Genomic methylation patterns in pre-meiotic gynoecia of wild-type and RdDM mutants of Arabidopsis.

Introduction: Although DNA methylation patterns are generally considered to be faithfully inherited in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), there is evidence of reprogramming during both male and female gametogenesis. The gynoecium is the floral reproductive organ from which the ovules develop and generate meiotically derived cells that give rise to the female gametophyte. It is not known whether the gynoecium can condition genomic methylation in the ovule or the developing female gametophyte. Methods: We performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing to characterize the methylation patterns that prevail in the genomic DNA of pre-meiotic gynoecia of wild-type and three mutants defective in genes of the RNA-directed DNA methylation pathway (RdDM): ARGONAUTE4 (AGO4), ARGONAUTE9 (AGO9), and RNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE6 (RDR6). Results: By globally analyzing transposable elements (TEs) and genes located across the Arabidopsis genome, we show that DNA methylation levels are similar to those of gametophytic cells rather than those of sporophytic organs such as seedlings and rosette leaves. We show that none of the mutations completely abolishes RdDM, suggesting strong redundancy within the methylation pathways. Among all, ago4 mutation has the strongest effect on RdDM, causing more CHH hypomethylation than ago9 and rdr6. We identify 22 genes whose DNA methylation is significantly reduced in ago4, ago9 and rdr6 mutants, revealing potential targets regulated by the RdDM pathway in premeiotic gyneocia. Discussion: Our results indicate that drastic changes in methylation levels in all three contexts occur in female reproductive organs at the sporophytic level, prior to the alternation of generations within the ovule primordium, offering a possibility to start identifying the function of specific genes acting in the establishment of the female gametophytic phase of the Arabidopsis life cycle.

Phylogeography and transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis spanning prisons and surrounding communities in Paraguay.

Recent rises in incident tuberculosis (TB) cases in Paraguay and the increasing concentration of TB within prisons highlight the urgency of targeting strategies to interrupt transmission and prevent new infections. However, whether specific cities or carceral institutions play a disproportionate role in transmission remains unknown. We conducted prospective genomic surveillance, sequencing 471 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex genomes, from inside and outside prisons in Paraguay's two largest urban areas, Asunción and Ciudad del Este, from 2016 to 2021. We found genomic evidence of frequent recent transmission within prisons and transmission linkages spanning prisons and surrounding populations. We identified a signal of frequent M. tuberculosis spread between urban areas and marked recent population size expansion of the three largest genomic transmission clusters. Together, our findings highlight the urgency of strengthening TB control programs to reduce transmission risk within prisons in Paraguay, where incidence was 70 times that outside prisons in 2021.

Surface layer microplastic pollution in four bays of the central Mexican Pacific.

Surface microplastics were sampled monthly in four tropical bays (Manzanillo, Santiago, Navidad and Cuastecomates) of the central Mexican Pacific during March 2017 to February 2018. Microplastic concentrations ranged between 0.01 and 1.05 particles/m2 with a median per bay ranging between 0.26 and 0.40 particles/m2. Raman spectroscopy registered polypropylene (40%), polyethylene (40%) and polyester (20%) polymers. Fibers dominated all samples, except for Manzanillo where fragments numerically dominated during the rainy season (Jun-Oct). Fiber concentration was not significantly different among bays or seasons, likely associated with continuous wastewater discharge. Fragment concentrations were significantly higher in Bahía Manzanillo and Santiago than the other two bays. Non-metric multidimensional scaling showed distinct distribution of Manzanillo samples (which has important port activities) as compared to Santiago, Navidad, Cuastecomates (where tourism economic activities predominate). This first direct comparison of sea surface microplastic concentration among four bays in Mexico provides a baseline to study impacts on marine zooplankton in this tropical ecosystem.

Serie de Casos de Leishmaniasis Detectados en Centros Hospitalarios del Departamento de Caaguazú, Paraguay en 2019

Resumen La leishmaniasis es la tercera de las enfermedades de transmisión vectorial a humanos en importancia por el número de casos y la población en riesgo. En Paraguay la leishmaniasis cutánea es una enfermedad endémica atribuida en casi todos los casos a Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. El objetivo del artículo es describir las características demográficas y clínicas de una serie de casos de pacientes con leishmaniasis en el V departamento de Caaguazú y departamentos cercanos, epidemiológicamente endémicos. Se reportan casos diagnosticados en los meses enero a diciembre del año 2019. Los casos se presentaron en el departamento de Caaguazú, abarcando los diferentes distritos que componen y departamentos cercanos como Canindeyú, Alto Paraná y Guaira. De los casos registrados (9 casos) fueron hombres y (6 casos) tuvieron entre 50 a 70 años de edad. La lesión estuvo situada mayormente en el tabique nasal en 8 casos, con una evolución de menos de 10 años (6 casos) y en 4 casos dejo cicatriz. Solo 3 casos completaron su tratamiento. Se sugiere realizar el reporte de casos para tener un panorama de los casos de leishmaniasis en Paraguay como vigilancia sanitaria de la enfermedad y localizar focos de contagio.

Abstract Leishmaniasis is the third most important vector-borne diseases in humans due to the number of cases and the population at risk. In Paraguay, cutaneous leishmaniasis is an endemic disease attributed in almost all cases to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. The objective of the article was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of a series of cases of patients with leishmaniasis in the V department of Caaguazú and nearby departments, epidemiologically endemic. Cases diagnosed in the months of January to December of the year 2019 are reported. The cases occurred in the department of Caaguazú, covering the different districts that make up and nearby departments such as Canindeyú, Alto Paraná and Guaira. Of the registered cases (9 cases) were men and (6 cases) were between 50 and 70 years of age. The lesion was located mainly in the nasal septum in 8 cases, with an evolution of less than 10 years (6 cases) and in 4 cases it left a scar. Only 3 cases completed their treatment. It is suggested to carry out the case report to have an overview of Leishmania cases in Paraguay as a health surveillance of the disease and to locate sources of contagion.

Implementación de una actividad física en residentes de pediatría y síndrome de Burnout

RESUMEN Introducción: La residencia es un periodo en la formación del médico muy diferente a lo aprendido en la universidad. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de la actividad física en residentes de pediatría, sobre el Síndrome de Burnout. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio de intervención no aleatorizado controlado. Los residentes de Pediatría fueron asignados a recibir clases de Zumba 2 horas semanales por 10 semanas (grupo estudio) o ninguna intervención (grupo control). Se midió el Síndrome de Burnout utilizando el cuestionario Maslach Burnout Inventory pre y post intervención en ambos grupos. Otras variables estudiadas fueron: edad, género, actividad física y social, estructura familiar y años de residencia. Los datos fueron analizados con SPSS. Se consideró un error alfa inferior al 5%. El protocolo fue aprobado por el comité de ética del hospital, con consentimiento de los participantes. Resultados: Participaron 47 residentes, 23 en el grupo estudio y 24 en el grupo control. El Síndrome de Burnout pre- intervención fue 52,2 % y 37,5 % en el grupo estudio y el grupo control respectivamente p=0,31. Después de la intervención fue de 17,4 % y 45,8% en el grupo estudio y control respectivamente. OR: 0,25 (IC95% 0,65 -0,9) p=0,03. El beneficio absoluto fue del 35% y el número necesario para tratar 2,8. Conclusiones: El ejercicio físico 2 horas semanales mitigó el síndrome de burnout en residentes de Pediatría, con un beneficio absoluto del 35%.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Residency is a period in the training of the doctor very different from what was learned at the university level. Objective: evaluate the effect of physical activity in pediatric residents regarding Burnout Syndrome. Materials and Methods: This was a non-randomized controlled intervention study. Pediatric residents were assigned to receive Zumba classes 2 hours per week for 10 weeks (study group) or no intervention (control group). Burnout Syndrome was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire pre and post intervention in both groups. Other variables studied were: age, gender, physical and social activity, family structure and years of residence. The data were analyzed with SPSS. An alpha error of less than 5% was considered. The protocol was approved by the ethics committee of the hospital, with participants' consent. Results: 47 residents participated, 23 in the study group and 24 in the control group. Pre-intervention Burnout Syndrome was 52.2% and 37.5% in the study group and the control group, respectively, p = 0.31. After the intervention it was 17.4% and 45.8% in the study and control group respectively. OR: 0.25 (95% CI 0.65 -0.9) p = 0.03. The absolute benefit was 35% and the number needed to treat 2.8. Conclusions: Physical exercise for 2 hours a week alleviated burnout syndrome in Pediatric residents, with an absolute benefit of 35%.

Characterization of patients with early vs. late-onset Alzheimers dementia / Caracterización de pacientes con demencia de tipo Alzheimer precoz vs tardío

Introduction: Alzheimer's dementia (AD) has an early and a late onset. More information is needed regarding risk factors according to the age of onset of AD. The objective is to characterize the sociodemographic, anthropometric, laboratory and genetic variables as well as the history of patients with ade novodiagnosis of AD, by age of onset, at the Hospital Universitario C.A.R.I.'s mental health site over a period of two years. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study of 39 patients with ade novodiagnosis of AD. A questionnaire was completed, paraclinical studies were ordered and a blood sample was obtained for APOE genotyping. The IBM SPSS 21 software was used for analysis. Results: 82.05% had late-onset and 17.95% had early-onset AD. Of those with early-onset AD, 57.14% were females, as were 71.90% of those with late-onset AD. 71.44% of those with early-onset AD were married and 53.12% with late-onset AD were widowed. Only 14.29% with early-onset and 18.75% with late-onset AD had optimal LDL levels. Altogether, 79.49% of the population was heterozygous for the ε4 allele. 71.43% of those with early-onset AD had a family history of dementia. Discussion: age is the main factor associated with AD and females were more frequent in both groups. Social relationships play a role in early detection of symptoms. Lipid profile abnormalities were seen in both groups. Having at least one ε4 allele is a frequent finding in AD. Having a first-degree relative with dementia and/or Alzheimer's was more frequent in early-onset AD.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1316).

Introducción: la demencia de tipo Alzheimer (DTA) tiene presentación precoz o tardía. Es necesaria mayor información sobre factores de riesgo según edad de aparición de DTA. El objetivo es caracterizar variables sociodemográficas, antropométricas, de laboratorio, genéticas y antecedentes en pacientes con diagnósticode novode DTA según edad de aparición en el Hospital Universitario C.A.R.I. sede salud mental en un periodo de dos años. Metodología: estudio descriptivo transversal con 39 pacientes con diagnósticode novode DTA. Se realizó un cuestionario, solicitaron paraclínicos y se obtuvo una muestra sanguínea para genotipificación deAPOE.Se utilizó el software IBM SPSS 21 para análisis. Resultados: el 82.05% tenían DTA tardío y 17.95% DTA precoz. El 57.14% con DTA precoz y 71.90% con DTA tardía eran de sexo femenino. El 71.44% con DTA precoz eran casados y 53.12% con DTA tardío eran viudos. Solo 14.29% con DTA precoz y 18.75% con DTA tardío tenían niveles óptimos de LDL. El 79.49% de la población era heterocigoto para el alelo ε4. El 71.43% con DTA precoz tenía antecedente familiar de demencia. Discusión: la edad es el principal factor asociado a DTA y el sexo femenino fue más frecuente en ambos grupos. Las relaciones sociales juegan un rol en la identificación temprana de la sintomatología. Las alteraciones del perfil lipídico se evidenciaron en ambos grupos. Tener al menos un alelo ε4 es un hallazgo frecuente de DTA. Tener un familiar con demencia y/o Alzheimer de primer grado de consanguinidad fue más frecuente en DTA precoz.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1316).

Fibrodisplasia osificante progresiva. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura

RESUMEN La fibrodisplasia osificante progresiva (FOP) es una enfermedad del tejido conectivo de etiología desconocida, de herencia autosómica dominante que se caracteriza por calcificaciones progresivas de las fascias, aponeurosis, ligamentos, tendones y tejido conectivo intersticial del músculo esquelético. Su prevalencia es de 1:2.000.000. Presenta desde el nacimiento morfología anormal del primer metatarsiano. Las osificaciones heterotópicas por lo común se hacen evidentes recién alrededor de los 5 años, posteriores a un trauma en los tejidos blandos. El compromiso funcional es progresivo y altamente incapacitante. Presentamos el caso de un niño de 6 años quien desde el año de edad inició las lesiones en las zonas de traumatismos, al comienzo acompañadas de dolor y signos inflamatorios que luego se petrificaban. Presentaba hállux valgus corto bilateral y se pudo corroborar la presencia de la misma malformación en un tío materno.

ABSTRACT Progressive ossifying fibrodysplasia (POF) is a connective tissue disease of unknown etiology, of autosomal dominant inheritance characterized by progressive calcifications of fasciae, aponeurosis, ligaments, tendons, and interstitial connective tissue of skeletal muscle. Its prevalence is 1: 2,000,000. Abnormal morphology of the first metatarsal is present at birth. Heterotopic ossifications usually become apparent only about 5 years after a soft tissue trauma. The functional compromise is progressive and highly disabling. We present the case of a 6-year-old boy who, beginning at one year of age, developed the lesiones in injured areas, with subsequent petrification, initially accompanied by pain and inflammatory signs. He presented bilateral short hallux valgus and we corroborated the presence of the same malformation in a maternal uncle.

Prevalencia de hábitos de succión no nutritiva y su relación con maloclusión y anomalías dentomaxilares en preescolares de Cnel. Oviedo, Paraguay / Prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits and their relationship with malocclusion and dentomaxillary abnormalities in preschoolers of Cnel. Oviedo, Paraguay

El objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia de hábitos de succión no nutritiva y su relación con maloclusiones y anomalías dentomaxilares en preescolares de Coronel Oviedo - Paraguay, durante el año 2015. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal con componente analítico, con muestreo probabilístico estratificado bietápico. La población de estudio estuvo constituida por niños del sexo masculino y femenino de la Educación Inicial (maternal, jardín y pre-escolar). Las variables del estudio fueron la succión no nutritiva (succión digital y succión del chupete, edad, sexo, onicofagia y el uso del biberón. Los datos fueron recabados mediante una encuesta dirigida a los padres; acompañada de la inspección bucodental. Fueron incluidos 344 escolares, el 48,84% (168) tenía una edad de 5 años y el 52,91% (182) era del sexo masculino. El 13,08% (45) realizaba succión digital, el 9,59% (33) succión de chupete y el 38,95% (134) otros hábitos. Al diferenciar la presencia de hábitos con las características demográficas se pudo apreciar como la presencia de succión digital estaba relacionada con la mordida abierta (p=0.000), la mordida cruzada (p=0.049), con la orientación de los incisivos (p=0.000), la forma de la arcada (p=0.000), y la oclusión de vista transversal (p=0.046) y sagitalmente (p=0.000). La prevalencia de hábitos de succión no nutritiva en estos escolares fue alta y estaba relacionada con la maloclusión y la aparición de anomalías dentomaxilares, por lo que la educación de padres para la prevención de dichas condiciones es fundamental(AU)

The objective was to determine the prevalence of non-nutritive suction habits and their relationship with malocclusions and dentomaxillary anomalies in preschool children of Coronel Oviedo - Paraguay, during 2015. An observational, descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical component was carried out, with two-stage stratified probabilistic sampling. The study population consisted of boys and girls of the Pre-Primary Education (nursery, kindergarten and pre-school). The variables of the study were the non-nutritive suction (digital suction and suction of the pacifier, age, sex, onychophagia and the use of the feeding bottle). The data were collected through a survey addressed to the parents, accompanied by an oral inspection. Three hundred forty-four schoolchildren were included, 48.84% (168) was 5 years old and 52.91% (182) was male. Of the total, 13.08% (45) performed digital suction, 9.59% (33) pacifier suction and 38.95% (134) other habits. By differentiating the presence of habits with demographic characteristics, it was seen how the presence of digital suction was related to the open bite (p=0.000), the crossbite (p = 0.049), and the orientation of the incisors (p=0.000). ), the shape of the arch (p = 0.000), the cross sectional occlusion (p=0.046) and the sagittal occlusion (p = 0.000). The prevalence of non-nutritive suction habits in these school children was high and related to malocclusion and the appearance of dentomaxillary anomalies, so the education of parents for the prevention of these conditions is fundamental(AU)

Síndrome de Townes-Brocks en Barranquilla, Colombia: Reporte de caso y estado del arte / Townes-Brocks Syndrome in Barranquilla, Colombia: Case report and state of the art

RESUMEN El síndrome de Townes-Brocks, descrito por primera vez en 1972, se caracteriza por tres anomalías congénitas mayores: malformación anorrectal, orejas displásicas y malformaciones del pulgar. Es un trastorno genético raro con herencia autosómica dominante y una prevalencia estimada de 1/250 0000, registrándose aproximadamente 164 casos en la literatura. En Colombia, solo un caso ha sido registrado en un evento científico, y este sería el primer caso publicado en una revista indexada. El objetivo de nuestro artículo es reportar el fenotipo del paciente y el estado actual del arte del síndrome de Townes-Brocks.

ABSTRACT Townes-Brocks syndrome, described in 1972, is characterized by three major congenital anomalies: anorectal malformation, dysplastic ears and thumb anomalies. It is a rare genetic disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance and an estimated prevalence of 1/250.0000. Approximately 164 cases have been reported in the literature. In Colombia, only one case was previously reported in a scientific event. Our case report is the first published in an indexed journal. Our article aims to report the patient's phenotype and the state of art of Townes-Brocks syndrome.

Association between Active H. pylori Infection and Iron Deficiency Assessed by Serum Hepcidin Levels in School-Age Children.

Hepcidin regulates iron metabolism. Its synthesis increases in infection and decreases in iron deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency by levels of hepcidin in children. A total of 350 school-age children participated in this cross-sectional study. Determinations of serum ferritin, hemoglobin, hepcidin, C-reactive protein, and α-1-acid-glycoprotein were done. Active H. pylori infection was performed with a 13C-urea breath test. In schoolchildren without H. pylori infection, hepcidin was lower in those with iron deficiency compared to children with normal iron status (5.5 ng/mL vs. 8.2 ng/mL, p = 0.017); while in schoolchildren with H. pylori infection the levels of hepcidin tended to be higher, regardless of the iron nutritional status. Using multivariate analysis, the association between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency was different by hepcidin levels. The association between H. pylori and iron deficiency was not significant for lower values of hepcidin (Odds Ratio = 0.17; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.02-1.44), while the same association was significant for higher values of hepcidin (OR = 2.84; CI 95% 1.32-6.09). This joint effect is reflected in the adjusted probabilities for iron deficiency: Individuals with H. pylori infection and higher levels of hepcidin had a probability of 0.24 (CI 95% 0.14-0.34) for iron deficiency, and this probability was 0.24 (CI 95% 0.14-0.33) in children without H. pylori infection and lower levels of hepcidin. In children with H. pylori infection and iron deficiency, the hepcidin synthesis is upregulated. The stimulus to the synthesis of hepcidin due to H. pylori infection is greater than the iron deficiency stimulus.

Association of KIR2DL2 gene with anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies for serodiagnosis in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a clinical autoimmune syndrome that causes joint damage. The positive or negative anti-cyclic citrullinated protein (CCP) antibodies serodiagnosis differentiates two subsets of the disease, each with different genetic background. Previous studies have identified associations between KIR genes and rheumatoid arthritis but not with anti-CCP serodiagnosis. Therefore, we investigated the proportion of patients seropositive and seronegative to anti-CCP and its possible association with KIR (killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor) genes. We included 100 patients with rheumatoid arthritis from western Mexico, who were determined for anti-CCP serodiagnosis by ELISA, and 16 KIR genes were genotyped by PCR-SSP. The proportion of seropositive anti-CCP patients was 83%, and they presented a higher frequency of KIR2DL2 genes than the seronegative group (73.6% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.044) which, in turn, presented a higher KIR2DL2-/KIR2DL3+ genotype frequency than the first ones (46.2% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.043). These results suggest different KIR genetic backgrounds for each subset of the disease according to anti-CCP serodiagnosis.

La artritis reumatoide es un síndrome clínico autoinmune que causa daño en las articulaciones. El serodiagnóstico positivo o negativo para anticuerpos proteicos anticíclicos citrulinados (CCP) diferencia dos subconjuntos de la enfermedad, cada uno con diferente fondo genético. Estudios previos han identificado asociaciones entre los genes killer cell immunoglobulin- like receptor (KIR) y la artritis reumatoide, pero no con el serodiagnóstico de anti-CCP. Por lo tanto, investigamos la proporción de seropositividad y seronegatividad anti-CCP y su posible asociación con genes KIR. Se incluyeron 100 pacientes con artritis reumatoide del occidente de México, a quienes se les determinó su serodiagnóstico anti-CCP por ELISA y también se les realizó genotipificación de 16 genes KIR por PCR-SSP. La proporción de pacientes seropositivos anti-CCP fue del 83% y presentaron una mayor frecuencia génica KIR2DL2 que el grupo seronegativo (73.6% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.044), estos últimos presentaron mayor frecuencia genotípica KIR2DL2-/KIR2DL3+ que los primeros (46.2% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.043). Los resultados sugieren diferente fondo genético KIR para cada subconjunto de la enfermedad, de acuerdo con el serodiagnóstico anti-CCP.

Association of kir2dl2 gene with anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies for serodiagnosis in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a clinical autoimmune syndrome that causes joint damage. The positive or negative anti-cyclic citrullinated protein (CCP) antibodies serodiagnosis differentiates two subsets of the disease, each with different genetic background. Previous studies have identified associations between KIR genes and rheumatoid arthritis but not with anti-CCP serodiagnosis. Therefore, we investigated the proportion of patients seropositive and seronegative to anti-CCP and its possible association with KIR (killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor) genes. We included 100 patients with rheumatoid arthritis from western Mexico, who were determined for anti-CCP serodiagnosis by ELISA, and 16 KIR genes were genotyped by PCR-SSP. The proportion of seropositive anti-CCP patients was 83%, and they presented a higher frequency of KIR2DL2 genes than the seronegative group (73.6% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.044) which, in turn, presented a higher KIR2DL2-/ KIR2DL3+ genotype frequency than the first ones (46.2% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.043). These results suggest different KIR genetic backgrounds for each subset of the disease according to anti-CCP serodiagnosis.

La artritis reumatoide es un síndrome clínico autoinmune que causa daño en las articulaciones. El serodiagnóstico positivo o negativo para anticuerpos proteicos anti-cíclicos citrulinados (CCP) diferencia dos subconjuntos de la enfermedad, cada uno con diferente fondo genético. Estudios previos han identificado asociaciones entre los genes killer cell immunoglobulin- like receptor (KIR) y la artritis reumatoide, pero no con el serodiagnóstico de anti-CCP. Por lo tanto, investigamos la proporción de seropositividad y seronegatividad anti-CCP y su posible asociación con genes KIR. Se incluyeron 100 pacientes con artritis reumatoide del occidente de México, a quienes se les determinó su serodiagnóstico anti-CCP por ELISA y también se les realizó genotipificación de 16 genes KIR por PCR-SSP. La proporción de pacientes seropositivos anti-CCP fue del 83% y presentaron una mayor frecuencia génica KIR2DL2 que el grupo seronegativo (73.6% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.044), estos últimos presentaron mayor frecuencia genotípica KIR2DL2-/KIR2DL3+ que los primeros (46.2% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.043). Los resultados sugieren diferente fondo genético KIR para cada subconjunto de la enfermedad, de acuerdo con el serodiagnóstico anti-CCP.

Immunolocalization to Study ARGONAUTE Proteins in Developing Ovules of the Brassicaceae.

Determining the in situ pattern of protein expression is crucial to accurately establish regulatory function and mode of action of any plant developmental program. Here, we describe two immunolocalization procedures that are consistently used to determine subcellular localization of ARGONAUTE proteins in the ovule of the Brassicaceae. The first is performed in resin-embedded semi-thin sections of developing ovules that can be observed under bright-field microscopy. The second is based in polyacrylamide immersion of complete (whole-mounted) gynoecia or ovules that are observed under confocal microscopy. Both procedures have been successfully performed to localize proteins involved in RNA-directed DNA methylation during the development of the anatropous bitegmic ovule in Arabidopsis, Brassica, or Boechera species.

Apomixis in flowering plants: Developmental and evolutionary considerations.

Apomixis refers to a set of reproductive mechanisms that invariably rely on avoiding meiotic reduction and fertilization of the egg cell to generate clonal seeds. After having long been considered a strictly asexual oddity leading to extinction, the integration of more than 100 years of embryological, genetic, molecular, and ecological research has revealed apomixis as a widely spread component of the dynamic processes that shape flowering plant evolution. Apomixis involves several flexible and versatile developmental pathways that can be combined within the ovule to produce offspring. Here we review the large body of classic and contemporaneous contributions that have addressed unreduced gamete formation, haploid induction, and parthenogenesis in flowering plants. We emphasize similarities and differences between sexual and apomictic reproduction, and highlight their implications for the evolutionary emergence of asexual reproduction through seeds. On the basis of these comparisons, we propose a model that associates the developmental origin of apomixis to a dynamic epigenetic landscape, in which environmental fluctuations reversibly influence female reproductive development through mechanisms of hybridization and polyploidization.

Seasonal variability of copepod community structure and abundance modified by the El Niño-La Niña transition (2010), Pacific, Mexico / Variabilidad estacional de la estructura comunitaria y abundancia de copépodos, modificada por la transición El Niño-La Niña (2010) en el Pacífico, México

Abstract Copepods are an important planktonic group, and account for most of the total biomass and species diversity in pelagic marine ecosystems. Seasonal variability of the community structure of copepods in the Eastern tropical Pacific off central Mexico was studied during three distinct hydrodynamic periods in 2010 using statistical and multivariate analyses. The survey period included the second half of the 2009-2010 El Niño (January), the neutral transition period (May-June), and the first half of the 2010-2011 La Niña (October). Seventy-eight copepod species were identified; richness ranged from 11 to 47 species per station, with seasonal averages from 25 species in May to 35 species in January. Cluster analysis indicated that there were four principal groups present across the surveyed periods, defined by January (El Niño), October (La Niña), May offshore stations, and May upwelling stations (cyclonic eddy and coastal stations). There were no significant differences in abundance, but the January (El Niño) cluster was most diverse with 32 species, May offshore and October (La Niña) clusters each had 25 species, and the May upwelling was the least diverse cluster with 18 species. Mesoscale processes were strongest during May, which was the only period with a significant inshore-offshore gradient of species richness and diversity. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed that variability was primarily driven by subsurface (75-200 m) ammonium, and surface (0-50 m) temperature, nitrates+nitrites, salinity and phosphorus. Copepodites and adults of the primarily herbivorous Eucalanidae dominated the stations of the upwelling cluster, while copepodites and adults of the carnivorous Euchaetidae dominated the January (El Niño) station cluster. The higher Chl a levels during the less productive (reduced upwelling) El Niño period were probably due to reduced grazing activities and increased ammonium availability through increased zooplankton metabolism. The horizontal distribution of copepods in the Eastern Tropical Pacific off Mexico appears to be principally defined by mesoscale eddy processes (offshore) and upwelling (coastal). These mesoscale processes were affected by El Niño - La Niña transitions, which subsequently disrupted the inshore-offshore gradient and in the case of El Niño likely caused reductions in copepod abundance across the entire region which persisted for the entire study period, and possibly longer.(AU)

Resumen Los copépodos son un importante grupo planctónico y representan la mayor parte de la biomasa total y la diversidad de especies en los ecosistemas marinos pelágicos. La variabilidad estacional de la estructura de la comunidad de copépodos se analizó en el Pacífico central mexicano durante tres períodos hidrodinámicos durante el 2010, mediante análisis estadísticos y multivariados. El período de estudio incluyó la segunda mitad del Niño 2009-2010 (enero), el período de transicional (mayo) y la primera mitad del La Niña 2010-2011 (octubre). Setenta y ocho especies de copépodos fueron identificadas; la riqueza varió de 11 a 47 especies por estación, con promedios estacionales de 25 especies en mayo a 35 especies en enero. El análisis de clúster indicó la presencia de cuatro grupos principales en los períodos estudiados: enero (El Niño), octubre (La Niña), un grupo de estaciones oceánicas en mayo, y un grupo de estaciones de afloramientos en mayo (remolino ciclónico y estaciones costeras). No hubo diferencias significativas en la abundancia entre grupos, pero el grupo de enero (El Niño) fue más diverso con 32 especies. Los grupos de mayo (oceánico) y octubre (La Niña) tenían 25 especies cada uno, y el grupo de mayo (afloramientos) fue el menos diverso con 18 especies. Los procesos de mesoescala fueron más intensos durante mayo, que fue el único período con un gradiente significativo costeroocéano de riqueza de especies y diversidad. El análisis de correspondencias canónicas explicó que la variabilidad se debe principalmente a la concentración de amonio en la capa profunda (75-200), y la temperatura, nitratos + nitritos, salinidad y fósforo presente en la capa superficial (0-50 m) de la columna de agua. Los copepoditos y adultos herbívoros de la familia Eucalanidae, dominaron las estaciones de surgencia, mientras que los copepoditos y adultos carnívoros de Euchaetidae dominaron las estaciones de enero (El Niño). Las concentraciones más altas de Clorofila a durante El Niño, que fue el periodo menos productivo (surgencia reducida), se deben probablemente a la reducción de actividades de pastoreo. La distribución horizontal de copépodos en el Pacífico central mexicano parece estar definida principalmente por la influencia de remolinos de mesoescala (mar adentro) y surgencias (costera). Estos procesos oceanográficos fueron afectados por la transición de El Niño a La Niña, que posteriormente interrumpieron el gradiente costero-oceánico y en el caso de El Niño probablemente causó una disminución en la abundancia de copépodos en toda la región durante todo el período de estudio, que posiblemente persistió en los meses posteriores.(AU)

Mexico's Seguro Popular: Achievements and Challenges.

In Mexico, Seguro Popular is a landmark government program aimed to guarantee universal access to health services, especially for the most vulnerable populations. Since its adoption in 2004, important changes have been made to improve the performance of Seguro Popular. In this article, we present the main changes that have been implemented in Seguro Popular during the current administration (2012-2018) and propose a series of considerations to improve its performance in the immediate future and thus contribute to achieving the goal of universal health coverage in Mexico.

Nursing intervention in women who developed lymphedema after undergoing a modified radical mastectomy: a pre-experimental study.

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of a nursing intervention in increasing the therapeutic self-care demand in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema after a mastectomy. The pre-experiment was carried out on women in the State Cancer Institute in Colima, Mexico. Thirty women who had undergone a mastectomy were included in this study. Each woman received a nursing intervention to increase her knowledge, skills and motivation, which are the components of therapeutic self-care demand. Students' t and P values were calculated for paired means, and the McNemar X2 test was performed for paired categorical variables. It was found that Students' t values for therapeutic self-care demand, knowledge, skills and motivation were significant (all with P = 0.00001). It was also found that McNemar X 2 values for the same criteria paired categorically were significant (P = 0.0002, P = 0.003, P= 0.0002, P = 0.00001, respectively). It was concluded that the nursing intervention was effective in increasing the therapeutic self-care demand of patients with post-mastectomy breast cancer.

Software educativo para la enseñanza de la Propedéutica Clínica y Semiología Médica en idioma inglés / Training software for the teaching of the Clinical Propedeutics and medical Semiology in the English language

Fundamento: la enseñanza del idioma inglés constituye una estrategia curricular de esencial significación para el desarrollo integral del estudiante de Medicina. Objetivo: diseñar un software educativo que integre los tópicos de la asignatura Propedéutica Clínica y Semiología Médica en idioma inglés. Métodos: se desarrolló una investigación de desarrollo en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara en el curso 2012-2013. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos para la interpretación y procesamiento de la información y los referentes teóricos del tema; empíricos: análisis documental de los programas y orientaciones metodológicas, y la encuesta en su modalidad de cuestionario a estudiantes de habla inglesa del área clínica de la carrera de Medicina para comprobar la efectividad del producto en su puesta en práctica. Resultados: fue diseñado un producto informático fundamentado en el programa docente de la asignatura y la estrategia curricular de idioma inglés, durante la comprobación de la efectividad del producto por su puesta en práctica se manifestó una variación significativa del nivel del conocimiento de los estudiantes, luego del uso del software. Conclusiones: el producto fue valorado satisfactoriamente según el criterio de especialistas como pertinente, necesario y útil para la asignatura, de gran aplicabilidad, y profundidad en los contenidos tratados, con agradable interfaz de usuario; la multimedia fue efectiva durante su puesta en práctica. Constituye una adecuada herramienta para elevar el nivel de conocimientos de la asignatura.

Background: the teaching of the English language constitutes a meaningful curricular strategy for the comprehensive development of the Medicine student. Objective: to design a training software that integrates the topics of the Clinical Propedeutics and medical Semiology subject in the English language. Methods: a research and development investigation was carried out in the Medicine Faculty of Villa Clara University of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2012-2013. Theoretical methods were used for the interpretation and processing of information and the theoretical groundwork on the topic; empiric ones: documental analysis of the programs and methodological orientations, and the survey in the questionnaire modality was applied to English-speaking students of the clinical area of the Medicine career to check the effectiveness of the product in its implementation. Results: a computing product based on the teaching program of the subject and the curricular strategy of the English language was designed, the testing of the effectiveness of the product during its implementation showed a significant variation of the level of the student´s knowledge, after the training with the software. Conclusions: the product was satisfactorily valued according to the specialist´s criteria as pertinent, necessary and useful for the subject, with great applicability, and depth in the treated contents, with pleasant user interface; the multimedia was effective during its implementation. It constitutes an appropriate tool to elevate the knowledge level on the subject.