Exploring the potential of omics technologies in medicinal plant research: a review in Colombia / Explorando el potencial de las tecnologías ómicas en la investigación de plantas medicinales: una revisión en Colombia

This review presents advances in the implementation of high - throughput se quencing and its application to the knowledge of medicinal plants. We conducted a bibliographic search of papers published in PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and analyzed the obtained data using VOSviewer (versi on 1.6.19). Given that medicinal plants are a source of specialized metabolites with immense therapeutic values and important pharmacological properties, plant researchers around the world have turned their attention toward them and have begun to examine t hem widely. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have reduced cost and time demands and accelerated medicinal plant research. Such research leverages full genome sequencing, as well as RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequencing and the analysis of the transcr iptome, to identify molecular markers of species and functional genes that control key biological traits, as well as to understand the biosynthetic pathways of bioactive metabolites and regulatory mechanisms of environmental responses. As such, the omics ( e.g., transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and genomics, among others) have been widely applied within the study of medicinal plants, although their usage in Colombia is still few and, in some areas, scarce. (185)

El extracto de cloroformo (CE) y las fracciones obtenidas de las raíces de Aldama arenaria se evaluaron para determinar su actividad antiproliferativa in vitro contra 10 líneas ce lulares tumorales humanas [leucemia (K - 562), mama (MCF - 7), ovario que expresa un fenotipo resistente a múltiples fármacos (NCI/ADR - RES), melanoma (UACC - 62), pulmón (NCI - H460), próstata (PC - 3), colon (HT29), ovario (OVCAR - 3), glioma (U251) y riñón (786 - 0)]. CE presentó actividad antiproliferativa débil a moderada (log GI 50 medio 1.07), mientras que las fracciones 3 y 4, enriquecidas con diterpenos de tipo pimarane [ent - pimara - 8 (14), ácido 15 - dien - 19 - oico y ent - 8(14),15 - pimaradien - 3 ß - ol], presentaron activid ad moderada a potente para la mayoría de las líneas celulares, con un log GI 50 medio de 0.62 y 0.59, respectivamente. Los resultados mostraron una acción antiproliferativa in vitro prometedora de las muestras obtenidas de A. arenaria , con los mejores resul tados para NCI/ADR - RES, HT29 y OVCAR - 3, y valores de TGI que van desde 5.95 a 28.71 µg.mL - 1, demostrando que los compuestos de esta clase pueden ser prototipos potenciales para el descubrimiento de nuevos agentes terapéuticos

La obesidad como factor de riesgo de gravedad por la infección de COVID-19 / Obesity as a risk factor for severity of COVID-19 infection / A obesidade como um fator de risco grave para a infecção por COVID-19

Los nuevos estilos de vida forzados por la pandemia, han mostrado un incremento en la incidencia en los niveles de índice de masa corporal de sobrepeso y obesidad en la población, a su vez estos casos, se visibilizaban más al estar relacionados con casos de gravedad por la enfermedad del COVID-19. Objetivo. Relacionar que el sobrepeso y obesidad, si son factores de riesgo y predicción de situaciones de gravedad por infección del COVID-19. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio, tipo descriptivo correlacional. Para esta investigación, se tomó muestra poblacional de personal voluntario de 48 personas, principalmente constituido por estudiantes y algunos docentes que pertenecen a la Facultad de Educación de la Universidad Nacional José Faustino Sánchez Carrión. Este personal fue evaluado en dos clínicas ubicadas en ciudades diferentes, la información biométrica y resultados de análisis de sangre, se consultó con personal médico asesor. Luego de un año se realizó una segunda evaluación, mediante una encuesta, para recabar información sobre la respuesta del sistema inmune del personal evaluado, ante una infección COVID-19 si fuera el caso. Se realizó la consulta médica respecto a los resultados obtenidos, sobre la correlación entre la obesidad, como factor de riesgo en el nivel de gravedad de la enfermedad COVID-19. Resultados. Se determinó que 13 personas evaluadas que corresponden: al 27.08% del total, registraron sobrepeso y presentaron clínicas leves o severas ocasionadas por el COVID-19. Conclusiones. Por lo que, este resultado demuestra que en personas con sobrepeso son propensos a padecer diversas enfermedades, esta situación de su comorbilidad, los expone a alto riesgo de llegar a situaciones graves de su salud por la infección del COVID-19.

The new lifestyles forced by the pandemic have shown an increase in the incidence of overweight and obesity body mass index levels in the population, and these cases are more visible because they are related to serious cases of COVID-19 disease. Objective. To relate that overweight and obesity are risk factors and predictors of severity situations due to COVID-19 infection. Materials and methods. A descriptive correlational study was carried out. For this research, a population sample of 48 volunteer personnel was taken, mainly made up of students and some teachers belonging to the Faculty of Education of the Universidad Nacional José Faustino Sánchez Carrión. These personnel were evaluated in two clinics located in different cities; the biometric information and blood test results were consulted with medical advisors. After one year, a second evaluation was carried out by means of a survey to gather information on the response of the immune system of the evaluated personnel to a COVID-19 infection, if applicable. A medical consultation was made regarding the results obtained on the correlation between obesity as a risk factor in the level of severity of COVID-19 disease. Results. It was determined that 13 people evaluated, corresponding to 27.08% of the total, were overweight and presented mild or severe symptoms caused by COVID-19. Conclusions. Therefore, this result shows that overweight people are prone to suffer from various diseases, this situation of their comorbidity, exposes them to high risk of reaching serious health situations due to COVID-19 infection.

Os novos estilos de vida forçados pela pandemia mostraram um aumento na incidência de níveis de índice de massa corporal de sobrepeso e obesidade na população, e esses casos se tornaram mais visíveis por estarem relacionados a casos graves da doença COVID-19. Objetivo. Relacionar que o sobrepeso e a obesidade são fatores de risco e preditores de situações de gravidade devido à infecção por COVID-19. Materiais e métodos. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo correlacional. Para esta pesquisa, foi tomada uma amostra populacional de 48 funcionários voluntários, composta principalmente por estudantes e alguns professores pertencentes à Faculdade de Educação da Universidad Nacional José Faustino Sánchez Carrión. Esses funcionários foram avaliados em duas clínicas localizadas em cidades diferentes, e as informações biométricas e os resultados dos exames de sangue foram consultados com consultores médicos. Após um ano, foi realizada uma segunda avaliação por meio de uma pesquisa para coletar informações sobre a resposta do sistema imunológico do pessoal avaliado a uma infecção por COVID-19, se aplicável. Foi realizada uma consulta médica com relação aos resultados obtidos sobre a correlação entre a obesidade como fator de risco no nível de gravidade da doença COVID-19. Resultados. Foi determinado que 13 pessoas avaliadas, correspondendo a 27,08% do total, estavam acima do peso e apresentavam sintomas leves ou graves causados pela COVID-19. Conclusões. Portanto, esse resultado mostra que as pessoas com sobrepeso são propensas a sofrer de várias doenças, essa situação de comorbidade as expõe a um alto risco de chegar a situações graves de saúde devido à infecção por COVID-19.

Comorbilidades asociadas a la mortalidad por COVID-19 en adultos en Lima, Perú: un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva / Comorbidities associated with COVID-19 mortality in adults in Lima, Peru: a retrospective cohort study

RESUMEN Objetivos. Evaluar las comorbilidades asociadas a la mortalidad en pacientes adultos hospitalizados por COVID-19 de diferentes grupos de edad en hospitales de Lima y Callao. Materiales y métodos. En este estudio de cohorte retrospectiva analizamos datos de pacientes adultos hospitalizados por COVID-19, notificados al Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica del Ministerio de Salud de Perú de marzo a octubre del 2020. Se estimaron riesgos relativos con intervalos de confianza al 95% mediante modelos de regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta para evaluar las comorbilidades asociadas a la mortalidad por grupos de edad: jóvenes (18-29 años), adultos (30-59 años) y mayores (≥60 años). Resultados. Se incluyeron 2366 jóvenes, 23781 adultos y 25356 adultos mayores en el análisis. Los adultos mayores presentaron la mortalidad más alta (63,7%) en comparación con adultos (27,1%) y jóvenes (8,5%). Independientemente del grupo de edad, la presencia de enfermedad neurológica, enfermedad renal, enfermedad hepática y cáncer se asoció a un mayor riesgo de mortalidad. Adicionalmente, la enfermedad cardiovascular fue también un factor de riesgo en los jóvenes; la obesidad, la diabetes, la enfermedad cardiovascular, la enfermedad pulmonar crónica y la inmunodeficiencia en los adultos; y la obesidad y la enfermedad pulmonar crónica en los mayores. Conclusiones: Independientemente de los grupos de edad, los individuos con enfermedad neurológica crónica, enfermedad renal, enfermedad hepática y cáncer tendrían un alto riesgo de morir por la COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To evaluate comorbidities associated with mortality in adult patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 in hospitals in Lima and Callao. Materials and methods. In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from adult patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System of the Peruvian Ministry of Health from March to October 2020. We estimated relative risks with 95% confidence intervals using Poisson regression models with robust variance to assess comorbidities associated with mortality by age group: young adults (18-29 years), adults (30-59 years) and older adults (≥60 years). Results. We included 2366 young adults, 23,781 adults and 25,356 older adults. Older adults had the highest mortality (63.7%) compared to adults (27.1%) and young adults (8.5%). Regardless of age group, the presence of neurological disease, renal disease, liver disease, and cancer was associated with an increased risk of mortality. Additionally, cardiovascular disease was also a risk factor in young adults; obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, and immunodeficiency in adults; and obesity and chronic lung disease in the elderly. Conclusions. Regardless of age groups, individuals with chronic neurologic disease, renal disease, liver disease, and cancer were at high risk of death from COVID-19.

Clinical features of Guillain-Barré syndrome and factors associated with mortality during the 2019 outbreak in Peru.

INTRODUCTION: Peru has suffered an increase of Guillain Barre Syndrome incidence since 2015, being the biggest outbreak during 2019. We aimed to describe the clinical features, outcomes, and factors associated with mortality among cases reported in the 2019 outbreak. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Surveillance of Guillain Barre Syndrome of the National Center for Control Disease and Prevention of Peru. We included all cases that met the Brighton criteria, level 1 to level 3. We used multivariable logistic regression to determinate factors associated with mortality. RESULTS: Overall, 772 cases were analyzed (58.7% male; mean age, 41.7 ± 20.3). 86.0% of cases aged over 30 years. 71.4% had a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection in the last 4 weeks. Case fatality rate was 4.3% and 32.2% of survivors reported sequelae. Axonal subtypes were identified in 75.6% of cases with an available nerve conduction study (38.7%). Age and impaired function of cranial nerves were independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The 2019 outbreak of Guillain Barre syndrome in Peru was an unprecedented event that affected several regions of the country. Axonal damage was more frequent than demyelinating involvement, which is compatible with findings pointing to Campylobacter jejuni as the triggering agent. The case fatality rate was similar to that reported previously in Peru and other countries, but the high frequency of sequelae is striking.

Surgical Resection of an Intravascular Lipoma of the Superior Vena Cava.

Intravascular lipomas (IVL) located in the superior vena cava (SVS) are rare benign primary venous tumors with less than 15 cases reported in the literature. We report a case of a 64-year-old woman with IVL of the SVC extending to the right brachiocephalic vein. She was treated successfully using a hybrid procedure which involved endovascular control of the right subclavian vein and surgical approach via median sternotomy followed by mass resection and use of pericardial patch for vein defect closure.

Comorbidities associated with COVID-19 mortality in adults in Lima, Peru: a retrospective cohort study. / Comorbilidades asociadas a la mortalidad por COVID-19 en adultos en Lima, Perú: un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva.

OBJECTIVES.: Motivation for the study. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mortality rate from this disease was higher in adults and the elderly. Therefore, it is important to identify the factors that were associated with mortality from COVID-19 in adults, by age group. Main findings. Chronic neurological disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer increased the risk of dying from COVID-19 in the three age groups we analyzed, which were made up of hospitalized patients from Lima and Callao. The risk of mortality associated with comorbidities was higher in patients aged 18 to 29. Implications. This study helps to identify the groups of patients with the highest risk of death from COVID-19, according to age group and type of comorbidity. . To evaluate comorbidities associated with mortality in adult patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 in hospitals in Lima and Callao. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from adult patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System of the Peruvian Ministry of Health from March to October 2020. We estimated relative risks with 95% confidence intervals using Poisson regression models with robust variance to assess comorbidities associated with mortality by age group: young adults (18-29 years), adults (30-59 years) and older adults (≥60 years). RESULTS.: We included 2366 young adults, 23,781 adults and 25,356 older adults. Older adults had the highest mortality (63.7%) compared to adults (27.1%) and young adults (8.5%). Regardless of age group, the presence of neurological disease, renal disease, liver disease, and cancer was associated with an increased risk of mortality. Additionally, cardiovascular disease was also a risk factor in young adults; obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, and immunodeficiency in adults; and obesity and chronic lung disease in the elderly. CONCLUSIONS.: Regardless of age groups, individuals with chronic neurologic disease, renal disease, liver disease, and cancer were at high risk of death from COVID-19.

OBJETIVOS.: Motivation for the study. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mortality rate from this disease was higher in adults and the elderly. Therefore, it is important to identify the factors that were associated with mortality from COVID-19 in adults, by age group. Main findings. Chronic neurological disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer increased the risk of dying from COVID-19 in the three age groups we analyzed, which were made up of hospitalized patients from Lima and Callao. The risk of mortality associated with comorbidities was higher in patients aged 18 to 29. Implications. This study helps to identify the groups of patients with the highest risk of death from COVID-19, according to age group and type of comorbidity. . Evaluar las comorbilidades asociadas a la mortalidad en pacientes adultos hospitalizados por COVID-19 de diferentes grupos de edad en hospitales de Lima y Callao. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: En este estudio de cohorte retrospectiva analizamos datos de pacientes adultos hospitalizados por COVID-19, notificados al Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica del Ministerio de Salud de Perú de marzo a octubre del 2020. Se estimaron riesgos relativos con intervalos de confianza al 95% mediante modelos de regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta para evaluar las comorbilidades asociadas a la mortalidad por grupos de edad: jóvenes (18-29 años), adultos (30-59 años) y mayores (≥60 años). RESULTADOS.: Se incluyeron 2366 jóvenes, 23781 adultos y 25356 adultos mayores en el análisis. Los adultos mayores presentaron la mortalidad más alta (63,7%) en comparación con adultos (27,1%) y jóvenes (8,5%). Independientemente del grupo de edad, la presencia de enfermedad neurológica, enfermedad renal, enfermedad hepática y cáncer se asoció a un mayor riesgo de mortalidad. Adicionalmente, la enfermedad cardiovascular fue también un factor de riesgo en los jóvenes; la obesidad, la diabetes, la enfermedad cardiovascular, la enfermedad pulmonar crónica y la inmunodeficiencia en los adultos; y la obesidad y la enfermedad pulmonar crónica en los mayores. CONCLUSIONES: Independientemente de los grupos de edad, los individuos con enfermedad neurológica crónica, enfermedad renal, enfermedad hepática y cáncer tendrían un alto riesgo de morir por la COVID-19.

Condición física de jóvenes aspirantes a pruebas de ingreso en escuelas militares ecuatorianas: estudio en dos grupos independientes / Aptidão física dos jovens candidatos aos exames de admissão nas escolas militares equatorianas: um estudo em dois grupos independentes / Physical fitness of young applicants for admission tests in Ecuadorian military schools: study in two independent groups

RESUMEN Anualmente, se abren convocatorias para jóvenes aspirantes a las diferentes escuelas de formación militar; para ello, existen ciertos requisitos para la selección del personal más cualificado para el acceso a estas instituciones. Entre ellos, diversas exigencias relacionadas con la condición física. Se plantea como objetivo de la investigación determinar los niveles y diferencias de la condición física entre dos grupos independientes de aspirantes a pruebas de ingreso de una escuela militar ecuatoriana. El estudio es descriptivo-correlacional con enfoque cuantitativo, realizado en una población de (N=40) jóvenes aspirantes a una Escuela Educativa Militar con una similitud de condiciones. Estos se clasifican en dos grupos independientes con 20 integrantes cada una (LN: Liceo Naval; CNC: Colegio Nacional Conocoto). La condición física fue evaluada mediante tres pruebas del Ejercito Nacional del Ecuador. En función de correlacionar datos, se utilizó la prueba paramétrica t de Student para muestras independientes (p≤0.05) en los test de flexión y extensión de codo y cadera y el test de resistencia en 3219 m. Existieron diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos evaluados en cada test (p=0.000), los cuales fueron mejores las medias en el grupo de aspirantes LN frente al grupo CNC. Específicamente, el Liceo Naval presentó mejores indicadores de capacidad física y, en sentido general, se identificó una carencia de condición física por parte de los aspirantes de las dos escuelas independientes, caracterizados por bajos niveles de actividad física. Este aspecto que repercute negativamente en los resultados de las pruebas de ingreso a academias militares ecuatorianas.

RESUMO A cada ano, há convites para inscrições de jovens candidatos às diversas escolas de treinamento militar, e há certos requisitos para a seleção do pessoal mais qualificado para o acesso a essas instituições. Estes incluem vários requisitos relacionados à condição física. O objetivo da pesquisa é determinar os níveis e diferenças nas condições físicas entre dois grupos independentes de candidatos a exames de admissão a uma escola militar equatoriana. O estudo é descritivo-correlacional com uma abordagem quantitativa, realizado em uma população de (N=40) jovens candidatos a uma Escola de Educação Militar com condições similares. Estes foram classificados em dois grupos independentes com 20 membros cada (LN: Liceo Naval; CNC: Colégio Nacional Conocoto). A aptidão física foi avaliada por meio de três testes do Exército Nacional do Equador. A fim de correlacionar os dados, o teste t de Student paramétrico para amostras independentes (p≤0.05) foi usado para os testes de flexão e extensão de cotovelo e quadril e o teste de resistência a 3219m. Houve diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos avaliados em cada teste (p=0,000), com o grupo candidato LN tendo melhores meios do que o grupo CNC. Especificamente, o Liceo Naval tinha melhores indicadores de capacidade física e, em um sentido geral, foi identificada uma falta de aptidão física nos candidatos das duas escolas independentes, caracterizada por baixos níveis de atividade física. Este aspecto tem um impacto negativo sobre os resultados dos exames de ingresso nas academias militares equatorianas.

ABSTRACT Annually, calls are opened for young applicants to the different military training schools; for this, there are certain requirements for the selection of the most qualified personnel for access to these institutions. Among them, various demands related to physical fitness. The objective of the research is to determine the levels and differences in physical fitness between two independent groups of applicants for entrance tests at an Ecuadorian military school. The study is descriptive-correlational with a quantitative approach, carried out in a population of (N=40) young people aspiring to a Military Educational School with similar fitness. These are classified into two independent groups with 20 members each (LN: Liceo Naval; CNC: Colegio Nacional Conocoto). The physical fitness was evaluated through three tests of the National Army of Ecuador. In order to correlate data, the parametric Student's t test was used for independent samples (p≤0.05) in the elbow and hip flexion and extension tests and the 3219 m endurance test. There were significant differences between the two groups evaluated in each test (p=0.000), which were better means in the group of LN applicants compared to the CNC group. Specifically, the Liceo Naval presented better indicators of physical fitness and, in general, a lack of physical fitness was identified by the applicants of the two independent schools, characterized by low levels of physical activity. This aspect has a negative impact on the results of the admission tests to Ecuadorian military academies.

Dry but Not Humid Thermal Processing of Aloe vera Gel Promotes Cytotoxicity on Human Intestinal Cells HT-29.

Aloe vera products, both in food and cosmetics, are becoming increasingly popular due to their claimed beneficial effects, which are mainly attributed to the active compound acemannan. Usually, these end products are based on powdered starting materials. High temperatures during the drying process to obtain the starting materials have several advantages, like shortening the drying time, eliminating toxic aloin and reducing bacterial contamination. Nevertheless, there are two major drawbacks: first, at temperatures of 80 °C or higher, structural changes in acemannan, especially its deacetylation (>46%), are triggered, which does not happen at lower temperatures (14% at 60 °C); secondly, a toxic principle is formed at higher temperatures, resulting in a higher cytotoxicity. Thus, two temperature-dependent but opposing effects cause with a median cytotoxic concentration of CC50 = 0.4× a peak of cytotoxicity at 80 °C; at 60 °C this cytotoxic substance is not formed and at 100 °C aloin is more readily eliminated, resulting in a CC50 = 1.1× and CC50 = 1.4×, respectively. The cytotoxic substance generated by dry heat at 80 °C is not a modified polysaccharide because its polysaccharide-enriched alcohol-insoluble fraction is with CC50 = 0.9× less cytotoxic. Moreover, this substance is polar enough to be washed away with ethanol. Additionally, when Aloe gel is heated at 80 °C under humid conditions (pasteurization), the cytotoxicity does not increase (CC50 = 1.6×). Finally, to produce powdered starting materials from Aloe gel, it is recommended to use temperatures of around 60 °C in order to preserve the acemannan structure (and thus biological activity) and the low cytotoxicity.

Hybrid Procedure for Coexistence of Coarctation of the Aorta and Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background: Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) can either present alone as an isolated condition or in association with other aortic arch or cardiac anomalies. One percent of patients with CoA have concomitant an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA). Purpose: We report the case of a 35-year-old woman with uncontrolled hypertension who was found to have CoA and ARSA. Results: The patient was treated successfully using a hybrid procedure comprising ARSA ligation and subclavian to carotid transposition, followed by thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Conclusions: Patients with CoA should be carefully studied, considering the possible coexistence of other congenital aortic arch defects, such as ARSA. Hybrid repair is a safe and effective approach for this condition.

An unusual pattern in serum protein electrophoresis to take in mind: A case report.

Here we described a case of an asymptomatic 73 years-old female patient in geriatric routine consultation, whose laboratory testing showed hyperproteinemia with accompanying hyperglobulinemia. A diagnosis of BGUS was made only after a correlation among SPEP, densitometry tracing and IFE results was established, evidencing a second peak, that was less evident and not reported at first. These biclonal conditions are of very low incidence in the clinical laboratory, requiring the laboratory professional to have particular skills for their identification. As far as is known, clinical findings in BGUS are similar to those found in MGUS. However, they remain not well understood. Therefore, for an accurate diagnosis of BGUS, the clinical laboratory technician must be trained and sensitized to detect a second M - protein as a band or peak; taking in mind the possible different scenarios in heavy and light chain typing.

Se describe el caso de paciente asintomática de 73 años de edad en consulta geriátrica de rutina, cuyos estudios de laboratorios muestran hiperproteinemia acompañada de hiperglobulinemia. Se estableció el diagnóstico de GBSI después de correlacionar entre resultados de electroforesis de proteínas, trazo de densitometría e inmunofijación en suero, los cuales evidenciaron un segundo pico monoclonal menos evidente y no reportado de primera instancia. Este tipo de condiciones biclonales son de muy baja incidencia en laboratorio clínico, lo cual requiere que profesional de laboratorio tenga ciertas habilidades para su identificación. Hasta donde se conoce, los hallazgos clínicos de GBSI son similares a aquellos encontrados en GMSI. Sin embargo, continúan sin ser bien comprendidas. Por tanto, a fin de un diagnóstico más preciso, el técnico de laboratorio debe estar entrenado y sensibilizado para encontrar una segunda proteína M como banda o pico, tomando en cuenta los diferentes posibles escenarios en la tipificación de cadenas pesadas y ligeras.

Mexico ants: incidence and abundance along the Nearctic-Neotropical interface.

Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with an important proportion of endemism mainly because of the convergence of the Nearctic and Neotropical biogeographic regions, which generate great diversity and species turnover at different spatial scales. However, most of our knowledge of the Mexican ant biota is limited to a few well-studied taxa, and we lack a comprehensive synthesis of ant biodiversity information. For instance, most of the knowledge available in the literature on Mexican ant fauna refers only to species lists by states, or is focused on only a few regions of the country, which prevents the study of several basic and applied aspects of ants, from diversity and distribution to conservation. Our aims in this data paper are therefore (1) to compile all the information available regarding ants across the Mexican territory, and (2) to identify major patterns in the gathered data set and geographic gaps in order to direct future sampling efforts. All records were obtained from raw data, including both unpublished and published information. After exhaustive filtering and updating information and synonyms, we compiled a total of 21,731 records for 887 ant species distributed throughout Mexico from 1894 to 2018. These records were concentrated mainly in the states of Chiapas (n = 6,902, 32.76%) and Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave (n = 4,329, 19.92%), which together comprise half the records. The subfamily with the highest number of records was Myrmicinae (n = 10,458 records, 48.12%), followed by Formicinae (n = 3,284, 15.11%) and Ponerinae (n = 1,914, 8.8%). Most ant records were collected in the Neotropical region of the country (n = 12,646, 58.19%), followed by the Mexican transition zone (n = 5,237, 24.09%) and the Nearctic region (n = 3,848, 17.72%). Native species comprised 95.46% of the records (n = 20,745). To the best of our knowledge, this is the most complete data set available to date in the literature for the country. We hope that this compilation will encourage researchers to explore different aspects of the population and community research of ants at different spatial scales, and to aid in the establishment of conservation policies and actions. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this data paper when using its data for publications or teaching events.

Ébola: Epidemia en el Siglo XXI / Ebola: Epidemic in the twenty-first Century

La fiebre hemorrágica por virus Ébola, que pertenece a la familia de Filovirus, afecta tanto a animales como a humanos, estos ultimos llegan a ser huéspedes accidentales de dicho virus. Existen actualmente 4 especies de la familia Filoviridae, del cual el más mortal para la especie humana es el Zaire Ébola virus. La transmisión se da por contacto directo con tejido animal o humano infectado, a si mismo por el consumo de los mismos. El cuadro clínico se manifiesta después de un corto periodo de incubación (2-21 días), cursando con fiebre, malestar general, cefaleas, vómitos, diarreas y hemorragias generalizadas. Actualmente está en investigación el tratamiento mostrando resultados alentadores.

Ebola hemorrhagic fever virus, which belongs to the Filovirus famiia affects both animals and humans, this last become accidental hosts of the virus. There are currently 4 Filoviridae species of the family, of which the most deadly for the human species is the Zaire Ebola virus. Transmission occurs by direct contact with infected animal or human tissue itself by eating them. The symptoms appear after a short incubation period (2-21 days), studying with fever, malaise, headache, vomiting and diarrhea and bleeding generalized.

Cell dedifferentiation and epithelial to mesenchymal transitions during intestinal regeneration in H. glaberrima.

BACKGROUND: Determining the type and source of cells involved in regenerative processes has been one of the most important goals of researchers in the field of regeneration biology. We have previously used several cellular markers to characterize the cells involved in the regeneration of the intestine in the sea cucumber Holothuria glaberrima. RESULTS: We have now obtained a monoclonal antibody that labels the mesothelium; the outer layer of the gut wall composed of peritoneocytes and myocytes. Using this antibody we studied the role of this tissue layer in the early stages of intestinal regeneration. We have now shown that the mesothelial cells of the mesentery, specifically the muscle component, undergo dedifferentiation from very early on in the regeneration process. Cell proliferation, on the other hand, increases much later, and mainly takes place in the mesothelium or coelomic epithelium of the regenerating intestinal rudiment. Moreover, we have found that the formation of the intestinal rudiment involves a novel regenerative mechanism where epithelial cells ingress into the connective tissue and acquire mesenchymal phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly suggest that the dedifferentiating mesothelium provides the initial source of cells for the formation of the intestinal rudiment. At later stages, cell proliferation supplies additional cells necessary for the increase in size of the regenerate. Our data also shows that the mechanism of epithelial to mesenchymal transition provides many of the connective tissue cells found in the regenerating intestine. These results present some new and important information as to the cellular basis of organ regeneration and in particular to the process of regeneration of visceral organs.

Rectal metastasis from lobular breast carcinoma 15 years after primary diagnosis.

Lobular breast carcinoma represents 2-20% of infiltrative carcinomas of the breast. The incidence of extrahepatic gastrointestinal (GI) tract metastases observed in necropsy studies varies from 6% to 18% and the most commonly affected organ is the stomach, followed by colon and rectum [1-4]. Reported herein is the case of a 67-year-old woman who was primarily diagnosed and surgically treated for a lobular carcinoma of the breast 15 years ago and is now referred with back pain and right hydronephrosis caused by a metastasis in rectum. Frequently, the absence of specific symptoms of digestive metastases of breast cancer leads to a misdiagnosis of this pathology [5-7]. The treatment will be based on a detailed clinical history and histopathological findings. Metastases from breast cancer in GI tract tumours must be excluded in a patient with previous history of breast carcinoma, as in the case reported herein.

Aspectos sociales vs. enfermedades prevalentes en la población de la provincia del Guayas / Social aspects vs. predominant diseases in the population of Guayas

Dentro de la diversidad socio – económico – cultural que caracteriza a la provincia del Guayas, existe una serie de deficiencias que son en parte responsables de que la calidad de salud de los habitantes, se encuentre comprometida. Teniendo como objetivo establecer que factores son los que están provocando esta deficiencia en la calidad de salud, se procede a realizar un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, transversal mediante el uso de una encuesta de salud destinada a determinar el nivel de educación de la población, el número de integrantes por familia, el nivel de cultura sanitaria, las enfermedades prevalentes, la calidad en la alimentación y última desparasitación. Como resultados obtuvimos que de 2.500 familias encuestadas en los 25 cantones que conforman la provincia del Guayas, el 6 no tiene estudios realizados, el 31 solo ha estudiado la primaria, y apenas un 4 tiene estudios superiores completos. Que 1.312 familias se encuentran compuestas por 5 o más miembros, mientras que de las enfermedades prevalentes las más importantes fueron las infecciones respiratorias agudas. También se registró que existe mayor tendencia a acudir al médico ante una enfermedad, y que el porcentaje de automedicación es bajo. En cuanto al acceso al agua potable se evidenció que aún existe un porcentaje importante de población que no goza de este servicio; además se detectó un porcentaje alto de individuos que no se ha desparasitado en los últimos 6 meses. En conclusión se pudo apreciar que factores como el bajo nivel de educación, el hacinamiento y la falta de una desparasitación efectiva, inciden en la calidad de salud de la población; por otra parte se observó que se conserva una cultura sanitaria comprometida con el sistema de salud.

Within the socio-economic-cultural diversity that characterizes the province of Guayas, there are a number of deficiencies that, at some extent, are responsible for the population’s health problems. Being the major aim the determination of the factors that are causing this deficiency in the health quality, a retrospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study is carried out through a health survey with questions designed to determine the level of education of the population, number of family members, level of health culture, common diseases, feeding quality and the latest deworming. As a result, we found that out of 2.500 families that were surveyed in the 25 cantons that make up the Province of Guayas, 6 do not have any type of education, 31 have only studied primary school, and only a 4 have completed upper level studies. It was also found out that 1.321 families are composed by five or more members; meanwhile, the most importantly prevalent diseases were the acute respiratory infections. It was also found that there is a greater tendency in visiting the doctor in the presence of a disease, and that self- medication percentage is low. And concerning the access to filtered water; it was found that there still exists a significant percentage of the population without this service. Moreover, a higher percentage of individuals have not dewormed themselves within the last 6 months. Consequently, it is concluded that factors as low education, overcrowding and the lack of an effective deworming are affecting the quality of the population’s health. On the other hand, it was also found that a health care culture was still committed to the health system.

Síndrome de Doege Potter y derrame pericárdico, como manifestaciones iniciales de neoplasia pulmonar / Doege-Potter syndrome and pericardic effusion as lung carcinoma early manifestations

Comunicamos el caso de un paciente de 52 años que ingresa a nuestro hospital por presentar derrame pericárdico masivo y manifestaciones de hipoglicemia de manera repetitiva, sin antecedentes de tabaquismo, diabetes mellitus, ni consumo de fármacos. Fue sometido a pericardiocentesis, obteniéndose 1 430 mL de líquido de aspecto serosanguinolento, el mismo que se remitió para estudio, demostrándose un exudado polimorfonuclear, adenosina deaminasa (ADA) positivo y presencia de células compatibles con adenocarcinoma metastático. Se observó en la radiografía de tórax y tomografía axial computarizada pulmonar la presencia de una masa en la región parahiliar izquierda compatible con una neoplasia maligna, con derrame pleural y pericárdico. Se trató de una presentación poco frecuente de neoplasia maligna pulmonar, con metástasis pericárdica, derrame pleural izquierdo y un síndrome paraneoplásico endocrino, caracterizado por hipoglicemia a repetición, como manifestación inicial.

A 52 year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of large pericardial effusion and symptoms of recurrent hypoglycaemia. He had no history of smoking or diabetes mellitus and was taking no medication. Diagnostic pericardiocentesis was performed and 1430 mL of bloody-stained fluid was obtained. The exudate showed neutrophils positive to adenosin deaminase (ADA) test. Chest X-ray and computed tomography showed a left lung hilar mass resembling a lung neoplasm, with pleural and pericardial effusion. It was a lung cancer of unusual presentation, with pleural and pericardial metastasis and a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by recurrent hypoglycaemia as initial manifestation.

[Safety of the blood supply in Mexico from 1999 to 2003]. / La seguridad de las reservas sanguíneas en la República Mexicana durante los años 1999 a 2003.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of the infection by the viruses of the human immunodeficiency (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) has diminished enormously in developed countries during the last 20 years; nevertheless, in our country we do not know such an incidence and, therefore, the safety of our blood supply. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis at the Centro Nacional de la Transfusión Sanguínea (CNTS) assessing 17,176,298 serologic tests including HIV, HCV and HBV carried on 5,725,432 blood units collected and informed to the CNTS from January 1999 to December 2003 by all the Mexican blood banks. Prevalence, incidence and residual risk of each one of the aforementioned serologic markers were calculated. RESULTS: The five years mean prevalence for HIV, HBV and HCV has remained steady. The residual risk (RR) when hemagglutination test was employed was 1:977 for HCV; 1:1,564 for HBV and 1:1,262 for HIV. Whereas the RR when ELISA was performed decreased to 1:2,781 for HCV; 1:3,185 for HBV and 1:9,969 for HIV. If nucleic acid amplification test were employed, RR would be 1:8,170 for HBV; 1:9,915 for HCV and 1:19,939 for HIV. CONCLUSIONS: The theoretical risk for transfusion-transmitted diseases in our country is still worrisome.

La seguridad de las reservas sanguíneas en la República Mexicana durante los años 1999 a 2003 / Safety of the blood supply in Mexico from 1999 to 2003

Introduction. The incidence of the infection by the viruses of the human immunodeficiency (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) has diminished enormously in developed countries during the last 20 years; nevertheless, in our country we do not know such an incidence and, therefore, the safety of our blood supply. Material and methods. We performed a retrospective analysis at the Centro Nacional de la Transfusión Sanguínea (CNTS) assessing 17,176,298 serologic tests including HIV, HCV and HBV carried on 5,725,432 blood units collected and informed to the CNTS from January 1999 to December 2003 by all the Mexican blood banks. Prevalence, incidence and residual risk of each one of the aforementioned serologic markers were calculated. Results. The five years mean prevalence for HIV, HBV and HCV has remained steady. The residual risk (RR) when hemagglutination test was employed was 1:977 for HCV; 1:1,564 for HBV and 1:1,262 for HIV. Whereas the RR when ELISA was performed decreased to 1:2,781 for HCV; 1:3,185 for HBV and 1:9,969 for HIV. If nucleic acid amplification test were employed, RR would be 1:8,170 for HBV; 1:9,915 for HCV and 1:19,939 for HIV. Conclusions. The theoretical risk for transfusion-transmitted diseases in our country is still worrisome.

Introducción. La transmisión del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), de la hepatitis C (VHC) y de la hepatitis B (VHB) por transfusión sanguínea ha disminuido de manera significativa en los países industrializados durante los últimos 20 años; sin embargo, en nuestro país aún no conocemos dicha incidencia y consecuentemente la seguridad de nuestras reservas sanguíneas. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en el Centro Nacional de la Transfusión Sanguínea (CNTS) analizando 17,176,298 pruebas serológicas incluyendo VIH, VHC y VHB realizadas a 5,725,432 unidades de sangre captadas e informadas al CNTS de enero de 1999 a diciembre de 2003 por todos los bancos de la República Mexicana. Se calcularon la prevalencia, la incidencia y el riesgo residual para cada uno de los marcadores serológicos mencionados. Resultados. La prevalencia en los cinco años para el VIH, VHB y VHC se ha mantenido estable entre los donantes. El riesgo residual encontrado con la prueba de hemaglutinación fue de 1:977 para el VHC; de 1:1,564 para el VHB y de 1:1,262 para el VIH. Con la prueba de ELISA el riesgo descendió a 1:2,781 para el VHC; 1:3,185 para el VHB y 1:9,969 para el VIH. Si se empleara la prueba de amplificación de ácidos nucleicos, el riesgo disminuiría a 1:8,170 para el VHB; 1:9,915 para el VHC y a 1:19,939 para el VIH. Conclusiones. El riesgo de transmitir infecciones por transfusión sanguínea en nuestro país es todavía preocupante.

Mecanismos de implantación de la hipertrofia y de la apoptosis en el cardiomiocito; progresión hacia la remodelación / Mechanism of implantation of the hypertrophy and apoptosis in the cardiomyocytes and the progression towards remodeling

Los cambios morfológicos observados en el tejido muscular en enfermedades cardíacas, son resultado del efecto de prendido - apagado de una serie de vías reguladoras. Este mecanismo se encuentra controlado tanto por agentes físicos como tróficos cuya función la ejercen al estimular la maquinaria bioquímica del cardiomiocito ya sea directa o indirectamente. Estos agentes van a ser causantes de la implantación y desarrollo de la hipertrofia, apoptosis y/o necrosis celular y, por medio de estos fenómenos, van a permitir que se establezca un estado de remodelación tisular comprometiendo la función de bomba del corazón. En estadíos iniciales, la hipertrofia de los miocitos puede permitir una compensación parcial de la disminución de la contractibilidad pero, si se mantiene el estímulo agresor el daño progresará y finalmente sobrevendrá la insuficiencia cardíaca a medida que el remodelamiento progrese por la pérdida de miocitos.

The morphologic changes observed in cardiac musculature on heart diseases are the result of an on – off effect over a series of regulatory pathways. Physical and trophic agents, whose function is exerted by stimulation of the cardiomyocytes biochemical machinery, directly or indirectly, control this mechanism. These agents are responsible for initiating and developing the hypertrophy, apoptosis and/or cell necrosis, and by these means, they allows the implantation of a tissular remodeling phenomenon compromising the hearts bomb function. During onset the cardiomyocytes’ hypertrophy can allow a partial compensation in the contractibility diminution, but, if the aggressors’ stimuli is kept, the damage will progress and the heart failure will overcome as the remodeling process progress by means of cardiomyocytes loss.