Postnatal zinc deficiency due to giardiasis disrupts hippocampal and cerebellar development.

BACKGROUND: Giardiasis and zinc deficiency have been identified as serious health problems worldwide. Although Zn depletion is known to occur in giardiasis, no work has investigated whether changes occur in brain structures. METHODS: Three groups of gerbils were used: control (1), orogastrically inoculated on day 3 after birth with trophozoites of two isolates of Giardia intestinalis (HGINV/WB) group (2 and 3). Estimates were made at five ages covering: establishment of infection, Giardia population growth, natural parasite clearance and a post-infection age. QuantiChrome zinc assay kit, cresyl violet staining and TUNEL technique were used. RESULTS: A significant decrease (p<0.01) in tissue zinc was observed and persisted after infection. Cytoarchitectural changes were observed in 75% of gerbils in the HGINV or WB groups. Ectopic pyramidal neurons were found in the cornus ammonis (CA1-CA3). At 60 and 90 days of age loss of lamination was clearly visible in CA1. In the dentate gyrus (DG), thinning of the dorsal lamina and abnormal thickening of the ventral lamina were observed from 30 days of age. In the cerebellum, we found an increase (p<0.01) in the thickness of the external granular layer (EGL) at 14 days of age that persisted until day 21 (C 3 ± 0.3 µm; HGINV 37 ± 5 µm; WB 28 ± 3 µm); Purkinje cell population estimation showed a significant decrease; a large number of apoptotic somas were observed scattered in the molecular layer; in 60 and 90 days old gerbils we found granular cell heterotopia and Purkinje cell ectopia. The pattern of apoptosis was different in the cerebellum and hippocampus of parasitized gerbils. CONCLUSION: The morphological changes found suggest that neuronal migration is affected by zinc depletion caused by giardiasis in early postnatal life; for the first time, the link between giardiasis-zinc depletion and damaged brain structures is shown. This damage may explain the psychomotor/cognitive delay associated with giardiasis. These findings are alarming. Alterations in zinc metabolism and signalling are known to be involved in many brain disorders, including autism.

Maternal Supraphysiological Hypercholesterolemia Is Accompanied by Shifts in the Composition and Anti-Atherogenic Functions of Maternal HDL along with Maternal Cardiovascular Risk Markers at Term of Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Maternal physiological hypercholesterolemia (MPH) occurs in pregnancy for a proper fetal development. When cholesterol increases over the physiological range, maternal supraphysiological hypercholesterolemia (MSPH) is described, a condition underdiagnosed by a lack of evidence showing its biological and clinical relevance. AIM: To determine if MSPH associates with maternal vascular dysfunction, along with changes in the composition and function of maternal HDL leading to increased cardiovascular risk. METHODS: This study included 57 women at term of pregnancy in which a lipid profile was determined. RESULTS: Maternal total cholesterol (TC) and LDL but not HDL were increased in MSPH women. The isolated HDL from a subgroup of MSPH women had a lower protein abundance and a reduced activity of the antioxidant enzyme PON1; however, an increased antioxidant capacity compared to MPH was observed, along with higher serum levels of α-tocopherol. Moreover, HDL from a subgroup of MSPH women had a lower capacity to induce NO synthesis in endothelial cells compared to MPH. In the circulation, we observed a reduced total antioxidant capacity and augmented levels of soluble VCAM, ApoB, ApoCII, ApoCIII, IL-10, and IL-12p70, as well as the cardiovascular risk ratio ApoB/ApoAI, compared to MPH women. CONCLUSION: MSPH women present dysfunctional HDL and increased atherogenic cardiovascular risk factors.

Effect of Recycled Polyvinyl Butyral (rPVB) Addition on the Tribological Performance of Glass-Fiber Reinforced Polyamide (PAGF) during Reciprocating Sliding Wear Conditions.

Plastic recycling in the automotive industry is a priority. In this study, the effect of adding recycled polyvinyl butyral (rPVB) from automotive windshields on the coefficient of friction (CoF) and specific wear rate (k) of a glass-fiber reinforced polyamide (PAGF) is investigated. It was found that, at 15 and 20 wt.% of rPVB, it acts as a solid lubricant, reducing CoF and k up to 27% and 70%, respectively. Microscopical analysis of the wear tracks showed that rPVB spreads over the worn tracks, forming a lubricant layer, which protects the fibers from damage. However, at lower rPVB content, fiber damage cannot be prevented as the protective lubricant layer is not formed.

Medición de la situación de inseguridad alimentaria a nivel del hogar en los municipios de cobertura del Ejercicio Profesional Supervisado de la Escuela de Nutrición de la Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala / Measurement of the situation of food insecurity at the household level in the municipalities covered by the Supervised professional Exercise of the School of Nutrition of the San Carlos of Guatemala

La inseguridad alimentaria (INSA) es la condición que resulta de un acceso incierto o nulo a alimentos nutricionalmente adecuados socialmente aceptables y/o insuficiente ingestión de alimentos. Las causas de la INSA son múltiples y difieren en cada país, entre ellas están inadecuado acceso, y disponibilidad a los alimentos nutricionalmente adecuados y a los capitales de desarrollo. Según los resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Condiciones de Vida del 2014, la INSA afecta a más de la mitad de la población guatemalteca con repercusiones en su calidad de vida y desarrollo. El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar el nivel de INSA en hogares de los 29 municipios pertenecientes a 12 departamentos de cobertura del EPS de la Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala. Se realizó un estudio de tipo cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal, utilizando la metodología de recolección, validación y análisis de información establecida en el Manual de la Escala Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Seguridad Alimentaria (ELCSA). La muestra fue de 2,750 hogares, obtenida por medio de un muestreo probabilístico para poblaciones finitas. Los datos analizados fueron desagregados según sexo y edad de jefe de hogar, lugar de residencia, número de miembros en el hogar y presencia de menores de 18 años. La investigación mostró que, al momento de la entrevista, 2,035 (74%) [72.3, 75.7] hogares fueron clasificados en situación de INSA. Se presentó un mayor porcentaje de INSA en los hogares del área rural (85% [82.5, 87.4]) y en los hogares con niños menores de 18 años (80% [78.0, 81.5]). También se observó que, a mayor número de miembros del hogar, mayor porcentaje de INSA. Con los resultados obtenidos, se pretende motivar la implementación de estrategias que coadyuven a mejorar la situación de INSA en la población.

Food insecurity (FI) is the condition that results from uncertain or no access to socially acceptable, nutritionally adequate foods and/or insufficient food intake. The causes of FI are multiple and differ in each country, among them are inadequate access and availability to adequate nutritional foods and development capital. According to the results of the 2014 National Survey of Living Conditions, FI affects more than half of the Guatemalan population.The objective of the research was to determine the level of FI at household level of the 29 municipalities belonging to 12 departments covered by the Nutrition Supervised Professional Practice of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala, through a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study, using the collection, validation and analysis of information established in the Manual of the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale. The sample was 2,750 households, obtained by means of a probabilistic sampling for finite populations. The data analyzed were disaggregated according to the sex and age of the head of the household, place of residence, number of members in the household, and presence of children under 18 years of age. The investigation showed that, at the time of the interview, 2,035 (74%) [72.3, 75.7] households were classified as FI. There was a higher percentage of FI in households in rural areas (85% [82.5, 87.4]) and in households with children under 18 years of age (80% [78.0, 81.5]). It is intended that the results of this study contribute to motivate the implementation of strategies that help to improve the situation of FI in the evaluated population.

Síndrome de cascanueces y agenesia renal derecha. Una rara asociación / Nutcracker Syndrome and Right Renal Agenesis. A Rare Association

Introducción: El síndrome de cascanueces se considera una anomalía infrecuente y poco pensada en la práctica médica; su incidencia no está bien establecida debido a su sintomatología variada. La agenesia renal unilateral se estima entre 1/2500 y 1/4000 nacidos vivos. Objetivos: Describir una paciente de 18 años con sospecha prenatal de agenesia renal derecha confirmada por imágenes después del nacimiento, que ingresó por proteinuria. Presentación del caso: Paciente de 18 años con agenesia renal derecha conocida, en la que un examen de orina detectó proteinuria desde los 13 años. En su estudio se clasificó como proteinuria ortostática y evolutivamente refirió dolor lumbar izquierdo ligero y transitorio. En el ultrasonido renal, realizado para valorar crecimiento del riñón único, se detectó dilatación de la vena renal izquierda. Se repitió el estudio ecográfico para precisar ángulo aorto-mesentérico y dilatación de vena renal izquierda, y se confirmó el síndrome de cascanueces. Conclusiones: La asociación entre agenesia renal derecha y síndrome de cascanueces, resulta extremadamente rara, y, cuando se presenta con proteinuria ortostática y dolor lumbar ocasional, debe seguirse en forma expectante, pero no se necesita tratamiento quirúrgico en la mayoría de los casos(AU)

Introduction: Nutcracker syndrome is considered an infrequent and poorly thought out anomaly in medical practice; its incidence is not well established due to its varied symptomatology. Unilateral renal agenesis is estimated to be between 1/2500 and 1/4000 live births. Objectives: To describe an 18-year-old female patient with suspected pre-natal imaging-confirmed right renal agenesis after birth, who was admitted due to proteinuria. Case presentation: An 18-year-old female patient with known right renal agenesis, in whom a urine test detected proteinuria from the age of 13. In the study it was classified as orthostatic proteinuria and evolutionarily she referred mild and transient left low back pain. Renal ultrasound, performed to assess single kidney growth, showed dilation of the left renal vein. The ultrasound study was repeated to specify aorto-mesenteric angle and left renal vein dilation, and nutcracker syndrome was confirmed. Conclusions: The association between right renal agenesis and nutcracker syndrome is extremely rare, and, when it presents with orthostatic proteinuria and occasional low back pain, it should be followed expectantly, but surgical treatment is not needed in most cases(AU)

Un modelo para la evaluación de las habilidades no técnicas en anestesiología: una revisión de la literatura / A model for the assessment of non-technical skills in anesthesiology: a literature review

Resumen: Hasta 80% de los errores médicos se deben a fallas en factores humanos (mala comunicación, monitoreo inadecuado, fallas de verificación, etc.), por lo que el entrenamiento de los anestesiólogos exige el desarrollo de habilidades no técnicas en anestesiología. Las habilidades no técnicas son las habilidades cognitivas, sociales y personales que complementan las habilidades técnicas, y que contribuyen al desempeño seguro y eficiente de la tarea. En 2004 la Universidad de Aberdeen fue la primera en plantear un modelo para la definición y evaluación de estas habilidades en el ámbito médico. El modelo práctico consta de 15 elementos incluidos en cuatro categorías: manejo de la tarea, trabajo en equipo, conciencia de la situación y toma de decisiones. La herramienta es utilizada por anestesiólogos graduados para evaluar a quienes están en entrenamiento en el quirófano o mediante simulación clínica. La validez de este sistema, así como su importancia en la seguridad del paciente, ha sido demostrada por diferentes estudios.

Abstract: Close to 80% of medical errors are due to human factors (poor communication, inadequate monitoring, failure to check, etc.), which is why training for anaesthetists requires developing essential soft skills for Anaesthesiology. Soft skills are defined as specific cognitive, socio-emotional and interpersonal abilities complementing core skills which contribute to the safe and efficient carrying out of a job-specific task. In 2004, the University of Aberdeen established a first model for defining and evaluating these soft skills. The model consists of 15 elements across four categories: task management, team working, situational awareness and decision-making. The model is a tool employed by postgraduate anaesthesiologists to assess trainees in the operating theatre or through clinical simulation. The validity of this system, as well as its importance for patient safety have been demonstrated in a range of studies.

Evaluación de Errores de Posicionamiento en los 6 Grados de Libertad en Pacientes con Cáncer de próstata tratados con radioterapia / Evaluation of Positioning Errors in the 6 Degrees of Freedom in Patients with Prostate Cancer Treated with Radiotherapy

Objetivos Determinar la magnitud de los errores de posicionamiento en los 6 grados de libertad y calcular el Margen a CTV para un protocolo adaptado en pacientes con cáncer de próstata temprano y localmente avanzado en un centro de referencia en Colombia. Métodos Se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo en 61 pacientes con cáncer de próstata tratados con radioterapia en el Centro Javeriano de Oncología del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio durante el 2018, con toma de imágenes volumétricas de rayos x durante los primeros 3 días de tratamiento obteniéndose un promedio en errores traslacionales y rotacionales. Posteriormente se tomaron imágenes semanales. Además, se realizó el cálculo del margen al PTV y variaciones en vejiga y recto durante el tratamiento. Resultados Un total de 508 imágenes fueron registradas durante las 8 semanas de tratamiento, los errores traslacionales y rotacionales tuvieron un comportamiento alrededor de cero sin diferencias significativas inclusive en pacientes con IMC > = 25. También se calculó el margen al PTV encontrándose entre 5 y 8 mm, en cuanto a las medidas de vejiga y recto no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las imágenes adquiridas durante la radioterapia. Conclusiones De acuerdo a los datos encontrados en este estudio, una adecuada reproducibilidad en paciente con cáncer de próstata puede ser encontrada usando el método de registro rígido de la anatomía pélvica ósea, promediando las 3 primeras imágenes y posteriormente con imágenes semanales, en centros con alta demanda de pacientes garantizando así una adecuada precisión del tratamiento.

Objectives To determine the magnitude of the positioning errors in the 6 degrees of freedom and calculate the Margin to CTV for an adapted protocol in patients with early and locally advanced prostate cancer in a reference center in Colombia. Methods A prospective observational study was performed in 61 prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy at the Javeriano Oncology Center of the San Ignacio University Hospital during 2018, with volumetric X-ray imaging during the first 3 days of treatment obtaining a average in translational and rotational errors. Subsequently, weekly images were taken. In addition, the calculation of the margin to the PTV and variations in bladder and rectum during the treatment was performed. Results A total of 508 images were recorded during the 8 weeks of treatment, translational and rotational errors had a behavior around zero without significant differences even in patients with BMI > = 25. The margin to the PTV was also calculated between 5 and 8 mm, in terms of bladder and rectum measurements, no statistically significant differences were found in the images acquired during radiotherapy. Conclusions According to the data found in this study, an adequate reproducibility in a patient with prostate cancer can be found using the method of rigid registration of the pelvic bone anatomy, averaging the first 3 images and subsequently with weekly images, in centers with high patient demand guaranteeing adequate treatment accuracy.

Rasgos de personalidad del grupo C y trastorno por déficit de atención en estudiantes de medicina: estudio transversal analítico

Background: Attentional deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults is associated with borderline personality characteristics or cluster B (emotional instability), but in certain populations, such as medical students, it might be associated with cluster C traits (perfectionism, dependency, anxiety). This may be compensatory to ADHD. Aim: To analyze the association between ADHD and cluster C personality traits in medical students. Material and Methods: Biodemographic characteristics, the presence of ADHD and personality traits according to clusters A, B and C were evaluated in medical students. These characteristics were compared between students with unlikely diagnosis of ADHD (Group 1) and likely or very likely diagnosis of ADHD (Group 2). Results: We included 336 participants (44% women). A likely or very likely diagnosis of ADHD was present in 64% (Group 2). Concerning personality traits, 45% exhibited traits of cluster A, 57% of cluster B, and 67% of cluster C. Compared to their counterparts of Group 1, participants in Group 2 were more likely to have a history of psychiatric/psychological care, previous diagnosis of ADHD and traits of cluster B (37 and 68% respectively) and C (55 and 74% respectively). The odds ratio of having A, B or C traits when a likely or very likely ADHD was present, were 1.29 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.8-2.07], 3.79 95% CI [2.3-6.22] and 2.4 95% CI [1.46-3.96], respectively. Conclusions: Cluster C personality traits were frequent among medical students and were significantly associated with ADHD.

Ageusia and anosmia, a common sign of COVID-19? A case series from four countries.

Over the course of the pandemic due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), multiple new clinical manifestations, as the consequence of the tropism of the virus, have been recognized. That includes now the neurological manifestations and conditions, such as headache, encephalitis, as well as olfactory and taste disorders. We present a series of ten cases of RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2-infected patients diagnosed with viral-associated olfactory and taste loss from four different countries.

Tracing New Clinical Manifestations in Patients with COVID-19 in Chile and Its Potential Relationship with the SARS-CoV-2 Divergence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, we discuss the current implications of the changing genomic epidemiology of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), etiological agent of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its potential relationship with the change of clinical manifestations in patients with confirmed infection. RECENT FINDINGS: Over the course of the current pandemic, the virus has been found more diverse in new countries. Simultaneously, also new clinical manifestations are observed, particularly more prominent gastrointestinal and neurological findings. SUMMARY: SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 is changing not only its epidemiology, but also its genomic diversity and clinical manifestations, both aspects coupled, needs to be considered in the study of this ongoing pandemic.

[Cluster C personality traits and attention deficit disorder in medical students. An analytical cross-sectional study]. / Rasgos de personalidad del grupo C y trastorno por déficit de atención en estudiantes de medicina: estudio transversal analítico.

BACKGROUND: Attentional deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults is associated with borderline personality characteristics or cluster B (emotional instability), but in certain populations, such as medical students, it might be associated with cluster C traits (perfectionism, dependency, anxiety). This may be compensatory to ADHD. AIM: To analyze the association between ADHD and cluster C personality traits in medical students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Biodemographic characteristics, the presence of ADHD and personality traits according to clusters A, B and C were evaluated in medical students. These characteristics were compared between students with unlikely diagnosis of ADHD (Group 1) and likely or very likely diagnosis of ADHD (Group 2). RESULTS: We included 336 participants (44% women). A likely or very likely diagnosis of ADHD was present in 64% (Group 2). Concerning personality traits, 45% exhibited traits of cluster A, 57% of cluster B, and 67% of cluster C. Compared to their counterparts of Group 1, participants in Group 2 were more likely to have a history of psychiatric/psychological care, previous diagnosis of ADHD and traits of cluster B (37 and 68% respectively) and C (55 and 74% respectively). The odds ratio of having A, B or C traits when a likely or very likely ADHD was present, were 1.29 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.8-2.07], 3.79 95% CI [2.3-6.22] and 2.4 95% CI [1.46-3.96], respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cluster C personality traits were frequent among medical students and were significantly associated with ADHD.

Embarazo Adolescente en Chile: Una mirada a la desigualdad sociodemográfica comunal / Teen Pregnancy in Chile: A look to communal sociodemographic inequality

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS El embarazo adolescente es un problema de salud pública mundial. En Chile no se ha estudiado su asociación a desigualdad y determinantes sociales. Se evaluó la distribución del embarazo adolescente, cuantificó su desigualdad y analizaron los factores socioeconómicos, demográficos y del sistema de salud municipal asociados, por comunas chilenas. Método Se estudió el porcentaje de nacidos vivos de mujeres de 10 a 19 años y la tasa de fertilidad adolescente, por comunas chilenas desde 2008 a 2012. Se midieron los indicadores de desigualdad Gini, Theil, Coeficiente de variación y Razón 90/10. Se evaluó la asociación de la tasa de fertilidad adolescente a características comunales con modelos de datos de panel. Resultados Se observó una disminución en la mediana del embarazo adolescente comunal, con un leve aumento en los indicadores de desigualdad medidos. La fertilidad adolescente se asoció a una mayor dependencia de los recursos municipales a un fondo de redistribución (p<0.01), menor gasto en salud municipal per cápita (p<0.05) y menor tasa de consultas por anticoncepción de emergencia (p<0.05 o p<0.1, dependiendo del modelo). En algunos modelos, se encontró asociación directa a pobreza (p<0.01) y años de vida perdidos (AVPP) (p<0.01), e indirecta a años de escolaridad promedio (p<0.05). Conclusiones Existe una asociación a características socioeconómicas y del sistema de salud municipal que permite proponer una tendencia al alza en la desigualdad en embarazo adolescente, profundizando la desigualdad de oportunidades y la transmisión intergeneracional de la pobreza.

ABSTRACT Introduction and objectives Teen pregnancy is a worldwide public health problem. In Chile, its association to social determinants and inequality has not been well studied. Our objective was to evaluate teen pregnancy distribution, quantify inequality and analyze associated socioeconomic, demographic and municipal health factors, by Chilean communes. Methods We studied the percentage of live births from woman 10 to 19 years old and adolescent fertility rate, from 2008 to 2012, in the 345 communes of Chile. We measured inequality through four indicators: Gini, Theil, Variation coefficient and 90/10 ratio. Using panel data models, we evaluated association of adolescent fertility rate to communes' characteristics. Results We observed a decrease in the communal teen pregnancy median, with a mild raise in inequality indicators. Adolescent fertility was heavily associated to a greater dependence in municipal resources to a redistribution fund (p<0.01), less expense in municipal healthcare per capita (p<0.05) and less emergency contraception consultations rate (p<0.05 or p<0.1, depending on the model built). In some models, we found a direct association to poverty (p<0.01) and years of life lost (YLL) (p<0.01), and indirect to average schooling years (p<0.05). Conclusions Association found to socioeconomic and municipal health characteristics allows proposing that inequality in teen pregnancy by communes in Chile will continue increasing, deepening inequality of opportunity and intergenerational transmission of poverty.

Complexes containing benzimidazolyl-phenol ligands and Ln(III) ions: Synthesis, spectroscopic studies and preliminary cytotoxicity evaluation.

Fourteen new complexes were obtained from Ln(III)(NO3)3∙n-H2O and the chromophores 2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-phenol (Bzp1) or 2-(5-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-phenol (Bzp2). The complete characterization allowed us to assign unequivocally the structures of all the complexes. The techniques used for this purpose were Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies, High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), Magnetic Susceptibility (MS), Elemental Analysis (EA) and Molar Conductivity (MC). HRMS allowed us to find the molecular ion and its isotopic pattern. The FT-IR spectral data suggested that benzimidazolyl-phenol ligands coordinate with Ln(III) ions through iminic nitrogen and phenolic oxygen. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) studies of NdBzp1 and GdBzp2 complexes indicate the presence of lattice water along with three nitrates and two benzimidazolyl-phenol ligands; the thermal decomposition was consistent with the minimal formula suggested by EA. The coordination type of the benzimidazolyl-phenol ligands, the geometry and the structural organization of these coordination complexes have been interpreted by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, and they coincided with the physicochemical data suggesting a coordination number eight for the Ln(III) ions. The cytotoxicity of the chromophores and their coordination complexes was tested against a cancer cell line (HeLa), as compared with structure/support cells (NIH-3T3) and defense cells (J774A.1), revealing that three coordination complexes showed moderate cytotoxicity against the cell lines studied.

Nitrogen physiology of contrasting genotypes of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (Amaranthaceae).

Quinoa has been highlighted as a promising crop to sustain food security. The selection of physiological traits that allow identification genotypes with high Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is a key factor to increase Quinoa cultivation. In order to unveil the underpinning mechanisms for N-stress tolerance in Quinoa, three genotypes with similar phenology, but different NUE were developed under high (HN) or low (LN) nitrogen conditions. N metabolism processes and photosynthetic performance were studied after anthesis and in correlation with productivity to identify principal traits related to NUE. We found that protein content, net photosynthesis and leaf dry-mass were determinant attributes for yield at both HN and LN conditions. Contrastingly, the enhancement of N related metabolites ([Formula: see text], proline, betacyanins) and processes related with re-assimilation of [Formula: see text], including an increment of glutamine synthetase activity and up-regulation of CqAMT1,1 transporter expression in leaves, were negatively correlated with grain yield at both N conditions. Biochemical aspects of photosynthesis and root biomass were traits exclusively associated with grain yield at LN. The impact of N supply on seed quality is discussed. These results provide new insights towards the understanding the N metabolism of Quinoa.

Comprehensive Analysis of Germline Variants in Mexican Patients with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility.

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) represents 5⁻10% of all patients with breast cancer and is associated with high-risk pathogenic alleles in BRCA1/2 genes, but only for 25% of cases. We aimed to find new pathogenic alleles in a panel of 143 cancer-predisposing genes in 300 Mexican cancer patients with suspicion of HBOC and 27 high-risk patients with a severe family history of cancer, using massive parallel sequencing. We found pathogenic variants in 23 genes, including BRCA1/2. In the group of cancer patients 15% (46/300) had a pathogenic variant; 11% (33/300) harbored variants with unknown clinical significance (VUS) and 74% (221/300) were negative. The high-risk group had 22% (6/27) of patients with pathogenic variants, 4% (1/27) had VUS and 74% (20/27) were negative. The most recurrent mutations were the Mexican founder deletion of exons 9-12 and the variant p.G228fs in BRCA1, each found in 5 of 17 patients with alterations in this gene. Rare VUS with potential impact at the protein level were found in 21 genes. Our results show for the first time in the Mexican population a higher contribution of pathogenic alleles in other susceptibility cancer genes (54%) than in BRCA1/2 (46%), highlighting the high locus heterogeneity of HBOC and the necessity of expanding genetic tests for this disease to include broader gene panels.

Anti-staphylococcal properties of Eichhornia crassipes, Pistacia vera, and Ziziphus amole leaf extracts: Isolates from cattle and rabbits.

The desideratum aim of the present context was to assess the biopotency of methanolic extracts of Eichhornia crassipes (E. crassipes), Pistacia vera (P. vera), and Ziziphus amole (Z. amole) leaves against various staphylococcal strains, and to quantify the phenolics as well as saponin content in them. The antibacterial activity of various concentrations (62.5-1000 µg/mL) of plant extracts was tested against control clinical strains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, S. aureus ATCC 29213, and S. aureus ATCC 43300), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA1 and MRSA2), oxacillin sensitive S. aureus (SOSA1 and SOSA2), and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus epidermidis (CoNS1, CoNS2, and CoNS3) using disc diffusion assay. Leaf extracts of the three plants exhibited pronounced growth inhibitory characteristics against staphylococci in a dose dependent manner. E. crassipes extract depicted the highest relative percentage inhibition values against control clinical strains (68.6 ± 0.5%), while P. vera (68.6 ± 0.3%) and Z. amole (74.79 ± 0.3%) extracts showed pronounced relative inhibition values against staphylococcal strains isolated from cattle. Total phenols and saponin content of leaf extracts were investigated by standard in vitro methods. The methanolic extracts of these plants were found to comprise substantial content of phenolics and saponin at varying levels. The highest value of phenolics was estimated in P. vera extract (60.0 ± 1.3 mg gallic acid/g extract), followed by Z. amole (33.6 ± 1.4 mg gallic acid/g extract), and E. crassipes (23.0 ± 1.3 mg gallic acid/g extract). Saponin content for P. vera, Z. amole, and E. crassipes extracts were estimated as 41.0 ± 1.3, 35.8 ± 1.3, and 25.0 ± 1.2 mg diosgenin/g extract, respectively. The outcome of this study suggested the exploitation of methanolic extract of P. vera, Z. amole, and E. crassipes leaves for their possible application in ethnomedicine, particularly as drugs preparation against staphylococcal infections. In conclusion, the study indicates the biopotency of these plants against pathogenic MRSA present in cattle, and SOSA as well as CoNS bacteria present in rabbits, which could be a serious issue for livestock.

Activation of iNKT Cells Prevents Salmonella-Enterocolitis and Salmonella-Induced Reactive Arthritis by Downregulating IL-17-Producing γδT Cells.

Reactive arthritis (ReA) is an inflammatory condition of the joints that arises following an infection. Salmonella enterocolitis is one of the most common infections leading to ReA. Although the pathogenesis remains unclear, it is known that IL-17 plays a pivotal role in the development of ReA. IL-17-producers cells are mainly Th17, iNKT, and γδT lymphocytes. It is known that iNKT cells regulate the development of Th17 lineage. Whether iNKT cells also regulate γδT lymphocytes differentiation is unknown. We found that iNKT cells play a protective role in ReA. BALB/c Jα18-/- mice suffered a severe Salmonella enterocolitis, a 3.5-fold increase in IL-17 expression and aggravated inflammation of the synovial membrane. On the other hand, activation of iNKT cells with α-GalCer abrogated IL-17 response to Salmonella enterocolitis and prevented intestinal and joint tissue damage. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effect of α-GalCer was related to a drop in the proportion of IL-17-producing γδT lymphocytes (IL17-γδTcells) rather than to a decrease in Th17 cells. In summary, we here show that iNKT cells play a protective role against Salmonella-enterocolitis and Salmonella-induced ReA by downregulating IL17-γδTcells.

Transcriptional Responses of Chilean Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Under Water Deficit Conditions Uncovers ABA-Independent Expression Patterns.

HIGHLIGHTS R49 genotype displayed best performance on selected physiological parameters and highest tolerance to drought.R49 drought over-represented transcripts has exhibited 19% of genes (306 contigs) that presented no homology to published databases.Expression pattern for canonical responses to drought such as ABA biosynthesis and other genes induced in response to drought were assessed by qPCR. Global freshwater shortage is one of the biggest challenges of our time, often associated to misuse, increased consumption demands and the effects of climate change, paralleled with the desertification of vast areas. Chenopodium quinoa (Willd.) represents a very promising species, due to both nutritional content and cultivation under water constraint. We characterized drought tolerance of three Chilean genotypes and selected Genotype R49 (Salares ecotype) based upon Relative Water Content (RWC), Electrolyte Leakage (EL) and maximum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) after drought treatment, when compared to another two genotypes. Exploratory RNA-Seq of R49 was generated by Illumina paired-ends method comparing drought and control irrigation conditions. We obtained 104.8 million reads, with 54 million reads for control condition and 51 million reads for drought condition. Reads were assembled in 150,952 contigs, were 31,523 contigs have a reading frame of at least 300 nucleotides (100 aminoacids). BLAST2GO annotation showed a 15% of genes without homology to NCBI proteins, but increased to 19% (306 contigs) when focused into drought-induced genes. Expression pattern for canonical drought responses such as ABA biosynthesis and other genes induced were assessed by qPCR, suggesting novelty of R49 drought responses.