Insecticidal activity of two organic extracts from Libidibia coriaria (Jacq.) Schltdl. fruits against Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith.

This study describes the chemical characterisation of two extracts (ethyl acetate, EtOAc-E and hexanic, Hx-E) from Libidibia coriaria fruits and their insecticidal properties on Spodoptera frugiperda. The HPLC analysis in EtOAct-E revealed the presence of ellagic acid and phenolic compounds. The CG-MS analysis in Hx-E revealed the presence of Hexadecanoic acid, 11-Methylheptacosane, Dodecanoic acid and Nonacosane as major compounds. The application of both extracts was performed on the dorsal part of each larva via aspersion. The larval mortality, relative growth and emergence percentage of adults were evaluated. The Hx-E caused a 93.33% mortality at 100 mg/mL at 24 h post-application. A minor relative growth with both EtOAc-E (12.64 mg) and Hx-E (7.90 mg) was observed compared with their respective negative controls (methanol = 25.05 mg and tween20 = 24.53 mg). The lowest emergence percentage of adults with the Hx-E (25%) at 50 mg/mL was observed. Libidibia coriaria fruits exhibit insecticidal properties against S. frugiperda.

Immunogens in Balamuthia mandrillaris: a proteomic exploration.

Balamuthia mandrillaris is the causative agent of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, a rare and often fatal infection affecting the central nervous system. The amoeba is isolated from diverse environmental sources and can cause severe infections in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Given the limited understanding of B. mandrillaris, our research aimed to explore its protein profile, identifying potential immunogens crucial for early granulomatous amoebic encephalitis diagnosis. Cultures of B. mandrillaris and other amoebas were grown under axenic conditions, and total amoebic extracts were obtained. Proteomic analyses, including two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, were performed. A 50-kDa band showed a robust recognition of antibodies from immunized BALB/c mice; peptides contained in this band were matched with elongation factor-1 alpha, which emerged as a putative key immunogen. Besides, lectin blotting revealed the presence of glycoproteins in B. mandrillaris, and confocal microscopy demonstrated the focal distribution of the 50-kDa band throughout trophozoites. Cumulatively, these observations suggest the participation of the 50-kDa band in adhesion and recognition mechanisms. Thus, these collective findings demonstrate some protein characteristics of B. mandrillaris, opening avenues for understanding its pathogenicity and developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Phenolic compounds in the fruits of Enterolobium cyclocarpum and the inhibition of Haemonchus contortus eggs.

The fabacean Enterolobium cyclocarpum is a tree with multiple uses in production systems and its fruits serve as food for livestock, in addition, they contain phenolic compounds. The ovicidal effect of the secondary compounds of the Enterolobium cyclocarpum fruits extracted with hydroalcoholic solvent (HA-E) and the aqueous (Aq-F) and organic (AcOEt-F) fractions was evaluated. Additionally, a phytochemical analysis of the extract and fractions was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HA-E showed an ovicidal effect close to 100% with the concentration evaluated of the 100 mg/mL. The fractionation of the extract allowed to potentiate the activity in the Aq (94.05% at 12 mg/mL) and AcOEt (99.45% at 3 mg/mL) fractions. The secondary compounds extracted from the fruits of E. cyclocarpum in the HA-E and fractions were flavonols, coumaric and ferulic acids and other derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acid and were responsible for the ovicidal activity observed against H. contortus.

Saline-Tolerant Pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp. Isolated from a Geothermal Power Plant.

Few studies have been conducted in the cooling systems of power plants; they have focused on Naegleria fowleri, leaving a gap in the knowledge of other pathogenic free-living amoebae in this environment. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of saline-tolerant pathogenic Acanthamoeba in a geothermal power plant. The identification of isolated amoebae at genus level was carried out, observing their morphological characteristics; the determination of genotype and species of Acanthamoeba was performed via molecular biology (PCR). Water temperature ranged from 18 to 43 °C and conductivity from 4.0 × 104 to 8.7 × 104 µS/cm; this last value was greater than the seawater value. Only five amoeba genera were found. Acanthamoeba was in all the sampling sites, showing high saline tolerance. The high temperature, but mainly high conductivity, were the environmental conditions that determined the presence of pathogenic free-living amoebae in the hot water. All the strains of Acanthamoeba culbertsoni killed the mice, having a mortality of 40 to 100%. Acanthamoeba genotypes T10 and T5 were identified, T10 is rarely isolated from the environment, while T5 is more frequent. This is the first time that genotypes T5 and T10 have been reported in the environment in Mexico.

Picking pithy plants: Pith selectivity by wild white-faced capuchin monkeys, Cebus imitator.

Understanding diet selectivity is a longstanding goal in primate ecology. Deciphering when and why primates consume different resources can provide insights into their nutritional ecology as well as adaptations to food scarcity. Plant pith, the spongy interior of plant stems, is occasionally eaten by primates, but the context is poorly understood. We examine the ecological, mechanical, chemical, and nutritional basis of plant pith selection by a wild, frugivorous-omnivorous primate (Cebus imitator). We test the hypothesis that pith is a fallback food, that is, consumed when fruit is less abundant, and test for differences between plant species from which pith is eaten versus avoided. We collected 3.5 years of capuchin pith consumption data to document dietary species and analyzed "pith patch visits" in relation to fruit availability, visits to fruit patches, and climatic seasonality. We analyzed dietary and non-dietary species for relative pith quantity, mechanical hardness, odor composition, and macronutrient concentrations. Capuchins ate pith from 11 of  ~300 plant species common in the dry forest, most commonly Bursera simaruba. We find that pith consumption is not directly related to fruit availability or fruit foraging but occurs most frequently (84% of patch visits) during the months of seasonal transition. Relative to common non-dietary species, dietary pith species have relatively higher pith quantity, have softer outer branches and pith, and contain more terpenoids, a class of bioactive compounds notable for their widespread medicinal properties. Our results suggest that greater pith quantity, lower hardness, and a more complex, terpenoid-rich odor profile contribute to species selectivity; further, as pith is likely to be consistently available throughout the year, the seasonality of pith foraging may point to zoopharmacognosy, as seasonal transitions typically introduce new parasites or pathogens. Our study furthers our understanding of how climatic seasonality impacts primate behavior and sheds new light on food choice by an omnivorous primate.

Seed dispersal syndrome predicts ethanol concentration of fruits in a tropical dry forest.

Studying fruit traits and their interactions with seed dispersers can improve how we interpret patterns of biodiversity, ecosystem function and evolution. Mounting evidence suggests that fruit ethanol is common and variable, and may exert selective pressures on seed dispersers. To test this, we comprehensively assess fruit ethanol content in a wild ecosystem and explore sources of variation. We hypothesize that both phylogeny and seed dispersal syndrome explain variation in ethanol levels, and we predict that fruits with mammalian dispersal traits will contain higher levels of ethanol than those with bird dispersal traits. We measured ripe fruit ethanol content in species with mammal- (n = 16), bird- (n = 14) or mixed-dispersal (n = 7) syndromes in a Costa Rican tropical dry forest. Seventy-eight per cent of fruit species yielded measurable ethanol concentrations. We detected a phylogenetic signal in maximum ethanol levels (Pagel's λ = 0.82). Controlling for phylogeny, we observed greater ethanol concentrations in mammal-dispersed fruits, indicating that dispersal syndrome helps explain variation in ethanol content, and that mammals may be more exposed to ethanol in their diets than birds. Our findings further our understanding of wild fruit ethanol and its potential role as a selective pressure on frugivore sensory systems and metabolism.

Two MP2CL5 Antigen Vaccines from Naegleria fowleri Stimulate the Immune Response against Meningitis in the BALB/c Model.

Naegleria fowleri is an etiological agent that generates primary amoebic meningoencephalitis; unfortunately, no effective treatment or vaccine is available. The objective of this work was to determine the immunoprotective response of two vaccine antigens, as follows: (i) the polypeptide band of 19 kDa or (ii) a predicted immunogenic peptide from the membrane protein MP2CL5 (Smp145). Both antigens were administered intranasally in mice using cholera toxin (CT) as an adjuvant. The survival rate and immune response of immunized mice with both antigens and challenged with N. fowleri trophozoites were measured in the nose-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and nasal passages (NPs) by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also determined the immunolocalization of both antigens in N. fowleri trophozoites by confocal microscopy. Immunization with the polypeptide band of 19 kDa alone or coadministered with CT was able to confer 80% and 100% of protection, respectively. The immunization with both antigens (alone or coadministered with CT) showed an increase in T and B lymphocytes. In addition, there was an increase in the expression of integrin α4ß1 and IgA in the nasal cavity of protected mice, and the IgA, IgG, and IgM levels were increased in serum and nasal washes. The immunolocalization of both antigens in N. fowleri trophozoites was observed in the plasma membrane, specifically in pseudopod-like structures. The MP2CL5 antigens evaluated in this work were capable of conferring protection which would lead us to consider them as potential candidates for vaccines against meningitis caused by N. fowleri.

Identification of peptide epitopes of the gp120 protein of HIV-1 capable of inducing cellular and humoral immunity.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and a high percentage of deaths. Therefore, it is necessary to design vaccines against HIV-1 for the prevention of AIDS. Bioinformatic tools and theoretical algorisms allow us to understand the structural proteins of viruses to develop vaccines based on immunogenic peptides (epitopes). In this work, we identified the epitopes: P1, P2, P10, P27 and P30 from the gp120 protein of HIV-1. These peptides were administered intranasally alone or with cholera toxin (CT) to BALB/c mice. The population of CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes and B cells (CD19/CD138+, IgA+ and IgG+) from nasal-associated lymphoid tissue, nasal passages, cervical and inguinal nodes was determined by flow cytometry. In addition, anti-peptides IgG and IgA from serum, nasal and vaginal washings were measured by ELISA. The results show that peptides administered by i.n. can modulate the immune response of T and B lymphocyte populations, as well as IgA and IgG antibodies secretion in the different sites analyzed. In conclusion, bioinformatics tools help us to select peptides with physicochemical properties that allow the induction of the humoral and cellular responses that depend on the peptide sequence.

Role of FcγRIII in the nasal cavity of BALB/c mice in the primary amebic meningoencephalitis protection model.

Different mechanisms of the host immune response against the primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in the mouse protection model have been described. It has been proposed that antibodies opsonize Naegleria fowleri trophozoites; subsequently, the polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) surround the trophozoites to avoid the infection. FcγRs activate signaling pathways of adapter proteins such as Syk and Hck on PMNs to promote different effector cell functions which are induced by the Fc portion of the antibody-antigen complexes. In this work, we analyzed the activation of PMNs, epithelial cells, and nasal passage cells via the expression of Syk and Hck genes. Our results showed an increment of the FcγRIII and IgG subclasses in the nasal cavity from immunized mice as well as Syk and Hck expression was increased, whereas in the in vitro assay, we observed that when the trophozoites of N. fowleri were opsonized with IgG anti-N. fowleri and interacted with PMN, the expression of Syk and Hck was also increased. We suggest that PMNs are activated via their FcγRIII, which leads to the elimination of the trophozoites in vitro, while in the nasal cavity, the adhesion and consequently infection are avoided.

Telemonitoring System Oriented towards High-Risk Pregnant Women.

A high-risk pregnancy is one in which pathological problems or abnormal conditions are latent during pregnancy and childbirth, increasing dangers to the mother's or the infant's health. Based on international standards and studies, most of the harms and risks to both the mother and the infant can be detected, treated, and prevented through proper pregnancy monitoring, as well as through appropriate and timely diagnosis. In this paper, we present the analysis, design, development, and usability assessment of a telemonitoring system focused on the remote monitoring and control of pregnancy in women suffering from hypertension, diabetes, or high-risk pregnancy. Our system is composed of two mobile web applications. One of these is designed for the medical area, allowing remote monitoring of the patient's pregnancy, and the other one is directed towards the patient, who enters the alarm symptom data, hypertension data, diabetes data, and clinical analyses, allowing the detection of a risk situation on time. Furthermore, we performed a usability assessment of our system based on a laboratory study with seven doctors and seven patients to evaluate the users' satisfaction. Our telemonitoring system shows a satisfactory/favorable opinion from the users' perspectives based on the obtained results.

Role of cathepsin B of Naegleria fowleri during primary amebic meningoencephalitis.

Naegleria fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in humans and experimental animals. It has been suggested that cysteine proteases of parasites play key roles in metabolism, nutrient uptake, host tissue invasion, and immune evasion. The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence, expression, and role of cathepsin B from N. fowleri in vitro and during PAM. Rabbit-specific polyclonal antibodies against cathepsin B were obtained from rabbit immunization with a synthetic peptide obtained by bioinformatic design. In addition, a probe was designed from mRNA for N. fowleri cathepsin B. Both protein and messenger were detected in fixed trophozoites, trophozoites interacted with polymorphonuclear and histological sections of infected mice. The main cathepsin B distribution was observed in cytoplasm or membrane mainly pseudopods and food-cups while messenger was in nucleus and cytoplasm. Surprisingly, both the messenger and enzyme were observed in extracellular medium. To determine cathepsin B release, we used trophozoites supernatant recovered from nasal passages or brain of infected mice. We observed the highest release in supernatant from recovered brain amoebae, and when we analyzed molecular weight of secreted proteins by immunoblot, we found 30 and 37 kDa bands which were highly immunogenic. Finally, role of cathepsin B during N. fowleri infection was determined; we preincubated trophozoites with E-64, pHMB or antibodies with which we obtained 60%, 100%, and 60% of survival, respectively, in infected mice. These results suggest that cathepsin B plays a role during pathogenesis caused by N. fowleri mainly in adhesion and contributes to nervous tissue damage.

Fascial Nomenclature: Update 2022.

The connective tissue or fascia plays key roles in maintaining bodily function and health. The fascia is made up of solid and fluid portions, which interpenetrate and interact with each other, forming a polymorphic three-dimensional network. In the vast panorama of literature there is no univocal thought on the nomenclature and terminology that best represents the concept of fascia. The Foundation of Osteopathic Research and Clinical Endorsement (FORCE) organization brings together various scientific figures in a multidisciplinary perspective. FORCE tries to find a common nomenclature that can be shared, starting from the scientific notions currently available. Knowledge of the fascial continuum should always be at the service of the clinician and never become an exclusive for the presence of copyright, or commodified for the gain of a few. FORCE is a non-profit organization serving all professionals who deal with patient health. The article reviews the concepts of fascia, including some science subjects rarely considered, to gain an understanding of the broader fascial topic, and proposing new concepts, such as the holographic fascia.

Effect of soybean grain (Glycine max L.) supplementation on the production and fatty acid profile in milk of grazing cows in the dry tropics of Mexico.

Improving the lipid profile in milk of cows with the use of soybean grain (Glycine max L.) can be favored in the grazing systems in the dry tropics of Mexico. The objective was to evaluate the milk production, the chemical composition, and the fatty acids profile (FAs) of the milk of cows in continuous grazing and supplemented with and without ground roasted soybean in the dry tropics of Mexico. Ten cows randomly distributed in two equal groups were used. Daily during confinement for milking, the cows individually received the treatments on dry basis T0: supplement with 4.6 kg commercial concentrate® without soybean, T1: supplement with 3.7 kg commercial concentrate® with 380 g of soybean. During the 78 days of the experiment, milk production was measured in all cows, and samples were collected to determine the chemical composition and FAs profile. Milk production, protein, milk total fat, lactose, and non-fat solids did not vary with treatment (p >0.05). Linoleic acid content (C18: 2, cis, cis-∆9, ∆12) increased by 22% in milk fat of cows of the T1 (p ˂0.05). The sum of the mono- and polyunsaturated FAs 29.1%, the ratio of saturated-unsaturated FAs (1.65), and the atherogenicity index (1.71) also improved in the milk of cows supplemented with T1 (p ˂0.05). It was concluded that ground roasted soybean supplement in the diet of grazing dairy cows did not affect production and did improve the lipid profile in milk fat with favorable index to promote human health.

A 250-kDa glycoprotein of Naegleria fowleri induces protection and modifies the expression of α4ß1 and LFA-1 on T and B lymphocytes in mouse meningitis model.

The aims of this work were to evaluate the protective role of the 250-kDa polypeptide band of Naegleria fowleri. We designed an immunization strategy in Balb/c mice which were inoculated by i.n. route with an electrocuted 250-kDa polypeptide band of N. fowleri. We observed that the 250-kDa band induced 80% of protection, whereas the coadministration with Cholera Toxin induced 100% of protection. Moreover, high levels of IgA- and IgG-specific antibodies were detected by ELISA assay. We also analysed migration molecules (α4ß1 and LFA-1) on T and B lymphocytes in nose-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT), cervical lymph nodes (CN) and nasal passages (NP) by flow cytometry. We observed that the percentage of B cells (B220/α4ß1) and T cells (CD4/α4ß1) in NP were higher in all immunized groups compared with the other compartments analysed. Finally, we detected by immunohistochemistry ICAM-1 and V-CAM-1 in the nasal cavity. The immunization with the 250-kDa polypeptide band, protect mice against N. fowleri challenge and modifies migration molecules and their ligands.

Prediction of ovarian response in IVF/ICSI cycles.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to evaluate the various correlations between demographic, biochemical, ultrasound, and ovarian stimulation parameters with the percentage of mature oocytes in conventional stimulation for IVF/ICSI cycles in order to develop a predictive model to improve our understanding of the oocyte maturation process. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study; patients underwent conventional antagonist ovarian stimulation protocols for fresh IVF/ICSI cycles. A total of 256 IVF/ICSI cycles were included. Age, antral follicle count (AFC), baseline serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, baseline serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, baseline serum estradiol (E2) levels, peak estradiol, P4 on hCG day, the body mass index (BMI), and stimulation length were measured. The variables were tested for correlations with the number of retrieved oocytes (#RO) and the number of mature oocytes (#MO). A backward stepwise regression was performed to identify the variables that correlated more strongly with percentage of mature oocytes (%MO). RESULTS: A predictive equation was obtained with the variables that were not excluded in the model. % MO = 72.700 - 0.910 (Age) + 0.979 (BMI) + 1.209 (Baseline serum LH) - 0.647 (Progesterone on human Chorionic Gonadotropin day). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that age, the BMI, baseline serum LH, and progesterone level on hCG day may predict %MO. Prospective studies are required to validate this predictive equation.

Synthesis and Insecticidal Evaluation of Chiral Neonicotinoids Analogs: The Laurel Wilt Case.

Xyleborus sp beetles are types of ambrosia beetles invasive to the United States and recently also to Mexico. The beetle can carry a fungus responsible for the Laurel Wilt, a vascular lethal disease that can host over 300 tree species, including redbay and avocado. This problem has a great economic and environmental impact. Indeed, synthetic chemists have recently attempted to develop new neonicotinoids. This is also due to severe drug resistance to "classic" insecticides. In this research, a series of neonicotinoids analogs were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated against Xyleborus sp. Most of the target compounds showed good to excellent insecticidal activity. Generally, the cyclic compounds also showed better activity in comparison with open-chain compounds. Compounds R-13, 23, S-29, and 43 showed a mortality percent of up to 73% after 12 h of exposure. These results highlight the enantioenriched compounds with absolute R configuration. The docking results correlated with experimental data which showed both cation-π interactions in relation to the aromatic ring and hydrogen bonds between the search cavity 3C79 and the novel molecules. The results suggest that these sorts of interactions are responsible for high insecticidal activity.

The genomics of ecological flexibility, large brains, and long lives in capuchin monkeys revealed with fecalFACS.

Ecological flexibility, extended lifespans, and large brains have long intrigued evolutionary biologists, and comparative genomics offers an efficient and effective tool for generating new insights into the evolution of such traits. Studies of capuchin monkeys are particularly well situated to shed light on the selective pressures and genetic underpinnings of local adaptation to diverse habitats, longevity, and brain development. Distributed widely across Central and South America, they are inventive and extractive foragers, known for their sensorimotor intelligence. Capuchins have among the largest relative brain size of any monkey and a lifespan that exceeds 50 y, despite their small (3 to 5 kg) body size. We assemble and annotate a de novo reference genome for Cebus imitator Through high-depth sequencing of DNA derived from blood, various tissues, and feces via fluorescence-activated cell sorting (fecalFACS) to isolate monkey epithelial cells, we compared genomes of capuchin populations from tropical dry forests and lowland rainforests and identified population divergence in genes involved in water balance, kidney function, and metabolism. Through a comparative genomics approach spanning a wide diversity of mammals, we identified genes under positive selection associated with longevity and brain development. Additionally, we provide a technological advancement in the use of noninvasive genomics for studies of free-ranging mammals. Our intra- and interspecific comparative study of capuchin genomics provides insights into processes underlying local adaptation to diverse and physiologically challenging environments, as well as the molecular basis of brain evolution and longevity.

Presentation, management and evolution of patients with abdominal gunshot wound. A decade of violence in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic injuries represent 9.6% of the global surface of the disease and represent the third most common cause of death in adults and adolescents. Patients were admitted to the hospital presenting traumatic injuries, penetrating abdominal traumatism remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the presentation, handling and development of patient's gunshot wound. METHOD: Retrospective, descriptive, observational study. It was reviewed from 2010-2015 in the statistics department of the University Hospital Dr. José E. González all patients diagnosed with firearm projectile injury in abdomen. RESULTS: Were admitted above an average of 1.22 ± 0.51 lesions, on a Glasgow coma scale of 13.59 ± 2.5, oxygen saturation of 96.2 ± 2.09, heart rate of 94.4 ± 20, respiratory rate of 22 ± 6 and shock degree of 1.5 ± 0.80. CONCLUSION: Vital signs and specific characteristics of the lesion are essential and useful for the prediction of mortality due to abdominal traumatism by firearm projectile, in addition to the quantification of wounds and associated organic lesions, these are being evaluated both as a whole and separately.

ANTECEDENTES: Las lesiones traumáticas representan el 9.6% de la carga global de la enfermedad y son la tercera causa más común de muerte en adultos y adolescentes. Entre los pacientes ingresados en el hospital con lesiones traumáticas, el traumatismo penetrante abdominal sigue siendo una importante causa de morbilidad y mortalidad. OBJETIVO: Analizar la presentación, el manejo y la evolución de los pacientes con herida por proyectil de arma de fuego en el abdomen. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y observacional. Se revisaron todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de herida por proyectil de arma de fuego en el abdomen en el departamento de estadística del Hospital Universitario Dr. José E. González durante los años 2010-2015. RESULTADOS: Del total, 21 (9.1%) pacientes eran del sexo femenino y 229 (90.9%) del sexo masculino. Se ingresaron con un promedio de 1.22 ± 0.51 lesiones, con una puntuación en la Escala de coma de Glasgow de 13.59 ± 2.5, saturación de oxígeno de 96.2 ± 2.09, frecuencia cardiaca de 94.4 ± 20, frecuencia respiratoria de 22 ± 6 y grado de choque de 1.5 ± 0.80. CONCLUSIÓN: Los signos vitales y las características específicas de la lesión son esenciales y útiles para la predicción de la mortalidad por traumatismo abdominal por proyectil de arma de fuego, además de la cuantificación de heridas y lesiones orgánicas asociadas, siendo evaluadas estas tanto en un todo como por separado.

Taponamiento cardiaco en paciente embarazada que inicia con lupus eritematoso sistémico. Reporte de caso y revisión de la bibliografía / Cardiac tamponade on a pregnant patient as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Case Report and literature review

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: El lupus eritematoso sistémico es una enfermedad autoinmunitaria y multisistémica. El daño pericárdico es la complicación cardiaca más común y el taponamiento cardiaco es infrecuente, más aún en embarazadas y con lupus eritematoso sistémico. OBJETIVO: Exponer las características clínicas, diagnósticas, tratamiento y evolución del taponamiento cardiaco en una embarazada que inició con lupus eritematoso sistémico y valorar la información de la bibliografía a propósito de otros casos. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 24 años, con 27.5 semanas de embarazo, con anasarca, disnea que evolucionó a ortopnea y dolor torácico punzante de tres semanas de evolución. La radiografía de tórax mostró cardiomegalia grado II, campos pulmonares congestivos y derrame pleural a la altura de los senos cardiofrénicos. En el ecocardiograma se encontró derrame pericárdico de 500 mL, con datos de taponamiento cardiaco. Tuvo deterioro progresivo con afectación de la capacidad pulmonar e insuficiencia renal aguda con aumentos progresivos de creatinina; se encontró hemodinámica inestable, con pulso paradójico e hipotensión. Anticuerpos antinucleares positivos y proteinuria. La biopsia renal reportó patrones histopatológicos correspondientes a nefritis lúpica. Se trató con pulsos esteroideos y ciclofosfamida por vía intravenosa. El derrame pericárdico desapareció por medio de una ventana subxifoidea y la extracción del líquido del pericardio. La evolución posterior fue satisfactoria para la madre y su hijo. CONCLUSIÓN: El taponamiento cardiaco es infrecuente en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico y más raro aún durante el embarazo. Es una urgencia clínica que requiere atención multidisciplinaria porque el embarazo, en una paciente con lupus eritematoso sistémico, implica mayor riesgo de complicaciones sistémicas, como se señala en la bibliografía.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystemic disease of unknown etiology, whose clinical manifestations are heterogeneous. Pericardial involvement is the most common cardiac complication; however, the development of cardiac tamponade is rare, and even more so in pregnant patients presenting with SLE. OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and evolution of cardiac tamponade in a pregnant patient that presents with systemic lupus erythematosus. CLINICAL CASE: A 24-year-old patient, who is 27.5 weeks pregnant, presenting with anasarca, dyspnea that evolved to orthopnea and stabbing chest pain for three weeks. Her chest X-ray showed cardiomegaly grade II, congestive lung fields and pleural effusion at the level of cardiophrenic sinuses. The echocardiogram found a 500 mL pericardial effusion with evidence of cardiac tamponade. Progressive deterioration with compromised lung capacity, and the appearance of acute renal failure with progressive increases in creatinine; showing hemodynamic instability characterized by paradoxical pulse and hypotension. With positive Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) and proteinuria, renal biopsy reports histopathological patterns corresponding to lupus nephritis, treated with steroid pulses and intravenous cyclophosphamide in a risk-benefit assessment, with subsequent satisfactory maternal-fetal evolution. CONCLUSION: Cardiac tamponade is not common in patients with SLE, and it is even rarer as the initial manifestation, even more so during pregnancy. It is a clinical emergency and requires multidisciplinary management since pregnancy in a patient with SLE implies an increased risk of systemic complications.

Isolation and Identification of Naegleria Species in Irrigation Channels for Recreational Use in Mexicali Valley, Mexico.

Members of the genus Naegleria are free-living amoebae that are widely distributed in water and soil environments. Moreover, Naegleria fowleri is a pathogenic amoeba species that causes a fatal disease in the central nervous system known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in humans. Since most reported infections due to N. fowleri are reported in recreational waters worldwide, this study was aimed to describe the presence of these amoebic genus in Mexicali Valley irrigation channels of recreational use. A total of nine water samples were collected and processed by triplicate, in nine different sites of the Valley. After filtering and culturing the samples, plates were examined, and the observed amoebae were morphologically identified at the genus level. In addition, the pathogenicity of these amoebic isolates was checked, and molecular characterization was performed by PCR/sequencing. The results revealed the presence of Naegleria spp. in all the channels sampled. Finally, molecular identification confirmed the presence of five different species of Naegleria: N. fowleri, N. australiensis, N. gruberi, N. clarki and N. pagei. The presence of these protists, particularly N. fowleri, should be considered as a potential human health risk in the region.