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Background: Discovering biological markers is essential for understanding and treating mental disorders. Despite the limitations of current non-invasive methods, neural progenitor cells from the olfactory epithelium (hNPCs-OE) have been emphasized as potential biomarker sources. This study measured soluble factors in these cells in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and healthy controls (HC). Methods: We assessed thirty-five participants divided into MDD (n=14), BPD (n=14), and HC (n=7). MDD was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. BPD was evaluated using the DSM-5 criteria and the Structured Clinical Interview for Personality Disorders. We isolated hNPCs-OE, collected intracellular proteins and conditioned medium, and quantified markers and soluble factors, including Interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and others. Analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test and linear regression. Results: We found that hNPCs-OE of MDD and BPD decreased Sox2 and laminin receptor-67 kDa levels. MASH-1 decreased in BPD, while tubulin beta-III decreased in MDD compared to controls and BPD. Also, we found significant differences in IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and thrombospondin-1 levels between controls and MDD, or BPD, but not between MDD and BPD. Conclusions: Altered protein markers are evident in the nhNPCs-OE in MDD and BPD patients. These cells also secrete higher concentrations of inflammatory cytokines than HC cells. The results suggest the potential utility of hNPCs-OE as an in vitro model for researching biological protein markers in psychiatric disorders. However, more extensive validation studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness and specificity in neuropsychiatric disorders.

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A synoptic compendium of the legumes of the Mimosoideae clade in northeastern Mexico is presented for the first time, including changes in their botanical nomenclature and retypification of genera. Furthermore, based on new information recently published, the taxonomic limits of several new genera segregated from Acacia (Acaciella, Mariosousa, Senegalia, and Vachellia) and Prosopis (Neltuma and Strombocarpa) are clarified and included. Based on field work, collection of botanical samples over the past 30 years, and reviewing botanical materials in national and international herbaria, we have completed the diversity of legumes of the Mimosoideae clade of northeastern Mexico. Three tribes (Acacieae, Ingeae, and Mimosaeae), 22 genera, 92 species, and 19 infraspecific categories were recorded. Only the genus Painteria is endemic to Mexico. Eighty-eight species are native to Mexico, and four are exotic: Acacia salicina, Neptunia prostrata, Neltuma chilensis and Albizia lebbeck. Twenty-eight species are endemic to Mexico, nine species are endemic to northeastern Mexico, and four species are endemic to only one state in Mexico. The 22 registered genera represent 44% and 65% of the generic flora of the Mimosoideae clade for Mexico and the planet, respectively, while the 92 species registered represent 3% and 18% of the species of the clade Mimosoideae for the planet and Mexico, respectively. According to the new nomenclature of legumes, the number of genera in the Mimosoideae clade in northern Mexico has increased from 19 to 24.

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Skin disorders affect millions of people all over the world. There are limited options to treat dermal illnesses such as vitiligo, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Central American ferns are a potential source of bioactive metabolites against those diseases. Currently, Polypodium leucotomos Poir. is the only one being commercially utilized for this purpose. In this work, we evaluated the concentration of the skin bioactive compounds: quinic and chlorogenic acid, in the extract of 20 wild ferns from Costa Rica. We also evaluated the antimicrobial capabilities of the crude extracts of wild ferns and the sun protection factor (SPF) of the extracts. We found 19 out of 20 have either an important concentration of the compounds mentioned above or antimicrobial properties. Also, most samples result in higher SPF than P. aureum's rhizome. We also have studied the fern acclimatization, at different shading conditions, finding a significant influence of the culturing conditions on metabolite production. After acclimatization. So far, we demonstrate that various ferns included in this study are a potential source of treatments for skin conditions.

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Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disease, is caused by variants in both alleles of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. A new assay based on allele-specific polymerase chain reaction and high-resolution melting analysis was developed for the detection of 18 CF-causing CFTR variants previously identified in Cuba and Latin America. The assay is also useful for zygosity determination of mutated alleles and includes internal controls. The reaction mixtures were normalized and evaluated using blood samples collected on filter paper. The evaluation of analytical parameters demonstrated the specificity and sensitivity of the method to detect the included CFTR variants. Internal and external validations yielded a 100% agreement between the new assay and the used reference tests. This assay can complement CF newborn screening not only in Cuba but also in Latin America.

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The current knowledge of morphology and chaetotaxy of the different developmental stages within the subfamily Scolytinae presents an information deficit that needs to be addressed. Thus, the objective of the present study was to describe, the chaetotaxy and morphology of larvae and pupae, and determine the number of larval instars, the sexual dimorphism in adults, and the development time in Phloeosinus tacubayae. The number of larval instars was determined using traditional morphometry of cephalic capsule and multivariate analysis; description of morphology and chaetotaxy of larvae and pupae, and sexual dimorphism in adults was based on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy photographs; finally, we quantified development time by mean reviews of 10 gallery systems selected randomly in infested logs, in the laboratory. Morphometric analysis of the cephalic capsule allowed the recognition of 3 different instars. Our results showed that the larvae of P. tacubayae have unique attributes in the body that differentiate them from other genera of the subfamily for example the epicranial suture is not marked, and differentiated from Phloeosinus canadensis, such as a smaller number of setae in the maxillae and without a tergal plate. The pupa had a smaller number of setae on the whole body. The most useful morphological characters to identify a sexual dimorphism in adults were found in the shape and relative position of the seventh and eighth tergites; development time lasted 40 days in total, being the pupal stage the one that took the longest to complete.

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Introducción: No conocemos estudios sobre la microsporogénesis de la planta de cacao, y poco se sabe sobre la ultraestructura de sus granos de polen. Objetivo: Describir la microsporogénesis y ultraestructura de los granos de polen en T. cacao. Métodos: Procesamos más de 30 flores para cada etapa floral, teñidas con Safranina-Azul Alcian, PAS-Amidoblack y Lacmoid. Para la microscopía de transmisión procesamos las muestras en resina y las teñimos con azul de toluidina. Para microscopía electrónica de barrido, fijamos y deshidratamos en 2.2-dimetoxipropano, secamos hasta un punto crítico y recubrimos con oro. Resultados: Anteras diferenciadas por una masa celular en los extremos distales a los filamentos estaminales. Durante el desarrollo la pared de las anteras presenta varios estratos celulares y al madurar se reducen a la epidermis y al endotecio. Las células madre de microsporas se dividen por meiosis para formar tétradas. El tapete es secretor e intacto hasta que se liberan los granos, para luego degenerar. Los granos de polen son isopolares, esferoidales, pequeños, tricolpados. La ultraestructura presenta una esporodermis semitectada, con ornamentación reticulada, y un retículo heterobrochado con el muri sin ornamentación. La exina se deposita antes que la intina. Los orbículos son individuales, lisos y de tamaño variado. Hay abundante polenkit en el tectum y entre las columelas. La intina es delgada, pero se desarrolla ampliamente en las áreas del colpo, formando una intina interna compacta y una intina externa inusual con una apariencia columelada. Conclusión: La estructura y el desarrollo de las anteras siguen el patrón de las angiospermas. La microsporogénesis simultánea y la deposición centrípeta de la esporodermis se conocen de Malvaceae, pero los caracteres de la intina son nuevos para la familia.

Introduction: We know of no studies on the microsporogenesis of the cocoa plant, and little is known about the ultrastructure of its pollen grains. Objective: To describe microsporogenesis and ultrastructure of pollen grains in T. cacao. Methods: We processed over 30 flowers for each floral stage and stained with Safranin-Alcian Blue, PAS-Amidoblack and Lacmoid. For transmission microscopy we processed samples on resin and stained with toluidine blue. For scanning electron microscopy, we fixed and dehydrated in 2.2-dimethoxypropane, critically dried and coated with gold. Results: Anthers differentiated by a cellular mass at the ends distal to the staminal filaments. During development, the anther wall has several cellular layers reduced, at maturity, to the epidermis and endothecium. Microspore mother cells divide by meiosis to form tetrads. The tapetum is secretory and intact until the grains are released, to later degenerate. Pollen grains are isopolar, spheroidal, small, tricolpate. Ultrastructure has a semi-tectate sporodermis, with reticulate ornamentation, and heterobrochated reticulum with the muri without ornamentation. Exine is deposited before intine. The orbicles are individual, smooth, and varied in size. There is abundant pollenkitt on the tectum and between the columellae. The intine is thin, but develops widely in the colpus areas, forming a compact internal intine and an unusual external intine with a columellated appearance. Conclusion: Anther structure and development follows the angiosperm pattern. Simultaneous microsporogenesis and centripetal deposition of the sporodermis are known from Malvaceae, but intine characters are novel for the family.

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BACKGROUND: The use of pancreatic prostheses in children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) has evolved. The main established indication is the treatment of persistent abdominal pain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pancreatic stenting for refractory abdominal pain in pediatric patients with ARP and CP. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case series study. We included patients under 16 years of age diagnosed with ARP and CP in the study. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed with the insertion of one and later two pancreatic stents. We evaluated abdominal symptoms before and after treatment, number of changes, duration of treatment, and complications with follow-up at 24 months and after withdrawal. RESULTS: Nine patients with ARP and CP were included in the study: six with undetermined etiology and three with pancreas divisum. The mean age was 12.4 years. Prosthesis placement relieved abdominal pain in 100% of cases, with 3.2 replacement sessions every 6.2 months for 27.4 months, and mild complications (15.7%). One patient experienced pain on removal of the prosthesis and required bypass surgery. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic stent placement in patients with refractory abdominal pain with ARP and CP proved to be effective and safe, providing medium-term symptom relief and minimal complications.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El uso de prótesis pancreáticas en niños con pancreatitis aguda recurrente (PAR) y crónica (PC) ha evolucionado. La principal indicación establecida es el tratamiento del dolor abdominal persistente. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficacia del uso prótesis pancreática para el dolor abdominal refractario en pacientes pediátricos con PAR y PC, sin respuesta a manejo conservador. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de serie de casos. Se incluyeron pacientes menores de 16 años con diagnóstico de PAR y PC. Se realizó una colangio pancreatografía retrograda endoscópica (CPRE) para introducir inicialmente una y posteriormente dos prótesis pancreáticas. Se evaluaron síntomas abdominales antes y después del tratamiento, número de recambios, duración del tratamiento y complicaciones con seguimiento a 24 meses y posterior a su retiro. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 9 pacientes con PAR y PC: seis de etiología no determinada y tres con páncreas divisum. La edad promedio fue de 12.4 años. La colocación de prótesis alivió el dolor abdominal en el 100%, con 3.2 sesiones de recambio cada 6.2 meses en 27.4 meses, y complicaciones leves (15.7%). Un paciente presentó dolor al retirar las prótesis y requirió cirugía derivativa. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de prótesis pancreática en pacientes con dolor abdominal refractario con PAR y PC demostró ser eficaz y seguro al aliviar los síntomas a mediano plazo con mínimas complicaciones.

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Abstract Background: The use of pancreatic prostheses in children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) has evolved. The main established indication is the treatment of persistent abdominal pain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pancreatic stenting for refractory abdominal pain in pediatric patients with ARP and CP. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case series study. We included patients under 16 years of age diagnosed with ARP and CP in the study. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed with the insertion of one and later two pancreatic stents. We evaluated abdominal symptoms before and after treatment, number of changes, duration of treatment, and complications with follow-up at 24 months and after withdrawal. Results: Nine patients with ARP and CP were included in the study: six with undetermined etiology and three with pancreas divisum. The mean age was 12.4 years. Prosthesis placement relieved abdominal pain in 100% of cases, with 3.2 replacement sessions every 6.2 months for 27.4 months, and mild complications (15.7%). One patient experienced pain on removal of the prosthesis and required bypass surgery. Conclusion: Pancreatic stent placement in patients with refractory abdominal pain with ARP and CP proved to be effective and safe, providing medium-term symptom relief and minimal complications.

Resumen Introducción: El uso de prótesis pancreáticas en niños con pancreatitis aguda recurrente (PAR) y crónica (PC) ha evolucionado. La principal indicación establecida es el tratamiento del dolor abdominal persistente. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficacia del uso prótesis pancreática para el dolor abdominal refractario en pacientes pediátricos con PAR y PC, sin respuesta a manejo conservador. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de serie de casos. Se incluyeron pacientes menores de 16 años con diagnóstico de PAR y PC. Se realizó una colangio pancreatografía retrograda endoscópica (CPRE) para introducir inicialmente una y posteriormente dos prótesis pancreáticas. Se evaluaron síntomas abdominales antes y después del tratamiento, número de recambios, duración del tratamiento y complicaciones con seguimiento a 24 meses y posterior a su retiro. Resultados: Se incluyeron 9 pacientes con PAR y PC: seis de etiología no determinada y tres con páncreas divisum. La edad promedio fue de 12.4 años. La colocación de prótesis alivió el dolor abdominal en el 100%, con 3.2 sesiones de recambio cada 6.2 meses en 27.4 meses, y complicaciones leves (15.7%). Un paciente presentó dolor al retirar las prótesis y requirió cirugía derivativa. Conclusiones: El uso de prótesis pancreática en pacientes con dolor abdominal refractario con PAR y PC demostró ser eficaz y seguro al aliviar los síntomas a mediano plazo con mínimas complicaciones.

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Melatonin is a hormone synthesized by the pineal gland with neuroprotective and neurodevelopmental effects. Also, melatonin acts as an antidepressant by modulating the generation of new neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. The positive effects of melatonin on behavior and neural development may suggest it is used for reverting stress but also for the alterations produced by chemotherapeutic drugs influencing behavior and brain plasticity. In this sense, temozolomide, an alkylating/anti-proliferating agent used in treating brain cancer, is associated with decreased cognitive functions and depression. We hypothesized that melatonin might prevent the effects of temozolomide on depression- and anxiety-like behavior by modulating some aspects of the neurogenic process in adult Balb/C mice. Mice were treated with temozolomide (25 mg/kg) for three days of two weeks, followed by melatonin (8 mg/kg) for fourteen days. Temozolomide produced short- and long-term decrements in cell proliferation (Ki67-positive cells: 54.89% and 53.38%, respectively) and intermediate stages of the neurogenic process (doublecortin-positive cells: 68.23% and 50.08%, respectively). However, melatonin prevented the long-term effects of temozolomide with the increased number of doublecortin-positive cells (47.21%) and the immunoreactivity of 2' 3'-Cyclic-nucleotide-3 phosphodiesterase (CNPase: 82.66%), an enzyme expressed by mature oligodendrocytes, in the hilar portion of the dentate gyrus. The effects of melatonin in the temozolomide group occurred with decreased immobility in the forced swim test (45.55%) but not anxiety-like behavior. Thus, our results suggest that melatonin prevents the harmful effects of temozolomide by modulating doublecortin cells, hilar oligodendrocytes, and depression-like behavior tested in the forced swim test. Our study could point out melatonin's beneficial effects for counteracting temozolomide's side effects.

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