Prophages carrying Zot toxins on different Vibrio genomes: A comprehensive assessment using multilayer networks.

Vibrios, a group of bacteria that are among the most abundant in marine environments, include several species such as Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which can be pathogenic to humans. Some species of Vibrio contain prophages within their genomes. These prophages can carry genes that code for toxins, such as the zonula occludens toxin (Zot), which contribute to bacterial virulence. Understanding the association between different Vibrio species, prophages and Zot genes can provide insights into their ecological interactions. In this study, we evaluated 4619 Vibrio genomes from 127 species to detect the presence of prophages carrying the Zot toxin. We found 2030 potential prophages with zot-like genes in 43 Vibrio species, showing a non-random association within a primarily modular interaction network. Some prophages, such as CTX or Vf33, were associated with specific species. In contrast, prophages phiVCY and VfO3K6 were found in 28 and 20 Vibrio species, respectively. We also identified six clusters of Zot-like sequences in prophages, with the ZOT2 cluster being the most frequent, present in 34 Vibrio species. This analysis helps to understand the distribution patterns of zot-containing prophages across Vibrio genomes and the potential routes of Zot-like toxin dissemination.

Structure and dispersion of the conjugative mobilome in surface ocean bacterioplankton.

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs), collectively referred to as the "mobilome", can have a significant impact on the fitness of microbial communities and therefore on ecological processes. Marine MGEs have mainly been associated with wide geographical and phylogenetic dispersal of adaptative traits. However, whether the structure of this mobilome exhibits deterministic patterns in the natural community is still an open question. The aim of this study was to characterize the structure of the conjugative mobilome in the ocean surface bacterioplankton by searching the publicly available marine metagenomes from the TARA Oceans survey, together with molecular markers, such as relaxases and type IV coupling proteins of the type IV secretion system (T4SS). The T4SS machinery was retrieved in more abundance than relaxases in the surface marine bacterioplankton. Moreover, among the identified MGEs, mobilizable elements were the most abundant, outnumbering self-conjugative sequences. Detection of a high number of incomplete T4SSs provides insight into possible strategies related to trans-acting activity between MGEs, and accessory functions of the T4SS (e.g. protein secretion), allowing the host to maintain a lower metabolic burden in the highly dynamic marine system. Additionally, the results demonstrate a wide geographical dispersion of MGEs throughout oceanic regions, while the Southern Ocean appears segregated from other regions. The marine mobilome also showed a high similarity of functions present in known plasmid databases. Moreover, cargo genes were mostly related to DNA processing, but scarcely associated with antibiotic resistance. Finally, within the MGEs, integrative and conjugative elements showed wider marine geographic dispersion than plasmids.

Cross-examining the influence of upwelling and seaweed quality on herbivores' feeding behavior and growth.

At the regional scale, upwelling conditions are known to influence ecosystems and communities and their primary and secondary productivity. However, the influence of upwelling on local herbivore-algae interactions is less well understood. We address this question by cross-examining herbivores and seaweeds from sites associated with upwelling and downwelling conditions along the Humboldt Current System. Specifically, we quantified the feeding and benefits attained by the black sea urchin (Tetrapygus niger) and the black sea snail (Tegula atra) while consuming a widespread kelp species (Lessonia spicata). We hypothesized that food quality drives herbivores' preference, consumption, and growth rates, regardless of the origin or "prior" conditions of the consumers. Laboratory trials measured algal consumption rates with (preference) and without a choice, and consumer's growth rates, to assess the influence of food quality (algae from upwelling vs downwelling sites) and the site of origin of the consumers. Our results showed that algal quality was a prevailing factor for both herbivores: they chose, consumed more, and grew faster on high quality (upwelling) algae. By comparison, the origin of the consumer was only significant for sea snails: those coming from an upwelling site, consumed significantly more and grew faster than those from downwelling. The bulk of our results provided strong support to our hypothesis and suggest that the high nutritional quality of algae associated with upwelling centers has a strong influence on consumers' preferences, consumption, and performance (growth). The fact that origin was found to be relevant for one of the herbivores suggests that the conditions in which species grow may dictate some of their efficiency as consumers.

Subexpansión de stent tratado con balón de Shockwave

La calcificación coronaria afecta negativamente los resultados de las intervenciones coronarias al impedir el cruce, lograr una buena aposición y expansión del stent; puede alterar el polímero y la cinética de liberación del fármaco. La subexpansión del stent se asocia a trombosis posterior del stent y/o necesidad de nueva revascularización de la lesión. Existen distintas técnicas para modificar el calcio de las arterias coronarias como los balones no complacientes (BNC), balones modificadores de placa y tecnologías de ateroablación como la aterectomia rotacional, orbital y láser. Todas con complicaciones y limitaciones. La litotripsia intracoronaria es una tecnología nueva, que mediante la emisión de ondas de choque acústicas es capaz de fracturar el calcio coronario profundo mejorando la distensibilidad de la arteria coronaria, lo que permite una adecuada expansión del stent. En esta oportunidad presentamos el caso de un stent subexpandido debido a una lesión muy calcificada de la arteria coronaria derecha (ACD) tratada con un catéter de Shockwave IVL (Shockwave Medical, Santa Clara, California).

Coronary calcification negatively affects the results of coronary interventions by preventing crossing, achieving good apposition and expansion of the stent; it may alter the polymer and the kinetics of drug release. Stent underexpansion is associated with subsequent stent thrombosis and/or the need for new revascularization of the lesion. There are different techniques to modify the calcium of the coronary arteries such as non-compliant balloons (NCB), plaque-modifying balloons and atheroablation technologies such as rotational, orbital and laser atherectomy. All with complications and limitations. Intracoronary lithotripsy is a new technology that, through the emission of acoustic shock waves, is capable of fracturing deep coronary calcium, improving compliance of the coronary artery, which allows adequate expansion of the stent. On this occasion, we present the case of an underexpanded stent due to a highly calcified lesion of the right coronary artery (RCA) treated with a Shockwave IVL catheter (Shockwave Medical, Santa Clara, California).

Ultrafine Kaolinite Removal in Recycled Water from the Overflow of Thickener Using Electroflotation: A Novel Application of Saline Water Splitting in Mineral Processing.

The presence of ultrafine clay particles that are difficult to remove by conventional filtration creates many operational problems in mining processing systems. In this work, the removal of clay suspensions has been investigated using an electroflotation (EF) process with titanium electrodes. The results show that EF is a viable and novel alternative for removing ultrafine particles of kaolinite-type clay present in sedimentation tank overflows with low salt concentrations (<0.1 mol/L) in copper mining facilities based on the saline water splitting concept. Maximum suspended solid removal values of 91.4 and 83.2% in NaCl and KCl solutions, respectively, were obtained under the experimental conditions of the constant applied potential of 20 V/SHE, salinity concentration of 0.1 mol/L, and electroflotation time of 10 and 20 min in NaCl and KCl solutions, respectively. Furthermore, the visual evidence of particle aggregation by flocculation during the experiments indicates a synergy between EF and electrocoagulation (EC) that enhances the removal of ultrafine particles of kaolinite.

Corrosion of Titanium Electrode Used for Solar Saline Electroflotation.

The solar electroflotation (EF) processes using saline electrolytes are today one of the great challenges for the development of electrochemical devices, due to the corrosion problems that are generated during the operation by being in permanent contact with Cl- ions. This manuscript discloses the corrosion behavior of titanium electrodes using a superposition model based on mixed potential theory and the evaluation of the superficial performance of the Ti electrodes operated to 4 V/SHE solar electroflotation in contact with a solution of 0.5 M NaCl. Additionally provided is an electrochemical analysis of Ti electrodes regarding HER, ORR, OER, and CER that occur during the solar saline EF process. The non-linear superposition model by mixed potential theory gives electrochemical and corrosion parameters that complement the information published in scientific journals, the corrosion current density and corrosion potential in these conditions is 0.069 A/m2 and -7.27 mV, respectively. The formation of TiO2 and TiOCl on the anode electrode was visualized, resulting in a reduction of its weight loss of the anode electrode.

Network pharmacology reveals multitarget mechanism of action of drugs to be repurposed for COVID-19.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic accelerated drug/vaccine development processes, integrating scientists all over the globe to create therapeutic alternatives against this virus. In this work, we have collected information regarding proteins from SARS-CoV-2 and humans and how these proteins interact. We have also collected information from public databases on protein-drug interactions. We represent this data as networks that allow us to gain insights into protein-protein interactions between both organisms. With the collected data, we have obtained statistical metrics of the networks. This data analysis has allowed us to find relevant information on which proteins and drugs are the most relevant from the network pharmacology perspective. This method not only allows us to focus on viral proteins as the main targets for COVID-19 but also reveals that some human proteins could be also important in drug repurposing campaigns. As a result of the analysis of the SARS-CoV-2-human interactome, we have identified some old drugs, such as disulfiram, auranofin, gefitinib, suloctidil, and bromhexine as potential therapies for the treatment of COVID-19 deciphering their potential complex mechanism of action.

[Findings of optical coherence tomography in saphenous grafts failure. Report of one case]. / Aterosclerosis en puente venoso aorto-coronario: hallazgos del OFDI. Caso clínico.

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of late saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure. Intracoronary images using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in addition to angiography allow a detailed analysis of the lesion beyond the degree of stenosis. We report a 67 years old diabetic male who underwent coronary surgery in 2009, consulting for an acute coronary syndrome. Angiography showed two different lesions on one aortocoronary venous grafts. OCT demonstrates atherosclerosis in different stages identifying the culprit lesion. Stent placement were successfully carried out.

Safety and effectiveness of telerehabilitation program in people with severe haemophilia in Chile. A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about how people with haemophilia (PWH) perceive and assess the usefulness, safety and effectiveness of telerehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To describe usefulness, safety, effectiveness and limitations of a telerehabilitation program applied in people with severe haemophilia implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile. DESIGN AND METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted based on a focus group. Four analytical categories were predefined, three of which involved elements of Donabedian's model for quality assessment in health care (structure, process and results). RESULTS: One of the most important aspects according to all of the participants is the sense of safety they experienced while being taken care of by a physiotherapist specializing in PWH rehabilitation. This facilitated trust in the professional and adherence to treatment. All participants reported improvements in their physical condition and sense of well-being. The lack of adequate equipment at home, the limited length of the sessions, the perception that the physiotherapist may not be able to perform an appropriate physical examination and the lack of direct supervision were described as disadvantages. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscored that telerehabilitation had high satisfaction among PWH. Telerehabilitation was perceived by PWH as a safe and effective intervention to improve physical condition. Telerehabilitation could be further supported and improved, and coverage could be enhanced, including rural and remote areas, which suffer from chronic inequalities in access to rehabilitation. The lack of face-to-face supervision and physical examination were perceived as the principal disadvantages. These results may help to improve telerehabilitation programs in PWH elsewhere.

Aterosclerosis en puente venoso aorto-coronario: hallazgos del OFDI: caso clínico / Findings of optical coherence tomography in saphenous grafts failure: report of one case

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of late saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure. Intracoronary images using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in addition to angiography allow a detailed analysis of the lesion beyond the degree of stenosis. We report a 67 years old diabetic male who underwent coronary surgery in 2009, consulting for an acute coronary syndrome. Angiography showed two different lesions on one aortocoronary venous grafts. OCT demonstrates atherosclerosis in different stages identifying the culprit lesion. Stent placement were successfully carried out.

Enfermedad coronaria en el paciente portador del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / Coronary artery disease in patients infected with HIV

RESUMEN: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares, particularmente la enfermedad coronaria (EC), resultan de especial interés y preocupación en pacientes portadores del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). La ateromatosis acelerada como causa del aumento de prevalencia de enfermedad coronaria ha sido reconocida desde hace varios años en estos pacientes. No obstante, los mecanismos fisiopatológicos involucrados son múltiples y complejos e incluyen factores virales, la respuesta inflamatoria e inmunológica desencadenada por el virus, factores de riesgo cardiovascular tradicionales y efectos de la terapia antirretroviral combinada. Esta revisión de la literatura aborda dichos mecanismos y hace una actualización de los principales estudios clínicos que los sustentan. Se comenta además la evaluación de riesgo cardiovascular y los lineamientos para la revascularización de pacientes con EC portadores de VIH.

ABSTRACT: Cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary artery disease are relevant in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). For several years accelerated atheromatosis, a cause of increased prevalence in coronary disease, has been recognized in these patients. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms involved are multiple and complex, including viral factors, the inflammatory and immune response triggered by the virus, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and the effects of combined antiretroviral therapy. This review of the literature addresses these mechanisms and updates the main clinical studies that support them. Cardiovascular risk assessment and guidelines for revascularization of HIV patients with CHD are also discussed.

Number processing skill trajectories in children with specific language impairment.

BACKGROUND: A number of contrasting hypotheses have been put forward concerning mathematical performance deficits in children with specific language impairment (SLI). However, debate as to the nature of this deficit continues. The present study analyzed whether the trajectories of SLI-children may be attributed to the use of symbolic vs. linguistic assessment tasks, or to a deficit in the magnitude system. METHOD: SLI-children (N=20) and typically achieving children (N=20) were monitored between kindergarten and first grade. Four tasks were designed, each with varying demands on language, symbolic, and domain-specific skills. RESULTS: The groups only differed in the trajectories of those numerical tasks involving high language demand. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that SLI children present an early deficit in the development of numerical skills that require retrieval from long term memory and articulation of a phonological representation. Number skills involving greater language demand should be included as part of SLI early detection and intervention protocols.

Patrón de lectura radiológica digital para la clasificación de imágenes compatibles con silicosis / Digital reading radiation pattern for classification of image about silicosis (P0140-2013)

La silicosis es una enfermedad sin tratamiento. El programa de vigilancia de trabajadores expuestos a sílice está diseñado para detectarla lo más precozmente posible mediante una radiografía de tórax. A pesar de su rol fundamental, esta adolece de una gran variabilidad técnica y de interpretación. Para disminuir estos fenómenos, la OIT creó un sistema de clasificación ampliamente usado en Chile y el mundo. Este se basó en la radiografía análoga, la que ha sido reemplazada por el mismo set análogo, digitalizado. Si bien la OIT permite el uso de este nuevo tipo de imagen, indica que el patrón de comparación debe seguir siendo el análogo. Muchos estudios han demostrado que es mejor utilizar patrones de comparación digitales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue generar un set de radiografías digitales que representen las profusiones centrales de opacidades redondas del sistema de clasificación OIT. De un universo de 32.826 radiografías de pacientes expuestos a sílice, se obtuvo 252 radiografías, de las cuales 54 fueron informadas por 3 lectores acreditados, seleccionándose 8 casos que contaban con opacidades redondas puras de diferentes profusiones, las que se proponen como patrón digital para Chile.

Silicosis is a disease without treatment. The surveillance program for workers exposed to silica is designed to detect as early as possible by a chest radiograph. Despite its fundamental role, it suffers from a great technique and interpretation variability. To reduce these phenomena, the ILO created a classification system widely used in Chile and the world. This was based on analog radiography, which has been replaced by the same analog set, digitized. While the ILO permits the use of this new type of image it indicates that the pattern comparison must remain analog. Many studies have shown that it is best to use digital comparison patterns. The objective of this work was to generate a set of digital x-rays representing the central profusion of round opacities of ILO classification system. From a universe of 32,826 x-rays of patients exposed to silica, 252 films, of which 54 were reported for 3 accredited readers, selected 8 cases that had pure round opacities of different profusions was obtained, which are proposed as digital pattern for Chile.

Validez factorial del Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services (MBI-HSS) en profesionales chilenos / Factorial Validity of Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services (MBI-HSS) in Chilean Professionals

Este estudio explora la validez factorial de una adaptación al castellano del Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) en una muestra de 957 profesionales de servicios chilenos de diferentes unidades laborales. Se investigó la fiabilidad del MBI y su estructura factorial. Tanto los análisis factoriales exploratorios como los confirmatorios indican que el modelo original de tres factores del MBI muestra un buen ajuste a los datos, al igual que el valor del error de aproximación cuadrático medio (RMSEA, por sus siglas en inglés), aunque los ítems 12, 13, 14, 20 y 21 presentaron un comportamiento inadecuado en la matriz factorial resultante, por lo que se eliminaron. La consistencia interna de las dimensiones del inventario fue aceptable, aunque Despersonalización fue relativamente baja. A la luz de los resultados obtenidos, el cuestionario se puede considerar válido y fiable en la versión adaptada al español.

The present study tested the factorial validity of an adjustment to the Spanish language of the Maslach Burnout Inventory in a sample of 957 professionals of Chilean services of different labour units. The reliability and factor structure of the MBI were investigated. Exploratory and confirmatory factors analysis indicated that the original three-factor model of the MBI fit well with both the data and the Root Mean Standar Error of Aproximation (RMSEA) value, although the items 12, 13, 14, 20 and 21 presented an inadequate behavior in the original factorial resultant, so they were eliminated. The internal consistency of the dimensions of the inventory was acceptable, although the Depersonalization subscale was relatively low. So far, the results obtained show that the questionnaire appears to be valid and reliable in the version adapted to the Spanish language.

Rapid isolation of mycoviral double-stranded RNA from Botrytis cinerea and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

BACKGROUND: In most of the infected fungi, the mycoviruses are latent or cryptic, the infected fungus does not show disease symptoms, and it is phenotypically identical to a non-infected strain of the same species. Because of these properties, the initial stage in the search for fungi infected with mycoviruses is the detection of their viral genome, which in most of the described cases corresponds to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). So to analyze a large number of fungal isolates it is necessary to have a simple and rapid method to detect dsRNA. RESULTS: A rapid method to isolate dsRNA from a virus-infected filamentous fungus, Botrytis cinerea, and from a killer strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae using commercial minicolumns packed with CF11 cellulose was developed. In addition to being a rapid method, it allows to use small quantities of yeasts or mycelium as starting material, being obtained sufficient dsRNA quantity that can later be analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis, treated with enzymes for its partial characterization, amplified by RT-PCR and cloned in appropriate vectors for further sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: The method yields high quality dsRNA, free from DNA and ssRNA. The use of nucleases to degrade the DNA or the ssRNA is not required, and it can be used to isolate dsRNA from any type of fungi or any biological sample that contains dsRNA.

El estudio de la percepción del riesgo y salud ocupacional: una mirada desde los paradigmas de riesgo / Study of the perception of risk and occupational health: a view from the paradigms of risk

Por medio de este trabajo se aborda la temática de la percepción del riesgo el cual en las últimas décadas ha provocado bastante investigación, pues se le concibe como un elemento que puede potenciar y mejorar las políticas de prevención. El objetivo de este artículo fue abordar brevemente cuál es el estado del debate metodológico en torno al riesgo, y asu vez, dar cuenta de los paradigmas y teorías existentes que predominan en la reflexión sobre el riesgo, por último, se propone un esquema que intentará rescatar aquellos elementos que a nuestro parecer pueden contribuira una comprensión global del riesgo en el mundo del trabajo y, en particular, en el ámbito de las intervenciones en seguridad, salud ocupacional y en la prevención de riesgos laborales. En conclusión, este trabajo permitirá ampliar la mirada del riesgo, mezclando elementos de la teoría macrosocial, realizando una integración a su vez con elementos provenientes desde lo microsocial, lo cual enriquecerá la perspectiva de la prevención del riesgo en el ámbito laboral y organizacional. En torno a las prácticas investigativas se recomienda unir las metodologías cualitativas y cuantitativas con el propósito de perfeccionar la gestión en su totalidad.

This paper addresses the issue of risk perception which in recent decades has led to considerable research, as it is conceived as an element that can enhance and improve prevention policies. The objective of this paper is to briefly review the state of the methodological debate on risk and, in turn, account for existing paradigms andtheories that dominate thinking about the risk. Finally, we propose a scheme that will attempt to rescue those elements that we believe can contribute to an overall understanding of risk in the world of work and, in particular, in the field of interventions in safety, occupational health and the prevention of occupational hazards. Thus, this study will broaden the view of risk, combining elements of macro theory, integrating elements the micro social. This will enhance the perspective of risk prevention in the workplace and organizations. Regarding the research practices, we recommend the integrated use of qualitative and quantitative methodologies for the purpose of improving management as a whole.

Validez de los tests y el análisis factorial: nociones generales / Validity of tests and factorial analysis: general notions

Es cada vez más abundante la literatura especializada de los tests, independiente de su campo de aplicación, donde se incorporan los conceptos de validez de constructo y el método del análisis factorial (AF en adelante) para su estimación. Al ser éste el método que más se utiliza y considerando que su uso sigue en aumento, se hace necesario conocer ciertos aspectos generales de esta técnica estadística multivariada. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo dar una visión general y simple del análisis factorial, sin entrar en su matemática subyacente. Se realiza una revisión breve al origen, conceptos generales, utilización y modus operandi del AF. Finalmente, se presenta un ejemplo simplificado del resultado que entrega un AF y del cómo realizar su interpretación.

Specialized literature on tests is increasingly abundant, independent of its field of application, where the validity of construct concept and the factorial analysis method (FA hereafter) are incorporated for its assessment. Since this is the most widely used method and considering that its use is increasing, it becomes necessary to know certain general aspects of this multivariate statistical technique. The purpose of this paper is to provide a general and simple outlook of factorial analysis without going into its underlying mathematics. A brief review of the FA origin, general concepts, use and modus operandi is made. Finally, a simplified example of the outcome produced by an FA is provided and how to interpret it.

Propiedades psicométricas preliminares de la escala de violencia entre pares en estudiantes secundarios chilenos / Preliminary psychometric properties of the violence among peers scale in Chilean secondary school students / Propriedades psicométricas preliminares da escala de violência entre pares estudantes de educação secundária em Chile

La Escala de Violencia entre Pares de Cajigas de Segredo et al. (2004) se compone de 43 reactivos que pretenden medir la presencia de agresión entre pares en el contexto escolar. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar sus propiedades psicométricas y arrojar baremos provisorios en una muestra no probabilística constituida por 223 estudiantes chilenos correspondientes a dos colegios, uno de estrato económico medio y otro de estrato alto de la provincia de Santiago en la Región Metropolitana, Chile. Los resultados de la presente investigación confirman las buenas propiedades del test en el contexto nacional, y son un aporte en la investigación empírica del fenómeno en Latinoamérica, además de generar una escala de mayor validez y fiabilidad para el estudio en el país. Se proyectan estudios con muestreos probabilísticos y la generación de baremos definitivos para la población estudiantil en Chile.

The Violence Among Peers Scale by Cajigas de Segredo et al. (2004) consists of 43 items that intend to measure the presence of peer aggression in schools. This study aims to assess the scale's psychometric properties and develop provisional normative scales based on a non-probabilistic sample that comprised 223 Chilean students from two schools, one of medium and one of high economic stratum from the province of Santiago in the Chilean Metropolitan Region. The results of this research confirm the good properties of the test in the national context, and constitute a contribution to the empirical investigation of the phenomenon in Latin America. Additionally, it has generated a more reliable and valid scale for the study in the country. Other studies using probabilistic sampling methods and the development of definitive normative scales for the student population in Chile are projected.

A Escala de violência entre pares de Cajigas, de Segredo et al. (2004), consta de 43 reagentes destinados a medir a presença de agressão entre pares no contexto escolar. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar suas propriedades psicométricas e produzir baremos provisório em uma amostra não probabilística constituída por 223 estudantes chilenos de duas escolas: uma de estrato econômico médio e outra de estrato alto da província de Santiago, na Região Metropolitana, Chile. Os resultados desta investigação confirmam as boas propriedades do teste no contexto nacional, e são uma contribuição para a investigação empírica do fenômeno na América Latina. Além disso, geram uma escala de maior nível de confiabilidade e validade para o estudo no país. Estão previstos estudos com amostragens probabilísticas e a geração de baremos definitivos para a população estudantil em Chile.