RESUMEN
An integrated chemical and mineralogical characterization approach was applied to smelter wastes collected from 50-year-old dump sites in Argentina. Characterization included pseudo-total element concentrations, acid generation/neutralization potential, sequential extractions, pH-dependent leaching kinetics, and mineralogical analysis of all residues. These analyses provided detailed information on the reactivity of the minerals in the waste material and associated metal release. Cadmium and Zn were the elements of greatest environmental concern due to their high mobility. On average, the release of Zn and Cd in pH-dependent leaching essays reached 17.6% (up to 5.24 mg g-1) and 52.7% (up to 0.02 mg g-1) of the pseudo-total content, respectively. Moreover, Cd and Zn were also the metals that showed the higher proportions of labile fractions associated to the adsorbed and exchangeable fraction (60-92% for Cd and 19-38% for Zn). Since Cd and Zn concentrations in the residue are not high enough to form their own minerals, a large proportion of these elements would be weakly adsorbed on Fe oxyhydroxides. In contrast, the low release of Cu, Pb and Fe would be associated with these elements being incorporated into the crystalline structure of insoluble or very poorly soluble minerals. Lead is incorporated into plumbojarosite and anglesite. Copper was mainly in association with Fe oxyhydroxides and may also have been incorporated into the plumbojarosite structure. The latter could act as a sink especially for Pb under the acidic conditions of the smelter residue. Despite the elevated concentrations of Pb observed in the residue, it showed a very low mobility (≈0.1%), indicating that it is mostly stabilized. Nevertheless, the smelter residue is a continuous source of metals requiring remediation.
Asunto(s)
Cadmio , Cobre , Hierro , Plomo , Zinc , Argentina , Plomo/análisis , Plomo/química , Cadmio/análisis , Cadmio/química , Zinc/análisis , Zinc/química , Hierro/química , Hierro/análisis , Cobre/análisis , Cobre/química , Metales Pesados/análisis , Metales Pesados/química , Metalurgia , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Fraccionamiento Químico , Minerales/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/química , Contaminantes del Suelo/análisis , Contaminantes del Suelo/químicaRESUMEN
Posterior fossa tumours are one of the most common types of solid neoplasia in paediatric patients. Although impaired vision can occur at presentation, it usually stabilises or improves after decompressive surgery. However, cases of permanent and profound visual loss have been reported following successful tumour resection, despite receiving little attention from the medical community. In this paper, we present two cases of young patients who experienced severe and permanent visual loss following uncomplicated surgery for posterior fossa tumour removal. We discuss the possible mechanism involved in the visual loss and measures to prevent such a dreadful complication.
RESUMEN
Latin America (LatAm) has a rich and historically significant role in delineating both novel and well-documented genetic disorders. However, the ongoing advancements in the field of human genetics pose challenges to the relatively slow adaption of LatAm in the field. Here, we describe past and present contributions of LatAm to the discovery of novel genetic disorders, often referred as novel gene-disease associations (NGDA). We also describe the current methodologies for discovery of NGDA, taking into account the latest developments in genomics. We provide an overview of opportunities and challenges for NGDA research in LatAm considering the steps currently performed to identify and validate such associations. Given the multiple and diverse needs of populations and countries in LatAm, it is imperative to foster collaborations amongst patients, indigenous people, clinicians and scientists. Such collaborative effort is essential for sustaining and enhancing the LatAm´s contributions to the field of NGDA.
RESUMEN
Divergences or similarity measures between probability distributions have become a very useful tool for studying different aspects of statistical objects, such as time series, networks, and images. Notably, not every divergence provides identical results when applied to the same problem. Therefore, it seems convenient to have the widest possible set of divergences to be applied to the problems under study. Besides this choice, an essential step in the analysis of every statistical object is the mapping of each one of their representing values into an alphabet of symbols conveniently chosen. In this work, we choose the family of divergences known as the Burbea-Rao centroids (BRCs). For the mapping of the original time series into a symbolic sequence, we work with the ordinal pattern scheme. We apply our proposals to analyze simulated and real time series and to real textured images. The main conclusion of our work is that the best BRC, at least in the studied cases, is the Jensen-Shannon divergence, besides the fact that it verifies some interesting formal properties.
RESUMEN
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection is responsible for causing a disease with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. Predisposition to thromboembolic disease due to excessive inflammation is also attributed to the disease. The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical and laboratory aspects of hospitalized patients, in addition to studying the pattern of serum cytokines, and associate them with the occurrence of thromboembolic events. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective cohort study with 97 COVID-19 patients hospitalized from April to August 2020 in the Triângulo Mineiro macro-region was carried out. A review of medical records was conducted to evaluate the clinical and laboratory aspects and the frequency of thrombosis, as well as the measurement of cytokines, in the groups that presented or did not present a thrombotic event. RESULTS: There were seven confirmed cases of thrombotic occurrence in the cohort. A reduction in the time of prothrombin activity was observed in the group with thrombosis. Further, 27.8% of all patients had thrombocytopenia. In the group that had thrombotic events, the levels of IL1b, IL-10, and IL2 were higher (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the studied sample, there was an increase in the inflammatory response in patients with thrombotic events, confirmed by the increase in cytokines. Furthermore, in this cohort, a link was observed between the IL-10 percentage and an increased chance of a thrombotic event.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Trombosis , Humanos , COVID-19/complicaciones , SARS-CoV-2 , Interleucina-10 , Estudios Retrospectivos , Trombosis/etiología , CitocinasRESUMEN
Ischaemic optic neuropathy is the most common, feared, and recognised ocular manifestation of giant cell arteritis (GCA), while extraocular muscle palsy rarely occurs in the disease. Overlooking the diagnosis of GCA in aged patients with acquired diplopia and strabismus is not only sight- but also life-threatening. Here, we present, for the first time, a case of unilateral abducens nerve palsy and contralateral anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy as the presenting signs of GCA in a 98-year-old woman. Prompt diagnosis and treatment prevented further visual loss and systemic complications and allowed for rapid resolution of the abducens nerve palsy. We also aim to discuss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms of diplopia in GCA and to emphasise that acquired cranial nerve palsy must raise suspicion of this severe disease in elderly patients, particularly in association with ischaemic optic neuropathy.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Papilledema is the main ocular finding in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) although several chorioretinal abnormalities may also occur and contribute to visual loss. The purpose of this paper is to describe two cases of chorioretinal abnormalities associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension: one with choroidal folds and another with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, an extremely unusual ocular complication in the disease. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1: A 47-year-old woman previous diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension treated with weight loss and acetazolamide that over the following 6 months had optic disc edema gradually resolved. The patient was follow-up for a period of 10 years and the papilledema disappeared, but choroidal folds remained unchanged. Case 2: A 61-year-old female patient was seen as a follow-up examination of a 5-year history of IIH that presented with papilledema. The patient was asymptomatic but fundoscopy evaluation revealed a yellowish white peripapillary subretinal nodular lesion temporally in OD. Multimodal imaging studies were made, and the patient was diagnosed with a rare and just recent described association of IIH and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. CONCLUSION: Papilledema, RNFL and retinal ganglion cell loss are the most common structural complications of IIH, but chorioretinal complications are important findings and should be carefully evaluated in such patients. Awareness of such occurrence and the use of appropriated clinical and multimodal imaging studies are of great importance for its early detection, leading to proper treatment and prevention of further visual loss.
RESUMEN
COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease 2019, is an infectious viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus. Since its emergence, its epidemiology has been explored; however, for some regions of the world, COVID-19's behavior, incidence, and impact remain unclear. In continental nations like Brazil, this lack of knowledge results in nonuniform control, prevention, and treatment measures, which can be controversial in some locations. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of patients with COVID-19 in the macroregion of Triângulo Sul in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. Between March 25 and October 21, 2020, data were collected and statistically analyzed from 395 hospitalized patients in the city of Uberaba, MG, suspected to have moderate or severe forms of the disease. Of the 395 suspected cases, 82% were confirmed to be positive for COVID-19. The mean age of positive patients was 58.4 years, and 60.76% were male. Following these patients throughout their hospitalization, a mortality rate of 31.3% was observed. In the population positive for COVID-19, the risk of death increased by 4% for each year of the patient's age. Likewise, the older the patient, the longer their hospitalization and the higher the risk of developing acute respiratory failure. Among the treatments tested in patients, heparin was associated with protection against mortality, and the absence of anticoagulant use was linked to a more than six times greater risk of death. Finally, comorbidities in patients with COVID-19 were positively correlated with increased hospitalization time. In summary, this study revealed that age, presence of comorbidities, length of hospitalization, and drug treatment considerably altered COVID-19's lethality. To understand infection rates and the factors involved in COVID-19's lethality, knowledge of the local epidemiology is necessary.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Brasil/epidemiología , COVID-19/epidemiología , Femenino , Hospitalización , Humanos , Pacientes Internos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , SARS-CoV-2RESUMEN
The feeding behavior in fish is a complex activity that relies on the ability of the brain to integrate multiple signals to produce appropriate responses in terms of food intake, energy expenditure, and metabolic activity. Upon stress cues including viral infection or mediators such as the proinflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins, and cortisol, both Pomc and Npy/Agrp neurons from the hypothalamus are stimulated, thus triggering a response that controls both energy storage and expenditure. However, how appetite modulators or neuro-immune cues link pathogenesis and energy homeostasis in fish remains poorly understood. Here, we provide the first evidence of a molecular linkage between inflammation and food intake in Salmon salar. We show that in vivo viral challenge with infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) impacts food consumption by activating anorexic genes such as mc4r, crf, and pomcb and 5-HT in the brain of S. salar. At the molecular level, viral infection induces an overall reduction in lipid content in the liver, favoring the production of AA and EPA associated with the increment of elovl2 gene. In addition, infection upregulates leptin signaling and inhibits insulin signaling. These changes are accompanied by a robust inflammatory response represented by the increment of Il-1b, Il-6, Tnfa, and Pge2 as well as an increased cortisol level in vivo. Thus, we propose a model in which hypothalamic neurons respond to inflammatory cytokines and stress-related molecules and interact with appetite induction/inhibition. These findings provide evidence of crosstalk between pathogenesis-driven inflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axes in stress-induced food intake behavior in fish.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Birnaviridae , Conducta Alimentaria , Hipotálamo/metabolismo , Inflamación , Metabolismo de los Lípidos , Salmo salar/fisiología , Animales , Citocinas/inmunología , Citocinas/metabolismo , Hipotálamo/fisiología , Virus de la Necrosis Pancreática Infecciosa , Insulina/metabolismo , Leptina/metabolismo , Salmo salar/metabolismo , Salmo salar/virología , Transducción de SeñalRESUMEN
New C-glycosides and α,ß-unsaturated ketones incorporating the 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl (vanillin) moiety as inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) isoforms have been investigated. The inhibition profile of these compounds is presented against four human CA (hCA) isozymes, comprising hCAs I and II (cytosolic, ubiquitous enzymes) and hCAs IX and XII (tumour associated isozymes). Docking analysis of the inhibitors within the active sites of these enzymes has been performed and is discussed, showing that the observed selectivity could be explained in terms of an alternative pocket out of the CA active site where some of these compounds may bind. Several derivatives were identified as selective inhibitors of the tumour-associated hCA IX and XII. Their discovery might be a step in the strategy for finding an effective non-sulfonamide CA inhibitor useful in therapy/diagnosis of hypoxic tumours or other pathologies in which CA isoforms are involved.
Asunto(s)
Benzaldehídos/farmacología , Anhidrasa Carbónica IX/antagonistas & inhibidores , Inhibidores de Anhidrasa Carbónica/farmacología , Anhidrasas Carbónicas/metabolismo , Diseño de Fármacos , Antígenos de Neoplasias/metabolismo , Benzaldehídos/síntesis química , Benzaldehídos/química , Sitios de Unión/efectos de los fármacos , Anhidrasa Carbónica IX/metabolismo , Inhibidores de Anhidrasa Carbónica/síntesis química , Inhibidores de Anhidrasa Carbónica/química , Cristalografía por Rayos X , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Humanos , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Estructura Molecular , Relación Estructura-ActividadRESUMEN
Nitrogen compounds in industrial effluents are considered a serious threat to the environment. The aim of this work is to identify the effect produced by nitrogen-rich wastewater on alkaline soils from industrial land. Two plots were irrigated with wastewater as ammoniacal nitrogen (31 to 53 g N m-2) and urea (167-301 g N m-2) sources named P1 and P2, respectively. Inorganic nitrogen (N) concentrations (N-NH3 + N-NH4, N-NO2, N-NO3), soil pH, and N-NH3 volatilization were monitored during a 2-year period. Variations in the fate of N compounds were distinguished according to the quantity and source of N applied to the soil. A higher N input in the form of urea was related to a greater concentration of nitrates and soil acidification in the topsoil (0-30 cm). Otherwise, ammoniacal N wastewater showed greater relative ammonia losses due to volatilization. Ammonia losses were estimated as 24.2% and 7.43% of the total N applied in P1 and P2, respectively. Besides, in P1 ammoniacal N predominated over nitrate, unlike results obtained in P2. The correct management of nitrogen-rich wastewaters in fertilizer industries could greatly reduce soil and groundwater degradation.
Asunto(s)
Fertilizantes , Nitrógeno , Agricultura , Amoníaco/análisis , Argentina , Brasil , Fertilizantes/análisis , Nitrógeno/análisis , Suelo , Urea , Aguas ResidualesRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Over 66 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Therefore, understanding their clinical evolution beyond hospital discharge is essential not only from an individual standpoint, but from a populational level. OBJECTIVES: Our primary aim was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 3 months after hospital discharge. Additionally, we screened for anxiety and depression and assessed important clinical outcomes. METHODS: This was a single-center cohort study performed in Sao Paulo (Brazil), in which participants were contacted by telephone to answer a short survey. EQ-5D-3L was used to assess HRQoL and clinical data from patients' index admission were retrieved from medical records. RESULTS: We contacted 251 participants (59.8% males, mean age 53 years old), 69.7% of which had presented with severe COVID-19. At 3 months of follow-up, 6 patients had died, 51 (20.3%) had visited the emergency department again and 17 (6.8%) had been readmitted to hospital. Seventy patients (27.9%) persisted with increased dyspnoea and 81 had a positive screening for anxiety/depression. Similarly, patients reported an overall worsening of EQ-5D-3L single summary index at 3 months compared to before the onset of COVID-19 symptoms (0.8012 (0.7368 - 1.0) vs. 1.0(0.7368 - 1.0), p < 0.001). This affected all 5 domains, but especially pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Only female sex and intensive care requirement were independently associated with worsening of HRQoL. CONCLUSION: Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 frequently face persistent clinical and mental health problems up to 3 months following hospital discharge, with significant impact on patients' HRQoL.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19/psicología , Resultados de Cuidados Críticos , Salud Mental , Alta del Paciente , Calidad de Vida , Sobrevivientes , Ansiedad , Brasil , Estudios de Cohortes , Depresión , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores Sexuales , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The deterioration of the skin accentuates over time, affecting its aesthetic appearance. This is characterized by the weakening of the mechanisms involved in the regeneration and repair of the dermal matrix. Consequently, the skin losses elasticity and smoothness resulting in the formation of wrinkles. The alternatives for facial rejuvenation include surgery, injection of botulinum toxin, and the application of masks. Topic products are less invasive, can be self-applied, and have an increased benefit/risk relationship. AIM: We developed a liquid formulation containing collagen hydrolyzed and evaluated the product by cutting-edge technology in order to define proper its quality attributes. METHODS: We employed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and mass spectrometry (MS). Additionally, we analyzed its cosmetical effect in five volunteers and we demonstrate the product safety. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate the following: (a) a stable secondary structure identity associated to the known triple helix arrangement in liquid and solid states; (b) a typical conformational flexibility depending on its hydration state; (c) thermal stability confirmed by liquid- and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance schemes; and (d) a molecular mass distribution of peptides between 0.5 and 19.5 kDa. The product faded wrinkles in the forehead, an effect that remained after removing the mask. The formula was non-irritating and hypoallergenic. CONCLUSION: We characterized, using state-of-the-art methodologies, the quality attributes that are critical for the safety and beneficial effect of a new collagen-containing formula.
Asunto(s)
Envejecimiento de la Piel , Colágeno , Humanos , Rejuvenecimiento , Piel , Cuidados de la PielRESUMEN
Introducción: La gonioscopía es la técnica utilizada para diagnosticar la sospecha de cierre angular primario (SCAP). Sin embargo, es una medida subjetiva, a diferencia de la tomografía óptica coherente de segmento anterior (OCT-SA). Se realizó un estudio midiendo los parámetros estereoscópicos por OCT-SA y su correlación con la gonioscopía. Objetivo: Comparar la gonioscopía y los parámetros por OCT-SA en ojos con ángulo estrecho y abierto, y evaluar la reproducibilidad intraobservador de estos parámetros. Método: Estudio observacional, analítico, descriptivo y longitudinal. Se recolectó la información de los pacientes valorados en la consulta de glaucoma entre marzo y junio de 2019 sin antecedente de cirugía ni láser ocular a quienes se solicitó OCT-SA. Resultados: De 131 ojos, el 28.25% tenían ángulos estrechos y el 68.7% abiertos. La distancia de apertura del ángulo 500 (AOD) promedio nasal fue de 210 µm (rango intercuartílico [RIQ]: 98-275.5) y el temporal fue de 214 µm (RIQ: 130.5-289). El área del espacio del iris trabecular área 500 (TISA) promedio nasal fue de 0.070 mm2 (RIQ: 0.034-0.093) y el temporal fue de 0.068 mm2 (RIQ: 0.038-0.093). El ángulo del iris trabecular (TIA) nasal fue de 23.77° (RIQ: 12.11-29.92) y el temporal fue de 23.46° (RIQ: 14.37-30.45). Cuanto más abiertos están los ángulos por gonioscopía, mayor área de TISA, TIA y AOD. Existe una buena reproducibilidad intraobservador respecto al AOD nasal, con un coeficiente de concordancia de 0.956 (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 0.94- 0.97), y para el AOD temporal de 0.940 (IC95%: 0.92-0.96). Respecto al TISA nasal, el coeficiente de concordancia fue de 0.956 (IC95%: 0.9-0.97), y para el temporal de 0.946 (IC95%: 0.93-0.96). Conclusiones: La OCT-SA tiene una buena correlación con la gonioscopía y una buena reproducibilidad intraobservador. Sin embargo, sigue siendo una ayuda diagnóstica que no reemplaza la evaluación clínicaIntroducción: La gonioscopía es la técnica utilizada para diagnosticar la sospecha de cierre angular primario (SCAP). Sin embargo, es una medida subjetiva, a diferencia de la tomografía óptica coherente de segmento anterior (OCT-SA). Se realizó un estudio midiendo los parámetros estereoscópicos por OCT-SA y su correlación con la gonioscopía. Objetivo: Comparar la gonioscopía y los parámetros por OCT-SA en ojos con ángulo estrecho y abierto, y evaluar la reproducibilidad intraobservador de estos parámetros. Método: Estudio observacional, analítico, descriptivo y longitudinal. Se recolectó la información de los pacientes valorados en la consulta de glaucoma entre marzo y junio de 2019 sin antecedente de cirugía ni láser ocular a quienes se solicitó OCT-SA. Resultados: De 131 ojos, el 28.25% tenían ángulos estrechos y el 68.7% abiertos. La distancia de apertura del ángulo 500 (AOD) promedio nasal fue de 210 µm (rango intercuartílico [RIQ]: 98-275.5) y el temporal fue de 214 µm (RIQ: 130.5-289). El área del espacio del iris trabecular área 500 (TISA) promedio nasal fue de 0.070 mm2 (RIQ: 0.034-0.093) y el temporal fue de 0.068 mm2 (RIQ: 0.038-0.093). El ángulo del iris trabecular (TIA) nasal fue de 23.77° (RIQ: 12.11-29.92) y el temporal fue de 23.46° (RIQ: 14.37-30.45). Cuanto más abiertos están los ángulos por gonioscopía, mayor área de TISA, TIA y AOD. Existe una buena reproducibilidad intraobservador respecto al AOD nasal, con un coeficiente de concordancia de 0.956 (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 0.94- 0.97), y para el AOD temporal de 0.940 (IC95%: 0.92-0.96). Respecto al TISA nasal, el coeficiente de concordancia fue de 0.956 (IC95%: 0.9-0.97), y para el temporal de 0.946 (IC95%: 0.93-0.96). Conclusiones: La OCT-SA tiene una buena correlación con la gonioscopía y una buena reproducibilidad intraobservador. Sin embargo, sigue siendo una ayuda diagnóstica que no reemplaza la evaluación clínica
Introduction: Gonioscopy is the technique used to diagnose primary angle closure suspect (PACS). Nevertheless, it is a subjective measure compared to anterior segment coherent optical tomography (AS-OCT). A study was performed by measuring the stereoscopic parameters with AS-OCT and correlating them with gonioscopy. Objective: To compare gonioscopy and AS-OCT parameters in eyes with closed and open angle. Moreover, to evaluate intraobserver reproducibility of those parameters. Method: Observational, analytical descriptive longitudinal study. Data was collected from patients who attended glaucoma service between March and June 2019 and had an AS-OOCT done. Patients were excluded if they had history of laser or intraocular surgery. Results: Out of 131 eyes, 28.25% had closed angles and 68.7% open angles. The average nasal angle opening distance 500 (AOD) was 210 µm ICR (98 275.5) and the temporal was 214 µm ICR (130.5 289). The average nasal trabecular iris space area 500 (TISA) was 0.070 mm2 ICR (0.034 0.093) and the temporal was 0.068 mm2 ICR (0.038 0.093). The nasal trabecular iris angle (TIA) was 23.77º ICR (12.11 29.92) and the temporal was 23.46º ICR (14.37 30.45). The wider the angles by gonioscopy, the greater the area of TISA, TIA and AOD. A good nasal AOD intraobserver reproducibility was observed with a concordance coefficient of 0.956 (IC 95%: 0.94 0.97) and temporal AOD of 0.940 (0.92 0.96). Regarding the nasal TISA, the concordance coefficient was 0.956 (IC 95%: 0.9 0.97) and temporal TISA was 0.946 (IC 95: 0.93 0.96). Conclusions: AS-OCT has a strong correlation with gonioscopy and a good intraobserver reproducibility. However, it remains as a diagnostic aid that does not substitute clinical evaluation.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) affects nearly a quarter of the global population. Public health interventions aimed at interrupting tuberculosis transmission do not routinely include systematic screening of migrant populations for LTBI in Mexico, nor other high-income countries. However, early detection and treatment of LTBI in immigrant populations from high-burden countries are recommended by the World Health Organization. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of migrants with LTBI in shelters in northeastern Mexico. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, blood samples were obtained from 455 migrants living in shelters in northeastern Mexico during January 2017 to October 2019. LTBI was diagnosed using the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus test. RESULTS: Most of the migrants evaluated in this study were from Honduras; â¼86% were male; the average age was 29⯱â¯10â¯years. LTBI was identified in 18.4% of those from Central America. Migrants from El Salvador and Nicaragua were more likely to have LTBI than those from Honduras or Guatemala. Overweight or obese persons and older persons had a higher prevalence of LTBI. We detected no significant differences with respect to LTBI when the results were compared based on gender, education, or marital status. CONCLUSION: The LTBI rates amongst migrants from Central America recently screened in shelters in northeastern Mexico appears to be relatively low given recent estimates of LTBI prevalence in Mexico.
RESUMEN
"Transferon Oral" is a peptide-derived product with immunomodulatory properties obtained from the lysis and dialysis of human buffy coat. Its active pharmaceutical ingredient, generically known as Dialyzable Leucocyte Extract, is a mixture of peptide populations with reproducible proportions among batches. "Transferon Oral" modulates IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6 and increases the survival rate in a herpes infection murine model when oropharyngeally (ORO) administered, which correlate with clinical observations where "Transferon Oral" is used as a therapeutic auxiliary in inflammatory diseases. Notwithstanding, how a peptide-derived product elicits systemic modulation of cytokines when ORO administered remains unclear. To shed light on the pharmacology of "Transferon Oral" its peptide components must be known. Ten "Transferon Oral" batches were sequenced by mass spectrometry and the intact peptides were identified. The most abundant peptides were the monomeric human Ubiquitin (Ub), a globular low-molecular mass protein, and an Ub variant which lacks the two-terminal Gly (Ub-GG). Recombinant Ub prevented murine death when ORO administered in a herpes infection murine model. Besides, the percentage of survival increased in groups treated with Transferon Oral+Ub and decreased in groups treated with Ub-depleted "Transferon Oral" respect to the group treated with "Transferon Oral" only. Our findings indicate that the biological properties of "Transferon Oral" are partially associated to the Ub content. They suggest that Ub may activate its extracellular receptor (CXCR-4) in the stomach eliciting systemic immunomodulatory effects via vagus nerve. This is the first report that identifies an active component of "Transferon Oral" with the potential for the development of oral peptide immunomodulators.
RESUMEN
A common practice among bodybuilders is the use of carbohydrate loading to improve physical appearance during competition, while limited documented data is available about this issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate muscle thickness, mood states, gastrointestinal symptoms and subjective silhouette assessment following carbohydrate loading in bodybuilders. Twenty-four male bodybuilders were evaluated at the weighing period following three days of carbohydrate depletion (M1), and 24h of carbohydrate loading leading up to the competition (M2), stratified into: no carbohydrate load (NC, n = 9) and carbohydrate loading (CL, n =1 5). The silhouette scale, Brunel mood scale (BRUMS), muscle thickness (ultrasound), circumferences, and gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) were evaluated at M1 and M2. The NC displayed no differences in muscle thickness and circumferences between M1 and M2. Body mass, muscle thickness (elbow flexors, a combination of biceps brachii/ brachialis muscle, and triceps brachii) and circumferences (chest, hip, thigh, arm, calves, and forearm) increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the CL at M2. There was a significant increase in photo silhouette scores (p < 0.05) in the CL at M2. There was no significant difference in mood states between groups or time. The most reported GIS was constipation: 7/9 (NC) and 9/15 (CL) during M1 and 6/9 (NC), and 5/15 (CL) at M2 with symptoms described as 'moderate' or 'severe'. Diarrhea was reported by 7/15 CL (4/15 as severe). These data suggest that carbohydrate loading may contribute to an acute increase in muscle volume and physical appearance, however, it needs to be better planned to minimize gastrointestinal symptoms in bodybuilders.
Asunto(s)
Afecto , Estreñimiento/etiología , Diarrea/etiología , Dieta de Carga de Carbohidratos/efectos adversos , Músculo Esquelético/anatomía & histología , Levantamiento de Peso/fisiología , Levantamiento de Peso/psicología , Adulto , Índice de Masa Corporal , Conducta Competitiva/fisiología , Humanos , Masculino , Músculo Esquelético/diagnóstico por imagen , Fotograbar , Ultrasonografía , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Transgenic chickens are of great interest for the production of recombinant proteins in their eggs. However, the use of constitutive strong promoters or the tissue-specific ovalbumin promoter for the generation of the transgenic chickens have different drawbacks that have to be overcome in order to make chicken bioreactor an efficient production system. This prompted us to investigate the use of an alternative tissue-specific promoter, the vitellogenin promoter, which could overcome the difficulties currently found in the generation of chicken bioreactors. In the present work we establish and characterize a DNA construct consisting of a fragment of the 5´-flanking region of the chicken vitellogenin II gene cloned in a reporter vector. This construct is capable of showing the ability of the promoter to drive expression of a reporting gene in a tissue-specific manner and in a way that closely resembles physiologic regulation of vitellogenin, making it an ideal candidate to be used in the future for generation of avian bioreactors. Besides, we validate an in vitro culture system to test the performance of the DNA construct under study that could be used as a practical tool before generating any transgenic chicken. These results are important since they provide the proof of concept for the use of the vitellogenin promoter for future genetic modification of chickens bioreactors with improved characteristics in terms of quality of the recombinant protein produced.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas Aviares/genética , Pollos/genética , Vectores Genéticos/química , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/genética , Vitelogeninas/genética , Región de Flanqueo 5' , Animales , Animales Modificados Genéticamente , Proteínas Aviares/metabolismo , Reactores Biológicos , Embrión de Pollo , Pollos/metabolismo , Clonación Molecular , Estradiol/farmacología , Femenino , Fibroblastos/citología , Fibroblastos/efectos de los fármacos , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Genes Reporteros , Vectores Genéticos/metabolismo , Hepatocitos/citología , Hepatocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Hepatocitos/metabolismo , Luciferasas/genética , Luciferasas/metabolismo , Cultivo Primario de Células , Regiones Promotoras Genéticas , Receptores de Estrógenos , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/metabolismo , Transfección/métodos , Vitelogeninas/metabolismo , Cigoto/efectos de los fármacos , Cigoto/crecimiento & desarrollo , Cigoto/metabolismoRESUMEN
Charge hopping based on Marcus theory is often used to predict charge carrier mobilities in organic crystals, although it is known to systematically underestimate the values. Here we show that this deficiency may lie on a fundamental aspect of quantum statistical averages, rather than on the approximation itself. Under adequate Boltzmann weighing procedure used to evaluate electron and hole transfer integrals, a kinetic Monte Carlo model is employed to describe mobilities in an azacene derivative. The values are in good agreement with experimental data suggesting that the evaluation of transfer integrals may be the weak link in hopping transport models.
RESUMEN
In this work, we investigate the adsorption process of CO2 in graphene quantum dots from the electronic structure and spectroscopic properties point of view. We discuss how a specific doping scheme could be employed to further enhance the adsorbing properties of the quantum dots. This is evaluated by considering the depth of the potential well, the spectroscopic constants, and the lifetime of the compound. Electronic structure calculations are carried out in the scope of the density functional theory (DFT), whereas discrete variable representation (DVR) and Dunham methodologies are employed to obtain spectroscopic constants and hence the lifetimes of the systems. Our results suggest that nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots are promising structures as far as sensing applications of CO2 are concerned. Graphical Abstract Adsorption mechanism of the CO2 molecule in (a) a pristine and (b) a nitrogendoped Graphene Quantum Dot.