Sodium N-methyldithiocarbamate impact on soil bacterial diversity in greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crop

The constant use of sodium N-methyldithiocarbamate (metam sodium: MS) in protected agriculture in México has attracted the attention of researchers and producers on their effects on the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of MS on the bacterial community structure in an agricultural soil with tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum L.) considering the different phenological stages of the crop. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, with a completely randomized block design with two treatments: 1) without MS and 2) with application of 400 L·ha-1 of MS. For the determination of the bacterial structure, the biodiversity indexes of richness (S), diversity (H') and equity (J'), identification of operational taxonomic units (OTU) were used through the T-RFLP technique. Application of MS in soil showed no significant effect on bacterial richness. However, the application of MS does alter the structure of the bacterial community (H' and J') in each of the tomato phenological stages. Finally, future studies which include the evaluation of the effects of MS on the physiology of intensive crops and functions in the different soil types are need.The constant use of sodium N-methyldithiocarbamate (metam sodium: MS) in protected agriculture in México has attracted the attention of researchers and producers on their effects on the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of MS on the bacterial community structure in an agricultural soil with tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum L.) considering the different phenological stages of the crop. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, with a completely randomized block design with two treatments: 1) without MS and 2) with application of 400 L·ha-1 of MS. For the determination of the bacterial structure, the biodiversity indexes of richness (S), diversity (H') and equity (J'), identification of operational taxonomic units (OTU) were used through the T-RFLP technique. Application of MS in soil showed no significant effect on bacterial richness. However, the application of MS does alter the structure of the bacterial community (H' and J') in each of the tomato phenological stages. Finally, future studies which include the evaluation of the effects of MS on the physiology of intensive crops and functions in the different soil types are need

Position statement on the use of albumin in liver cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is characterized by a prolonged asymptomatic period in which the inflammation persists, increasing as the disease progresses. Proinflammatory cytokines and pro-oxidant molecules are key in the development of organ dysfunction. Cirrhosis progression and worsening of portal hypertension bring about bacterial translocation and systemic dissemination via portal circulation of bacterial products, and molecular patterns associated with damage, which exacerbate the systemic Inflammation. Albumin is a molecule that undergoes structural and functional changes as liver damage progresses, affecting its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, oncotic, and endothelial stabilizing properties. Our knowledge of the properties of albumin reveals a molecule with multiple treatment options, capable of targeting several physiopathological aspects of cirrhosis. For the elaboration of the present manuscript on the uses of albumin in liver cirrhosis, several experts in the field of hepatology in Mexico were divided into 5 working groups to summarise and formulate, when appropriate, position statements: 1)pathophysiology of cirrhosis and properties of albumin; 2)proven uses of albumin [large-volume paracentesis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), hepatorenal syndrome (HRS)]; 3)controversial/emerging uses of albumin (long-term use, acute decompensation, liver transplant, non-HRS kidney injury, muscle cramps, non-SBP infections, hyponatremia, encephalopathy); 4)use of albumin in acute-on-chronic liver failure, immunomodulation, and systemic Inflammation; 5)pharmacoeconomics

Delayed colorectal cancer care during covid-19 pandemic (decor-19). Global perspective from an international survey

Background The widespread nature of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been unprecedented. We sought to analyze its global impact with a survey on colorectal cancer (CRC) care during the pandemic. Methods The impact of COVID-19 on preoperative assessment, elective surgery, and postoperative management of CRC patients was explored by a 35-item survey, which was distributed worldwide to members of surgical societies with an interest in CRC care. Respondents were divided into two comparator groups: 1) ‘delay’ group: CRC care affected by the pandemic; 2) ‘no delay’ group: unaltered CRC practice. Results A total of 1,051 respondents from 84 countries completed the survey. No substantial differences in demographics were found between the ‘delay’ (745, 70.9%) and ‘no delay’ (306, 29.1%) groups. Suspension of multidisciplinary team meetings, staff members quarantined or relocated to COVID-19 units, units fully dedicated to COVID-19 care, personal protective equipment not readily available were factors significantly associated to delays in endoscopy, radiology, surgery, histopathology and prolonged chemoradiation therapy-to-surgery intervals. In the ‘delay’ group, 48.9% of respondents reported a change in the initial surgical plan and 26.3% reported a shift from elective to urgent operations. Recovery of CRC care was associated with the status of the outbreak. Practicing in COVID-free units, no change in operative slots and staff members not relocated to COVID-19 units were statistically associated with unaltered CRC care in the ‘no delay’ group, while the geographical distribution was not. Conclusions Global changes in diagnostic and therapeutic CRC practices were evident. Changes were associated with differences in health-care delivery systems, hospital’s preparedness, resources availability, and local COVID-19 prevalence rather than geographical factors. Strategic planning is required to optimize CRC care