Clinical Association of White Matter Hyperintensities Localization in a Mexican Family with Spastic Paraparesis Carrying the PSEN1 A431E Mutation

Presenilin 1 gene (PSEN1) mutations are the most common cause of familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD). One of the most abundant FAD mutations, PSEN1 A431E, has been reported to be associated with spastic paraparesis in about half of its carriers, but the determining mechanisms of this phenotype are still unknown. In our study we characterized three A431E mutation carriers, one symptomatic and two asymptomatic, from a Mexican family with a history of spastic paraparesis in all of its affected members. At cognitive assessment and MRI, the symptomatic subject showed an atypical non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment with visuospatial deficits, olfactory dysfunction and significant parieto-occipital brain atrophy. Furthermore, we found several periventricular white matter hyperintensities whose progression pattern and localization correlated with their motor impairment, cognitive profile, and non-motor symptoms. Together, our data suggests that in this family the A431E mutation leads to a divergent neurological disorder in which cognitive deterioration was clinically exceeded by motor impairment and that it involves early glial and vascular pathological changes

Amino acid tissue levels and GABAa receptor binding in the developing rat cerebellum following status epilepticus

Incidence of status epilepticus (SE) is higher in children than in adults and SE can be induced in developing rats. The cerebellum can be affected after SE; however, consequences of cerebellar amino acid transmission have been poorly studied. The goal of this study was to determine amino acid tissue concentration and GABAA receptor binding in the immature rat cerebellum after an episode of SE. Thirteen-day-old (P13) rat pups received in- traperitoneal injections of lithium chloride (3 mEq/kg). Twenty hours later, on P14, SE was induced by subcutaneous injection of pilocarpine hydrochloride (60 mg/kg). Control ani- mals were given an equal volume of saline subcutaneously. Animals were killed 24 h after SE induction, the cerebellum was quickly removed, and the vermis and hemispheres were rapidly dissected out on ice. Amino acid tissue concentrations in the vermis and hemi- spheres were evaluated by HPLC and fluorescent detection. GABAA receptor binding in the medial vermis was analyzed by in vitro autoradiography. SE increased the tissue levels of the inhibitory amino acids taurine (80%) and alanine (91%), as well as glutamine (168%) in the cerebellar hemisphere; no changes were observed in the vermis. SE did not modify GABAA receptor binding in any cerebellar lobule from the vermis. Our data demonstrate that SE produces region-specific changes in amino acid concentrations in the developing cerebellum

A Survey of key methods, traits, parameters, and conditions for measuring texture in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.)

In the cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) industry, the textural properties and firmness of the fruit are priority traits for producing processed products, such as sweetened dried cranberry (SDC), which have gained popularity in recent years. However, there is currently no reliable methodology for screening these traits in breeding programs. In this study, we examine the key methodologies, textural traits, parameters, and conditions that are necessary to accurately and efficiently measure the texture of cranberry fruit. Double compression, single compression, puncture, shearing and Kramer shear cell methodologies were successfully implemented in cranberry, resulting in a total of 47 textural features. These features allowed the evaluation of the texture of the cranberry fruit based on key factors such as flesh, structure, and skin. This study also examined factors than can affect the performance of texture measurements, including the optimal sample size, storage time, fruit texture-size correlation, fruit temperature and orientation, optimal speed/strain combinations, and the effect of probe diameter. The results of the study suggests that certain texture traits of the compression and puncture methodologies could potentially be used to test varieties and aid in breeding program

Parámetros fisicoquímicos para determinar la calidad del agua de la Laguna de Meoacán, Paraíso, Tabasco

En esta investigación se estudiaron los parámetros fisicoquímicos del agua de la laguna Meocán de Paraíso Tabasco, tomando en cuenta cinco zonas de muestreos con repetición de tres muestras por zona en toda la Laguna teniendo un total de 30 muestras, con el fin de conocer el estado actual de la calidad del agua y tomar medidas correctivas, en caso de ser necesario su tratamiento. Los análisis que se realizaron de acuerdo a las Normas Oficiales Mexicana (NOM) son: Sólidos totals (ST) ppm, Grasas y aceites (ppm), Dureza total (ppm), pH, Sólidos sedimentables (SS) (ppm), Solidos suspendidos totales (SST) ppm, Sustancias activas al azul de metileno (SAAM) ppm y Determinación química de oxígeno (DQO) ppm O2. Algunos parámetros están fuera de los estándares provocando daño a la flora, fauna y habitantes que viven dentro y cerca de la laguna

Production and Commercialization of Helianthus annuus L. for Cut Flowers in Texcoco, Mexico

Objective: To evaluate the production process of the sunflower for cutting flower at two planting dates, the day degree of development (GDD) and commercialization. Design/methodology/approach: A completely randomized experimental design with subsampling was used, with five replications per treatment, planting date, to analyze the variables: number of leaves, height, and flower diameter. Vincent Choice Dark Eye BallTM sunflower was sown in black plastic boxes with 8 cm of substrate on January 31 and February 11, 2020, at 153 m-2 plants, in the greenhouse. After, the seedlings were developed in the open field until harvest, added value and was commercialized locally. The degrees-days of development (GDD) were calculated. Results: The sunflower cultivation cycle for cut flower was 58 days on average. The cultivation in boxes had few weeds, but pests appeared that were controlled. The sunflowers reached an average height of 55 cm, with 13 leaves per stem and a flower with a diameter of 6.88 cm. The sunflower hybrid required more GDD to reach the commercial maturity of the flower on the first planting date. The benefit/cost rate was 1.38. Study limitations/implications: Only two planting dates were made. Findings/Conclusions: The production process involved planning, management and marketing. The sunflower hybrid required an average of 499 GDD to reach commercial flower maturity. The added value increased the price by 5 times.Objective: To evaluate the process of sunflower production (Helianthus annuus L.) for fresh cutting flowers, considering two sowing dates, growing degree-days, and commercialization. Design/Methodology/Approach: A completely randomized experimental design with subsampling was used, with five repetitions per treatment (sowing date), in order to analyze the variables: number of leaves, height, and flower diameter. Vincent Choice Dark Eye Ball™ sunflowers were sown in black plastic boxes with 8 cm of soil on January 31 and February 11, 2020, at 153 plants per m-2 in a greenhouse. Later, the seedlings were grown in the open field until harvesting, after which they were given added value and then locally traded. In addition, the growing degree-days (GDD) were calculated. Results: The sunflowers registered a height of 55 cm, 13 leaves per stalk, and a flower diameter of 6.88 cm. Late sowing favored the height and diameter of the flower. The sunflower hybrid required more GDD to reach commercial flower maturity in the first sowing date. The cost-benefit ratio was 1.38. Study Limitations/Implications: Seeds were sown on only two dates. Findings/Conclusions: The production process involved planning, management, and commercialization. The sunflower hybrid required on average 499 GDD to reach the cutting point. The added value increased the price fivefold

Kernicterus by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: a case report and review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is an X-linked recessive disease that causes acute or chronic hemolytic anemia and potentially leads to severe jaundice in response to oxidative agents. This deficiency is the most common human innate error of metabolism, affecting more than 400 million people worldwide.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>Here, we present the first documented case of kernicterus in Panama, in a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient newborn clothed in naphthalene-impregnated garments, resulting in reduced psychomotor development, neurosensory hypoacousia, absence of speech and poor reflex of the pupil to light.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Mutational analysis revealed the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase Mediterranean polymorphic variant, which explained the development of kernicterus after exposition of naphthalene. As the use of naphthalene in stored clothes is a common practice, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase testing in neonatal screening could prevent severe clinical consequences.</p

Transition metal oxide nanocatalysts for the deoxygenation of palm oil to green diesel

This study investigated the hydrodeoxygenation of palm oil by different oxide nanocatalysts of transition metals α -Fe2O3, NiO, and NiFe2O4, which were synthesized by hot injection. All nanomaterials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and dynamic light dispersion. The catalytic evaluation was performed in a Parr-type reactor at 350°C, 3.5 MPa of H2 pressure, and 3 h of reaction. The liquid product obtained was analyzed by ultraviolet-visible light spectroscopy to identify the n-C16 generated during the reaction. The activity in the deoxygenation of fatty acids to produce n-C16 hydrocarbons has the following order: α-Fe2O3 &lt; NiFe2O4 &lt; NiO

Spontaneous focal activation of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in mouse liver and kidney

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells differ from other T cells by their hyperactive effector T-cell status, in addition to the expression of NK lineage receptors and semi-invariant T-cell receptors. It is generally agreed that the immune phenotype of iNKT cells is maintained by repeated activation in peripheral tissues although no explicit evidence for such iNKT cell activity <it>in vivo </it>has so far been reported.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We used an interferon (IFN)-γ-inducible cytoplasmic protein, Irga6, as a histological marker for local IFN-γ production. Irga6 was intensely expressed in small foci of liver parenchymal cells and kidney tubular epithelium. Focal Irga6 expression was unaffected by germ-free status or loss of TLR signalling and was totally dependent on IFN-γ secreted by T cells in the centres of expression foci. These were shown to be iNKT cells by diagnostic T cell receptor usage and their activity was lost in both CD1 d and Jα-deficient mice.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This is the first report that supplies direct evidence for explicit activation events of NKT cells <it>in vivo </it>and raises issues about the triggering mechanism and consequences for immune functions in liver and kidney.</p

Induction of alternatively activated macrophages enhances pathogenesis during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) causes acute lung injury (ALI) that often leads to severe lung disease. A mouse model of acute SARS-CoV infection has been helpful in understanding the host response to infection; however, there are still unanswered questions concerning SARS-CoV pathogenesis. We have shown that STAT1 plays an important role in the severity of SARS-CoV pathogenesis and that it is independent of the role of STAT1 in interferon signaling. Mice lacking STAT1 have greater weight loss, severe lung pathology with pre-pulmonary-fibrosis-like lesions, and an altered immune response following infection with SARS-CoV. We hypothesized that STAT1 plays a role in the polarization of the immune response, specifically in macrophages, resulting in a worsened outcome. To test this, we created bone marrow chimeras and cell-type-specific knockouts of STAT1 to identify which cell type(s) is critical to protection from severe lung disease after SARS-CoV infection. Bone marrow chimera experiments demonstrated that hematopoietic cells are responsible for the pathogenesis in STAT1(−/−) mice, and because of an induction of alternatively activated (AA) macrophages after infection, we hypothesized that the AA macrophages were critical for disease severity. Mice with STAT1 in either monocytes and macrophages (LysM/STAT1) or ciliated lung epithelial cells (FoxJ1/STAT1) deleted were created. Following infection, LysM/STAT1 mice display severe lung pathology, while FoxJ1/STAT1 mice display normal lung pathology. We hypothesized that AA macrophages were responsible for this STAT1-dependent pathology and therefore created STAT1/STAT6(−/−) double-knockout mice. STAT6 is essential for the development of AA macrophages. Infection of the double-knockout mice displayed a lack of lung disease and prefibrotic lesions, suggesting that AA macrophage production may be the cause of STAT1-dependent lung disease. We propose that the control of AA macrophages by STAT1 is critical to regulating immune pathologies and for protection from long-term progression to fibrotic lung disease in a mouse model of SARS-CoV infection