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The objective of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound measurements (ULT), body condition score (BCS) and body mass index (BMI) to predict body fat and muscle in goats. Twenty-four adult, ovariectomized, creole goats were fed individually to achieve dissimilar stable body weights (26 to 66 kg). After a six-week period of stabilization BCS was evaluated (average of 4 separate evaluations) and BMI calculated (BW/(length x height)x10; average of 2 independent length and height measurements). Fat and muscle coverage over the dorsal (12-13th), lumbar (1st) and coxal (1st) vertebrae were measured by ultrasound imaging. Animals were slaughtered and visceral fat dissected and weighed. Left half carcass weights were obtained and muscle and fat were dissected and weighed. Left half carcass data were adjusted to whole carcass data. Simple  regression analyses were performed with ULT, BCS and BMI as predictors and visceral (VF), carcass (CF) and total fat (TF), and muscle (MU) as response variables. Coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated for BCS and BMI estimations. ULT measurement of total tissue (fat + muscle) coverage over dorsal vertebrae presented the highest predictive value for ULT measurements; thus this measurement is the only reported. Coefficients of determination (R2) for VF, CF and TF were .55, .76 and .68; .78, .82 and .87; .81, .81 and .88 for ULT, BCS and BMI as predictors. R2 for MU were .67, .84 and .76 using ULT, BCS and BMI as predictors. R2 for proportions of VF/BW, CF/BW and TF/BW were .47, .73 and .65; .75, .78 and .88; .74, .71 and .85; when ULT, BCS and BMI were used as predictors. R2 for MS/BW were ≤ .10 using ULT, BCS and BMI as predictors. CV was greater in BCS estimation as compared to BMI estimation (9.7 vs. 3.1 %). BCS and BMI were more accurate in vivo predictors than ULT for body fat content, fat as proportion of BW and body muscle content. ULT, BCS and BMI were completely worthless for predicting muscle as proportion of BW. BMI estimation was less variable than BCS estimation. This study, for the first time, provides a predictive value of BMI for body fat and muscle content in goats.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a non-enveloped DNA virus transmitted through skin-to-skin contact that infects epithelial and mucosal tissue. It has over 200 known genotypes, classified by their pathogenicity as high-risk and low-risk categories. High-risk HPV genotypes are associated with the development of different types of cancers, including cervical cancer, which is a leading cause of mortality in women. In clinical practice and the market, the principal tests used to detect HPV are based on cytology, hybrid detection, and qPCR. However, these methodologies may not be ideal for the required timely diagnosis. Tests have been developed based on isothermal nucleic acid amplification tests (INAATs) as alternatives. These tests offer multiple advantages over the qPCR, such as not requiring specialized laboratories, highly trained personnel, or expensive equipment like thermocyclers. This review analyzes the different INAATs applied for the detection of HPV, considering the specific characteristics of each test, including the HPV genotypes, gene target, the limit of detection (LOD), detection methods, and detection time. Additionally, we discuss the tests available on the market that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Finally, we address the challenges and potential solutions for the large-scale implementation of INAATs, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

COVID-19 made explicit the need for rethinking the way in which we conduct testing for epidemic emergencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the dependence on centralized lab facilities and resource-intensive methodologies (e.g., RT-qPCR methods) greatly limited the deployment of widespread testing efforts in many developed and underdeveloped countries. Here, we illustrate the development of a simple and portable diagnostic kit that enables self-diagnosis of COVID-19 at home from saliva samples. We describe the development of a do-it-yourself (DIY) incubator for Eppendorf tubes that can be used to conduct SARS-CoV-2 detection with competitive sensitivity and selectivity from saliva at home. In a proof-of-concept experiment, we assembled Eppendorf-tube incubators at our home shop, prepared a single-tube mix of reagents and LAMP primers in our lab, and deployed these COVID-19 detection kits using urban delivery systems (i.e., Rappifavor or Uber) to more than 15 different locations in Monterrey, México. This straightforward strategy enabled rapid and cost-effective at-home molecular diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 from real saliva samples with a high sensitivity (100%) and high selectivity (87%).

Glucose and lipid metabolism regulation by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) has been extensively reported. However, the role of their polymorphisms remains unclear. Objective: To determine the relation between PPAR-γ2 rs1801282 (Pro12Ala) and PPAR-β/δ rs2016520 (+294T/C) polymorphisms and metabolic biomarkers in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials and Methods: We included 314 patients with T2D. Information on anthropometric, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c and lipid profile measurements was taken from clinical records. Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood. End-point PCR was used for PPAR-γ2 rs1801282, while for PPAR-β/δ rs2016520 the PCR product was digested with Bsl-I enzyme. Data were compared with parametric or non-parametric tests. Multivariate models were used to adjust for covariates and interaction effects. Results: minor allele frequency was 12.42% for PPAR-γ2 rs1801282-G and 13.85% for PPAR-β/δ rs2016520-C. Both polymorphisms were related to waist circumference; they showed independent effects on HbA1c, while they interacted for FPG; carriers of both PPAR minor alleles had the highest values. Interactions between FPG and polymorphisms were identified in their relation to triglyceride level. Conclusions: PPAR-γ2 rs1801282 and PPAR-β/δ rs2016520 polymorphisms are associated with anthropometric, glucose, and lipid metabolism biomarkers in T2D patients. Further research is required on the molecular mechanisms involved.

Molecular diagnostic tests have evolved very rapidly in the field of human health, especially with the arrival of the recent pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, the animal sector is constantly neglected, even though accurate detection by molecular tools could represent economic advantages by preventing the spread of viruses. In this regard, the swine industry is of great interest. The main viruses that affect the swine industry are described in this review, including African swine fever virus (ASFV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and porcine circovirus (PCV), which have been effectively detected by different molecular tools in recent times. Here, we describe the rationale of molecular techniques such as multiplex PCR, isothermal methods (LAMP, NASBA, RPA, and PSR) and novel methods such as CRISPR-Cas and microfluidics platforms. Successful molecular diagnostic developments are presented by highlighting their most important findings. Finally, we describe the barriers that hinder the large-scale development of affordable, accessible, rapid, and easy-to-use molecular diagnostic tests. The evolution of diagnostic techniques is critical to prevent the spread of viruses and the development of viral reservoirs in the swine industry that impact the possible development of future pandemics and the world economy.

Abstract COVID-19, the first pandemic of this decade and the second in less than 15 years, has harshly taught us that viral diseases do not recognize boundaries; however, they truly do discriminate between aggressive and mediocre containment responses. We present a simple epidemiological model that is amenable to implementation in Excel spreadsheets and sufficiently accurate to reproduce observed data on the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemics in different regions [i.e., New York City (NYC), South Korea, Mexico City]. We show that the model can be adapted to closely follow the evolution of COVID-19 in any large city by simply adjusting parameters related to demographic conditions and aggressiveness of the response from a society/government to epidemics. Moreover, we show that this simple epidemiological simulator can be used to assess the efficacy of the response of a government/society to an outbreak. The simplicity and accuracy of this model will greatly contribute to democratizing the availability of knowledge in societies regarding the extent of an epidemic event and the efficacy of a governmental response.

El estudio analizó, en dos años, los efectos de raza [Brahman (BHM; n= 65); Suizo Europeo (SE; n= 56)], suplementación con Zilpaterol® (ZIL; tratadas o testigo), estación de nacimiento (primavera u otoño) y sus interacciones, sobre superficie corporal (SC), edad (EPB), peso corporal (PPB), condición corporal (CC), profundidad del músculo largo dorsal (MD), grosor de grasa dorsal (GD) y concentración sérica de leptina (LEP) a la pubertad (PB) de 121 vaquillas. A la PB, las BHM fueron más pesadas y tuvieron más edad que las SE (376.8 ± 7.4 vs 302.0 ± 6.6 kg; 588.1 ± 14.7 vs 445.5 ± 12.5 días). ZIL aumentó EPB, PPB, CC y MD, pero no afectó GD y LEP. Las BHM tuvieron 18 % más SC que las SE. Sin embargo, la diferencia en PPB/SC fue sólo de 6.4 %. Cuando se usó peso metabólico (PM) como proporción de la SC (PM/SC) en lugar de PPB, la diferencia entre BHM y SE desapareció (P>0.05). El GD fue 63.7 % mayor en BHM que en SE. Las nacidas en primavera iniciaron la PB con 24.4 % menos GD que las nacidas en otoño. La mayoría de las vaquillas BHM (73.8 %) inició la PB en los meses en que las horas luz iban en aumento (P

The synergistic potentialities of innovative materials that include aptamers have opened new paradigms in biosensing platforms for high-throughput monitoring systems. The available nucleobase functional moieties in aptamers offer exclusive features for bioanalytical sensing applications. In this context, compared to various in-practice biological recognition elements, the utilization of aptamers in detection platforms results in an extensive range of advantages in terms of design flexibility, stability, and sensitivity, among other attributes. Thus, the utilization of aptamers-based biosensing platforms is extensively anticipated to meet unaddressed challenges of various in-practice and standard analytical and sensing techniques. Furthermore, the superior characteristics of aptasensors have led to their applicability in the detection of harmful pollutants present in ever-increasing concentrations in different environmental matrices and water bodies, seeking to achieve simple and real-time monitoring. Considering the above-mentioned critiques and notable functional attributes of aptamers, herein, we reviewed aptamers as a fascinating interface to design, develop, and deploy a new generation of monitoring systems to aid modern bioanalytical sensing applications. Moreover, this review aims to summarize the most recent advances in the development and application of aptasensors for the detection of various emerging pollutants (EPs), e.g., pharmaceutical, and personal care products (PPCPs), endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), pesticides and other agricultural-related compounds, and toxic heavy elements. In addition, the limitations and current challenges are also reviewed, considering the technical constraints and complexity of the environmental samples.

Se evaluaron dos fuentes de Cu, Se y Zn en combinación con vitamina E sobre la calidad y estabilidad oxidativa de carne de bovino. Se usaron 799 bovinos (cebú x europeo) aleatorizados a 16 corrales en una engorda comercial de Veracruz. Treinta (30) días previos a la matanza, los tratamientos fueron: suplementación mineral, adicional a la tradicional, con las mismas dosis de Cu, Se y Zn, de fuente quelada o de fuente inorgánica, con y sin vitamina E. El peso a la matanza fue de 450.5 + 30.5 kg. Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente 12 bovinos por cada tratamiento para evaluar variables de calidad en la carne del músculo largo dorsal (rib eye). La carne se mantuvo a -20 °C hasta su proceso. En laboratorio se descongeló y maduró por uno y ocho días a 4 °C. La carne de animales que consumieron minerales inorgánicos tuvo la menor pérdida de agua por descongelación (P

En el año de 2019 en la provincia de Wuhan, China, se reportó un brote de neumonías atípicas, con síntomas similares a los del Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo (SARS), brote reportado en el 2003, y al Síndrome Respiratorio del Oriente Medio (MERS), brote reportado en 2012 en Arabia Saudita. Esta enfermedad emergente fue causada por el nuevo coronavirus “Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo Coronavirus 2” (SARS-CoV-2) o también denominada COVID-19 del inglés Coronavirus desease 2019, caracterizado por presentar severos problemas respiratorios y diversas manifestaciones extrapulmonares. Al momento se ha reportado una elevada tasa de mortalidad en individuos del sexo masculino, en adultos mayores de 60 años, y en personas con comorbilidades como diabetes obesidad, hipertensión y problemas cardiacos. La diabetes es una enfermedad caracterizada por resistencia a insulina, pérdida de función de células β en el páncreas, y desbalance del sistema inmune por el estado de inflamación crónica. En pacientes graves con COVID-19, se ha observado una secreción alterada de citocinas pro inflamatorias, si esto ocurre en un paciente diabético, que ya tiene un estado inflamatorio per se, se induce inflamación exacerbada y una falla multiorgánica que puede desencadenar en la muerte de los pacientes. Diversos autores señalan como hipótesis que la hiperglicemia favorece la replicación viral, por lo que en un paciente “diabético con infección COVID-19”, es primordial mantener un control glicémico adecuado. Los tratamientos para COVID-19 se han enfocado en disminuir los síntomas, el uso de antivirales, antiinflamatorios, anticuerpos monoclonales y plasma convaleciente COVID-19 ha mostrado resultados variables. Para el control de esta infección viral es necesaria una vacuna, al momento existen más de 150 candidatos, con una eficiencia que va del rango de 70 al 95%, pero aún falta determinar la inmunidad a largo plazo en las personas vacunadas. Esta revisión aborda las características de la infección por SARS-CoV2 y la respuesta inmunitaria en pacientes diabéticos frente a COVID-19.

El uso de metodologías combinadas para la detección de cáncer cérvico uterino (CaCu) mejora el grado de confianza de su diagnóstico. Los métodos de diagnóstico Papanicolaou, la colposcopia y el estándar de oro, que es el histológico, han ayudado a bajar la frecuencia de cáncer cervical invasivo. La valoración de estos métodos permite detectar correctamente a las mujeres enfermas de las sanas. En este estudio se calcula la sensibilidad y especificidad del Papanicolaou y colposcopia en una población mixta de mestizas y tarahumaras que acudieron a la Clínica de Displasias del Hospital General Salvador Zubirán de la ciudad de Chihuahua. Se observó diferencia significativa en los resultados del método colposcópico en la prevalencia de lesiones cervicales entre los dos grupos étnicos estudiados, con un mayor número de lesiones NIC I y cáncer en mestizas, y un mayor número de lesiones NIC II y III en tarahumaras. El resultado de sensibilidad en el Papanicolaou, considerando a la población total, fue de 53.3 %, menor que los resultados reportados por otros autores, sin embargo, se observó una buena especificidad del 87.5 %. Respecto a la colposcopia, obtuvimos un patrón similar, baja sensibilidad (55.5%) y alta especificidad (94.5%). Cuando analizamos los datos por etnias, los resultados del Papanicolaou se comportan en forma similar. Sin embargo, en los resultados de colposcopia en la población mestiza, la especificidad del método colposcópico fue del 97.5 %, y en la etnia tarahumara la sensibilidad de la colposcopia aumentó significativamente a 83.3%. Estas diferencias deben estar influidas por diversos factores, entre los más importantes, la experiencia de los médicos. Se considera esencial la vinculación entre el sector universitario y la Secretaría de Salud, ya que este tipo de análisis retroalimenta y permite llegar a la toma adecuada de decisiones durante las etapas de planeación de los programas de salud que intentan disminuir los índices de CaCu en nuestra población. Abstract Using a combination of methodologies to detect uterine cervical cancer increases the diagnosis confidence degrees. Papanicolaou, colposcopy and histological (gold standard), are the methods that have helped reduced the frequency of invasive cervical cancer. Validation of these methods allows correct detection, sick women versus healthy ones. We calculated sensitivity and specificity of Papanicolaou and colposcopy methods in a mixed population of mestizas and tarahumaras who attended to the Dispalsia Clinic at the Hospital General Salvador Zubirán from Chihuahua city. Prevalence of cervical lesions in mestizas were significantly different within colposcopic results, grater for NIC I and cancer, whereas NIC II and NIC III lesions were higher for tarahumaras. The results, including the whole women population showed a 53.3 % sensitivity in the Papanicolaou method, lower than other similar studies, however, the specificity was good (87.5 %). Regarding the colposcopy method, a similar result was observed, low sensitivity (55.5 %) and high specificity (94.5 %). Analyzing each ethnic group, the results were not so different regarding the Papanicolaou method, whereas in the colposcopy method in mestizas the specificity increased to 97.5 % and in tarahumaras the sensitivity increased significantly to 83.3 %. These differences must be influenced by several factors, maybe the most important being the medical doctor experience. We believe that interaction between the university and the Public Health Department is essential in order to analyze and feedback results that may help during planning activities to make good decisions that may decrease the cervical cancer in our population. Keywords: Prevalence, sensitivity, specificity, cervical cancer, Papanicolaou, colposcopy, histological.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019) outbreak and has unprecedentedly impacted the public health and economic sector. The pandemic has forced researchers to focus on the accurate and early detection of SARS-CoV-2, developing novel diagnostic tests. Among these, microfluidic-based tests stand out for their multiple benefits, such as their portability, low cost, and minimal reagents used. This review discusses the different microfluidic platforms applied in detecting SARS-CoV-2 and seroprevalence, classified into three sections according to the molecules to be detected, i.e., (1) nucleic acid, (2) antigens, and (3) anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Moreover, commercially available alternatives based on microfluidic platforms are described. Timely and accurate results allow healthcare professionals to perform efficient treatments and make appropriate decisions for infection control; therefore, novel developments that integrate microfluidic technology may provide solutions in the form of massive diagnostics to control the spread of infectious diseases.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has been recently studied as an alternative method for cost-effective diagnostics in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Recent reports document that LAMP-based diagnostic methods have a comparable sensitivity and specificity to that of RT-qPCR. We report the use of a portable Arduino-based LAMP-based amplification system assisted by pH microelectrodes for the accurate and reliable diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 during the first 3 min of the amplification reaction. We show that this simple system enables a straightforward discrimination between samples containing or not containing artificial SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in the range of 10 to 10,000 copies per 50 µL of reaction mix. We also spiked saliva samples with SARS-CoV-2 synthetic material and corroborated that the LAMP reaction can be successfully monitored in real time using microelectrodes in saliva samples as well. These results may have profound implications for the design of real-time and portable quantitative systems for the reliable detection of viral pathogens including SARS-CoV-2.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most critical public health issue in modern history due to its highly infectious and deathly potential, and the limited access to massive, low-cost, and reliable testing has significantly worsened the crisis. The recovery and the vaccination of millions of people against COVID-19 have made serological tests highly relevant to identify the presence and levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Due to its advantages, microfluidic-based technologies represent an attractive alternative to the conventional testing methodologies used for these purposes. In this work, we described the development of an automated ELISA on-chip capable of detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in serum samples from COVID-19 patients and vaccinated individuals. The colorimetric reactions were analyzed with a microplate reader. No statistically significant differences were observed when comparing the results of our automated ELISA on-chip against the ones obtained from a traditional ELISA on a microplate. Moreover, we demonstrated that it is possible to carry out the analysis of the colorimetric reaction by performing basic image analysis of photos taken with a smartphone, which constitutes a useful alternative when lacking specialized equipment or a laboratory setting. Our automated ELISA on-chip has the potential to be used in a clinical setting and mitigates some of the burden caused by testing deficiencies.

El objetivo fue evaluar la respuesta de LH, FSH y GH a kisspeptina-10 (KISS) en becerras prepúberes de distintas edades, y su asociación con IGF-I, E2 y leptina circulantes. A 21 becerras de 4, 7 y 11 meses de edad se les aplicó una inyección i.v. de 5 µg de KISS/kg de peso. En suero obtenido de la yugular (cada 15 min, 4 h pre hasta 4 h post-KISS) se cuantificó LH, FSH y GH. En nueve muestras (tres pre y seis post-KISS) se determinó IGF-I, leptina y estradiol (E2). En todas las becerras aumentó la LH post-KISS, con un valor máximo (6.1±1.3a, 7.2±1.3a, 11.6+1.3b ng/ml) y duración de respuesta (64.3±20a, 92±20b, 132.9+20c min) que aumentó (P

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has crudely demonstrated the need for massive and rapid diagnostics. By the first week of July, more than 10,000,000 positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, although this number could be greatly underestimated. In the case of an epidemic emergency, the first line of response should be based on commercially available and validated resources. Here, we demonstrate the use of the miniPCR, a commercial compact and portable PCR device recently available on the market, in combination with a commercial well-plate reader as a diagnostic system for detecting genetic material of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causal agent of COVID-19. We used the miniPCR to detect and amplify SARS-CoV-2 DNA sequences using the sets of initiators recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for targeting three different regions that encode for the N protein. Prior to amplification, samples were combined with a DNA intercalating reagent (i.e., EvaGreen Dye). Sample fluorescence after amplification was then read using a commercial 96-well plate reader. This straightforward method allows the detection and amplification of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids in the range of ~625 to 2×105 DNA copies. The accuracy and simplicity of this diagnostics strategy may provide a cost-efficient and reliable alternative for COVID-19 pandemic testing, particularly in underdeveloped regions where RT-QPCR instrument availability may be limited. The portability, ease of use, and reproducibility of the miniPCR makes it a reliable alternative for deployment in point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 detection efforts during pandemics.

Massive worldwide serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 is needed to determine the extent of virus exposure in a particular region, the ratio of symptomatic to asymptomatic infected persons, and the duration and extent of immunity after infection. To achieve this, the development and production of reliable and cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 antigens is critical. We report the bacterial production of the peptide S-RBDN318-V510, which contains the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (region of 193 amino acid residues from asparagine-318 to valine-510) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. We purified this peptide using a straightforward approach involving bacterial lysis, his-tag-mediated affinity chromatography, and imidazole-assisted refolding. The antigen performances of S-RBDN318-V510 and a commercial full-length spike protein were compared in ELISAs. In direct ELISAs, where the antigen was directly bound to the ELISA surface, both antigens discriminated sera from non-exposed and exposed individuals. However, the discriminating resolution was better in ELISAs that used the full-spike antigen than the S-RBDN318-V510. Attachment of the antigens to the ELISA surface using a layer of anti-histidine antibodies gave equivalent resolution for both S-RBDN318-V510 and the full-length spike protein. Results demonstrate that ELISA-functional SARS-CoV-2 antigens can be produced in bacterial cultures, and that S-RBDN318-V510 may represent a cost-effective alternative to the use of structurally more complex antigens in serological COVID-19 testing.

Bouteloua gracilis es un pasto nativo del norte de México, que es utilizado como fuente de forraje para el ganado por su alto contenido nutritivo; tiene elevada tolerancia al estrés osmótico que le permite vivir en climas secos; sin embargo, los mecanismos moleculares que le confieren esta tolerancia aún no se han reportado. Existe una clase de RNAs pequeños (sRNAs) llamados microRNAs (miRNAs), que se unen por complementariedad a RNAs mensajeros blanco, etiquetándolos para su degradación o supresión de la traducción. En este trabajo se reporta el aislamiento de sRNAs de B. gracilis, a través de la clonación de concatámeros y su secuenciación. El análisis in silico de la secuencias, permitió la identificación de miRNAs conservados en B. gracilis y reportados en Populus trichocarpa, Brachypodium distachyon, Oryza sativa, Sorghum bicolor, Zea mays, Malus domestica y Linum usitatissimum. Además, se predijo la estructura secundaria de los precursores de dos miRNAs (pre-miRNAs), usando como referencia los genomas de Glycine max, Zea mays, Sorghum bicolor y Oryza sativa. Finalmente, se identificaron seis mRNAs blanco para uno de ellos. La identificación de miRNAs en Bouteloua gracilis, ayudará a comprender como estas moléculas regulan la expresión genética en esta especie, y sus relaciones con los mecanismos de respuesta a estrés ambiental.

Pyrolysis is a feasible solution for environmental problems related to the inadequate disposal of waste tires, as it leads to the recovery of pyrolytic products such as carbon black, liquid fuels and gases. The characteristics of pyrolytic carbon black can be enhanced through chemical activation in order to produce the required properties for its application. In the search to make the waste tire pyrolysis process profitable, new applications of the pyrolytic solid products have been explored, such as for the fabrication of energy-storage devices and precursor in the synthesis of nanomaterials. In this study, waste tires powder was chemically activated using acid (H2SO4) and/or alkali (KOH) to recover pyrolytic carbon black with different characteristics. H2SO4 removed surface impurities more thoroughly, improving the carbon black’s surface area, while KOH increased its oxygen content, which improved the carbon black’s stability in water suspension. Pyrolytic carbon black was fully characterized by elemental analysis, inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption, scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and ζ potential measurement. In addition, the pyrolytic carbon black was used to explore its feasibility as a precursor for the synthesis of carbon dots; synthesized carbon dots were analyzed preliminarily by SEM and with a fluorescence microplate reader, revealing differences in their morphology and fluorescence intensity. The results presented in this study demonstrate the effect of the activating agent on pyrolytic carbon black from waste tires and provide evidence of the feasibility of using waste tires for the synthesis of nanomaterials such as carbon dots.

The development of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic systems has received well-deserved attention in recent years in the scientific literature, and many experimental systems show great promise in real settings. However, in the case of an epidemic emergency (or a natural disaster), the first line of response should be based on commercially available and validated resources. Here, we compare the performance and ease of use of the miniPCR, a recently commercially available compact and portable PCR device, and a conventional thermocycler for the diagnostics of viral nucleic acids. We used both thermocyclers to detect and amplify Ebola and Zika DNA sequences of different lengths (in the range of 91 to 300 nucleotides) at different concentrations (in the range of ~50 to 4.0 x 108 DNA copies). Our results suggest that the performance of both thermocyclers is quite similar. Moreover, the portability, ease of use, and reproducibility of the miniPCR makes it a reliable alternative for point-of-care nucleic acid detection and amplification.

The ashwin gene, originally identified in Xenopus laevis, was found to be expressed first in the neural plate and later in the embryonic brain, eyes, and spinal cord. Functional studies of ashwin suggest that it participates in cell survival and anteroposterior patterning. Furthermore, ashwin is expressed zygotically in this species, which suggests that it participates in embryonic development. Nevertheless, the expression of this gene has not been studied in mammals. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the ashwin expression pattern in bovine fetal and adult tissues, as well as in three independent samples of immature and mature oocytes, and in two- to four-, and eight-cell embryos, morula, and blastocysts. Spatiotemporal expression was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR); ashwin mRNA was detected in all tissues analyzed, immature and mature oocytes, and two- to eight-cell embryos. It was down-regulated in morula and blastocysts, suggesting that this expression profile is similar to that of maternal genes. Immunohistochemical localization of the ashwin protein in fetal and adult ovaries and testes reveals that this protein is consistently present during all stages of follicular development and during bovine spermatogenesis. These observations lead us to propose ashwin as an important gene involved in mammalian reproduction.

Las células madre embrionarias (CME) son derivadas de la masa celular interna de blastocitos de mamíferos y debido a su pluripotencia in vitro e in vivo son capaces de generar los 200 tipos celulares identificados en el organismo. El uso de medios selectivos suplementados con determinados factores y la expresión artificial de genes que regulan vías de diferenciación específicas, ha permitido dirigir in vitro la diferenciación de las CME hacia tipos celulares especializados somáticos como células neuronales, cardiacas, etc. Recientes estudios han demostrado que la diferenciación espontánea de las CME, también puede dar origen in vitro a células de tipo germinal que posteriormente se desarrollan hacia células similares a gametos, como son los espermatozoides y óvulos. Lo anterior plantea la interesante idea de generar sistemas in vitro, que permitan dirigir la diferenciación de las CME hacia la formación in vitro de gametos. El desarrollo de estos sistemas tendrá un impacto directo en el entendimiento molecular de la programación genética, que interviene en los procesos de la oogénesis y espermatogénesis, así como el desarrollo de protocolos más eficientes para la clonación animal, clonación terapéutica, fertilización in vitro y transferencia de embriones. En relación a lo anterior, nuestro grupo de trabajo se ha enfocado al estudio de genes denominados ̈maestros ̈, cuya expresión además de darse en etapas muy tempranas de la determinación de la línea germinal, está en relación directa con el correcto desarrollo de las células germinales en los ovarios y testículos, características que los hace candidatos a ser utilizados para dirigir la diferenciación de las CME hacia células de linaje germinal. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54167/tecnociencia.v2i1.67

Extraembryonic tissues contribute to animal development, which often entails spreading over embryo or yolk. Apart from changes in cell shape, the requirements for this tissue spreading are not well understood. Here, we analyze spreading of the extraembryonic serosa in the scuttle fly Megaselia abdita. The serosa forms from a columnar blastoderm anlage, becomes a squamous epithelium, and eventually spreads over the embryo proper. We describe the dynamics of this process in long-term, whole-embryo time-lapse recordings, demonstrating that free serosa spreading is preceded by a prolonged pause in tissue expansion. Closer examination of this pause reveals mechanical coupling to the underlying yolk sac, which is later released. We find mechanical coupling prolonged and serosa spreading impaired after knockdown of M. abdita Matrix metalloprotease 1. We conclude that tissue–tissue interactions provide a critical functional element to constrain spreading epithelia.

La hormona luteinizante (LH) sufre modificaciones postraduccionales que dan origen a isoformas de carga. El estudio determinó la actividad biológica (B) e inmunológica (I) de distintas isoformas de LH bovina. Las isoformas se aislaron mediante el cromatoenfoque a partir del extracto glicoprotéico obtenido de lóbulos anteriores de hipófisis de bovino. La actividad biológica se evaluó en un bioensayo in vitro midiendo la producción de AMPc. La actividad inmunológica se midió con un radioinmunoensayo (RIA) específico para LH. El USDA-bLH-B5 se utilizó como referencia. Las isoformas se agruparon tomando como referencia el rango de pH de elución, en básicas (A, pH, 10.75-9.75; B, pH, 9.58-8.41), neutras (C, pH, 7.98-6.89) y ácidas (D, pH, 6.88-5.41; E, pH, 5.36-3.46). El peso molecular del heterodímero de cada isoforma y del estándar fue similar, estimado en 36.5 kDa. La actividad inmunológica y biológica se comportó de forma dosis-dependiente. Con respecto al estándar, se requirió una mayor concentración de proteína de cada isoforma para obtener el IC50 en la curva de inhibición. En el bioensayo, el valor EC50 para la producción de AMPc fue significativamente diferente entre isoformas; la isoforma neutra mostró un EC50 inferior lo que se interpretó como la proteína más bioactiva, en contraste, la isoforma ácida, mostró un valor de EC50 superior y resultó ser la menos bioactiva; la básica tuvo un comportamiento intermedio (P

Obtener o vocitos madurados in vitro , que sean competentes para fertilizarse y originar un porcentaje superior al 50 % de blastocitos viables, es una de las principales metas que existen en el desarrollo in vitro de embriones bovinos. Es por ello necesario entender los procesos celulares, que desembocan en la maduración del ovocito durante la foliculogénesis y su subsecuente transición al embrión. La transición del ovocito al embrión es un p roceso complejo que involucra la inactivación genómica del ovocito y la activación del genoma embrionario. Este proceso se da en bovinos en la etapa de 8 a 16 células y presenta una degradación selectiva de RNAm maternos, que fueron almacenados durante la ovogénesis y son la fuente para la codificación de proteínas en las etapas iníciales del desarrollo embrionario. La acción de los RNAm maternos es clave para que la activación del genoma embrionario se realice en tiempo y forma adecuados. Entender la participación de estos transcritos en la activación del genoma embrionario, es esencial para esclarecer los procesos celulares que fallan en los protocolos de maduración de ovocitos in vitro . Es por esto que el objetivo de esta revisión fue recopilar la información de los principales RNAm maternos que han sido identificados tanto en el modelo murino como el bovino, esto con el fin de integrar el conocimiento relacionado con los procesos genómicos que permiten el desarrollo del embrión en el bovino, y diseñar nuevas estrategias que permitan mejorar los protocolos de fertilización in vitro.

Abstract The GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes are key molecules in cellular detoxification. Null variants in these genes are associated with increase susceptibility to developing different types of cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes in Mestizo and Amerindian individuals from the Northwestern region of Mexico, and to compare them with those reported worldwide. GSTT1 and GSTM1 null variants were genotyped by multiplex PCR in 211 Mestizos and 211 Amerindian individuals. Studies reporting on frequency of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null variants worldwide were identified by a PubMed search and their geographic distribution were analyzed. We found no significant differences in the frequency of the null genotype for GSTT1 and GSM1 genes between Mestizo and Amerindian individuals. Worldwide frequencies of the GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes ranges from 0.10 to 0.51, and from 0.11 to 0.67, respectively. Interestingly, in most countries the frequency of the GSTT1 null genotype is common or frequent (76%), whereas the frequency of the GSMT1 null genotype is very frequent or extremely frequent (86%). Thus, ethnic-dependent differences in the prevalence of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null variants may influence the effect of environmental carcinogens in cancer risk.

Los objetivos fueron determinar el efecto de interacción del estrés calórico de la época de producción del embrión y la de transferencia sobre la tasa de gestación de vacas receptoras, y evaluar si existe efecto del estrés calórico sobre la producción y calidad embrionaria en vacas superovuladas. Vacas lactantes de la raza Holstein fueron superovuladas en la época templada (n=20) y cálida (n=22). Los embriones fueron colectados, congelados y transferidos a vacas Holstein lactantes durante la época templada (n=54) y cálida (n=53). La respuesta superovulatoria (85.1 %) y la tasa de fertilización (76.2 %) fueron similares en ambas épocas (P>0.05). En la época templada, el número de óvulos y embriones (10.6), y embriones transferibles (7.4) colectados por vaca fueron superiores a los observados en la época cálida (6.1 y 4.4, respectivamente) (P

BACKGROUND:Current Ebola virus (EBOV) detection methods are costly and impractical for epidemic scenarios. Different immune-based assays have been reported for the detection and quantification of Ebola virus (EBOV) proteins. In particular, several monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been described that bind the capsid glycoprotein (GP) of EBOV GP. However, the currently available platforms for the design and production of full-length mAbs are cumbersome and costly. The use of antibody fragments, rather than full-length antibodies, might represent a cost-effective alternative for the development of diagnostic and possibly even therapeutic alternatives for EBOV. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:We report the design and expression of three recombinant anti-GP mAb fragments in Escherichia coli cultures. These fragments contained the heavy and light variable portions of the three well-studied anti-GP full-length mAbs 13C6, 13F6, and KZ52, and are consequently named scFv-13C6, scFv-13F6, and Fab-KZ52, respectively. All three fragments exhibited specific anti-GP binding activity in ELISA experiments comparable to that of full-length anti-GP antibodies (i.e., the same order of magnitude) and they are easily and economically produced in bacterial cultures. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE:Antibody fragments might represent a useful, effective, and low cost alternative to full-length antibodies in Ebola related capture and diagnostics applications.

Se evaluó el efecto de consumo de trigo protegido contra la degradación ruminal sobre la actividad ovárica. Cuarenta (40) cabras criollas recibieron 11 dí­as previos al estro 33.2 g/kg.75 de trigo cristalino mezclado con formaldehí­do al 5% y 15 % de sebo saponificado (TT) o trigo cristalino molido, y por separado 15 % de sebo saponificado (TST). Los dí­as 0, 2, 4 y 6 postestro se caracterizaron las poblaciones foliculares ováricas, y el dí­a 9 el níºmero de ovulaciones. Se colectaron muestras sanguí­neas seriadas post-consumo de trigos en cuatro animales/grupo determinándose las concentraciones séricas de insulina y glucosa. Para el análisis estadí­stico se aplicó la Prueba de Fisher o ANDEVA para un diseño completamente al azar. No se encontraron diferencias (P>0.20) en el níºmero de ovulaciones ni en las concentraciones de glucosa post-consumo de trigos. Las concentraciones de insulina fueron mayores (P

Los objetivos fueron determinar el efecto de interacción del estrés calórico de la época de producción del embrión y la de transferencia sobre la tasa de gestación de vacas receptoras, y evaluar si existe efecto del estrés calórico sobre la producción y calidad embrionaria en vacas superovuladas.

Los objetivos fueron determinar los efectos del estrés calórico, la producción láctea y sus interacciones con las prácticas de manejo, sobre la tasa de gestación (GEST) de vacas Holstein. Se analizaron 23,926 registros de inseminación artificial de nueve hatos lecheros de Cd. Delicias, Chihuahua. Por cada unidad de incremento del índice temperatura/humedad promedio del mes, la GEST disminuyó en 0.7 % (P0.05). Las vacas multíparas tuvieron menor GEST a THIS superiores a 72, que las primíparas (P0.05). La PROD fue mayor en vacas con más de dos partos, con administración de BST, con esquemas de tres ordeños por día y las que se manejaron en hatos grandes (P

Se evaluó el uso de tratamientos hormonales (GnRH y PGF 2alfa ) y antibióticos (oxitetraciclina) en vacas lecheras Holstein Friesian con infección uterina en el posparto temprano (16.2 ± 3.8 días). Tratamientos: 1) testigo positivo (infectadas, no tratadas, n=30), 2) hormona liberadora de gonadotropinas (GnRH, n=29), 3) Prostaglandina F2.... áá áá (Pg, n=25), 4) oxitetraciclina (Ab, n=38), 5) GnRH+Pg (n=25), 6) GnRH+Ab (n=33), 7) Ab+Pg (n=25), 8) GnRH+Ab+Pg (n=29) y 9) testigo negativo (no infectadas no tratadas, n=425). Se evaluó: intervalo del parto a primer celo (IPPC), a primer servicio (IPPS), y a concepción (IPC), número de servicios por concepción (NS) y porcentaje de gestantes (GES). El análisis fue como bloques (hato) al azar y con un arreglo factorial 2 x 2 x 2 (sólo vacas infectadas) y, como covariables la condición corporal al tratamiento (CC15) y la producción láctea (P305d). Se midió la correlación simple entre las variables. Los resultados fueron similares en ambos testigos y no hubo efecto benéfico con ningún tratamiento. GnRH mostró efectos desfavorables en todas las variables, con excepción de GES (P>0.05). No hubo efecto de Pg, Ab, ni sus interacciones (P>0.05). Hubo correlación entre IPPC, IPPS e IPC, y de IPC con NS. Es cuestionable la precisión del diagnóstico por simple observación del moco cervical. El uso preestablecido e indiscriminado de los tratamientos evaluados sólo incrementa los costos y puede ser detrimental para algunos animales.

Con objeto de determinar el efecto de dosis total de FSH, edad de la vaca y época del año en que se aplico el tratamiento superovulatorio, así como calcular el índice de constancia de la respuesta ovárica a la superovulación repetida con FSH en vacas cebú

En el CE EI Macho, en Tecuala, Nay, se evaluó en vacas cebú el efecto de tres dosis de FSH y el día del ciclo que se inició el tratamiento sobre la respuesta ovárica.

En el Campo Experimental "Gilberto Flores Muñoz" se realizó un estudio para analizar los efectos del medio ambiente sobre el peso de los becerros