RESUMEN
This study investigated the relationship between nutrient levels, source of fecal contamination, and pathogenic Leptospira in Puerto Rico's northern coast and San Juan Bay Estuary (SJBE) aquatic ecosystems. Microbial source tracking (MST) was also used to investigate the connections between sources of feces contamination and the presence of Leptospira. Eighty-seven water samples were collected during the June (n=44) and August (n=43) in 2020. To quantify phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations, standard USEPA protocols were utilized, specifically Methods 365.4 for total and dissolved phosphorus, 351.2 for total Kjeldahl nitrogen and ammonium, and 353.2 for nitrate. Lipl32 gene-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the presence of Leptospira. Human (HF183), canine (BacCan-UCD), and equine (HoF597) MST assays were utilized to trace the origins of fecal contamination. Forty one percent of the locations exceeded Puerto Rico's authorized total phosphorus limit of 160 g L-1, while 34% exceeded the total nitrogen limit of 1700 g L-1. Nearly half of the streams examined are affected by eutrophication. The MST analysis identified human and canine feces as the most prevalent contaminants, affecting approximately 50% of the sites. In addition, Leptospira was detected in 32% of the June samples. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.79) between the incidence of pathogenic Leptospira and the human bacterial marker (HF183). This study illuminates the central role of anthropogenic inputs in nutrient enrichment and pathogen proliferation in Puerto Rico's aquatic ecosystems.
Asunto(s)
Monitoreo del Ambiente , Leptospira , Humanos , Caballos , Animales , Perros , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminación del Agua/análisis , Puerto Rico , Ecosistema , Microbiología del Agua , Heces/microbiología , Nitrógeno/análisis , Fósforo/análisisRESUMEN
The relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma has been established. However, data from Ecuador is limited. The objective of this study was to characterize HPV infection in Ecuadorian patients with tongue cancer. Fifty-three patients with tongue cancer treated at the tertiary referral center Sociedad de Lucha Contra el Cancer (SOLCA), Guayaquil, between 2006 and 2011 were identified. Linear Array® HPV genotyping was used to identify the presence and types of HPV on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy samples from these patients with tongue cancer. HPV was identified in 42% (n=22) and high-risk (HR) HPV in 17% (n=9), with 18 different HPV types identified. The most common types were the HR HPV 33 (14%) and low-risk HPV 67 (14%), followed by the HR HPV 58. More than one HPV type was identified in 27.3% of cases. HPV 33 was frequently associated with other HPV types. No statistically significant differences in gender (P=0.58) and age (P=0.12) were observed between HPV-positive and HPV-negative cases. HPV was identified in almost half of the tongue cancer samples, with subtypes 33 and 67 being the most common. This suggested that HPV played an important role in this disease in the population studied. Given these results, current HPV vaccines may not be as effective in reducing tongue cancer rates in this population.
Asunto(s)
Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/epidemiología , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/virología , Papillomaviridae/aislamiento & purificación , Neoplasias de la Lengua/epidemiología , Neoplasias de la Lengua/virología , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/patología , ADN Viral , Ecuador/epidemiología , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/virología , Adhesión en Parafina , Proyectos Piloto , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Prevalencia , Estudios Retrospectivos , Medición de Riesgo , Factores de Riesgo , Neoplasias de la Lengua/patologíaRESUMEN
The relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma has been established. However, data from Ecuador is limited. The objective of this study was to characterize HPV infection in Ecuadorian patients with tongue cancer. Fifty-three patients with tongue cancer treated at the tertiary referral center Sociedad de Lucha Contra el Cancer (SOLCA), Guayaquil, between 2006 and 2011 were identified. Linear Array® HPV genotyping was used to identify the presence and types of HPV on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy samples from these patients with tongue cancer. HPV was identified in 42% (n=22) and high-risk (HR) HPV in 17% (n=9), with 18 different HPV types identified. The most common types were the HR HPV 33 (14%) and low-risk HPV 67 (14%), followed by the HR HPV 58. More than one HPV type was identified in 27.3% of cases. HPV 33 was frequently associated with other HPV types. No statistically significant differences in gender (P=0.58) and age (P=0.12) were observed between HPV-positive and HPV-negative cases. HPV was identified in almost half of the tongue cancer samples, with subtypes 33 and 67 being the most common. This suggested that HPV played an important role in this disease in the population studied. Given these results, current HPV vaccines may not be as effective in reducing tongue cancer rates in this population.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Papillomaviridae/aislamiento & purificación , Neoplasias de la Lengua/epidemiología , Neoplasias de la Lengua/virología , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/epidemiología , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/virología , ADN Viral , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/patología , Proyectos Piloto , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Adhesión en Parafina , Medición de Riesgo , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/virología , Ecuador/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Bilioenteric fistulas are the abnormal communication between the bile duct system and the gastrointestinal tract that occurs spontaneously and is a rare complication of an untreated gallstone in the majority of cases. These fistulas can cause diverse clinical consequences and in some cases be life-threatening to the patient. AIM: To identify the incidence of bilioenteric fistula in patients with gallstones, its clinical presentation, diagnosis through imaging study, surgical management, postoperative complications, and follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to search for bilioenteric fistula in patients that underwent cholecystectomy at our hospital center due to cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, or cholangitis, within a 3-year time frame. RESULTS: Four patients, 2 men and 2 women, were identified with cholecystoduodenal fistula. Their mean age was 81.5 years. Two of the patients presented with acute cholangitis and 2 presented with bowel obstruction due to gallstone ileus. All the patients underwent surgical treatment and the diagnostic and therapeutic management of each of them was analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of cholecystoduodenal fistula was similar to that reported in the medical literature. It is a rare complication of gallstones and its diagnosis is difficult due to its nonspecific symptomatology. It should be contemplated in elderly patients that have a contracted gallbladder with numerous adhesions.
Asunto(s)
Fístula Biliar/cirugía , Colecistectomía , Colelitiasis/complicaciones , Fístula Intestinal/cirugía , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Fístula Biliar/diagnóstico , Fístula Biliar/epidemiología , Fístula Biliar/etiología , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Incidencia , Fístula Intestinal/diagnóstico , Fístula Intestinal/epidemiología , Fístula Intestinal/etiología , Masculino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Firmness, one of the major determinants of postharvest quality and shelf life of fruits is determined by the mechanical resistance imposed by the plant cell wall. Expansins (EXP) are involved in the non-hydrolytic metabolic disassembly of plant cell walls, particularly in processes where relaxation of the wall is necessary, such as fruit development and ripening. As many carbohydrate-associated proteins, expansins have a putative catalytic domain and a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM). Several strategies have been pursued to control the loss of fruit firmness during storage. Most of the approaches have been to suppress the expression of key enzymes involved in the cell wall metabolism, but this is the first time that a CBM was overexpressed in a fruit aimed to control cell wall degradation and fruit softening. We report the constitutive overexpression of the CBM of Solanum lycopersicum expansin 1 (CBM-SlExp1) in the cell wall of tomato plants, and its effects on plant and fruit phenotype. Overexpression of CBM-SlExp1 increased the mechanical resistance of leaves, whereas it did not modify plant growth and general phenotype. However, transgenic plants showed delayed softening and firmer fruits. In addition, fruits were less susceptible to Botrytis cinerea infection, and the "in vitro" growth of the fungus on media containing AIR from the pericarp of transgenic fruits was lower than controls. The possibility of overexpressing a CBM of a fruit-specific expansin to control cell wall degradation and fruit softening is discussed.
Asunto(s)
Botrytis/fisiología , Frutas/metabolismo , Receptores de Superficie Celular/metabolismo , Solanum lycopersicum/metabolismo , Solanum lycopersicum/microbiología , Metabolismo de los Hidratos de Carbono , Pared Celular/metabolismo , Clorofila/metabolismo , Susceptibilidad a Enfermedades , Frutas/genética , Frutas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Solanum lycopersicum/genética , Solanum lycopersicum/crecimiento & desarrollo , Fenotipo , Desarrollo de la Planta , Enfermedades de las Plantas/genética , Enfermedades de las Plantas/microbiología , Hojas de la Planta/metabolismo , Proteínas de Plantas/genética , Proteínas de Plantas/metabolismo , Plantas Modificadas Genéticamente , Receptores de Superficie Celular/biosíntesisRESUMEN
α-L-arabinofuranosidases (EC 3.2.1.55) are enzymes involved in the catabolism of several cell-wall polysaccharides such as pectins and hemicelluloses, catalyzing the hydrolysis of terminal non-reducing α-L-arabinofuranosil residues. Bioinformatic analysis of the aminoacidic sequences of Fragaria x ananassa α-L-arabinofuranosidases predict a putative carbohydrate-binding-module of the family CBM_4_9, associated to a wide range of carbohydrate affinities. In this study, we report the characterization of the binding affinity profile to different cell wall polysaccharides of the putative CBM of α-L-arabinofuranosidase 1 from Fragaria x ananassa (CBM-FaARA1). The sequence encoding for the putative CBM was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and the resultant recombinant protein was purified from inclusion bodies by a Nickel affinity chromatography under denaturing conditions. The refolded recombinant protein was then subjected to binding assays and affinity gel electrophoresis, which indicated its ability to bind cellulose and also high affinity for homogalacturonans.
Asunto(s)
Fragaria/enzimología , Glicósido Hidrolasas/química , Glicósido Hidrolasas/metabolismo , Receptores de Superficie Celular/química , Receptores de Superficie Celular/metabolismo , Adsorción , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Bioensayo , Cromatografía de Afinidad , Clonación Molecular , Simulación por Computador , Electroforesis en Gel de Poliacrilamida , Glicósido Hidrolasas/aislamiento & purificación , Replegamiento Proteico , Estabilidad Proteica , Receptores de Superficie Celular/aislamiento & purificación , Proteínas Recombinantes/metabolismo , Solubilidad , TemperaturaRESUMEN
The purpose of this study was to examine whether a brief behavioural intervention promoting condom use among female sex workers (FSWs) and their clients had the added benefit of increasing condom use among FSWs and their steady, non-commercial partners (e.g. husbands, boyfriends). Participants were 362 FSWs, aged ≥18 years, living in Tijuana or Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, who received a behavioural intervention to promote condom use with clients. Repeated-measures negative binomial regression was used to assess FSWs' condom use with steady partners versus clients across time. Results showed that FSWs engaged in unprotected sex with steady partners more than with their clients, and that the intervention changed FSWs' condom use with clients but not their steady partners. HIV-prevention interventions for FSWs should promote consistent condom use across partner type. Targeting couples rather than individuals may also be necessary.
Asunto(s)
Terapia Conductista/métodos , Condones/estadística & datos numéricos , Educación en Salud/métodos , Asunción de Riesgos , Trabajadores Sexuales , Parejas Sexuales , Adulto , Femenino , Investigación sobre Servicios de Salud , Humanos , MéxicoRESUMEN
The accumulation of anthocyanin pigments is one of the most important traits that turn strawberry fruit attractive to consumers. During ripening, strawberry fruit color development is associated to anthocyanin synthesis through the phenylpropanoid pathway. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) is a key enzyme in this pathway, having a determining role in strawberry fruit quality. In this work, we studied the level of anthocyanins during fruit ripening of two cultivars that differ in color development (Camarosa and Toyonoka). Toyonoka showed a lower anthocyanin accumulation that was limited to external fruit tissue, while Camarosa accumulated higher amount of anthocyanins in both internal and external sections. In addition, we cloned a full-length gene (FaPAL6) and analyzed its expression in different strawberry plant tissues. The expression of this gene is fruit specific, and increases during fruit ripening in both cultivars along with anthocyanin accumulation. The mRNA level of FaPAL6 was higher in Camarosa. PAL enzyme activity increased at similar rates in both cultivars at early ripening stages, but at the end of ripening PAL activity diminished in Toyonoka while it rose markedly in Camarosa. PAL activity was higher in internal fruit tissue, showing no correlation with anthocyanin level of the same section in both cultivars. The higher FaPAL6 expression and activity detected in Camarosa could be associated to the enhanced anthocyanin accumulation found in this cultivar.
Asunto(s)
Antocianinas/metabolismo , Fragaria/genética , Fragaria/metabolismo , Fenilanina Amoníaco-Liasa/metabolismo , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Antocianinas/genética , Secuencia de Bases , Clonación Molecular , ADN Complementario/genética , Fragaria/enzimología , Fragaria/crecimiento & desarrollo , Frutas/enzimología , Frutas/genética , Frutas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Frutas/metabolismo , Datos de Secuencia Molecular , Fenilanina Amoníaco-Liasa/genética , Filogenia , Proteínas de Plantas/genética , Proteínas de Plantas/metabolismo , Alineación de Secuencia , Análisis de Secuencia de ADNRESUMEN
Female sex workers (FSWs) aged ≥18 years without known HIV infection living in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico who had recent unprotected sex with clients underwent interviews and testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea using nucleic acid amplification. Correlates of each infection were identified with logistic regression. Among 798 FSWs, prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea was 13.0% and 6.4%, respectively. Factors independently associated with chlamydia were younger age, working in Tijuana versus Ciudad Juarez and recent methamphetamine injection. Factors independently associated with gonorrhoea were working in Tijuana versus Ciudad Juarez, using illegal drugs before or during sex, and having a recent male partner who injects drugs. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection were more closely associated with FSWs' drug use behaviours and that of their sexual partners than with sexual behaviours. Prevention should focus on subgroups of FSWs and their partners who use methamphetamine and who inject drugs.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Chlamydia/epidemiología , Gonorrea/epidemiología , Conducta Sexual/estadística & datos numéricos , Adulto , Chlamydia/genética , Chlamydia/aislamiento & purificación , ADN Bacteriano/genética , ADN Bacteriano/aislamiento & purificación , Recolección de Datos/métodos , Femenino , Humanos , México/epidemiología , Neisseria gonorrhoeae/genética , Neisseria gonorrhoeae/aislamiento & purificación , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Trabajo Sexual , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias , Estados Unidos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Fleshy fruit soften during ripening mainly as a consequence of solubilization and depolymerization of cell wall components. We have performed a comparative study of the polysaccharide content of fruit cell walls during final steps of development and ripening of three strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cultivars with different softening rates. The three chosen varieties showed very different firmness; Camarosa was the firmest, Toyonaka the softest, and Pajaro intermediate between them. Cell walls were extracted, quantified and fractioned by sequential extraction to obtain particular subclasses of cell wall polymers. Cell wall content diminished during the process in the three cultivars. Differences among cultivar cell wall contents were detected only in immature stages. The amount of water soluble polymers (WSP) increased in all cultivars from small green (SG) to white (W) stage, although from the W to 100% red (100%R) stage the WSP remained constant in Camarosa and Pajaro and decreased in Toyonaka. On the contrary, the hydrochloric acid-soluble pectins (HSP) decreased during ripening of all the cultivars analyzed. Camarosa had the largest amount of HSP, but there were no differences between Pajaro and Toyonaka. The amount of hemicellulosic polysaccharides and cellulose also decreased in the three cultivars. Camarosa had the highest amounts of both polysaccharides while Toyonaka had the lowest at immature stages, but there were no differences among cultivars at 100%R stage. WSP showed depolymerization only in Toyonaka cultivar, while HSP showed depolymerization in Pajaro and Toyonaka cultivars. A slight depolymerization was observed in hemicelluloses extracted from any of three cultivars.
Asunto(s)
Pared Celular/metabolismo , Fragaria/metabolismo , Pectinas/metabolismo , Celulosa/metabolismo , Cromatografía en Gel , Fragaria/fisiología , Ácido Clorhídrico , Peso Molecular , Pectinas/química , Polisacáridos/metabolismo , Solubilidad , AguaRESUMEN
Peroxidase (POX) from strawberry fruits was analyzed for its capacity to bleach chlorophyll. The partially purified enzyme preperation catalyzed the bleaching of chlorophylls and their derivatives in the presence of H(2)O(2) and phenolic compounds. The optimal reaction conditions were 35 degrees C, pH 5.2 and ionic strength equal to 0.2. The maximum activity was observed at 1 mM of H(2)O(2), while higher concentrations inhibited enzyme activity. Compounds with a high affinity to the heme group, radical scavengers and reducing agents, showed an inhibitory effect. Phenolic compounds such as umbelliferone, naringenin and p-substituted monophenols acted as cofactors. Instead, other phenolic compounds tested such as caffeic acid, catechin, ellagic acid, esculin and quercetin inhibited the activity of POX on chlorophylls. Phenolic compounds extracted from strawberry fruits showed an inhibitory effect on POX-chlorophyll bleaching activity, although this effect decreased markedly during ripening. POX showed higher affinity for compounds derived from chlorophyll a than from chlorophyll b, and the enzyme preferentially degraded chlorophyll derivatives with the Mg(2+) ion present and the phytol group removed. The POX-chlorophyll bleaching activity was found in all ripening stages from small green to ripe, the highest activity corresponding to large green fruits.
Asunto(s)
Clorofila/metabolismo , Peroxidasas/metabolismo , Rosaceae/enzimología , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Concentración Osmolar , Fenoles/metabolismo , Especificidad por SustratoRESUMEN
No other clinical entity has attached more attention now-a-day than those precipitated by the infection with a Hemorrhagic Fever Virus. Potentially caused by Arena, Bunya, Flavi, and Filoviradae, only the latter has had such a major impact throughout the world. Two major genuses have been recognized since they become evident for the first time in 1967, the single-species Marburg, and the 3-species-Ebola (E. zaire, sudan and reston). With the exception of the 2 outbreaks of E. reston (Washington, USA 1989-1993), all of them have taken place in Africa, where the virus is still hiding among the wild-life of the Tropical Rain Forest. Currently (in April 1995) the reemergence of Ebola virus has once more proven its fatality, leaving around 170 deaths in Zaire, 250 miles from its capital, Kinshasa. There is worldwide alert, sponsored by the CDC in Atlanta, the World Health Organization and the authorities in Zaire regarding its potential spreading to naive regions, in and out of Africa. The characteristic clinical picture of a viral hemorrhagic fever has no match. After a 2-21 days incubation period a viral-like illness develops. As days go by, symptoms worsen, and by the 7th day, a severe and diffuse bleeding tendency ensues. The individual's death is the most likely outcome in the great majority of cases. As a lethal virus, without an available treatment and a possible airborne-route of transmission, Ebola virus will always be considered a persistent threat to the global health
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Ebolavirus , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola , Brotes de Enfermedades , Ebolavirus , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/complicaciones , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/diagnóstico , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/epidemiología , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/terapia , Filoviridae/patogenicidad , VirulenciaRESUMEN
No other clinical entity has attached more attention now-a-day than those precipitated by the infection with a Hemorrhagic Fever Virus. Potentially caused by Arena, Bunya, Flavi, and Filoviradae, only the latter has had such a major impact throughout the world. Two major genuses have been recognized since they become evident for the first time in 1967, the single-species Marburg, and the 3-species-Ebola (E. zaire, sudan and reston). With the exception of the 2 outbreaks of E. reston (Washington, USA 1989-1993), all of them have taken place in Africa, where the virus is still hiding among the wild-life of the Tropical Rain Forest. Currently (in April 1995) the reemergence of Ebola virus has once more proven its fatality, leaving around 170 deaths in Zaire, 250 miles from its capital, Kinshasa. There is worldwide alert, sponsored by the CDC in Atlanta, the World Health Organization and the authorities in Zaire regarding its potential spreading to naive regions, in and out of Africa. The characteristic clinical picture of a viral hemorrhagic fever has no match. After a 2-21 days incubation period a viral-like illness develops. As days go by, symptoms worsen, and by the 7th day, a severe and diffuse bleeding tendency ensues. The individual's death is the most likely outcome in the great majority of cases. As a lethal virus, without an available treatment and a possible airborne-route of transmission, Ebola virus will always be considered a persistent threat to the global health.
Asunto(s)
Ebolavirus/patogenicidad , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola , Brotes de Enfermedades , Ebolavirus/clasificación , Filoviridae/patogenicidad , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/complicaciones , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/diagnóstico , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/epidemiología , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/terapia , Humanos , VirulenciaRESUMEN
A 22-year-old man in his first relapse of T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed fever and a pulmonary infiltrate after 23 days of granulocytopenia. Although having been under amphotericin B for 10 days, productive purulent cough ensued, with right lobe atelectasis and acute ventilatory failure that resolved after the elimination of a thick gelatinous bronchial plug. Sputum cultures yielded Candida Albicans and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and microscopic examination of the sputum plug disclosed Aspergillus hyphae. The patient died 9 days after, of a disseminated Aspergillus infection, confirmed by necropsy.
Asunto(s)
Aspergilosis Broncopulmonar Alérgica/complicaciones , Asfixia/microbiología , Leucemia-Linfoma de Células T del Adulto/complicaciones , Atelectasia Pulmonar/microbiología , Adulto , Aspergilosis Broncopulmonar Alérgica/diagnóstico por imagen , Humanos , Huésped Inmunocomprometido , Masculino , Atelectasia Pulmonar/diagnóstico por imagen , RadiografíaRESUMEN
The development of acute leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia, represents a serious complication in patients treated with radio and/or chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease. It has been reported with increasing frequency in the last years. Two such cases, that occurred in 87 patients treated for Hodgkin's disease, are reported. Complete autopsy was performed in both. The patients were less than 30 years old, received combined therapy during a prolonged time (more than 12 months), with an interval superior to 44 months between the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease and the appearance of acute myeloid leukemia. The survival time was less than 12 months. Residual Hodgkin's disease was not observed.