Development of Anxiolytic and Depression-like Behavior in Mice Infected with Mycobacterium lepraemurium.

Murine leprosy is a systemic infectious disease of mice caused by Mycobacterium lepraemurium (MLM) in which the central nervous system (CNS) is not infected; nevertheless, diseased animals show measurable cognitive alterations. For this reason, in this study, we explored the neurobehavioral changes in mice chronically infected with MLM. BALB/c mice were infected with MLM, and 120 days later, the alterations in mice were evaluated based on immunologic, histologic, endocrine, neurochemical, and behavioral traits. We found increases in the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 associated with high bacillary loads. We also found increase in the serum levels of corticosterone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine in the adrenal gland, suggesting neuroendocrine deregulation. Mice exhibited depression-like behavior in the tail suspension and forced swimming tests and anxiolytic behavior in the open field and elevated plus maze tests. The neurobehavioral alterations of mice were correlated with the histologic damage in the prefrontal cortex, ventral hippocampus, and amygdala, as well as with a blood-brain barrier disruption in the hippocampus. These results reveal an interrelated response of the neuroimmune--endocrinological axis in unresolved chronic infections that result in neurocognitive deterioration.

Assessing optical remote sensing for grave detection.

The application of an effective and ready-to-use tool for discovering clandestine graves is crucial for solving a number of cases where disappearance of people is involved. This is the case in Mexico, where the government drug war has resulted in a large number of missing people that has been estimated to be over 40,000 since the year 2006. In this article, we report results from an experimental study on simulated animal graves detection using several techniques from optical remote sensing. Results showed that several spectral indices from hyperspectral and/or multispectral sensors may be used to detect N-enriched vegetation. Thermal imagery was also effective to detect underground voids through differential thermography, although this was only effective for detecting large graves with bare terrain. Lastly, while dense pointclouds reconstructed from oblique aerial photography was able to detect vegetation regrowth over the pits, the terrain subsidence was not sufficiently large to be detected with this technique, even in the case of mechanical removal of vegetation.

Resveratrol decreases Rad51 expression and sensitizes cisplatin­resistant MCF­7 breast cancer cells.

Resveratrol (RES), a polyphenol compound with anti­proliferative properties, has been previously evaluated for its beneficial effects against a variety of tumour cells. The current study elucidated the means by which RES enhances the anti­proliferative effects of cisplatin (CIS) on MCF­7 cells, focusing on the inhibitory effects on DNA repair of double­strand breaks (DSBs). Chemoresistant MCF­7 cells (MCF­7R) were generated by continuous exposure to low concentrations of CIS (10 µM CIS­IC40) during 5 passages, with the IC50 value increasing ~3­fold. Using an MTT assay, we estimated the changes in IC50 for CIS in MCF­7, T47­D, MDA­MB­231 and MCF­7R cells in the presence of RES. The relative transcript level of Nbs­1, Mre­11 and Rad­50 genes was assessed using RT­qPCR analysis. Rad51 and H2AX [pSer139] protein expression was determined by western blot analysis. RES at 50 and 100 µM significantly enhanced the anti­proliferative effects of CIS in both MCF­7 and MCF­7R cells, decreasing the IC50 values for CIS to one­tenth and one­sixth, respectively. A total of 100 µM RES decreased the relative transcript levels of homologous recombination (HR) initiation complex components and the Rad51 protein level in MCF­7 and MCF­7R cells. After 48 h of CIS DNA damage, the levels of Rad51 protein increased, but this effect was inhibited by 100 µM RES. RES also maintained serine 139 phosphorylation of histone H2AX, suggesting that RES prevents the repair of DSBs. It was observed that RES exerts an antagonistic effect over CIS on the activation of Rad51 and sustained phosphorylation of H2AX. The results suggest that RES in combination with DNA damage­based therapy has potential as a strategy to overcome resistance and provide much safer and more effective treatment for breast cancer.

Genome-wide identification, in silico characterization and expression analysis of ZIP-like genes from Trichomonas vaginalis in response to Zinc and Iron.

Trace elements such as Zinc and Iron are essential components of metalloproteins and serve as cofactors or structural elements for enzymes involved in several important biological processes in almost all organisms. Because either excess or insufficient levels of Zn and Fe can be harmful for the cells, the homeostatic levels of these trace minerals must be tightly regulated. The Zinc regulated transporter, Iron regulated transporter-like Proteins (ZIP) comprise a diverse family, with several paralogues in diverse organisms and are considered essential for the Zn and Fe uptake and homeostasis. Zn and Fe has been shown to regulate expression of proteins involved in metabolism and pathogenicity mechanisms in the protozoan pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis, in contrast high concentrations of these elements were also found to be toxic for T. vaginalis trophozoites. Nevertheless, Zn and Fe uptake and homeostasis mechanisms is not yet clear in this parasite. We performed a genome-wide analysis and localized the 8 members of the ZIP gene family in T. vaginalis (TvZIP1-8). The bioinformatic programs predicted that the TvZIP proteins are highly conserved and show similar properties to the reported in other ZIP orthologues. The expression patterns of TvZIP1, 3, 5 and 7 were diminished in presence of Zinc, while the rest of the TvZIP genes showed an unchanged profile in this condition. In addition, TvZIP2 and TvZIP4 showed a differential expression pattern in trophozoites growth under different Iron conditions. These results suggest that TvZIP genes encode membrane transporters that may be responsible for the Zn and Fe acquisition in T. vaginalis.

Ma-Pi 2 macrobiotic diet and type 2 diabetes mellitus: pooled analysis of short-term intervention studies.

The macrobiotic, Ma-Pi 2 diet (12% protein, 18% fat and 70% carbohydrate), has shown benefit in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This pooled analysis aims to confirm results from four, 21-day intervention studies with the Ma-Pi 2 diet, carried out in Cuba, China, Ghana and Italy. Baseline and end of study biochemical, body composition and blood pressure data, were compared using multivariate statistical methods and assessment of the Cohen effect size (d). Results showed that all measured indicators demonstrated significant changes (p < 0.001); most of them with a very high (d ≥ 1.30), or high (d = 0.80-1.29) effect size. The global effect size of the diet was Italy (1.96), China (1.79), Cuba (1.38) and Ghana (0.98). The magnitude of the individual effect on each variable by country, and the global effect by country, was independent of the sample size (p > 0.05). Similarly, glycemia and glycemic profiles in all four studies were independent of the sample size (p = 0.237). The Ma-Pi diet 2 significantly reduced glycemia, serum lipids, uremia and cardiovascular risk in adults with T2DM. These results suggest that the Ma-Pi 2 diet could be a valid alternative treatment for patients with T2DM and point to the need for further clinical studies. Mechanisms related to its benefits as a functional diet are discussed.

Identification of two novel Trichomonas vaginalis eif-5a genes.

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A) is highly conserved and is the only protein that is known to contain the unique and essential amino acid residue hypusine. Synthesis of hypusine is essential for the function of eIF5A in eukaryotic cell proliferation and survival. In this study, we identified two novel eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A) genes in Trichomonas vaginalis. The tveif-5a1 and tveif-5a2 putative genes were localized in different contigs, both containing ORFs encoding proteins of 168 amino acids that share high sequence identity with eIF-5A sequences from other eukaryotic organisms. A phylogenetic tree constructed with TveIF-5A1 and TveIF-5A2 from T. vaginalis and 13 other eIF-5A sequences of eukaryotic and archaebacterial origin revealed that both trichomonal TveIF-5As show the highest degree of similarity to bacteria. Using an anti-TveIF-5A antibody, we detected two protein bands and spots of 19 and 20kDa with isoelectric points (pI) of 5.2 and 5.5, respectively, by one and two-dimensional Western blot assays. In addition, we used reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to demonstrate that both of these tveif-5a genes are expressed in T. vaginalis. Immunofluorescence assays showed that the TveIF-5A protein was dispersed throughout the parasite cytoplasm. In conclusion, T. vaginalis has two eif-5a genes, and both genes are expressed as highly conserved proteins of 19kDa, which are localized in the cytoplasm of this parasite.

The emergence of retinopathy of prematurity in Guatemala.

Retinopathy of prematurity is an emerging cause of blindness in Latin America. In 2007, the authors examined 88 consecutive infants in Guatemala City, Guatemala, who met the screening criteria for retinopathy of prematurity; 14 (16%) had either "plus" or stage V disease. The incidence of retinopathy of prematurity in Guatemala City is likely high, and a formal screening program is warranted.

Características del adulto mayor que acepta ser vacunado contra la influenza en San Luis Tlaxialtemalco-2004 / Characteristics of the older adult who accepts being vaccinated against influenza in San Luis Tlaxialtemalco 2004

La influenza es una enfermedad aguda viral en las vías respiratorias altas capaz de provocar complicaciones potencialmente letales en pacientes ancianos. La vacunación anual es la intervención de salud más importante para reducir el impacto de la influenza. Existen diversos factores que influyen para la aceptación o rechazo de la aplicación de la vacuna. EI propósito de este estudio fue determinar las características de la población que acepta la vacuna de la influenza e identificar grupos de población que presentan riesgo, especialmente de no vacunarse en la comunidad de San Luis Tlaxialtemalco. EI estudio fue descriptivo y transversal. Con una muestra no probabilística y conformada por 48 personas de 60 y más años de edad. Se aplicó una encuesta estructurada de 25 preguntas y diferentes escalas. En cuanto a los resultados, el 84.48% aceptó la aplicación de la vacuna de la influenza. EI 81 .3% desconoce la enfermedad de la influenza, el 77.1 % cree que la influenza es grave, el 64.6% desconocía la vacuna contra la influenza, el 97.9% cree que previene la influenza y el 85.4% cree que la vacuna no le ocasionara problemas. Los factores que influyeron para la aceptación de la vacuna y en cuanto a quien se la recomendó el 31.3% refieren que fue la Enfermera y al 43.8% nadie.

Influenza is a high respitatory tract viral accute disease able to bring about potentially fatal complications in elderly patients. Theannual vaccination is the most important health intervention for decreasing the flu impact. There are several factors influencing the vaccine aplication acceptance or rejection. This study aims determining characteristics of the population that accepts the influenza vaccine and identifying in-risk population groups in the event they don´t receive it within San Luis Tlaxialtemalco area. It was a descriptive transversal study witha no-probalistic sample including 48 people, 60or more years old. A strctured survey with 25 questions and different scales. Regarding outcomes, 84.48% accepted the influenza vaccine application. The 81.3% are not familiar with influenza disease, 77.1% believes the flu is grave, 64.6% is not familiar with the influenza vaccine, 97.9% believes they are taking preventive actions for the influenza, and 85.4% thinks the influenza caccine will not cause them any problems, which is influencing on the vaccine acceptance. Regarding the person who recommended them the influenza vaccine, 31.3% said was the nurse and 43.8% said nobody did.

A light and electron microscopic study of oedematous human cerebral cortex in two patients with post-traumatic seizures.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: Brain cortical biopsies of two patients with clinical diagnosis of complicated brain trauma who had seizures, were studied by means of light and electron microscopes in order to correlate structural alterations with seizure activity. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Biopsy samples of left frontal cortex and right parietal cortex were processed by current techniques for light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The tissue showed severe vasogenic oedema with perivascular and intraparenchymatous haemorrhages. At the capillary wall, increased vesicular and vacuolar transendothelial transport, open endothelial junctions, thickened basement membrane and swollen perivascular astrocytic end-feet were observed. Some pyramidal and non-pyramidal nerve cells appeared dense and shrunken and others exhibited marked intraneuronal enlargement of membrane compartment. The myelinated axons displayed signs of degeneration and a process of axonal sprouting. Numerous swollen asymmetrical axo-dendritic synaptic contacts were observed in the neuropil, which exhibited mostly closely aggregated spheroidal synaptic vesicles toward the presynaptic membrane and numerous exocytotic vesicles sites. The perisynaptic astrocytic ensheathment appeared retracted or absent, whereas the extracellular space appeared notably dilated. Synaptic disassembly was also observed. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate, in two patients with post-traumatic seizure activity, brain barrier dysfunction, vasogenic oedema, anoxic-ischaemic neurons, axonal sprouting, numerous altered excitatory synapses and synaptic disassembly. Some considerations on clinical and research applications are discussed.

Telomeric associations in cigarette smokers exposed to low levels of X-rays.

Telomeric association (TA), i.e. fusion of chromosomes by their telomeres, predisposes a cell to genetic instability. Because of this we investigated the effect of X-rays exposure and cigarette smoking on the frequency of TA in peripheral blood lymphocytes of exposed individuals, in order to determine if TA can be a chromosomal marker in populations exposed to these carcinogens and if there is an synergistic effect between both agents. We found that the exposed groups show a greater percentage of TA when compared with the control group (P<0.001). However, although the percentage of metaphases with TA in the group with combined exposure (12.6%) was greater than in the others exposed groups (P<0.05), this value was less than the sum of the two individual effects (15.1%). Our results suggest that probably there is not an additive or synergistic effect between X-rays and smoking, and that TA may be a useful cytogenetic marker for evaluating populations exposed to mutagens.

Telomeric association in women with breast and uterine cervix cancer.

This study compares the frequency of telomeric associations in the peripheral blood of women suffering breast and cervix uterine cancer with a healthy control group. Two kinds of cultures were developed for each individual: with and without aphidicolin. In the normal cultures, the number of telomeric associations observed was 95.5 times higher in individuals affected by breast cancer and 41.3 times higher in those affected by cervix uterine cancer when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In the cultures with aphidicolin, higher numbers of altered metaphases were observed in both groups as compared to the control groups (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) could also be observed when comparing telomeric associations between the two types of cancer in both cultures. When we compared individuals affected by breast cancer in both types of cultures statistical differences were found (p < 0.05), and similar results were found in individuals affected by uterine cervix cancer (p < 0.001). The findings suggest that telomeric associations may be reflecting chromosome instability observed in cancer and that this instability behaves differently for various types of cancer.

Comparative study of chromosome aberrations induced with aphidicolin in women affected by breast cancer and cervix uterine cancer.

Blood samples were obtained from 80 women: Twenty of these samples were from women affected by ductal infiltrating breast carcinoma, twenty from women affected by cervix uterine cancer, and forty individuals were screened for a control group. The search for chromosome instability that is known to affect individuals with cancer was performed through chromosome analysis in nontumor cells, intending to establish frequency and different types of numerical and structural aberrations. The results, in regard to spontaneous and aphidicolin induced chromosome aberrations, showed a significantly greater frequency (p < 0.001) of chromosome fragility, as well as other numerical and structural aberrations in breast cancer patients when compared to the control group. Similar results were obtained from cervix uterine cancer patients with the exception of certain numerical aberrations in which no significant differences were found. This suggests the existence of a certain degree of chromosomal instability affecting individuals with both types of cancer. The increase in fragility may play an important role in the biologic behavior and progression of cancer.

Follow up study of chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes in hospital workers occupationally exposed to low levels of ionizing radiation.

In the present study we analyzed and followed up on the cytogenetic effects of low levels of ionizing X-radiation on hospital workers at 72 h cultures. Samples of peripheral blood were collected from 10 hospital workers exposed to 1.84 mSv/year, and from 10 non exposed individuals, who were screened simultaneously and used as controls. The chromosomes were prepared using standard techniques. After 12 months, we undertook a second evaluation, this time with exposure to the same workers of 1.67 mSv/year. We observed 100 metaphases per subject, and there was a high percentage of altered metaphases (29.2% in the first sample and 26% in the second samples) The chromosome analysis in the second mitotic division, show aberrations such as gaps, breaks and acentric fragments, as well as other alterations such as dicentrics and rings, as well as chromosome variants (double minutes) in the exposed workers vs. the controls, and the difference was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). There is no statistically significant difference between the first sample of exposed workers with the second one (p > 0.05). The findings in this study are interesting, because the workers were exposed to doses well below the accepted standards for exposure to radiations. Because of these unusual findings, our results could have potentially major consequences on our views on standards of exposure to radiation.

[Normal distribution curve for umbilical arterial flow velocimetry (S/D relation) measured by Doppler ultrasonography]. / Curva de distribución normal de flujometría arterial umbilical (relación S/D) por ultrasonido Doppler.

The umbilical artery flow is an important parameter for the management of obstetrical patients, specially those with retardation in intrauterine growth. A prospective study was carried out in 123 normal, pregnant women, from 20 to 40 weeks of gestation, with a reliable last menstruation date, who came for prenatal control to the Gyn-Ob Department at Hospital Central Militar, from June, 1991 to May 31, 1992. Umbilical artery velocimetry measurements, were done periodically, with S/D ratio determination, avoiding fetal respiratory movements, and at the chord site closest to the placenta. The equipment used was Toshiba Sonolayer SSA-270-A Doppler Duplex of pulsated wave; frequency of transmission-reception 3.5 Mhz and transductor fo 12 mm. diameter. All 123 products had a complete clinical examination, and determination of gestational age by Capurro at the time of birth, in order to exactly identify the gestational age of each ultrasonographic examination. With the obtained results four curves were made. One with average and standard error (EE +/- 1); another of simple lineal regression, obtaining confidence intervals of 95% with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.89; another one based on percentile 10, 50 and 90; and finally, one curve based of the confidence interval of 95%. The results are similar to the ones obtained by other authors, diminishing S/D ratio since week 20 to 40.