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In this work, a numerical analysis of three different flat plate solar collectors was conducted using their entropy generation rates. Specifically, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique was used to compare the detailed performance of conventional and zigzag tube geometries of flat plate solar collectors (FPCs) in terms of their entropy generation rates. The effects of fluid viscosity, heat transfer, and heat loss of the flat plate solar collectors were considered for the local and global entropy generation rate analyses. Variations on the inlet volumetric flow rate of the FPCs from 1.0 to 9.0 L/min were simulated under the average solar radiation for one year in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. The results illustrate and discuss the temperatures, pressures, and global entropy generation rates for volumetric flow variations. The velocity, temperature, and pressure distributions and the maps of the local entropy generation rates inside the collectors are presented and analyzed for the case with a flow rate of 3.0 L/min. These results demonstrate that the zigzag geometries achieved higher outlet temperatures and greater entropy generation rates than the conventional geometry for all the volumetric flow rates considered.
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In several montane forests around the world, epiphytes coexist in mats, sharing the rhizosphere and forming histosol-type soils rich in nutrients. The role of these epiphytes in the formation of canopy soil and the fitness costs that epiphytes face when cohabiting in these mats are unknown. In a lower montane cloud forest in central Veracruz, Mexico, a 2-year factorial experiment was carried out with the presence/absence of ramets of Phlebodium areolatum (Polypodiaceae), Tillandsia kirchhoffiana, T. multicaulis and T. punctulata (Bromeliaceae). We examined (i) which epiphyte species contribute to the formation of canopy soil, (ii) the role of epiphyte composition in the soil nutrient composition, and (iii) the fitness costs faced by epiphytes when cohabiting. Canopy soil formation highest when P. areolatum is present. Soil nutrient content does not change with epiphyte composition, is influenced by the microbiota, and P content decreases with the presence of epiphytes. The fitness costs show that the species compete, decreasing their survival and growth, but the competitive capacity differs between the species. We conclude that P. areolatum is an ecosystem engineer that promotes the creation of canopy soil but is a poor competitor. The results coincide with the model of succession by facilitation. Canopy soil is a slow-created component whose nutrient content does not depend on the epiphytic flora. In epiphyte mats, the dominant interactions are competitive, but there is also facilitation.
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Ecossistema , Solo , Árvores , México , FlorestasRESUMO
There is not in Argentina publications regarding the presentation of patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalized and emergency care in vulnerable populations (lower incomes and less education tend at greater risk for poor health status and healthcare access), and it has few reports in developing countries. The objective is to determine whether in the care of vulnerable patients, to succeed against COVID-19, multiple public health tools and interventions will be needed to minimize morbidity and mortality. The study is a prospective cohort investigation of patients with lab-confirmed COVID-19, who required to any of the Health Centers response from April 8, 2020, to August 18, 2020. In Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA), April 8, 2020 the virus was identified in patients hospitalized in the "Southeast Network" (SN), AMBA. SN covering an area of 661 square kilometers, with 1.8 million inhabitants residing in urban, and rural areas. A total of 14 health centers with different levels of care complexity provide care to patients in the region. The information of each patient with COVID-19 evaluated by SN, was incorporated in an Epidemiological Dashboard. The investigation was designed and reported with consideration of observational studies in epidemiology. We describe the hospitals presentation and care of persons who required SN response and were ultimately diagnosed with COVID-19. From April 8, 2020, to August 18, 2020, were included 1495 patients with lab-confirmed COVID-19 in SN. A total of 58% patients were men, and the mean age (SD) was 48.9 (15.59) years. Eighty one percent patients with pre-existing diseases, most frequent hypertension and diabetes, but hypertension, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular disease presented higher risk. A total of 13% were hospitalized in Intensive Therapy Unit. The mortality of the cohort was 9.77%. Mortality was higher for patients aged 65 or more (OR 5.09), and for those had some pre-existing disease (OR 2.61). Our observations are consistent with reports demonstrating older persons, and those with comorbidities have the highest risk of mortality related to COVID-19. However, unlike other reports from developed or some developing countries, the mortality in our study is lower. This finding may be related to age of our cohort is younger than other published. Also, the health system was able to respond to the demand.
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COVID-19/diagnóstico , COVID-19/epidemiologia , SARS-CoV-2/isolamento & purificação , Adulto , Idoso , Argentina/epidemiologia , COVID-19/mortalidade , Feminino , Hospitalização , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Prospectivos , Saúde Pública , Populações VulneráveisRESUMO
Abstract Medical imaging technologies have become an essential component in different areas related to health care. Volume visualization (VV) of medical data is an invaluable support in tasks such as clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery rehearsal, education, and research. Several algorithms and systems have been developed to enable the visualization and interaction with volumetric data. Slice-based visualization methods dominate the field of medical volumes scanning since they allow more detailed analysis of the data. However, an intensive training is usually required for the user to be able to effectively explore the data. In this paper, we present novel a slice-based methodology which objective is to facilitate the exploration of medical volumetric data. The proposed method consists of the use of augmented reality principles to determine the spatial position and orientation of rigid planar objects within a defined space in the real-world which represents the medical volumetric information. The results obtained by a usability study indicate the feasibility of employing this technique for a natural human-computer interaction with the medical data, having the potential of making the process of medical volume exploration more easy and intuitive.
Resumen Las tecnologías de imagenología médica se han convertido en un componente esencial en diferentes áreas relacionadas con el cuidado de la salud. La visualización de volúmenes médicos, es un apoyo invaluable en tareas como el diagnóstico clínico, la planeación de tratamientos, la realización de cirugías, la educación y la investigación. Los métodos basados en cortes dominan el campo de la exploración de volúmenes médicos debido a que permiten un análisis más detallado de los datos. Sin embargo, una desventaja importante de los sistemas asociados a dichos métodos es que para su manejo usualmente se requiere una etapa de entrenamiento intensivo. En este artículo presentamos una novedosa metodología cuyo objetivo es facilitar la exploración basada en cortes de datos volumétricos de origen médico. Los métodos propuestos incluyen el uso de los principios y algoritmos de la realidad aumentada para determinar la posición y orientación espacial de objetos planares rígidos dentro un espacio definido en el mundo real, el cual representa la información del volumen médico. Los resultados obtenidos mediante un estudio de usabilidad indican la factibilidad de emplear este método para la exploración natural de los datos médicos, teniendo el potencial de hacer el proceso de exploración de datos volumétricos médicos más fácil e intuitiva.
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Antarctica is still considered one of the few pristine areas in the globe. Despite this, several studies have shown phased out organic pollutants are present in several environmental abiotic and biological compartments. This study, based on blubber and fecal samples collected from five species of Antarctic pinnipeds, assessed the relationship between organochlorine pesticide (OCs) levels and trophic characterization using stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N). The prevailing pollutants found in blubber were hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Heptachlor and Aldrin (0.84-564.11â¯ngâ¯g-1â¯l.w.). We also report a high presence of HCHs, Endrin, Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) and Methoxychlor (4.50-363.86â¯ngâ¯g-1 d.w.) in feces suggesting a detoxification mechanism. All the species tend towards high trophic positions (3.4-4.9), but with considerable variation in trophic niche and organochlorine pesticide concentrations per sampling site. This finding suggests that differences in pesticide levels in individuals are associated to foraging ecology.
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Caniformia/metabolismo , Monitoramento Ambiental , Hidrocarbonetos Clorados/metabolismo , Poluentes Químicos da Água/metabolismo , Animais , Regiões Antárticas , Cadeia AlimentarRESUMO
Abstract Objectives. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship among ovulatory follicle (OF) size, corpus luteum (CL) volume, and progesterone (P4) serum levels with pregnancy success. Materials and methods. Nineteen Holstein cows located in Bogotá, Colombia with a history of 2 to 6 previous calving were used in the study. Following 40 day postpartum, two consecutive phases were evaluated as follows: 1) estrous cycle; 2) early pregnancy or return to estrus after Artificial Insemination (AI). Ultrasound exam was performed twice daily after first sign of estrus to evaluate OF diameter and CL volume, and serum P4 levels were evaluated on days 6, 9, 12 and 15 after ovulation. Cows were inseminated 12 hours post estrus signs and pregnancy was diagnosed 30 days post AI. Results. 47.36% of the cows were diagnosed as pregnant after AI. Pregnant cows had smaller OF diameters (17.85±2.39 mm) than non-pregnant females (21.10±2.86 mm) (p<0.05). Cows with smaller OF were more likely to become pregnant (OR=0.624, IC=95% (0.4-0.9) (p<0.05). There were non significant differences in the CL volume (p=0.10) and P4 serum values (p=0.39) between pregnant and no pregnant cows on days 6, 9, 12 and 15 post ovulation. Serum P4 levels were not correlated to CL size and reproductive status. Conclusions. This study shows that there was not significant difference in serum P4 levels and the CL volume when comparing pregnant with non-pregnant cows. A relationship was found between the OF diameter and the CL volume. Small OF diameter was a factor associated with early pregnancy.
Resumen Objetivo. Evaluar la relación entre el diámetro del folículo ovulatorio (FO), el volumen del cuerpo lúteo (CL), los niveles séricos de progesterona (P4) con el éxito de la gestación. Materiales y métodos. En 19 vacas Holstein que habían tenido 2 a 6 partos ubicadas en Bogotá, se evaluaron dos fases consecutivas a partir del día 40 postparto, la primera correspondió al ciclo estral y la segunda correspondió a la gestación temprana o repetición de celo. En cada fase se detectó el celo, se realizó ultrasonografía para evaluar el diámetro del FO, confirmar ovulación, y el volumen del CL los días 6, 9, 12 y 15; en estos días también se evaluó los niveles séricos de P4. En la segunda fase se realizó inseminación artificial (IA) y se diagnosticó la gestación 30 días post-IA. Resultados. El 47.36% de las vacas se diagnosticaron como gestantes y el 52.63% como no gestantes. Las gestantes presentaron diámetros de FO menores 17.85±2.39 mm al de las no gestantes (21.10±2.86 mm; p<0.05). Las vacas que presentaron diámetros de FO más pequeños tuvieron mayor posibilidad de quedar gestantes (OR=0.624, IC=95% (0.4-0.9) (p<0.05). Los animales gestantes y no gestantes presentaron similares volúmenes de CL (p=0.10) y niveles séricos de P4 (p=0.39) los días 6, 9, 12 y 15. Conclusiones. No hubo diferencias en los niveles séricos de p4 y el volúmen del CL. Vacas con FO de menor diámetro tuvieron mayor probabilidad de gestación. Otras variables como CL y niveles de P4 no fueron predictivos del éxito de la gestación.
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Animais , Ovário , Progesterona , Gravidez , Bovinos , Ciclo Estral , Período Pós-PartoRESUMO
ABSTRACT Objective. The purpose of this study was to characterize the incidence of EM in Ross 308 strain eggs. Materials and methods. A prospective cohort study was performed, through candling and embryodiagnosis, in 4 groups of eggs coming from 4 different age breeders. Other data such as percentage of infertility, malformation, malposition, cracked and contaminated eggs were reported. Results. General EM reached 16.08% IC95% (14.69; 17.60) and was different among the different age-groups (p<0.001), being higher for eggs from 64 week-old breeders with 27.66% IC95%(23.92; 31.99) and lower for the 47 weeks old ones (8.84% IC95%) (6.97; 11.22). In the first week of incubation 57.53% of the embryos died and mortality was at its highiest during days 1 and 3; in the second week EM was 38.42% died, with a maximum of deaths between days 19 and 21. Conclusions. This study allowed confirmation on the biphasic behaviour of EM, although there are variations in the peaks of mortality possibly attributed to differences in production conditions for each enterprise.
RESUMEN Objetivo. El propósito de este estudio fue caracterizar la incidencia de mortalidad embrionaria (ME) en huevos de estirpes Ross 308 en una empresa de Santander, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo en el cual se siguieron durante la incubación, por medio de ovoscopía y embriodiagnóstico, 4 grupos de huevos provenientes de reproductoras de 4 edades diferentes. Se reporta el porcentaje de infertilidad, de malformaciones, malposición, huevos fisurados y contaminados. Resultados. La ME general alcanzó 16.08% IC95%(14.69; 17.60) y fue diferente entre los grupos de edad (p<0.001); esta fue mayor para los huevos de reproductoras de 64 semanas con 27.66% IC95% (23.92; 31.99) y menor para las de 47 semanas con 8.84% IC95% (6.97; 11.22). En la primera semana de incubación murió el 57.53% de los embriones y se presentó el pico de muerte entre los días 1 y 3; la segunda semana murió el 38.42%, con un máximo de muertes entre el día 19 y 21. Conclusiones. Este estudio, es el primero de su naturaleza para la zona y la estirpe y permitió confirmar el comportamiento bifásico de la ME aunque existen variaciones en los picos de mortalidad atribuidas posiblemente a las diferencias de las condiciones de producción propias de las empresas.
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The success of galling insects could be determined by synchronisation with host plant phenology and climate conditions, ensuring suitable oviposition sites for gall induction and food resources for their survival. The anatomical, histochemical and phenological synchronisation strategies between Calophya rubra (Blanchard) (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) and its host, the evergreen plant Schinus polygama (Cav.) (Cabrera) (Anacardiaceae), in the Mediterranean climate of southern Chile was evaluated and compared to that of the congeneric C. cf. duvauae (Scott) from Brazil and closely related host plant S. engleri in a subtropical climate. Anatomical, histometric, histochemical and vegetative phenology studies of the stem and galls were conducted from June 2015 to December 2016. Based on the anatomical, histometric and histochemical analysis, the conical stem gall traits imply gains over the non-galled stem toward the galling insect survival, but the maintenance of phellem, secretory ducts and pith indicate conservative developmental traits that cannot be manipulated by C. rubra. Our results indicate that the conditions of the Mediterranean climate zone limit C. rubra immature activity during unfavourable periods, probably determining a diapause period and a univoltine life cycle, which are peculiarities of the S. polygama- C. rubra system. The synchronisation between development and seasonality confers peculiarities to the S. polygama- C. rubra system in the Mediterranean climate zone.
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Anacardiaceae/parasitologia , Hemípteros/fisiologia , Tumores de Planta/parasitologia , Anacardiaceae/anatomia & histologia , Animais , Chile , Estágios do Ciclo de Vida/fisiologia , Caules de Planta/anatomia & histologia , Caules de Planta/parasitologiaRESUMO
ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the effect of hypobaric hypoxia exposition in pulmonary arterioles expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1). Materials and methods. Two groups of commercial broiler chickens were used: one of them were raised at 2638 (hypobaric hypoxia) and the other one at 300 m (relative normoxia) above sea level. Incidence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) was evaluated by calculating the cardiac mass index values and ET-1 protein expression was established in pulmonary arterioles by immunohistochemistry and morphometry. Results . ET-1 expression was higher in arterioles of animals exposed to hypoxia as compared to the low altitude exposed broilers (p<0.01). Arterioles from pulmonary hypertensive chickens (PHC) showed ET-1 higher expression than arterioles from healthy chickens (non-hypertensive, NHC) at low altitude, those exposed to hypobaric hypoxia (p<0.01). 53% of chickens subjected to altitude conditions developed pulmonary hypertension. Under normoxia, no chickens developed that pathology. Conclusions. Quantitative characteristics and sites of ET-1 expression in the lungs are important in the understanding of PH pathogenesis in broilers and the adapting mechanisms to hypobaric hypoxia, as to design new pharmacological approaches. This is a first approach which accounts for the abovementioned features in broilers subjected to natural conditions of normoxia and hypobaric hypoxia.
RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de la exposición a hipoxia hipobárica sobre la expresión de Endotelina-1 en arteriolash pulmonares. Material y métodos. Se utilizaron 2 grupos de pollos de engorde de una estirpe comercial: uno de ellos criados a 2638 y el otro, a 300 m de altitud. La incidencia de HAP se evaluó según los valores del índice de masa cardiaca y se compararon los niveles de expresión de la proteína ET-1 en arteriolas pulmonares de pollos de engorde sanos y enfermos por HAP mediante inmunohistoquímica y morfometría. Resultados. La expresión de la proteína ET-1 fue mayor en las arteriolas de los pollos expuestos a hipoxia hipobárica que en los criados bajo condiciones de normoxia relativa (p<0.01). Los animales enfermos por HAP presentaron mayor expresión de la proteína ET-1 en las arteriolas pulmonares que los animales sanos ubicados en las dos altitudes (p<0.01). 53% de los animales desarrollaron hipertensión pulmonar y ninguno de los mantenidos en normoxia lo hicieron. Conclusiones. El conocimiento de las características cuantitativas y lo sitios de expresión de la ET-1 son elementos importantes para entender aún más la patogenia de la HAP y el diseño de fármacos para su control. Este estudio constituye la primera aproximación cuantitativa relacionada con la expresión de ET-1 en pollos de engorde con HAP de origen hipóxico no inducida.
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This manuscript describes the design of plasmids containing the genes coding for four main mammalian toxins of scorpions from the genus Centruroides (C.) of Mexico. The genes that code for toxin 2 of C. noxius (Cn2), toxin 2 from C. suffusus (Css2) and toxins 1 and 2 from C. limpidus (Cll1 and Cll2) were included into individual plasmids carrying the genetic construction for expression of fusion proteins containing a leader peptide (pelB) that directs the expressed protein to the bacterial periplasm, a carrier protein (thioredoxin), the cleavage site for enterokinase, the chosen toxin and a poly-histidine tag (6xHis-tag) for purification of the hybrid protein by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography after expression in Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3). The purified hybrid proteins containing the recombinant toxins (abbreviated Thio-EK-Toxin) were used for immunization of three independent groups of ten mice and four rabbits. Challenging the first group of mice, immunized with recombinant Thio-EK-Css2, with three median lethal doses (LD50) of C. suffusus soluble venom resulted in the survival of all the test animals without showing intoxication symptoms. All control mice (none immunized) died. Similar results were obtained with mice previously immunized with Thio-EK-Cn2 and challenged with C. noxius venom. The third group of mice immunized with both Thio-EK-Cll1 and Thio-EK-Cll2 showed an 80% survival ratio when challenged with only one LD50 of C. limpidus venom, all showing symptoms of intoxication. The sera from rabbits immunized with a combination of the four recombinant toxins were collected separately and used to assess their neutralization capacity in vitro (pre-incubating the serum with the respective scorpion venom and injecting the mixture into mice), using six mice for each serum/venom combination tested. The venoms from the six most dangerous scorpion species of Mexico were assayed: C. noxius, C. suffusus, C. limpidus, C. elegans, C. tecomanus and C. sculpturatus. Two hundred and 50 µL of serum from any of the immunized rabbits were enough to neutralize three LD50 of any of the tested venoms, with mice showing no symptoms of intoxication. These results confirm that the recombinant forms of the main toxins from the most dangerous scorpions of Mexico are excellent immunogens for the production of antivenoms to treat scorpion intoxications.
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Antivenenos/química , Proteínas Recombinantes/química , Venenos de Escorpião/química , Escorpiões/química , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Antivenenos/genética , Antivenenos/farmacologia , Sequência de Bases , Clonagem Molecular , Escherichia coli/genética , Feminino , Imunização , Dose Letal Mediana , México , Camundongos , Coelhos , Proteínas Recombinantes/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/farmacologia , Venenos de Escorpião/genética , Venenos de Escorpião/farmacologia , Alinhamento de SequênciaRESUMO
Under greenhouse conditions, we evaluated establishment of four tree species and their capacity to degrade crude oil recently incorporated into the soil; the species were as follows: Cedrela odorata (tropical cedar), Haematoxylum campechianum (tinto bush), Swietenia macrophylla (mahogany), and Tabebuia rosea (macuilis). Three-month-old plants were planted in soil with three treatments of heavy petroleum and a control (C0 0 mg kg-1; C1 18,000 mg kg-1; C2 31,700 mg kg-1; C3 47,100 mg kg-1) with four repetitions per treatment and species; the experiment was carried out for 245 days. Height and biomass of all species significantly diminished as petroleum concentration increased, although plant survival was not affected. The quantity of colony-forming units (CFU) of rhizospheric bacteria varied among tree species and treatments; petroleum stimulated bacterial CFU for S. macrophylla. The number of fungi CFU for S. macrophylla and T. rosea was significantly greater in C0 than in soil with petroleum, but among species and among different concentrations, no significant differences were found. The greatest percentage of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) degradation was found in C1 for soil without plants (45 %). Differences from the remaining treatments (petroleum concentrations in soil and plant species) were not significant (P < 0.05). Among all trees, H. campechianum had the greatest TPH degradation (32.5 % in C2). T. rosea (C1) and H. campechianum (C2) resulted in petroleum degradation at levels ranging from 20.5 to 32.5 %. On the basis of this experiment, the tree species used did not improve TPH degradation. However, all of them showed high rates of survival and vigor. So, as tree species provide goods and services, experiments with inoculation of hydrocarbonclastic microorganisms, addition of fertilizers, and mixture of tree and grasses are recommended.
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Petróleo/toxicidade , Poluentes do Solo/toxicidade , Árvores/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Biodegradação Ambiental , Hidrocarbonetos/metabolismo , Petróleo/análise , Poluição por Petróleo , Solo/química , Microbiologia do Solo , Poluentes do Solo/análise , Árvores/efeitos dos fármacos , Árvores/microbiologiaRESUMO
Onychomicosis was considered uncommon in children. During recent years an increase in its frequency has been reported in children worldwide. This survey was carried out to estimate the frequency of causal agents of fungal nail infections in children and adolescents (0-15 years of age) during the period 2006-2016 in the Skin Laboratory of Clinical Hospital, University of Chile. It was a descriptive, retrospective analysis of all positive culture of children nails. A total of 1626 culture was analyzed. Cultures were positive in 417 cases (25,6%). Average age of patients with positive culture was 9,37 ages. Of the total positive culture, 42,9% was females and 57,1% was males. Toenails were more affected (90,6%) than finger nails. Trichophyton rubrum (66,9%), was the predominant pathogen isolated followed by Candida spp (26,1%) Trichophyton rubrum + Candida spp (3,8%) Trichophyton mentagrophytes (2,6%) and Trichophyton rubrum + Trichophyton mentagrophytes (0,5%). Fungal fingernail infection by Candida spp. was the most common (66,7%) and Trichophyton rubrum was the most common in toenail (70,6%). We found a decrease of Candida spp. with age. The results of our study show that onycomichosis in children and adolescents is not exceptional and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nail plate disorder in children. (AU)
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Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Recém-Nascido , Lactente , Pré-Escolar , Criança , Adolescente , Onicomicose/diagnóstico , Onicomicose/epidemiologiaRESUMO
AIMS: Anti-neoplastic activity induced by cannabinoids has been extensively documented for a number of cancer cell types; however, this topic has been explored in gastric cancer cells only in a limited number of approaches. Thus, the need of integrative and comparative studies still persists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study we tested and compared the effects of three different cannabinoid receptor agonists-anandamide (AEA), (R)-(+)-methanandamide (Meth-AEA) and CP 55,940 (CP)- on gastric cancer cell morphology, viability and death events in order to provide new insights to the use of these agents for therapeutic purposes. KEY FINDINGS: The three agents tested exhibited similar concentration-dependent effects in the induction of changes in cell morphology and cell loss, as well as in the decrease of cell viability and DNA laddering in the human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). Differences among the cannabinoids tested were mostly observed in the density of cells found in early and late apoptosis and necrosis, favoring AEA and CP as the more effective inducers of apoptotic mechanisms, and Meth-AEA as a more effective inducer of necrosis through transient and rapid apoptosis. SIGNIFICANCE: Through a comparative approach, our results support and confirm the therapeutic potential that cannabinoid receptor agonists exert in gastric cancer cells and open possibilities to use cannabinoids as part of a new gastric cancer therapy.
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Agonistas de Receptores de Canabinoides/farmacologia , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Neoplasias Gástricas/patologia , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Citometria de Fluxo , HumanosRESUMO
Centruroides tecomanus is a medically important scorpion of the state of Colima (Mexico). This communication reports the identification of venom components of this scorpion with biological activity over insects/crickets (Acheta domestica), crustaceans/fresh water shrimps (Cambarellus montezumae), and mammalians/mice (Mus musculus, strain CD1). It also describes the pharmacological effects on cell lines in culture (L5178Y cells, HeLa cells, HuTu cells and Jurkat E6-1 cells), as well as on several types of bacteria (see below). The soluble venom of this scorpion was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and collected separately in twelve independent fractions collected over 60 min run (5 min time apart each other). The HPLC components of fraction VII were lethal to all three species used for assay. The IVth fraction had a toxic effect on freshwater shrimps. In this species, fractions VI, VII and VIII were all lethal. For crickets, fractions V and VI were toxic and fraction VII was lethal. In mouse, the lethal components were found in fraction VII, whereas fraction VIII was toxic, but not lethal, at the doses assayed. The molecular weight of peptides from the various group of fractions were identified by mass spectrometry determination. Components lethal to mice showed molecular weights from 7013 to 7487 Da. Two peptides were obtained in homogeneous form and shown to be lethal to the three species of animal used for assay. The soluble venom tested on L5178Y cell line survival was shown to be cytotoxic, at 10-100 µg/mL concentration, when compared to control murine splenocytes (p = 0.007). The soluble venom applied to Hela, Hutu and Jurkat cell lines did not show cytotoxic effects at these concentrations. On the contrary, it seems to have a proliferative effect. However the HPLC fractions I, III, VI and XII do have a cytotoxic effect on Jurkat E06-1 cells in culture at 200 µg/mL concentration. The antimicrobial activity of the venom fractions on Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Salmonella spp (gram-negative) was measured, using the liquid inhibition growth system. The four strains of bacteria used were susceptible to fractions III and IV, affecting all four bacterial strains at concentrations below 5 µg/mL.
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Antibacterianos/isolamento & purificação , Antineoplásicos/isolamento & purificação , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Descoberta de Drogas , Inseticidas/isolamento & purificação , Venenos de Escorpião/química , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Antibacterianos/efeitos adversos , Antibacterianos/química , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antineoplásicos/efeitos adversos , Antineoplásicos/química , Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Proteínas de Artrópodes/química , Proteínas de Artrópodes/isolamento & purificação , Proteínas de Artrópodes/farmacologia , Proteínas de Artrópodes/toxicidade , Astacoidea/efeitos dos fármacos , Astacoidea/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Células Cultivadas , Bactérias Gram-Negativas/efeitos dos fármacos , Bactérias Gram-Negativas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Gryllidae , Humanos , Injeções Intraperitoneais , Inseticidas/química , Inseticidas/farmacologia , Inseticidas/toxicidade , México , Camundongos , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Venenos de Escorpião/administração & dosagem , Venenos de Escorpião/toxicidade , Escorpiões/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Baço/citologia , Baço/efeitos dos fármacos , Staphylococcus aureus/efeitos dos fármacos , Staphylococcus aureus/crescimento & desenvolvimentoRESUMO
Background: The prevalence of cervicovaginal infections during pregnancy has been associated with adverse perinatal outcomes however, the actual approach used for diagnosis is not effective. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnosis of vaginal infections in pregnant women using clinical, molecular diagnostic and traditional microbiological culture in a pilot study, to determine the prevalence and association with the development of preterm labor. Materials and methods: We performed a nested cross-sectional study composed by 54 women in a cohort of pregnant women in Mexico City. Cervicovaginal infections were evaluated by clinical methods, microbiology culture and a commercially available molecular biology test. Results: Prevalence of cervicovaginal infections during pregnancy was estimated between 28% and 50% according to methodologies. Considering the clinical diagnosis of preterm labor as the gold standard, all diagnostic tests were poor as predictors of preterm labor. Conclusion: Traditional approaches to establish the significance of cervicovaginal infection in pregnancy are exhausted, so be sought new ways to understand this complex relationship. Meanwhile it is recommended to continue to use traditional methods to identify infections during pregnancy in both knowledge of new methods aimed at understanding these relationships are sophisticated.
Assuntos
Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular/métodos , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/diagnóstico , Doenças do Colo do Útero/diagnóstico , Doenças Vaginais/diagnóstico , Adolescente , Adulto , Estudos de Coortes , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , México , Trabalho de Parto Prematuro/epidemiologia , Projetos Piloto , Gravidez , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/microbiologia , Resultado da Gravidez , Doenças do Colo do Útero/microbiologia , Doenças Vaginais/microbiologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
The strawberry, Fragaria×ananassa Duchesne (Rosales: Rosaceae), is an important crop in Mexico. We evaluated the tolerance of three newly developed Mexican strawberry varieties (CP0615, CPLE-7, and CPJacona) to Tetranychus urticae Koch (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae), the most important pest of strawberry. We evaluated the effect of three different initial mite densities on population growth, duration of each developmental stage and survival of T. urticae on the three strawberry varieties. We also compared the photosynthetic activity (Pn), sub-stomatal CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (gs) and the area of leaf damaged in the three varieties. The largest final density of mites occurred on the variety CP0615, followed by the varieties CPLE-7 and CPJacona. There were no significant differences in the duration of T. urticae developmental stages amongst the varieties, except for larvae where the shortest duration was on variety CPLE-7. The proportion of eggs reaching the adult stage (survival) was significantly lower on the variety CPLE-7. The number and morphology of the trichomes did not play an important role in the outcomes, as they were similar in the three varieties. There were no significant differences in Pn, Ci, and gs values amongst the three varieties in the presence and absence of T. urticae. The area of leaf damaged in variety CPLE-7 was significantly smaller than for the other varieties. Based on these results, and with regard to spider mite tolerance, we believe that the variety CPLE-7 has the greatest potential for further development, and eventually, for use on a commercial scale in Mexico.
Assuntos
Fragaria/fisiologia , Herbivoria , Fotossíntese , Tetranychidae/fisiologia , Animais , Fragaria/genética , Fragaria/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Larva/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Larva/fisiologia , Ninfa/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Ninfa/fisiologia , Óvulo/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Óvulo/fisiologia , Folhas de Planta/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Folhas de Planta/fisiologia , Densidade Demográfica , Tetranychidae/crescimento & desenvolvimentoRESUMO
Introducción: La osteoartritis (OA) es una artropatía degenerativa que modifica las propiedades mecánicas y biológicas, del cartílago articular y del hueso subcondral, su tratamiento va encaminado hacia el alivio del dolor, mantener la función articular y reducir la progresión de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo es comparar los resultados quirúrgicos de la limpieza articular artroscópica y adelantamiento rotuliano utilizando la escala WOMAC. Metodología: Estudio transversal en el que se compara el resultado funcional del tratamiento de la OA patelofemoral en pacientes operados por limpieza articular artroscópica y pacientes operados por adelantamiento rotuliano con técnica de Bandi. Las variables fueron, género, edad, lado afectado, técnica quirúrgica e índice de WOMAC prequirúrgico y a los 12 meses de seguimiento. Utilizamos estadística descriptiva así como t de Student para la diferencia de promedios de WOMAC entre ambos grupos de pacientes. Resultados: n = 37 pacientes, la edad promedio fue 53.48 años (28-82), ± 12.55, el género 11 (29.7%) hombres y 26 (70.3%) mujeres, el lado afectado: 19 (51.35%) derecho y 18 (48.65%) izquierdo. Técnica quirúrgica: 45.9% artroscópico y 54.1% con técnica de Bandi. Los pacientes operados mediante Bandi y adelantamiento rotuliano tuvieron mejoría del dolor, rigidez articular y de la función física (p = 0.00); la comparación del puntaje global de WOMAC para ambas técnicas al año no mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p = 0.78). Conclusión: Ambas técnicas (Bandi y limpieza artroscópica) ofrecen buenos resultados a los 365 días de operados, sin embargo, los pacientes manejados por limpieza artroscópica presentan menor dolor comparados con los de adelantamiento rotuliano tipo Bandi.
Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that modifies the mechanical and biological properties of articular cartilage and subchondral bone, treatment is aimed at relieving pain, maintain joint and reduce disease progression function. The aim of this paper is to compare the surgical outcomes of the arthroscopic articular cleaning and Bandi procedure by using the WOMAC scale. Methods: Cross-sectional study, functional outcome of treatment of patellofemoral ostheoarthritis by arthroscopic articular cleaning and Bandi procedure are compared. Variables were gender, age, affected side, surgical technique and preoperative and 12 months follow up WOMAC evaluation. We used descriptive statistics and t-test for mean difference in WOMAC between both groups of patients. Results: n = 37 patients, the mean age was 53.48 (28-82), ± 12.55 years; 11 (29.7%) males and 26 (70.3%) women, the affected side: 19 (51.35%) right and 18 (48.65%) left. Surgical technique: 45.9% arthroscopic articular cleaning and 54.1% Bandi procedure. Patients operated by both technics: Bandi and arthroscopic articular cleaning had improvement in pain, stiffness and physical function (p = 0.00); comparison of global WOMAC score for both techniques a year after showed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.78). Conclusion: Both techniques (Bandi and arthroscopic articular cleaning) offer good results at 365 days of surgery, however patients managed by arthroscopic articular cleaning have less pain compared with Bandi procedure.