Search

This article reviews the use of the dynamometer to improve hand strength in older adults. It is concluded that the dynamometer is easily accessible and improves grip strength in the hand, which enhances the quality of life for older adults. Additionally, it is mentioned that aging can cause a loss of sensorimotor capacity in older adults. The article also investigates the combined effects of grip strength and sensory impairment on the prevalence of cognitive impairment in older adults in Korea. It was found that those with low grip strength and sensory impairment had lower scores on the mental status examination and a higher proportion of comorbidities and depressive symptoms. Another study found that exercise can improve pain, hand function, and finger stiffness in individuals with hand osteoarthritis. Furthermore, it was found that stronger grip strength is associated with a lower risk of subsequent cognitive impairment. It was also found that grip strength is an important predictor of osteoporosis in men and women. In summary, the use of the dynamometer can be beneficial for improving grip strength in older adults and addressing related health issues. [Extracted from the article]

Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Piscidia piscipula are two important tree Fabaceae species distributed from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Our aims were focused on the E. cyclocarpum and P. piscipula seeds for: (1) to examine the seed permeability and imbibition rate, (2) to evaluate the effect of seed pre-germinative treatments, and (3) to characterize the structures involved on the presence of physical dormancy (PY). We used fresh seeds to determine seed permeability and imbibition rate, seed viability by means of tetrazolium test, furthermore, we applied mechanical scarification and boiler shocks for 5 s, 10 s and 15 s treatments. Morphological characterization of the seed coat was by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Seed viability in E. cyclocarpum and P. piscipula were 100% and 96%, respectively. Seed permeability and imbibition rate in E. cyclocarpum were low. The highest germination in E. cyclocarpum was in the mechanical scarification (92%), while in P. piscipula, this parameter was in the 10 s boiling water treatment (76.0%). The presence of PY was confirmed in both species because they showed low seed permeability, and imbibition rate; furthermore, exhibited macrosclereids cells. The present research seeks to promote the sustainable use of E. cyclocarpum and P. piscipula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, new organisms that survive and colonize adverse environments are discovered and isolated. Those organisms, called extremophiles, are distributed throughout the world, both in aquatic and terrestrial environments, such as sulfurous marsh waters, hydrothermal springs, deep waters, volcanos, terrestrial hot springs, marine saltern, salt lakes, among others. According to the ecosystem inhabiting, extremophiles are categorized as thermophiles, psychrophiles, halophiles, acidophiles, alkalophilic, piezophiles, saccharophiles, metallophiles and polyextremophiles. They have developed chemical adaptation strategies that allow them to maintain their cellular integrity, altering physiology or improving repair capabilities; one of them is the biosynthesis of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), which constitute a slime and hydrated matrix that keep the cells embedded, protecting from environmental stress (desiccation, salinity, temperature, radiation). EPS have gained interest; they are explored by their unique properties such as structural complexity, biodegradability, biological activities, and biocompatibility. Here, we present a review concerning the biosynthesis, characterization, and potential EPS applications produced by extremophile microorganisms, namely, thermophiles, halophiles, and psychrophiles. A bibliometric analysis was conducted, considering research articles published within the last two decades. Besides, an overview of the culture conditions used for extremophiles, the main properties and multiple potential applications of their EPS is also presented. • Extremophiles have developed adaptation strategies to maintain their cellular integrity. • Biosynthesis of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) is one of their strategies. • EPS' structural diversity makes them competitive with current commercial polysaccharides. • EPS from extremophiles can be considered as new promising "green gold" in biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nefrologia is the property of Revista Nefrologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We present evidence of volcano‐tectonic interactions at Sabancaya volcano that we relate to episodic magma injection and high regional fluid pore pressures. We present a surface deformation time series at Sabancaya including observations from ERS‐1/2, Envisat, Sentinel‐1, COSMO‐SkyMed, and TerraSAR‐X that spans June 1992 to February 2019. These data show deep‐seated inflation northwest of Sabancaya from 1992–1997 and 2013–2019, as well as creep and rupture on multiple faults. Afterslip on the Mojopampa fault following a 2013 MW 5.9 earthquake is anomalously long lived, continuing for at least 6 years. The best fit fault plane for the afterslip is right‐lateral motion on an EW striking fault at 1 km depth. We also model surface deformation from two 2017 earthquakes (MW 4.4 and MW 5.2) on unnamed faults, for which the best fit models are NW striking normal faults at 1–2 km depth. Our best fit model for a magmatic inflation source (13 km depth, volume change of 0.04 to 0.05 km3 yr−1) induces positive Coulomb static stress changes on these modeled fault planes. Comparing these deformation results with evidence from satellite thermal and degassing data, field observations, and seismic records, we interpret strong pre‐eruptive seismicity at Sabancaya as a consequence of magmatic intrusions destabilizing tectonic faults critically stressed by regionally high fluid pressures. High fluid pressure likely also promotes fault creep driven by static stress transfer from the inflation source. We speculate that combining high pore fluid pressures with sufficiently large, offset magmatic inflation can promote strong earthquakes during volcanic unrest. Key Points: InSAR analysis provides evidence for laterally and vertically complex volcanic plumbing system at SabancayaHigh fluid pressure at Sabancaya promotes strong seismicity during 2012–2019 eruptive periodHigh fluid pressure and static stress transfer from deep inflation promote long‐lived fault creep [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First report on the production and characterization of exopolysaccharide produced by Haloferax mucosum. • Haloferax mucosum showed high exopolysaccharide (EPS) production of 7.15 g/L. • EPS had a high molecular mass of 152. • EPS exhibited high emulsion stability to extreme conditions and with different nonpolar solvents. The physicochemical characterization and emulsifying functional properties of a novel exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by haloarchaea Haloferax mucosum (DSM 27191) were investigated. This biopolymer has a high molecular weight of 152 kDa and important protein content of 10%. Different culture media compositions were investigated taking the ATCC 2185 medium as a base and supplementing with varying concentrations of yeast extract and glucose or sucrose as carbon sources to produce the EPS in a liquid medium. The highest EPS production (7.15 ± 0.44 g/L) was obtained at 96 h. EPS aqueous dispersions showed a non-Newtonian rheological behavior which was well fitted to the Cross equation. The EPS (at 0.32% w/w) was capable of stabilizing water-in-oil emulsions with different nonpolar solvents, including n -hexane, kerosene, chloroform, castor oil and mineral oil. EPS retained its emulsifying activity after to be incubated for one hour in a wide range of temperatures (25, 40, 70 and 100 °C), pH (4, 6.5, 7 and 12) and NaCl concentrations (0, 2.0 and 4.0 M). The viscoelastic behavior and stability of hexane-in-water emulsion were examined through oscillatory shear measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface‐Active Biomolecules (SAB) obtained from microbial sources are safe alternatives to chemically synthesized counterparts for many environmental and industrial applications. These applications frequently involve the exposure of the SAB to extreme factors making necessary to seek for molecules that are able to function under such conditions. In this work, the polyextremophilic bacterium Salibacterium sp. 4CTb is reported as a SAB producer. Its emulsifier activity increased almost twofold when the C/N ratio and culture conditions were modified. The partially purified molecule was able to form stable emulsions under extreme conditions (70 °C, pH 12, and 4 M NaCl) better than other commercial molecules, and reduced the surface tension of the water to 49.78 mN m−1 with critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 15.1 mg L−1. Carbohydrate, lipid, and protein assays, accompanied by the Fourier Transform Infra‐Red (FTIR) and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI‐MS) results, indicate the lipopeptide nature of the compound with masses around 645 and 746 Da. The SAB obtained from Salibacterium sp. 4CTb may be suitable for electrical, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, agriculture, and environmental applications, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a hypersensitivity reaction associated with a variety of drugs, mainly anticonvulsants, which is characterized by systemic symptoms and erythematous lesions, common to other toxicodermas. It is an uncommon clinical entity that requires a high suspicion by clinical staff given its varied initial presentation, and the fact that symptoms can overlap with those of other adverse cutaneous reactions to drugs. Without early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, mortality increases. We report the case of a 22-year-old patient with impaired neurodevelopment who received treatment with carbamazepine. Two months later he presented with general symptoms and skin erythematous lesions that began on his trunk. The patient received outpatient care with antihistamines and antipyretics without an appropriate response. His case progressed with increased skin lesions and systemic symptoms that met the diagnostic criteria for DRESS syndrome. He was hospitalized and received medical treatment according to recommended guidelines. The patient's condition improved as his symptoms and associated complications resolved. He was discharged with gradual clearing of the steroid therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing dialysate flow rates (Qd) from 500 to 800 ml/min has been recommended to increase dialysis efficiency. A few publications show that increasing Qd no longer led to an increase in mass transfer area coefficient (KoA) or Kt/V measurement. Our objectives were: 1) Studying the effect in Kt of using a Qd of 400, 500, 700 ml/min and autoflow (AF) with different modern dialysers. 2) Comparing the effect on Kt of water consumption vs. dialysis time to obtain an individual objective of Kt (Ktobj) adjusted to body surface. Methods: This is a prospective single-centre study with crossover design. Thirty-one patients were studied and six sessions with each Qd were performed. HD parameters were acquired directly from the monitor display: effective blood flow rate (Qbe), Qd, effective dialysis time (Te) and measured by conductivity monitoring, final Kt. Results: We studied a total of 637 sessions: 178 with 500 ml/min, 173 with 700 ml/min, 160 with AF and 126 with 400 ml/min. Kt rose a 4% comparing 400 with 500 ml/min, and 3% comparing 500 with 700 ml/min. Ktobj was reached in 82.4, 88.2, 88.2 and 94.1% of patients with 400, AF, 500 and 700 ml/min, respectively. We did not find statistical differences between dialysers. The difference between programmed time and Te was 8′ when Qd was 400 and 500 ml/min and 8.8′ with Qd = 700 ml/min. Calculating an average time loss of eight minutes/session, we can say that a patient loses 24′ weekly, 312′ monthly and 62.4 hours yearly. Identical Kt could be obtained with Qd of 400 and 500 ml/min, increasing dialysis time 9.1′ and saving 20% of dialysate. Conclusions: Our data suggest that increasing Qd over 400 ml/min for these dialysers offers a limited benefit. Increasing time is a better alternative with demonstrated benefits to the patient and also less water consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nefrologia is the property of Revista Nefrologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nefrologia is the property of Revista Nefrologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nefrologia is the property of Revista Nefrologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Strandings provide valuable information about rare marine organisms and their relationship with their environment. In the southern Gulf of México, specifically on the central coast of Campeche, Mexico, strandings of oceanic cetaceans have rarely been recorded, therefore, biological information has also been scarce. One of such rare stranding cases occurred on September 7, 2022, on the coast of Seybaplaya, Campeche. The specimen was identified as a female of Tursiops truncatus with the morphology features of the oceanic ecotype. The carcass was examined shortly after death, and samples for different analyses were obtained fresh. Tissue samples were collected, and some particular observations were made to define the individual's general health status. Results of the analyses revealed damage in the liver, lungs, and kidneys, probably related to 1) the advanced age of the organism (>35 years), and 2) the presence of persistent organic pollutants. Most importantly, this study contributed two new findings, the first record of the parasite Anisakis and the presence of renal calculi in the oceanic ecotype of T. truncatus in the southern Gulf of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondria play an important role as an intracellular energy plant and signaling organelle. However, mitochondria also exist outside cells where they could mediate cell-to-cell communication, repair and serve as an activator of the immune response. Their effects depend on the mitochondrial state or the form in which it is present, either as a whole functional structure as fragments or only as mitochondrial DNA. Herein, we provide evidence of why extracellular mitochondria and their varying forms are considered regenerative factors or pro-inflammatory activators. Understanding these aspects will provide the base of their use in therapy or as a biomarker of disease severity and prognosis. • Extracellular mitochondria regulate cell-to-cell communication, regeneration, danger sensing and immune response. • Extracellular forms of mitochondria are freeMitos, those inside a membrane as in platelets or vesicles, and ccf-mtDNA. • Extracellular mitochondria show potential to be used as a biomarker, target for therapies, and as a therapeutic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oocyte's can carry mitochondrial DNA with mutations affecting embryo health. • Mitochondrial replacement therapies (MRT) may reestablish embryo health. • MRT are invasive and could affect oocyte and embryo viability. • MitoCeption could be a non-invasive option to transfer mitochondria to oocytes. • Mitocepted mitochondria were observed in oocytes and zygotes by qPCR and fluorescence. Oocytes may carry mutations in their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) which affect fertility and embryo development leading to hereditary diseases or rejection. Mitochondrial replacement therapies (MRTs) such as polar body transfer, spindle transfer and pronuclear transfer, aim to change dysfunctional to normal mitochondria inside oocytes and zygotes resulting in healthier offspring. Even with promising results, MRTs techniques are invasive to oocytes and may negatively affect their viability and the success of the procedure. This article shows early evidence of the use of MitoCeption, a mitochondria transfer/transplant (AMT/T) technique to possibly induce the internalization of exogenous mitochondria in a dose-dependent manner to recipient oocytes in comparison to coincubation. By using human isolated mitochondria in a mix obtained from different donors we were able to identify their mtDNA in murine oocytes by qPCR. Fluorescence microscopy showed that exogenous and transferred mitochondria (MitoTracker ® Red) by MitoCeption were internalized in oocytes and zygotes (CellTracker® Green). After maintaining mitocepted zygotes to two-cell embryos, we transferred them to subrogate female mice and obtained healthy mice pups; however, without clear evidence of the maintenance of human mtDNA in the tissues of mice pups. These early results are puzzling, and they open the path to generate more research regarding the use of MitoCeption in comparison to coincubation in order to transfer mitochondria to oocytes using less invasive procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A burial and a rich offering were found under Room 2 in the Murals Building, Bonampak, a Mayan archaeological site situated in Chiapas, Mexico. This burial may be related with the creation of the famous mural paintings. A rich set of jewelry made of green stones was among the different objects found. Green stones have great importance in Mesoamerican cultures, those composed of jadeite being the most appreciated. To characterize the green stones, different spectroscopic techniques were used in a complementary way: Raman and infrared spectroscopies (FT-IR) were used for global mineralogical analysis, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were applied simultaneously in situ on the artifacts that were not successfully identified by these molecular techniques. In addition, XRF was used to contrasts the elemental information from pieces composed of pyroxenes that may be related to the raw sources of jade in Guatemala. The main minerals identified within the beads and earrings were jadeite with omphacite and jadeite with albite; to a minor extent, quartz, and serpentine. In this paper, the main features of the molecular and X-ray techniques are compared in order to determine the advantages and limitations of these spectroscopies for mineral identification. With this combination of techniques, it was possible to undertake a suitable characterization of the analyzed objects. This paper focuses on the XRD–XRF combined analysis for in situ noninvasive characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dialysis patients are a risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infection and possibly further complications, but we have little information. The aim of this paper is to describe the experience of the first month of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in a hospital haemodialysis (HD) unit serving the district of Madrid with the second highest incidence of COVID-19 (almost 1,000 patients in 100,000h). In the form of a diary, we present the actions undertaken, the incidence of COVID-19 in patients and health staff, some clinical characteristics and the results of screening all the patients in the unit. We started with 90 patients on HD: 37 (41.1%) had COVID-19, of whom 17 (45.9%) were diagnosed through symptoms detected in triage or during the session, and 15 (40.5%) through subsequent screening of those who, until that time, had not undergone SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. Fever was the most frequent symptom, 50% had lymphopenia and 18.4% <95% O 2 saturation. Sixteen (43.2%) patients required hospital admission and 6 (16.2%) died. We found a cluster of infection per shift and also among those using public transport. In terms of staff, of the 44 people involved, 15 (34%) had compatible symptoms, 4 (9%) were confirmed as SARS-CoV-2 PCR cases by occupational health, 9 (20%) required some period of sick leave, temporary disability to work (ILT), and 5 were considered likely cases. CONCLUSIONS: We detected a high prevalence of COVID-19 with a high percentage detected by screening; hence the need for proactive diagnosis to stop the pandemic. Most cases are managed as outpatients, however severe symptoms are also appearing and mortality to date is 16.2%. In terms of staff, 20% have required sick leave in relation to COVID-19., (Copyright © 2020 Sociedad Española de Nefrología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)