ALBERT

Description: Objectives Low back pain (LBP) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal problem, which implies a high rate of chronicity. The chronicity of symptoms can lead to pain expansion. The main objective of this study was to assess whether there were differences between patients with nonspecific chronic LBP (CLBP) who sought healthcare compared to those who did not in terms of pain expansion. Methods Ninety individuals participated in the study and were divided into three groups: 30 patients who sought care; 30 patients who did not seek care; and 30 asymptomatic individuals. The primary variable analyzed was pain expansion. Secondary physical and psychological variables were assessed later, and a regression analysis was performed. Results Patients who sought help showed significant differences in pain expansion and pain intensity compared with the group who did not seek help, with a medium effect size (0.50–0.79). The regression model for the care-seeking group showed that dynamic balance with the left leg and depression were predictors of percentage pain surface area (34.6%). The combination of dynamic balance, range of movement in flexoextension and depression were predictors of widespread pain (48.5%). Conclusion Patients who soughtcare presented greater pain expansion than patients whodidnot. A combination of functional and psychological variables can significantly predict pain expansion in patients with nonspecific CLBP who seek help.

Description: Seagrasses are critical habitats for the recruitment and growth of juvenile penaeid shrimps within estuaries and coastal lagoons. The location of a seagrass bed within the lagoon can determine the value of a particular bed for shrimp populations. Consequently, differences in the abundance of shrimp can be found in seagrasses depending on their location. As shrimp density increases, density-dependent effects on biological parameters are more likely to occur. However, knowledge about density-dependent processes on shrimp populations in nursery habitats remains limited. The present investigation was undertaken to examine the effects of population density on shrimp condition in two selected seagrass beds, located at different distance from a tidal inlet, one 25 km away (distant) and the other 1 km away (nearby), in a subtropical coastal lagoon. The study was based on monthly samplings during one year in Laguna Madre (Mexico), performing a total of 36 shrimp trawls (100 m2 each one) within each seagrass bed (n = 3 trawls per bed per month for 12 months). Shrimp density was related to the proximity to the tidal inlet (higher density was consistently observed in the nearby seagrass bed), which in turn adversely affected the condition of both species studied (Penaeus aztecus and P. duorarum). In this regard, the present study provides the first evidence of density-dependent effects on shrimp condition inhabiting a nursery habitat. Both shrimp species exhibited a negative relationship between condition and shrimp density. However, this pattern differed depending on the proximity to the tidal inlet, suggesting that shrimp populations inhabiting the nearby seagrass bed are exposed to density-dependent effects on condition; whereas, such effects were not detected in the distant seagrass bed. Shrimp density within the distant seagrass bed was probably below carrying capacity, which is suggested by the better shrimp condition observed in that area of the lagoon. Intra and interspecific competition for food items is surmised to occur, predominantly within seagrass beds near the tidal inlet. However, this hypothesis needs to be tested in future studies.

Description: Background The post-mortem interval (PMI) is the time elapsed since the dead of an individual until the body is found, which is relevant for forensic purposes. The miRNAs regulate the expression of some genes; and due to their small size, they can better support degradation, which makes them suitable for forensic analysis. In the present work, we evaluated the gene expression of miR-381-3p, miR-23b-3p, and miR-144-3p in skeletal muscle in a murine model at the early PMI. Methods We designed a rat model to evaluate the early PMI under controlled conditions. This model consisted in 25 rats divided into five groups of rats, that correspond to the 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours of PMI. The 0 h-PMI was considered as the control group. Muscle samples were taken from each rat to analyze the expression of miR-381-3p, miR-23b-3p, and miR-144-3p by quantitative RT-PCR. The gene expression of each miRNA was expressed as Fold Change (FC) and compared among groups. To find the targets of these miRNAs and the pathways where they participate, we performed an in-silico analysis. From the gene targets of miR-381-3p identified in the silico analysis, the EPC1 gene was selected for gene expression analysis by quantitative RT-PCR in these samples. Also, to evaluate if miR-381-3p could predict the early PMI, a mixed effects model was calculated using its gene expression. Results An upregulation of miR-381-3p was found at 24 h-PMI compared with the control group of 0 h-PMI and (FC = 1.02 vs. FC = 1.96; p = 0.0079). This was the opposite for miR-23b-3p, which had a down-regulation at 24 h-PMI compared to 0 h-PMI (FC = 1.22 vs. FC = 0.13; p = 0.0079). Moreover, the gene expression of miR-381-3p increased throughout the first 24 h of PMI, contrary to miR-23b-3p. The targets of these two miRNAs, participate in biological pathways related to hypoxia, apoptosis, and RNA metabolism. The gene expression of EPC1 was found downregulated at 3 and 12 h of PMI, whereas it remained unchanged at 6 h and 24 h of PMI. Using a multivariate analysis, it was possible to predict the FC of miR-381-3p of all but 6 h-PMI analyzed PMIs. Discussion The present results suggest that miR-23b-3p and miR-381-3p participate at the early PMI, probably regulating the expression of some genes related to the autolysis process as EPC1 gene. Although the miR-381-3p gene expression is a potential estimator of PMI, further studies will be required to obtain better estimates.

Description: Cold-Water Corals (CWCs), and most marine calcifiers, are especially threatened by ocean acidification (OA) and the decrease in the carbonate saturation state of seawater. The vulnerability of these organisms, however, also involves other global stressors like warming, deoxygenation or changes in sea surface productivity and, hence, food supply via the downward transport of organic matter to the deep ocean. This study examined the response of the CWC Desmophyllum dianthus to low pH under different feeding regimes through a long-term incubation experiment. For this experiment, 152 polyps were incubated at pH 8.1, 7.8, 7.5 and 7.2 and two feeding regimes for 14 months. Mean calcification rates over the entire duration of the experiment ranged between −0.3 and 0.3 mg CaCO3 g−1d−1. Polyps incubated at pH 7.2 were the most affected and 30% mortality was observed in this treatment. In addition, many of the surviving polyps at pH 7.2 showed negative calcification rates indicating that, in the long term, CWCs may have difficulty thriving in such aragonite undersaturated waters. The feeding regime had a significant effect on skeletal growth of corals, with high feeding frequency resulting in more positive and variable calcification rates. This was especially evident in corals reared at pH 7.5 (ΩA = 0.8) compared to the low frequency feeding treatment. Early life-stages, which are essential for the recruitment and maintenance of coral communities and their associated biodiversity, were revealed to be at highest risk. Overall, this study demonstrates the vulnerability of D. dianthus corals to low pH and low food availability. Future projected pH decreases and related changes in zooplankton communities may potentially compromise the viability of CWC populations.

Description: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization, sampled at 32–50 days post-inoculation (dpi), was significantly reduced in suppressor of prosystemin-mediated responses2 (spr2) mutant tomato plants impaired in the ω−3 FATTY ACID DESATURASE7 (FAD7) gene that limits the generation of linolenic acid and, consequently, the wound-responsive jasmonic acid (JA) burst. Contrary to wild-type (WT) plants, JA levels in root and leaves of spr2 mutants remained unchanged in response to AMF colonization, further supporting its regulatory role in the AM symbiosis. Decreased AMF colonization in spr2 plants was also linked to alterations associated with a disrupted FAD7 function, such as enhanced salicylic acid (SA) levels and SA-related defense gene expression and a reduction in fatty acid content in both mycorrhizal spr2 roots and leaves. Transcriptomic data revealed that lower mycorrhizal colonization efficiency in spr2 mutants coincided with the modified expression of key genes controlling gibberellin and ethylene signaling, brassinosteroid, ethylene, apocarotenoid and phenylpropanoid synthesis, and the wound response. Targeted metabolomic analysis, performed at 45 dpi, revealed augmented contents of L-threonic acid and DL-malic acid in colonized spr2 roots which suggested unfavorable conditions for AMF colonization. Additionally, time- and genotype-dependent changes in root steroid glycoalkaloid levels, including tomatine, suggested that these metabolites might positively regulate the AM symbiosis in tomato. Untargeted metabolomic analysis demonstrated that the tomato root metabolomes were distinctly affected by genotype, mycorrhizal colonization and colonization time. In conclusion, reduced AMF colonization efficiency in spr2 mutants is probably caused by multiple and interconnected JA-dependent and independent gene expression and metabolomic alterations.

Description: Despite evidence from anatomy, behavior and genomics indicating that the sense of smell in turtles is important, our understanding of chemical communication in this group is still rudimentary. Our aim was to describe the microanatomy of mental glands (MGs) in a freshwater turtle, Mauremys leprosa (Geoemydidae), and to assess the chemical composition of their secretions with respect to variation among individuals and between sexes. MGs are paired sac-like organs on the gular region of the neck and are dimorphic in this species with males having fully functional holocrine glands while those of females appear non-secretory and vestigial. In adult males, the glandular epithelium of the inner portion of the gland provides exocytotic products as well as cellular debris into the lumen of the gland. The contents of the lumen can be secreted through the narrow duct portion of the gland ending in an orifice on the surface of the skin. Females have invaginated structures similar in general outline to male glands, but lack a glandular epithelium. Using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, we identified a total of 61 compounds in mental gland secretions, the most numerous being carboxylic acids, carbohydrates, alkanes, steroids and alcohols. The number of compounds per individual varied widely (mean (median) ± SD = 14.54 (13) ± 8.44; min = 3; max = 40), but only cholesterol was found in all samples. We found that the relative abundances of only six chemicals were different between the sexes, although males tended to have larger amounts of particular compounds. Although the lipid fraction of mental gland secretions is rich in chemical compounds, most occur in both sexes suggesting that they are metabolic byproducts with no role in chemical signaling. However, the relative amounts of some compounds tended to be higher in males, with significantly larger amounts of two carboxylic acids and one steroid, suggesting their putative involvement in chemical communication.

Description: Background In Mexico, coffee leaf rust (CLR) is the main disease that affects the Arabica coffee crop. In this study, the local response of two Mexican cultivars of Coffea arabica (Oro Azteca and Garnica) in the early stages of Hemileia vastatrix infection was evaluated. Methods We quantified the development of fungal structures in locally-infected leaf disks from both cultivars, using qRT-PCR to measure the relative expression of two pathogenesis recognition genes (CaNDR1 and CaNBS-LRR) and three genes associated with the salicylic acid (SA)-related pathway (CaNPR1, CaPR1, and CaPR5). Results Resistance of the cv. Oro Azteca was significantly higher than that of the cv. Garnica, with 8.2% and 53.3% haustorial detection, respectively. In addition, the non-race specific disease resistance gene (CaNDR1), a key gene for the pathogen recognition, as well as the genes associated with SA, CaNPR1, CaPR1, and CaPR5, presented an increased expression in response to infection by H. vastatrix in cv. Oro Azteca if comparing with cv. Garnica. Our results suggest that Oro Azteca’s defense mechanisms could involve early recognition of CLR by NDR1 and the subsequent activation of the SA signaling pathway.

Description: Background The evaluation of the force in internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) of the shoulder is commonly used to diagnose possible pathologies or disorders in the glenohumeral joint and to assess patient’s status and progression over time. Currently, there is new technology of multiple joint isokinetic dynamometry that allows to evaluate the strength in the human being. The main purpose of this study was to determine the absolute and relative reliability of concentric and eccentric internal and external shoulder rotators with a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD). Methods Thirty-two male individuals (21.46 ±  2.1 years) were examined of concentric and eccentric strength of shoulder internal and external rotation with a FEMD at velocities of 0.3 m s−1 and 0.6 m s−1. Relative reliability was determined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Absolute reliability was quantified by standard error of measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV). Systematic differences across velocities testing circumstances, were analyzed with dependent t tests or repeated-measures analysis of variance in case of 2 or more than 2 conditions, respectively. Results Reliability was high to excellent for IR and ER on concentric and eccentric strength measurements, regardless of velocity used (ICC: 0.81–0.98, CV: 5.12–8.27% SEM: 4.06–15.04N). Concentric outcomes were more reliable than eccentric due to the possible familiarization of the population with the different stimuli. Conclusion All procedures examined showed high to excellent reliability for clinical use. However, a velocity of 0.60 m s−1 should be recommended for asymptomatic male patients because it demands less time for evaluation and patients find it more comfortable.

Description: The enzyme L-asparaginase from Escherichia coli is a therapeutic enzyme that has been a cornerstone in the clinical treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia for the last decades. However, treatment effectiveness is limited by the highly immunogenic nature of the protein and its cross-reactivity towards L-glutamine. In this work, a bioinformatic approach was used to identify, select and computationally characterize L-asparaginases from Streptomyces through sequence-based screening analyses, immunoinformatics, homology modeling, and molecular docking studies. Based on its predicted low immunogenicity and excellent enzymatic activity, we selected a previously uncharacterized L-asparaginase from Streptomyces scabrisporus. Furthermore, two putative asparaginase binding sites were identified and a 3D model is proposed. These promising features allow us to propose L-asparaginase from S. scabrisporus as an alternative for the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Description: Motile cryptofauna inhabiting coral reefs are complex assemblages that utilize the space available among dead coral stands and the surrounding coral rubble substrate. They comprise a group of organisms largely overlooked in biodiversity estimates because they are hard to collect and identify, and their collection causes disturbance that is unsustainable in light of widespread reef degradation. Artificial substrate units (ASUs) provide a better sampling alternative and have the potential to enhance biodiversity estimates. The present study examines the effectiveness of ASUs made with defaunated coral rubble to estimate the diversity of motile cryptic crustaceans in the back-reef zone of the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, Mexico. Species richness, Simpson’s diversity index, Shannon–Wiener index and the composition of assemblages were compared between ASUs and samples from the surrounding coral rubble substrate. A combined total of 2,740 specimens of 178 different species, belonging to five orders of Crustacea (Amphipoda, Cumacea, Isopoda, Tanaidacea and Decapoda) were collected. Species richness was higher in the surrounding coral rubble and Shannon–Wiener and Simpson indexes were higher in ASUs. Species composition differed between methods, with only 71 species being shared among sampling methods. Decapoda was more speciose in ASUs and Peracarids in the surrounding coral rubble. Combining the use of ASUs with surrounding rubble provided a better inventory of motile cryptic crustacean biodiversity, as 65% of the species were represented by one or two specimens.