por ciento y 34 por ciento de las cerdas, respectivamente, y en menor proporción el resto de las serovariedades. De 8 serovariedades detectadas, 7 (87.5 por ciento) se encontraron en granjas tecnificadas y soló 3 (37.5 por ciento) en animales de traspatio; quizá esto fue debido a la mayor densidad poblacional. Probablemente la presencia de bratislava se debe a la importancia de animales. Cuando se compararon estos resultados con los obtenidos de estudios anteriores, se concluyó que en los últimos años bratislava y panama se han convertido en las más frecuentes y es recomendable que se incluyan como antígenos en las vacunas para prevenir adecuadamente la laptospirosis en los cerdos

Investigación serológica de leptospirosis en fauna silvestre mantenida en cautiverio en el zoológico de Chapultepec de la ciudad de México / Serological survey of leptosporosis in captive wildlife at the Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico City

Son escasos los estudios sobre leptospirosis en fauna silvestre albergada en parques zoológicos. Sin embargo, hay antecedentes serológicos de esta enfermedad en el zoológico de Chapultepec de la ciudad de México. Con el objeto de conocer la frecuencia serológica y el perfil inmunológico de las distintas serovariedades ahí alojadas se analizaron 48 muestras de suero de 19 diferentes especies animales, mediante la técnica de aglutinación microscópica, empleando 12 serovariedades de leptospira. Se consideraron positivos los sueros cuyos títulos fueron de 1:100 o mayores. Los resultados indican que en 15 distintas especies hubo serrorreactores positivos a 8 diferentes serovariedades y que el 52 por ciento de los sueros resultó positivo; en algunos sueros se encontraron títulos de 1:1600. Las serovariedades identificadas fueron: icterohaemorrhagiae (40 por ciento), canicola y pyrogenes (26 por ciento), hebdomadis (23 por ciento), pomona y grippotyphosa (12 por ciento) y autumnalis y panama (2 por ciento). Estos datos indican que la leptospirosis es una enfermedad ampliamente difundida entre las colonias de animales y que hay una importante diversidad de serovariedades de L. interrogans, por lo que es necesario diseñar un programa de prevención y control con base en estos datos. Además, en este estudio se encontró la presencia de anticuerpos aglutinantes de leptospira en especies animales como el león (Panthera leo), pantera (Pantera pardus), oso polar (Thalarctos maritimus), rinocerontes tanto blanco (Ceratotherium simum) como negro (Diceros bicornis), orangután (Pongo pygmaeus) y tigre (Panthera tigris) de las cuales no se encontraron informes previos, por lo que también se amplía la información epizootiológica existente sobre los posibles huéspedes de esta enfermedad

La importancia de la leptospirosis humana en México: detección de anticuerpos antileptospira en una población de donadores de sangre / The importance of human leptospirosis in Mexico: detection of antileptospira antibodies in a population o blood donors

La detección de anticuerpos específicos en suero se ha utilizado como prueba diagnóstica para leptospirosis humana. En el hombre, la presencia de anticuerpos solamente se puede deber a un proceso infeccioso, ya que no existen vacunas que estimulen al sistema inmune para la producción de éstos. En el presente estudio de analizaron 206 sueros de adultos donadores de sangre, con la técnica de aglutinación microscópica contra siete serovariedades de Leptospira interrogans. El 7 por ciento de los sueros fueron positivos. La distribución de éstos por serovariedad fue la siguiente: shermani 53 por ciento, canicola 33 por ciento, pyrogenes 20 por ciento, pomona 13 por ciento e icterohaemorrhagiae 6 por ciento. El grupo etario con mayor frecuencia de seropositividad fue el de 20 a 39 años. Los resultados encontrados en individuos asintomáticos muestran que la leptospirosis en México es una zoonosis más frecuente de lo se sospecha