Resumen Se determinó el efecto acaricida de 18 plantas mexicanas contra Rhipicephalus microplus. Los resultados del ensayo larvicida revelaron que 5 extractos metanólicos produjeron una actividad alta (86-100 % de mortalidad), 3 extractos mostraron una actividad relativamente alta (71-85 % de mortalidad), 2 extractos mostraron una actividad moderada (56-70 % de mortalidad), 2 extractos presentaron baja actividad (31-55 % mortalidad) y 6 extractos mostraron actividad acaricida no significativa (0-30 % mortalidad). Los extractos que inducían >56 % de mortalidad se analizaron posteriormente contra garrapatas ingurgitadas de R. microplus mediante una prueba de inmersión de adultos a una concentración de 5.0% p/v. En términos generales, los resultados en larvas y garrapatas adultas indicaron que los extractos metanólicos de Annona globiflora, Annona scleroderma, Litchi chinensis y Azadirachta indica mostraron las mayores actividades. El extracto crudo de A. indica fue sometido a una purificación cromatográfica, lo que llevó al aislamiento de 3-O-butil-(-)-epigalocatequina (1), 3-O-butil-(-)-epicatequina (2), (-)-epigalocatequina (3), (+)-galocatequina (4), (-)-epicatequina (5), β-sitosterol (6), estigmasterol (7), glucósido de estigmasterol (8), trilinoleína (9), azadiractina A (10) y el éster de ácido octadecanoico-tetrahidrofurano-3,4-diílico (11). Las estructuras químicas de los compuestos aislados fueron identificadas mediante la interpretación de los datos espectroscópicos de RMN y HRESI-MS. Los compuestos aislados se ensayaron frente a garrapatas ingurgitadas de R. microplus a una concentración de 6 mM. Sobre la base de los resultados obtenidos, se concluyó que el 3-O-butil-(-)-epigalocatequina (1), el 3-O-butil-(-)-epicatequina (2), la azadiractina A (10) y el ácido octadecanoico-tetrahidrofurano-3,4-diil éster (11) muestran la mayor eficacia.

Abstract This work determined the acaricidal effect of 18 Mexican plants against Rhipicephalus microplus. The results of the larvicidal assay revealed that 5 methanolic extracts produced high activity (86-100 % mortality), 3 extracts exhibited relatively high activity (71-85 % mortality), 2 extracts displayed moderate activity (56-70 % mortality), 2 extracts presented low activity (31-55 % mortality) and 6 extracts showed non-significant acaricidal activity (0-30 % mortality). Extracts inducing >56 % mortality were subsequently assayed against engorged ticks of R. microplus by adult immersion test at a concentration of 5.0% w/v. In general terms, the results on larvae and adult ticks indicated that the methanolic extracts of Annona globiflora, Annona scleroderma, Litchi chinensis and Azadirachta indica showed the greatest activities. The crude extract of A. indica was subjected to chromatographic purification, which has led to the isolation of 3-O-butyl-(-)-epigallocatechin (1), 3-O-butyl-(-)-epicatechin (2), (-)-epigallocatechin (3), (+)-gallocatechin (4), (-)-epicatechin (5), β-sitosterol (6), stigmasterol (7), stigmasterol glucoside (8), triolein (9), azadirachtin A (10), and the octadecanoic acid-tetrahydrofuran-3,4-vinyl ester (11). The isolated compounds' chemical structures were identified by the interpretation of NMR and HRESI-MS spectroscopic data. The isolated compounds were assayed against engorged ticks of R. microplus at a concentration of 6 mM. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that 3-O-butyl-(-)-epigallocatechin (1), 3-O-butyl-(-)-epicatechin (2), azadirachtin A (10), and octadecanoic acid-tetrahydrofuran-3,4-vinyl ester (11) show the highest effectiveness.

ABSTRACT Introduction Main renal artery clamping and selective arterial clamping are two conventional devascularization methods for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) (1, 2). Decreasing warm ischemic (WI) time (3, 4) and improving clear surgical visualization (5) are the main surgically modifiable factors for RAPN, especially in large complex renal cancer (6). In this study, we described our surgical technique, focusing on gradual segmental artery unclamping on patients with large renal tumors. Material and methods Two patients (R.E.N.A.L score 10 and 11) underwent RAPN with gradual segmental artery unclamping (Figures 1 and 2). The unclamping included five key steps. First, all renal segmental arteries were identified as tumor feeding vessel(s) and the vessels for normal kidney parenchyma under the guidance of CT angiography (CTA) 3-division (3D) reconstruction. Second, all segmental arteries were isolated, and the feeding one(s) should be blocked before other arteries were blocked. Third, the tumor was resected outside the pseudocapsule, and the deep resection bed was sutured for initial hemostasis. Fourth, the segmental arteries were reopened except for the tumor feeding one(s), and normal kidney parenchyma restored blood supply. And fifth, the resection bed was completely sutured, and the feeding vessel supplying the tumor was opened after the suture. Warm ischemia time (WIT) was defined as the time measured between clamping and unclamping of the renal artery. WIT1 was the time for normal kidney parenchyma and WIT2 was the time for resection area. Patient demographics, perioperative variables, and warm ischemic time were included in our study. And we presented the details of gradual segmental artery unclamping in the video. Results In both cases, the total operation times were 215 and 130 mins for patient 1 and patient 2, respectively. WIT1 and WIT2 for patient 1 were 15 min and 33 min., and WIT1 and WIT2 for patient 2 were 21 min and 32 min, respectivelly. The maximum diameters of the masses resected were 10.8 and 7.3 cm, and surgical margins were negative. No patient had complications after operation. Preoperative and postoperative eGFR did not change significantly. Pre- and postoperative eGFR were 111 and 108 mL/min for patient 1, 91 and 83 mL/min for patient 2, respectively. Key hints for outcomes optimization during RAPN on patients with large complex renal tumors: 1) Each segmental renal artery is precised clamped before we excise the tumor, and an excellent surgical vision is essential for precising excision and shortening clamping time, 2) Other segmental renal arteries are unclamped except tumor feeding branch after suturing deep layer of parenchyma, and most normal parenchyma restores blood supply, 3) Preoperative high-resolution computed tomography angiography (CTA) and 3D reconstructive renal structure serve as a guide to clear the approach to find the tumor and segmental arteries (7, 8). Conclusions Gradual segmental artery unclamping is feasible and efficient to excise large complex renal cancer. Compared with main renal artery clamping, it can shorten the warm ischemic time of normal parenchyma; On the other hand, compared with selective segmental arterial clamping, the technique can reduce bleeding from the deep resection bed, keep a clear surgical vision, and decrease the incidence of positive margin.

Abstract Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked lethal genetic disorder for which there is no effective treatment. Previous studies have shown that stem cell transplantation into mdx mice can promote muscle regeneration and improve muscle function, however, the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. DMD suffers varying degrees of hypoxic damage during disease progression. This study aimed to investigate whether induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have protective effects against hypoxia-induced skeletal muscle injury. Results In this study, we co-cultured iPSCs with C2C12 myoblasts using a Transwell nested system and placed them in a DG250 anaerobic workstation for oxygen deprivation for 24 h. We found that iPSCs reduced the levels of lactate dehydrogenase and reactive oxygen species and downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of BAX/BCL2 and LC3II/ LC3I in hypoxia-induced C2C12 myoblasts. Meanwhile, iPSCs decreased the mRNA and protein levels of atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 and increased myotube width. Furthermore, iPSCs downregulated the phosphorylation of AMPKA and ULK1 in C2C12 myotubes exposed to hypoxic damage. Conclusions Our study showed that iPSCs enhanced the resistance of C2C12 myoblasts to hypoxia and inhibited apoptosis and autophagy in the presence of oxidative stress. Further, iPSCs improved hypoxia-induced autophagy and atrophy of C2C12 myotubes through the AMPK/ULK1 pathway. This study may provide a new theoretical basis for the treatment of muscular dystrophy in stem cells.

RESUMEN La producción de chile habanero en Yucatán, demanda plántulas de calidad al momento del trasplante, lo que ha llevado al uso de reguladores de crecimiento, que si bien es cierto potencializan la germinación y desarrollo de las plantas, también incrementan los costos de producción. Por tal motivo se están buscando alternativas de producción que reduzcan los costos, razón por la cual, se ha puesto la mirada en el gel de la sábila, cuya composición química reporta la presencia de fitorreguladores como las giberelinas y el ácido salicílico. Para estudiar la respuesta del gel de sábila en la emergencia y desarrollo de la raíz y vástago en plántulas de chile habanero, se sembraron 500 semillas de chile habanero variedad “Mayapan”, en grupos de 100, previamente embebidas en 100 mL de gel de sábila al 0, 2.5, 5, 10 y 20 %, durante 24 h. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que el gel de sábila reduce cuatro días la emergencia y favorece hasta en un 18 % el desarrollo radicular, la altura de la planta y biomasa fresca total; 11 % el diámetro del tallo y 13 % número de hojas, observándose un mayor efecto con la solución al 5 % de gel de sábila.

ABSTRACT The production of habanero pepper in Yucatán demands quality seedlings at the time of transplantation, which has led to the use of growth regulators, which, although it is true, potentiate the germination and development of the plants, they also increase production costs. For this reason, production alternatives are being sought that reduce costs, which is why an eye has been focused on Aloe vera gel, whose chemical composition reports the presence of phytoregulators such as gibberellins and salicylic acid. To study the response induced by the aloe gel in the emergence and development of the root and shoot in habanero pepper seedlings, 500 seeds of the habanero pepper variety “Mayapan” were sown, in groups of 100, previously soaked in 100 mL of aloe gel at 0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 %, for 24 h. The results obtained show that Aloe vera gel reduces emergence by four days and favors root development, plant height and total fresh biomass by up to 18 %, also 11 % the diameter of the stem and 13% number of leaves, observing a greater effect with the 5 % solution of Aloe vera gel.

Abstract: Background and Aims: Lysiloma is a Neotropical genus in the Fabaceae family that comprises eight species, six of which are widely distributed in Mexico, and two more that occur in the Antilles and Florida. Lysiloma is frequent in Megamexico’s dry forests. A previous phylogenetic study included three species of Lysiloma and Hesperalbizia occidentalis. Both genera are closely related, but their divergence has weak support. Our objectives were to test the monophyly of the genus, evaluate the sister relationships within the genus, and estimate the divergence times. Methods: A phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters, molecular markers (ETS, matK, and trnK), as well as a combined analysis (morphology + molecules) was performed. The data matrices were analyzed both individually and concatenated (total evidence approach) with Bayesian inference and Maximum Parsimony. In addition, molecular divergence times were estimated from the ETS dataset with a Bayesian uncorrelated lognormal relaxed clock. Key results: The morphological analysis supports the monophyly of Lysiloma with Hesperalbizia as sister group. However, the individual and the combined molecular analyses do not provide resolution to clarify the relationships between Hesperalbizia occidentalis, Lysiloma sabicu, and core Lysiloma. The total evidence analysis (including morphology) supports the monophyly of Lysiloma, yet with low support. According to our molecular clock model, the clade Lysiloma+Hesperalbizia diverged from other members of the tribe Acacieae+Ingeae about 32 million years ago, and the diversification of the core of Lysiloma occurred during the Miocene. Conclusions: Lysiloma+Hesperalbizia is an early divergent clade of tribes Acacieae+Ingeae. There are enough morphological differences to recognize both linages. Morphological characters informally used for taxonomic delimitation seem to have evolved homoplasiously. The clade Lysiloma and Hesperalbizia separated from other members of the tribe Acacieae+Ingeae in the Oligocene, but the diversification of the core of the genus coincides with the expansion of the dry forest at the beginning of the Miocene.

Resumen: Antecedentes y Objetivos: Lysiloma es un género neotropical de la familia Fabaceae que comprende ocho especies, seis de las cuales se distribuyen ampliamente en México y dos más que ocurren en las Antillas y La Florida. Lysiloma es frecuente en los bosques secos de Megaméxico. Un estudio filogenético previo incluyó tres especies de Lysiloma y Hesperalbizia occidentalis. Ambos géneros están estrechamente relacionados, pero su divergencia tiene un apoyo débil. Nuestros objetivos fueron probar la monofilia del género, evaluar las relaciones de grupo hermano dentro del género y estimar los tiempos de divergencia. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis filogenético basado en caracteres morfológicos, marcadores moleculares (ETS, matK y trnK), así como un análisis combinado (morfología + moléculas). Las matrices de datos se analizaron tanto individualmente como concatenadas (enfoque de evidencia total) con inferencia Bayesiana y máxima parsimonia. Además, los tiempos de divergencia molecular se estimaron a partir del conjunto de datos ETS con un modelo de reloj bayesiano relajado lognormal no correlacionado. Resultados clave: El análisis morfológico respalda la monofilia del Lysiloma con Hesperalbizia como grupo hermano. Sin embargo, los análisis moleculares individuales y combinado no proporcionan resolución para aclarar las relaciones entre Hesperalbizia occidentalis, Lysiloma sabicu y el núcleo de Lysiloma. El análisis de evidencia total (incluida la morfología) respalda la monofilia de Lysiloma, pero con un bajo soporte. Según nuestro modelo de reloj molecular, el clado Lysiloma+Hesperalbizia se separó de otros miembros de la tribu Acacieae+Ingeae hace unos 32 millones de años y la diversificación del núcleo del Lysiloma se produjo a lo largo del Mioceno. Conclusiones: Lysiloma+Hesperalbizia es un clado de divergencia temprana de las tribus Acacieae+Ingeae. Existen suficientes diferencias morfológicas para reconocer ambos linajes. Los caracteres morfológicos utilizados informalmente para la delimitación taxonómica parecen haber evolucionado de manera homoplásica. El clado de Lysiloma y Hesperalbizia se separó de otros miembros de la tribu Acacieae+Ingeae en el Oligoceno, pero la diversificación del núcleo del género coincidió con la expansión del bosque seco a principios del Mioceno.

ABSTRACT Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoproliferative diseases (LPDs) cover a wide range of lymphocytes disorders spanning B, T and natural killer cells. The classification of EBV-associated LPD is evolving. We report a case of a 63-year-old male patient with EBV-associated T/B cell LPD diagnosed by pathological biopsy of lymph nodes, which is a new type of EBV-associated LPD that has not been reported previously. Because of its rarity, standard treatment has not been established. This patient showed rapid remission of the disease after combination chemotherapy with rituximab, which provided evidence supporting the use of rituximab and chemotherapy combination in EBV-associated T/B cell LPD treatment.

Resumen Introducción y Objetivo. En México una cuarta parte de las universidades que ofrecen estudios en Ingeniería en Biotecnología no incluyen Bioética en su currícula de asignaturas obligatorias. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue encuestar a profesores de la Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY) para conocer el nivel de importancia que le atribuyen a la enseñanza de la Bioética, así como su opinión sobre la pertinencia de incorporarla como una asignatura obligatoria en la currícula de las licenciaturas, en particular Ingeniería en Biotecnología. Método. Se diseñó una encuesta con 24 ítemes. Los temas fueron: Sección 1. Importancia de la Bioética. Parte medular de la encuesta. Sección 2. Enseñanza de la Bioética. Recomendación puntual. Sección 3. Conocimiento de la Bioética. Se encuestaron a 30 profesores, en Mérida, Yuc. México. Los resultados se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados. El 75% de los entrevistados consideraron importante a la Bioética en el medio profesional; en las actividades de investigación fue importante para más del 70% de los participantes. Los datos revelaron que la Bioética debe incluirse en los programas de licenciatura según el 93% de los profesores y para el caso de estudios de posgrado la necesidad de su inclusión es del 64%. Conclusiones. La Bioética debe ser incluida en la currícula de asignaturas obligatorias de licenciatura, sobre todo en Ingeniería en Biotecnología, dado que es importante para el desempeño profesional y buen juicio de los alumnos graduados.

Abstract Introduction and Objective. In Mexico, one fourth of the universities that offer studies in “Engineering in Biotechnology” do not include Bioethics in their curriculum of compulsory subjects. The objective of this work was to survey professors from the Autonomous University of Yucatan (UADY) to know the level of importance they attribute to the teaching of Bioethics, as well as their opinion on the relevance of incorporating it as a compulsory subject in the curriculum of the degrees, in particular Engineering in Biotechnology. Material and Methods. A survey with 24 items was designed. The topics were: Section 1. Importance of Bioethics. Core part of the survey. Section 2. Teaching Bioethics. Punctual recommendation. Section 3. Knowledge of Bioethics. Thirty teachers were included in the survey in Mérida, Yuc. Mexico. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results. Seventy five percent of the interviewees considered Bioethics important in the professional activity; in the research activities it was important for more than 70% of the participants. The data revealed that Bioethics should be included in the undergraduate programs according to 93% of the professors and in the case of postgraduate studies the need for its inclusion is 64%. Findings. Bioethics must be included in the curriculum of compulsory undergraduate educational programs, especially in “Engineering in Biotechnology”, since it is important for the professional performance and good judgment of graduate students.

Abstract Background: Bioprospecting includes the search for secondary metabolites to be used as drugs, fungicides or insecticides. Secondary metabolites in plants may vary according to their phenological stage, sex and environment, therefore, these elements should be considered in bioprospecting. Questions: 1) Are the Baccharis conferta phenophases different between organisms of different sexes and along an altitudinal gradient? and, 2) Do the different concentrations of ethanolic extracts of different sex, phenophases and altitudes of B. conferta on the in vitro growth of Myrothecium roridum and Alternaria solani have biological activity? Species studied: Baccharis conferta Kunth, Myrothecium roridum Tode ex Fr. and Alternaria solani Sor. Study site and dates: Cofre de Perote National Park, September 2017 to October 2018. Methods: Monthly registration of phenophases in plants of both sexes of B. conferta in three altitudes of the Cofre de Perote. In vitro antifungal activity of extracts of B. conferta on Myrothecium roridum and Alternaria solani. Results: We observed differences (p < 0.05) in the presence and duration of the B. conferta phenophases between sexes and altitudes. There were also significant differences in extracts from organisms of different altitudes and phenophases on the growth of M. roridum and A. solani. Conclusions: The phenophases of Baccharis conferta are different between sexes and through altitude, and its extracts (between sexes and altitude) also have differential effects on in vitro growth of Myrothecium roridum and Alternaria solani.

Resumen Antecedentes: La bioprospección incluye la búsqueda de metabolitos secundarios para ser usados como fármacos, fungicidas o insecticidas. Los metabolitos secundarios en plantas pueden variar de acuerdo con su estado fenológico, sexo y por el ambiente, por lo tanto, estos elementos deben ser considerados en la bioprospección. Preguntas: 1) ¿Son diferentes las fenofases de Baccharis conferta entre organismos de diferente sexo y a lo largo de un gradiente altitudinal? y 2) ¿Tienen actividad biológica las diferentes concentraciones de extractos etanólicos de diferente sexo, fenofases y altitudes de B. conferta sobre el crecimiento in vitro de Myrothecium roridum y Alternaria solani? Especies estudiadas: Baccharis conferta Kunth, Myrothecium roridum Tode ex Fr. y Alternaria solani Sor. Sitio de estudio y fechas: Parque Nacional Cofre de Perote, septiembre 2017 a octubre 2018. Métodos: Registro mensual de fenofases en plantas de ambos sexos de B. conferta en tres altitudes del Cofre de Perote. Actividad antifúngica in vitro de extractos de B. conferta sobre Myrothecium roridum y Alternaria solani. Resultados: Observamos diferencias (p < 0.05) en la presencia y duración de las fenofases de B. conferta entre sexos y altitudes. También hubo diferencias significativas de los extractos provenientes de organismos de diferentes altitudes y fenofases sobre el crecimiento de M. roridum y A. solani. Conclusiones: Las fenofases de Baccharis conferta son diferentes entre sexos y a través de la altitud, además sus extractos (entre sexos y altitud) tienen efectos diferenciales sobre el crecimiento in vitro de Myrothecium roridum y Alternaria solani.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar três procedimentos de debilitamento dos músculos oblíquos superiores para a correção de estrabismo com padrão em A: tenectomia, sutura em rédea (hang-back recession) e o uso de espaçadores de sutura oblíqua superior. Métodos: Os critérios de inclusão foram estrabismo padrão em A ≥10Δ e desvio horizontal ≥10Δ, sem outras anormalidades oculares e tempo de acompanhamento ≥6 meses. Os 24 pacientes (média de idade de 16,3 ± 8,1 anos; média de seguimento pós-operatório de 9,63 ± 3,11 meses) foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos de 8 pacientes cada. O programa Sigmascan® Pro 5.0 foi utilizado para medir o grau de torção no pré e pós-operatório. Resultados: No pré-operatório, a média e o desvio padrão dos ângulos de padrão em A foram de 19,33Δ° ± 3,53Δ° (grupo da tenectomia), 15,71Δ° ± 1,11Δ° (grupo da sutura em rédea), 14,62Δ° ± 1,18Δ° (grupo de espaçadores de sutura); esses valores não diferiram significativamente. No exame pós-operatório, a média e o desvio padrão dos ângulos de desvio do padrão em A foram de 4,67Δ° ± 0,67Δ° (grupo da tenectomia), 6,29Δ° ± 1,48Δ° (grupo da sutura em rédea), 4,38Δ° ± 1,03Δ° (grupo de espaçadores de sutura), sem diferença estatisticamente significativa na correção do estrabismo padrão em A entre os três grupos. No pré-operatório, os ângulos médios de torção foram de +5,4o ± 3,9° (grupo de tenectomia), +5,6° ± 4,9° (grupo da sutura em rédea), e +6,0° ± 3,3° (grupo de espaçadores de sutura), esses valores não diferiram significativamente. No pós-operatório, os ângulos médios de torção foram de +0,3° ± 5,6° (grupo da tenectomia), +0,5° ± 4,6° (grupo da sutura em rédea), e +0,2° ± 5,2° (grupo de espaçadores de sutura), sem diferença estatisticamente significativa na correção da intorção entre os três grupos. Conclusão: Os três procedimentos de debilitamento dos músculos oblíquos superiores foram efetivos para a correção do estrabismo com padrão em A e da intorção ocular observada na fundoscopia.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate three superior oblique surgical weakening procedures for correcting A-pattern strabismus: tenectomy, superior oblique hang-back recession, and that involving the use of superior oblique suture spacers. Methods: The inclusion criteria were A-pattern strabismus ≥10Δ and horizontal deviation ≥10Δ, with no other ocular abnormality and a follow-up period of ≥6 months. The 24 patients (mean age, 16.3 ± 8.1 years; mean postoperative follow-up, 9.63 ± 3.11 months) were randomly divided into three groups of 8 patients each. Sigmascan® Pro 5.0 software was used to measure the degree of torsion pre- and postoperatively. Results: Preoperatively, the mean angles of A-pattern deviation were 19.33Δ° ± 3.53Δ° (tenectomy group), 15.71Δ° ± 1.11Δ° (hang-back recession group), and 14.62Δ° ± 1.18Δ° (suture spacers group); these values did not differ significantly. At the final follow-up examination, the mean angles of A-pattern deviation were 4.67Δ° ± 0.67Δ° (tenectomy group), 6.29Δ° ± 1.48Δ° (hang-back recession group), and 4.38Δ° ± 1.03Δ° (suture spacers group), with no statistically significant difference in the correction in A-pattern strabismus among the three groups. Preoperatively, the mean torsional angles were +5.4° ± 3.9° (tenectomy group), +5.6° ± 4.9° (hang-back recession group), and +6.0° ± 3.3° (suture spacers group); these values did not differ significantly. At the final follow-up examination, the mean torsional angles were + 0.3° ± 5.6° (tenectomy group), +0.5° ± 4.6° (hang-back recession group), and +0.2° ± 5.2° (suture spacers group), with no statistically significant difference in the intorsion correction among the three groups. Conclusion: All three superior oblique weakening procedures were effective for correcting A-pattern strabismus and fundus intorsion.

ABSTRACT. The objective was to evaluate the production and nutritional composition of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) meal under different organic fertilization rates. Twenty 10 × 10 m plots were planted with cassava and fertilized with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kg plant-1 of sugarcane filter cake (part of the waste left after processing). The variables measured were fresh and dry forage yield (FFY and DFY), fresh and dry tuber yield (FTY and DTY), meal yield (MY) and their nutritional composition. The results indicate that the organic fertilization significantly increased the FFY, DFY, FTY, DTY and MY compared to the control. Applying 1.5 kg of organic fertilizer significantly improved crude protein content (CP, 3.37%). Organic fertilization with 1.5 kg plant-1 of compost improved forage and tuber yield, and CP content.

RESUMEN. El objetivo fue evaluar la producción y composición nutricional de la harina de yuca (Manihot esculenta Crantz), bajo diferentes niveles de fertilización orgánica. Se establecieron 20 parcelas de 10 × 10 m sembradas con yuca a las que se les aplicó 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 y 1.5 kg planta-1 de composta de residuos de cachaza de caña (Saccharum officinarum L.). Se midió el rendimiento de forraje fresco (RFF) y seco (RFS), rendimiento de tubérculo en fresco (RTF) y seco (RTS), harina (RH) y composición nutricional. La fertilización orgánica incrementó de forma significativa el RFF, RFS, RTF, RTS y RH, con relación al testigo. La aplicación de 1.5 kg planta-1 de fertilizante orgánico mejoró de forma significativa el contenido de proteína cruda (3.37%). La fertilización orgánica con 1.5 kg planta-1 de composta mejora el rendimiento de forraje, tubérculo y contenido de PC.

This study was performed to examine whether the AF4/FMR2 family, member 1 (AFF1) rs340630 polymorphism is involved in the genetic background of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a Chinese population. Two different study groups of RA patients and controls (328 RA patients and 449 healthy controls in the first study group; 232 RA patients and 313 controls in the second study group) were included in our study. Overall, there was no significant difference in either genotype (P=0.71 and 0.64 in the first and second study group, respectively) nor allele (in the first study group: A vs G, P=0.65, OR=1.05, 95%CI=0.85–1.29; in the second study group: G vs A, P=0.47, OR=1.10, 95%CI=0.86–1.40) frequencies of AFF1 rs340630 polymorphism between RA patients and controls. Our study represents the first report assessing the association of AFF1 rs340630 polymorphism with RA risk. No significant evidence was found for the dominant or recessive models. Further case-control studies with larger sample sizes and fine-mapping studies are needed to clarify the role of AFF1 in the genetic basis of RA.

Among the infectious diseases characterized by a febrile picture are: dengue, leptospirosis, rickettsiosis and salmonellosis, among others. The objective of this study was to identify IgM antibodies against dengue and Leptospira in febrile patientes. The seropositivity for IgM antibodies to dengue was 34%; 26.3% for women and 7.6% for men, without differences significant (p = 0.181). The seropositivity for IgM antibodies to Leptospira was 3.2%, being found only in women. Positive serology for both dengue and Leptospira was 1%. The serovars detected were Pomona and Canicola by the microagglutination technique. It was possible to identify the unsuspected presence of leptospirosis and dengue in atypical months for the latter, an important fact to consider the study of serology in the differential diagnosis of febrile diseases.

Resumen Entre las enfermedades infecciosas febriles se encuentran: dengue, leptospirosis, rickettsiosis y salmonelosis, entre otras. El objetivo de este estudio fue detectar la presencia de anticuerpos IgM a dengue y Leptospira en pacientes febriles. La seropositividad para IgM frente al dengue fue 34%; 26,3% en mujeres y 7,6% en varones, sin diferencias significativas (p = 0,181). La seropositividad para los anticuerpos IgM a Leptospira fue 3,2%; encontrándose sólo en mujeres. La serología positiva para leptospirosis y dengue fue 1%. Los serovares detectados fueron Pomona y Canicola por la técnica de microaglutinación. Se pudo identificar la presencia insospechada de leptospirosis y dengue en meses atípicos para este último, hecho importante para considerar el estudio de serología en el diagnóstico diferencial de enfermedades febriles.

Abstract A new 3-node triangular hybrid displacement function Mindlin-Reissner plate element is developed. Firstly, the modified variational functional of complementary energy for Mindlin-Reissner plate, which is eventually expressed by a so-called displacement function F, is proposed. Secondly, the locking-free formulae of Timoshenko’s beam theory are chosen as the deflection, rotation, and shear strain along each element boundary. Thirdly, seven fundamental analytical solutions of the displacement function F are selected as the trial functions for the assumed resultant fields, so that the assumed resultant fields satisfy all governing equations in advance. Finally, the element stiffness matrix of the new element, denoted by HDF-P3-7β, is derived from the modified principle of complementary energy. Together with the diagonal inertia matrix of the 3-node triangular isoparametric element, the proposed element is also successfully generalized to the free vibration problems. Numerical results show that the proposed element exhibits overall remarkable performance in all benchmark problems, especially in the free vibration analyses.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the impacts of albumin synergized with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) on early microvascular albumin leakage after major abdominal surgery in rabbits. Methods: Forty male Japanese rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, the saline group, the albumin group, and the Syn group (hydroxyethyl starch+albumin). The latter three groups were performed gastrectomy plus resection of pancreatic body and tail and splenectomy. The serum albumin concentration was detected before and 48h after surgery, and the conditions of mesenteric microvascular leakage in these 4 groups were observed under microscope 48 h after surgery to calculate the leakage rate. Results: Compared with the saline group, the albumin group and the Syn group exhibited significantly increased serum albumin concentrations 48h after surgery (P<0.05). The albumin leakage rate was the most obvious in the albumin group, followed by the saline group, while that in the Syn group was the minimal, and there existed significant differences among these groups (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Simple administration of albumin in the early stage after major abdominal surgery could increase the albumin leakage, while the synergization of albumin and hydroxyethyl starch could reduce the albumin leakage.

The construction, characterization and control of an electric oven dedicated to the study of thermoresistive polymer nanocomposites is presented. The oven is designed with a heating plate capable of reaching 300 °C with a resolution of 0.3 °C and an area of uniform temperature of 3.8 cm × 2.5 cm. The temperature is regulated by means of a discrete proportional-integral-derivative controller. A heat transfer model comprising three coupled non-linear differential equations is proposed to predict the thermal profiles of the oven during heating and cooling, which are experimentally verified. The oven is used for thermoresistive characterization of polymer nanocomposites manufactured from a polysulfone polymer and multiwall carbon nanotubes.