Heterologous constitutive production of short-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates in Pseudomonas putida KT2440: the involvement of IbpA inclusion body protein.

Designing cell factories for the production of novel polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) via smart metabolic engineering is key to obtain à la carte materials with tailored physicochemical properties. To this end, we used the model medium-chain-length-PHA producing bacterium, P. putida KT2440 as a chassis, which is characterized by its metabolic versatility and stress tolerance. Different PHA biosynthetic modules were assembled in expression plasmids using the Golden gate/MoClo modular assembly technique to implement an orthogonal short-chain-lengh-PHA (scl-PHA) switch in a "deaf" PHA mutant. This was specifically constructed to override endogenous multilevel regulation of PHA synthesis in the native strain. We generated a panel of engineered approaches carrying the genes from Rhodospirillum rubrum, Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, demonstrating that diverse scl-PHAs can be constitutively produced in the chassis strain to varying yields from 23% to 84% PHA/CDW. Co-feeding assays of the most promising engineered strain harboring the PHA machinery from C. necator resulted to a panel of PHBV from 0.6% to 19% C5 monomeric incorporation. Chromosomally integrated PHA machineries with high PhaCCn synthase dosage successfully resulted in 68% PHA/CDW production. Interestingly, an inverse relationship between PhaC synthase dosage and granule size distribution was demonstrated in the heterologous host. In this vein, it is proposed the key involvement of inclusion body protein IbpA to the heterologous production of tailored PHA in P. putida KT2440.

Golden Standard: a complete standard, portable, and interoperative MoClo tool for model and non-model proteobacteria.

Modular cloning has become a benchmark technology in synthetic biology. However, a notable disparity exists between its remarkable development and the need for standardization to facilitate seamless interoperability among systems. The field is thus impeded by an overwhelming proliferation of organism-specific systems that frequently lack compatibility. To overcome these issues, we present Golden Standard (GS), a Type IIS assembly method underpinned by the Standard European Vector Architecture. GS unlocks modular cloning applications for most bacteria, and delivers combinatorial multi-part assembly to create genetic circuits of up to twenty transcription units (TUs). Reliance on MoClo syntax renders GS fully compatible with many existing tools and it sets the path towards efficient reusability of available part libraries and assembled TUs. GS was validated in terms of DNA assembly, portability, interoperability and phenotype engineering in α-, ß-, γ- and δ-proteobacteria. Furthermore, we provide a computational pipeline for parts characterization that was used to assess the performance of GS parts. To promote community-driven development of GS, we provide a dedicated web-portal including a repository of parts, vectors, and Wizard and Setup tools that guide users in designing constructs. Overall, GS establishes an open, standardized framework propelling the progress of synthetic biology as a whole.

Electrochemotherapy Plus IL-2+IL-12 Gene Electrotransfer in Spontaneous Inoperable Stage III-IV Canine Oral Malignant Melanoma.

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a standard of care in veterinary and human oncology. The treatment induces a well-characterized local immune response which is not able to induce a systemic response. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the addition of gene electrotransfer (GET) of canine IL-2 peritumorally and IL-12 intramuscularly to enhance the immune response. Thirty canine patients with inoperable oral malignant melanoma were included. Ten patients received ECT+GET as the treatment group, while twenty patients received ECT as the control group. Intravenous bleomycin for the ECT was used in both groups. All patients had compromised lymph nodes which were surgically removed. Plasma levels of interleukins, local response rate, overall survival, and progression-free survival were evaluated. The results show that IL-2 and IL-12 expression peaked around days 7-14 after transfection. Both groups showed similar local response rates and overall survival times. However, progression-free survival resulted significantly better in the ECT+GET group, which is a better indicator than overall survival, as it is not influenced by the criterion used for performing euthanasia. We can conclude that the combination of ECT+GET using IL-2 and IL-12 improves treatment outcomes by slowing down tumoral progression in stage III-IV inoperable canine oral malignant melanoma.

Dissecting the dimension of protection: Caligae and Scutum in the evaluative model of normative appeals.

A normative appeal indicates that one should (or should not) do a certain action in a concrete situation. According to the Evaluative Model of Normative Appeals (EMNA), willingness to comply with these messages depends on an appraisal formed by two dimensions: formality and protection. In this work we center on the dimension of protection, proposing that it can be divided into two components: avoiding physical or psychological damage (scutum) and affording the performance of the main intended action (caligae). We conducted two studies to test this twofold meaning of protection. In Study 1 (N = 525), we manipulated the coherence of regulatory focus (promotion vs. control vs. prevention) with salience of the components of protection (caligae vs. control vs. scutum). In Study 2 (N = 513), we separately measured the perception of each component referred to an actual normative appeal (i.e., "To get into a class punctually"). The results showed that the manipulated salience and the measured perception of caligae and scutum elicits (Study 1) and predicts (Study 2) higher willingness to comply with normative appeals. Theoretical and applied implications of the results are discussed.

Relationships between Individual and Social Resources, Anxiety and Depression in the Early Lockdown Stage by the COVID-19 in Chile.

The coronavirus disease has exposed the population to psychosocial threats that could increase mental health problems. This research analyzed the relationships between emotional states (negative [−EWB] and positive [+EWB] experienced well-being), personal resources (resilient coping [RC]), dispositional resources (control beliefs about stress [BAS]), and social resources (social support [SS]), and anxiety and depressive symptoms in a sample of the Chilean population (n = 592), who answered an online questionnaire. Multiple and moderated multiple regression analyses were carried out. Depressive symptoms showed a positive relationship with −EWB (ß = 0.805; p < 0.001) and negative relationship with +EWB (ß = −0.312; p < 0.001), RC (ß = −0.089; p < 0.01), BAS (ß = −0.183; p < 0.001) and SS (ß = −0.082; p < 0.001). Anxiety symptoms showed a positive relationship with −EWB (ß = 0.568; p < 0.001), and a negative relationship with +EWB (ß = −0.101; p < 0.03) and BAS (ß = −0.092; p < 0.001). BAS moderated the relationship between experienced well-being and depression symptoms, and RC moderated the relationship between experienced well-being with both depression and anxiety symptoms. Findings confirm the buffering effect of personal and dispositional resources when facing a sanitary and social crisis. Moreover, they help to understand the role of internal psychological processes during a crisis and how to cope with life-threatening events.

Strain-specific predation of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus on Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a higher range for cystic fibrosis than for bacteremia isolates.

This work aimed to evaluate the predatory activity of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus 109J on clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa selected from well-characterized collections of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung colonization (n = 30) and bloodstream infections (BSI) (n = 48) including strains selected by genetic lineage (frequent and rare sequence types), antibiotic resistance phenotype (susceptible and multidrug-resistant isolates), and colony phenotype (mucoid and non-mucoid isolates). The intraspecies predation range (I-PR) was defined as the proportion of susceptible strains within the entire collection. In contrast, the predation efficiency (PE) is the ratio of viable prey cells remaining after predation compared to the initial inoculum. I-PR was significantly higher for CF (67%) than for BSI P. aeruginosa isolates (35%) probably related to an environmental origin of CF strains whereas invasive strains are more adapted to humans. I-PR correlation with bacterial features such as mucoid morphotype, genetic background, or antibiotic susceptibility profile was not detected. To test the possibility of increasing I-PR of BSI isolates, a polyhydroxyalkanoate depolymerase deficient B. bacteriovorus bd2637 mutant was used. Global median I-PR and PE values remained constant for both predators, but 31.2% of 109J-resistant isolates were susceptible to the mutant, and 22.9% of 109J-susceptible isolates showed resistance to predation by the mutant, pointing to a predator-prey specificity process. The potential use of predators in the clinical setting should be based on the determination of the I-PR for each species, and the PE of each particular target strain.

Family Matters: Rethinking the Psychology of Human Social Motivation.

What motives do people prioritize in their social lives? Historically, social psychologists, especially those adopting an evolutionary perspective, have devoted a great deal of research attention to sexual attraction and romantic-partner choice (mate seeking). Research on long-term familial bonds (mate retention and kin care) has been less thoroughly connected to relevant comparative and evolutionary work on other species, and in the case of kin care, these bonds have been less well researched. Examining varied sources of data from 27 societies around the world, we found that people generally view familial motives as primary in importance and mate-seeking motives as relatively low in importance. Compared with other groups, college students, single people, and men place relatively higher emphasis on mate seeking, but even those samples rated kin-care motives as more important. Furthermore, motives linked to long-term familial bonds are positively associated with psychological well-being, but mate-seeking motives are associated with anxiety and depression. We address theoretical and empirical reasons why there has been extensive research on mate seeking and why people prioritize goals related to long-term familial bonds over mating goals. Reallocating relatively greater research effort toward long-term familial relationships would likely yield many interesting new findings relevant to everyday people's highest social priorities.

Does Visual Aesthetics of the Workplace Matter? Analyzing the Assessment of Visual Aesthetics as Antecedent of Affective Commitment and Job Crafting.

In this work, two objectives were addressed. First, the visual aesthetics assessment of the workplace was explored for the first time as a potential antecedent of the proactive behaviors of job crafting. Second, the potential mediating role of the affective organizational commitment in this relationship was analyzed. To address these purposes, a field study was conducted with a sample of 428 workers. Following a set of hypotheses, the results of the measurement model, χ2 (df) = 494.288 (215); CFI = .920; TLI = .906; RMSEA = .066, showed that the visual aesthetics assessment of the workplace was significantly correlated with three of the four dimensions of job crafting (r = .19 with ISO-JR, r = .15 with IC-JD and; r = .17 with IST-JR; p < .001) and with affective organizational commitment (r = .27, p < .001). In addition, through a structural equation model, χ2(df) = 494.895 (219); CFI = .921; TLI = .909; RMSEA = .065, positive and significant indirect effects were found from the visual aesthetic assessment of the workplace to the same three dimensions of job crafting, all through the affective organizational commitment: .17 with ISO-JR, .25 with IC-JD and, .23 with IST-JR; 95% CI [.097, .276], [.161, .361] and [.161, .361], respectively. The results obtained provide useful evidence for researchers and managers about the value of providing an aesthetically satisfactory workplace, which would enhance the affective commitment of employees and, consequently, positively affect the proactive behaviors of job crafting.

Pain and Distraction According to Sensory Modalities: Current Findings and Future Directions.

BACKGROUND: This review discusses the findings in the literature on pain and distraction tasks according to their sensory modality. Distraction tasks have been shown to reduce (experimentally induced) acute pain and chronic pain. This can be influenced by nature and by the sensory modalities used in the distraction tasks. Yet the effect on reducing pain according to the sensory modality of the distraction task has received little attention. METHODS: A bibliographic search was performed in different databases. The studies will be systematized according to the sensory modality in which the distraction task was applied. RESULTS: The analyzed studies with auditory distractors showed a reduction of acute pain in adults. However, these are not effective at healthy children and in adults with chronic pain. Visual distractors showed promising results in acute pain in adults and children. Similarly, tactile and mixed distractors decreased acute pain in adults. CONCLUSION: Distraction tasks by diverse sensory modalities have a positive effect on decreasing the perception of acute pain in adults. Future studies are necessary given the paucity of research on this topic, particularly with tactile distractors (there is only one study). Finally, the most rigorous methodology and the use of ecological contexts are encouraged in future research.

Certificação e controle de propriedades de produção leiteira livres de brucelose e tuberculose no Estado do Rio de Janeiro: experiência da PESAGRO-RIO na primeira certificação do Estado, os benefícios ao pequeno produtor e a oferta de produtos lácteos de qualidade ao consumidor / Certification and control of brucellosis and tuberculosis free dairy production properties in the State of Rio de Janeiro: experience of PESAGRO-RIO in first certification of the State, the benefits to the small producer and the supply of dairy products of quality to the consumer

A cadeia leiteira do estado do Rio de Janeiro tem grande importância econômica e social. Existem, aproximadamente, 15 mil propriedades rurais produtoras de leite no estado, com 406 mil vacas ordenhadas ao ano, totalizando 45 mil pessoas diretamente ligadas ao leite somente no campo. Este contingente de produtores, produzindo cerca de 513 milhões de litros de leite por ano, gera faturamento anual de R$ 670 milhões no campo. Porém, o desenvolvimento da produção leiteira fluminense não acompanha o crescente mercado consumidor do estado. Os incentivos, por meio de políticas públicas que beneficiem a produção leiteira, sobretudo a familiar, que compreende mais de 78% dos estabelecimentos rurais do estado, devem-se basear principalmente no tripé sanidade, reprodução e nutrição animal, além de incentivos fiscais e de fortalecimento da indústria láctea. O conhecimento da frequência das doenças dos rebanhos leiteiros, dos fatores que condicionam sua presença e possibilitam sua difusão são de fundamental importância no seu controle e/ou erradicação, garantindo, assim, a produção de alimentos seguros, saudáveis e nutritivos, em bases sustentáveis e competitivas. O presente trabalho apresenta a experiência da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Estado de Janeiro (PESAGRO-RIO) na certificação de propriedades livres de Brucelose e Tuberculose, pela implementação de ações de controle e erradicação dessas doenças, por meio do diagnóstico sorológico da Brucelose e pela detecção da Tuberculose em propriedades familiares. O projeto teve como resultado a certificação da primeira propriedade livre de Brucelose e Tuberculose do estado no município de Carmo e a elaboração de uma linha de produção de derivados lácteos com matéria-prima proveniente de propriedades certificadas. Os produtos foram identificados com o “Selo de Qualidade Sanitária”, como ferramenta de agregação de valor, tendo como resultado o aumento de renda dos produtores e a segurança alimentar dos consumidores.

Levantamento epidemiológico visando à comparação das prevalências de Brucelose bovina através de “Ring Test” no município de Carmo-RJ, após 9 anos de vacinação de bezerras de 3 a 8 meses de idade / Epidemiological survey to compare the prevalence of bovine Brucellosis through a Ring Test in the city of Carmo-RJ, after 9 years of vaccination of heifers from 3 to 8 months of age

A equipe técnica do Centro Estadual de Pesquisa em Sanidade Animal Geraldo Manhães Carneiro (CEPGM), da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (PESAGRO-RIO), realizou em 2009, levantamento epidemiológico para Brucelose através do teste de triagem Teste do Anel do Leite (TAL) no município de Carmo. Foram testados 30 tanques de expansão, entre eles, comunitários, da Cooperativa e Laticínio local e tanques individuais. Como resultado do teste realizado no CEPGM, observou-se a prevalência de 38% para Brucelose bovina no município, indicando expressiva necessidade de aplicação de medidas de profilaxia e controle. Assim, foi instituída vacinação gratuita no município, em março de 2009. Durante 9 anos e 6 meses ininterruptos, foram vacinadas 18.777 bezerras. Em agosto de 2018, um novo levantamento epidemiológico foi realizado, procurando atingir os mesmos pontos de coleta do levantamento de 2009. Foi observada a prevalência de 6,6% para Brucelose, representando a expressiva redução de 83% na prevalência da doença nos rebanhos do município em questão.

Revisiting the difference between instrumental and terminal values to predict (stimulating) prosocial behaviours: The transcendental-change profile.

Past research suggests that the connection between values and people's behaviour may not be as straightforward and robust as has been claimed. We propose that a more holistic and discriminative view that acknowledges the influence of a specific combination of values on specific kinds of behaviour is needed. In the current project, we test two hypotheses regarding the transcendental-change profile (TCP). First, that TCP is characterized by a combination of the readiness to engage in those challenges (instrumental) that can make the world a better place (terminal). Second, the centrality of the TCP facilitates performance of those prosocial actions that are perceived as stimulating and global. The results of five studies support the reliability and validity of this conceptualization of TCP (Studies 1 and 2), and show that when the prosocial initiative is perceived as either global (Study 3) or stimulating (Studies 4 and 5), the TCP is the strongest predictor of the willingness and commitment to engage in such prosocial action.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of the Combination of Two Measures of Verbal Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Episodic memory impairment is the core feature of typical Alzheimer's disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of two commonly used verbal memory tests to detect mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (MCI-AD) and to predict progression to Alzheimer's disease dementia (AD-d). METHODS: Prospective study of MCI patients in a tertiary memory disorder unit. Patients underwent an extensive neuropsychological battery including two tests of declarative verbal memory: The Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) and the word list learning task from the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD-WL). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was obtained from all patients and MCI-AD was defined by means of the t-Tau/Aß1-42 ratio. Logistic regression analyses tested whether the combination of FCSRT and CERAD-WL measures significantly improved the prediction of MCI-AD. Progression to AD-d was analyzed in a Cox regression model. RESULTS: A total of 202 MCI patients with a mean follow-up of 34.2±24.2 months were included and 98 (48.5%) met the criteria for MCI-AD. The combination of FCSRT and CERAD-WL measures improved MCI-AD classification accuracy based on CSF biomarkers. Both tests yielded similar global predictive values (59.9-65.3% and 59.4-62.8% for FCSRT and CERAD-WL, respectively). MCI-AD patients with deficits in both FCSRT and CERAD-WL had a faster progression to AD-d than patients with deficits in only one test. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of FCSRT and CERAD-WL improves the classification of MCI-AD and defines different prognostic profiles. These findings have important implications for clinical practice and the design of clinical trials.

Levantamento da tipologia das estações de tratamento de esgoto oriundas do Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento e a previsão do impacto no índice de tratamento de esgoto no estado do Espírito Santo / Survey of the type of sewage treatment plants from the Growth Acceleration Program and the forecast impact on the rate of sewage treatment in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil

RESUMO No âmbito do Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento, cabe ao Ministério das Cidades a gestão de investimentos destinada ao esgotamento sanitário no valor de R$ 26,4 bilhões para implantação ou ampliação do sistema coletor e da estação de tratamento de esgoto. O estado do Espírito Santo foi selecionado para realizar o estudo sobre as tecnologias e avaliar o impacto do aumento do volume de esgoto tratado no índice de tratamento de esgoto (IN046) dos municípios e do estado. Foram identificadas 13 operações com investimentos em tratamento de esgoto, que beneficiam 11 municípios. Estima-se que o valor investido seja de R$ 120.852.842,33, correspondendo a 38,9% do total de recursos em esgotamento sanitário para o estado. As 13 estações de tratamento de esgoto vão proporcionar o aumento de 39.606,69 (x1.000 m³ano-1) de volume do esgoto tratado. O IN046 de oito municípios poderá alcançar o valor de 100,0% e o do estado do Espírito Santo poderá tê-lo alterado de 27,0 para 46,9%, com a entrada em operação dessas estações de tratamento de esgoto.

ABSTRACT Within the scope of the Growth Acceleration Program, the The Brazilian Ministry of Cities is responsible for the management of investments intended for sewage in the amount of BRL 26.4 billion for implementation or expansion of the collection system and wastewater treatment plant. The state of Espírito Santo was chosen to perform the study on the technologies and to evaluate the impact of the increased treated sewage volume in the sewage treatment rate (IN046) of the municipalities and state. It identified 13 operations with investments in wastewater treatment, benefiting 11 municipalities. It has been estimated that the amount invested in treatment is of BRL 120,852,842.33, which represents 38.9% of total sanitation resources for the state. The 13 wastewater treatment plants will provide an increase of 39,606.69 (x1,000 m³ year-1) of volume of treated sewage. The IN046 of eight municipalities might reach a value of 100.0% and the state of Espírito Santo might have its value changed from 27.0 to 46.9%, after the beginning of operation of these wastewater treatment plants.

"You should (not) do that": An Evaluative Model of Normative Appeals (EMNA).

Normative appeals refer to those messages that indicate that one should (or should not) engage in a certain action in a given situation. According to the psychosocial research, the decision to fulfill a normative appeal depends on both the extent to which it has captured our attention and the evaluation of what we may gain or lose by doing so. However, according to the Evaluative Model of Normative Appeals (EMNA), between these two processes we carry out an evaluation (normative appraisal) that strongly influences the decision that is ultimately made. Specifically, this normative appraisal, which is done in accordance with the dimensions of formality and protection, transforms the appeal into a particular normative representation (i.e., custom, coercive law, prescription, or legitimate law) that, in turn, influences the willingness toward compliance or violation. The results of three studies support these basic premises of EMNA.

Satisfacción del neurólogo y de los pacientes con diagnóstico de epilepsiaen una consulta de seguimiento a través de telemedicina sincrónica enel Hospital San José de Arjona (Bolívar), 2014-2015 / Neurologist and patients satisfaction with epilepsy diagnosis in the epilepsy follow-up clinic through synchronous telemedicine. Hospital San José (Arjona - Bolívar), 2014-2015

Introducción: la gran demanda de pacientes en servicios de consulta especializada de neurología y la pocaoferta de profesionales entrenados y médicos especialistas, principalmente en zonas aisladas por circunstanciasgeográficas o políticas, nos obligan a buscar nuevos recursos como la telemedicina a fin de mejorar el tiempode consulta.Objetivo: explorar el grado de satisfacción del neurólogo y de los pacientes con epilepsia en una consulta portelemedicina en el Hospital San José de Arjona con conexión al Hospital de San José en Bogotá.Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional prospectivo en pacientes mayores de 15 años con diagnósticode epilepsia. Se diligenció el instrumento de evaluación de satisfacción del neurólogo y de los pacientes, quecontiene una escala aplicada en Canadá, la cual consta de diecinueve preguntas, validadas en Colombia graciasa la prueba piloto realizada en el 2012 por nuestro Grupo de Neurología y Telemedicina, implementada paraevaluar la satisfacción de los pacientes en la consulta de epilepsia por telemedicina.Conclusión: según los resultados de este estudio, podemos concluir que tanto los pacientes como los neurólogosque realizaron la consulta guiada por telemedicina están satisfechos con el uso de esta herramienta,siendo este método una alternativa para la atención en salud.

Introduction: the high demand for specialist neurology services and the short supply of trained specialists, mainly in remote areas for geographical or political circumstances, force us to look for new resources such as telemedicine to improve the offer of this services.Objective: to explore the degree of neurologist and patients satisfation with epilepsy telemedicine clinic at the Hospital of Arjona in Bolivar with connection to San José Hospital in Bogotá.Materials and Methods: a prospective observational study in patients older than 15 years diagnosed with epilepsy. The assessment tool neurologist and satisfaction of patients, containing a scale used in Canada, which consists of nineteen questions, validated to spanish through the pilot test in 2012 by our group of Neurology and Telemedicine, implemented to evaluate the satisfaction of patients with epilepsy in a neurology clinic through telemedicine. In addition, this questionnaire is designed according to Thurstone scale consisting of five possible answers, which in order are: "Strongly disagree", "Disagree", "Neutral", "Agree", "Strongly agree". The recruitment of patients was done through posters alluding to study one to two months before the survey.Results: 39 patients, of whom 51.3% were women, were assessed with an average age 35 years ± 16. The pzatient satisfaction with telemedicine clinic was rated "strongly agree" in 83.8%, 91.9% see telemedicine as an acceptable way to receive health care and 94.6% consider it saves more money compared to conventional clinic. Both neurologists satisfaction with telemedicine is distributed evenly between "strongly agree" and "agree".Conclusion: with the results of this study, we can conclude that patients and neurologist are satisfied with the use of this resource, this method being an alternative for health care.

Percepción de la calidad de vida de los médicos residentes de neurologíay neuropediatría en Colombia / Perception of quality of life in neurology and neuropediatrics residents in Colombia

Tanto las entidades públicas en salud como las asociaciones médicas se preocupan por mejorar la calidad deprestación de sus servicios olvidando que uno de los factores condicionantes básicos de la productividad es elgrado de complacencia que los profesionales tienen con su trabajo.Fue un estudio observacional descriptivo, de corte transversal, realizado a través del Cuestionario de calidadde vida profesional (CVP-35), validado en español, que consta de treinta y cinco ítems.Se llevó a cabo un total de veinticinco encuestas, edad media: 29 años. Los resultados en la encuesta de calidadde vida revelan en el ítem “Trabajo que tengo” que el 100% está en valores > 5 (Bastante a Mucho); en “Satisfaccióncon el tipo de trabajo” el 72% está distribuido en valores > 5 (Bastante a Mucho); en “Satisfaccióncon el sueño”, 72% fueron calificados con valores < 5 (Algo o Nada); en “Calidad de vida percibida” 4% lacalificó como “Nada”, 40% “Algo”, 44% “Bastante” y 12% “Mucho”; y en la variable “Estrés emocional”,76% puntuó valores > 5 (Bastante a Mucho).El estudio de calidad de vida profesional medida por el cuestionario CVP-35 mostró que la mayoría de residentesviven en estrato socioeconómico 3 y 68% no tienen vivienda propia. Una gran cantidad de residentes trabajanmás de cuarenta y ocho horas semanales. Llama la atención que el 40% reportó sufrir de alguna patología. Lashoras de sueño diarias son siete en promedio, lo cual es aceptable, sin embargo 72% no están satisfechos conlas horas de sueño; pese a que 76% refieren tener una gran cantidad de trabajo y presentar estrés emocional,72% están satisfechos con el tipo de trabajo y más de la mitad de los residentes consideran tener una buenacalidad de vida.

Both public health institutions and medical associations concerned about improving prevision of heathcare, forgetting that one of the basic conditioning factors of productivity is the degree of complacency that professionals have with their workIt was a descriptive study, cross-sectional, conducted through the questionnaire of quality of professional life (CVP-35), validated in spanish, consisting of thirty- five items.A total of twenty survey was conducted, mean age: 29 years. The results in quality of life survey reveal in item "Work I have" that 100% values is > 5 (Quite to Much); In "Satisfaction with the type of work" 72% is distributed in values > 5 (Quite to Much); In "Satisfaction with sleep" 72 % were rated with values < 5 (Something or Nothing); In "Perceived quality of life" 4% qualify as "Nothing", 40% "Something", 44% "Quite" and 12% "Much"; and in the variable "Emotional stress" 76 % scored values > 5 (Quite to Much).The study of professional quality of life measured by the CVP -35 questionnaire showed that most residents live in socioeconomic stratum 3 and 68% not have their own housing. A lot of residents work more than forty- eight hours per week. It is striking that 40 % reported suffering from some pathology. The average of daily hours of sleep is seven, which it is acceptable, however 72 % are dissatisfied with the sleep hours. Although 76 % reported having a lot of work and present emotional stress, 72 % are satisfied with the type of work and more than half of residents believe they have a good quality of life.

Zinc Absorption from Fortified Milk Powder in Adolescent Girls.

Zinc (Zn) is essential for development, growth, and reproduction. The Mexican government subsidizes micronutrient-fortified milk for risk groups, with positive effect on the targeted groups' plasma Zn level, inferring a good absorption is achieved although it has not being measured. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of micronutrient-fortified milk intake during 27 days on Zn absorption in adolescent girls from northwest Mexico. Therefore, Zn absorption was evaluated in 14 healthy adolescent girls (14.1 years old) with adequate plasma Zn levels, before and after 27 days of fortified Zn milk intake. Fractional Zn absorption (FZA) was calculated from urinary ratios of stable isotopic Zn tracers administered orally and intravenously on days 0 and 27, and total absorbed Zn (TZA) was calculated. At the beginning, Zn intake was 6.8 ± 0.85 mg/d (mean ± SE), and 50 % of the adolescent girls did not achieve their requirement (7.3 mg/d). Additionally, FZA was negatively correlated with Zn intake (r =-0.61, p = 0.02), while TZA (1.06 mg/d) was insufficient to cover the physiologic requirements of adolescent girls (3.02 mg/d). At the end of the intervention, all the girls reached the Zn intake recommendation and TZA, 3.09 mg/d, which was enough to meet the physiological requirement for 57 % of the adolescent girls. Therefore, the low Zn intake and the Zn status of adolescent girls were positively impacted by Zn-fortified milk intake and its good absorption rate.

Criptococosis cerebral: descripción de una serie de casos con presentaciones típicas y atípicas en el Hospital Universitario San José Infantil de Bogotá / Cerebral cryptococcosis: description of a series of cases of atypical clinical presentation Hospital Universitario San José Infantil de Bogotá

Introducción: la criptococosis cerebral (CC) es la infección fúngica más frecuente del sistema nervioso central; se presenta especialmente en pacientes con algún tipo de inmunodeficiencia, sin embargo también puede encontrarse en inmunocompetentes, casos que son más severos y con manifestaciones neurológicas variables. Si bien las manifestaciones típicas son las más frecuentes, existen manifestaciones atípicas especialmente en pacientes inmunocompetentes que pueden llegar a presentarse en un 60% de los casos según los estudios radiológicos, por lo cual es importante reconocerlas a fin de garantizar un diagnóstico temprano y una intervención oportuna. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas de presentaciones típicas y atípicas de la criptococosis cerebral en el Hospital Universitario San José Infantil de Bogotá. Materiales y métodos: reportamos una serie de casos entre marzo de 2013 y marzo de 2014 en el Hospital Universitario San José Infantil. Se describió un total de ocho casos de criptococosis cerebral. El diagnóstico, en todos los casos, se hizo conforme a los hallazgos histopatológicos o cultivos. Resultados: de los ocho pacientes descritos, seis son hombres (75%), la mayoría menores de 60 años (=42,25 años DE 13,25); siete pacientes (87,5%) fueron inmunosuprimidos, de los cuales cinco resultaron VIH-seropositivos (62,5%). El principal motivo de consulta fue cefalea (87,5%). La clínica resultó más severa en los pacientes VIH-seronegativos. En varios pacientes se evidenciaron trastornos neuropsiquiátricos. En cinco pacientes (62,5%) se encontraron manifestaciones atípicas: criptococoma cerebral en el 25% (n = 2), ventriculitis en el 12,5% (n = 1) y trombosis séptica de senos venosos en el 25% (n = 2). Conclusión: en nuestra población con CC se evidenciaron características clínicas similares a las reportadas en otros estudios, en los que más de la mitad presentó manifestaciones atípicas, especialmente los pacientes VIH-seronegativos. Adicionalmente, se encontraron varias manifestaciones neuropsiquiátricas. Se deben tener en cuenta los cambios neuropsiquiátricos y las presentaciones atípicas sobre todo en los pacientes VIH-seronegativos con el fin de realizar un diagnóstico rápido e iniciar un tratamiento oportuno para la CC.

Introduction: Cerebral Cryptococcosis (CC) is the most common CNS fungal infection, it is especially in patients with some type of immunodeficiency, but can also be found in immunocompetent, being more severe and with variable neurological manifestations in that cases. While the typical manifestations are the most frequently seeing, atypical manifestations especially in immunocompetent patients, may present in 60% of cases as radiological studies, so it is important to recognize in order to ensure early diagnosis and timely intervention. Objective: to describe the clinical characteristics of typical and atypical presentations of cerebral cryptococcosis in Hospital Universitario San José Infantil de Bogotá. Materials and methods: we report a series of cases between March 2013 and March 2014 at the Hospital Universitario San Jose Infantil. A total of 8 cases of cerebral cryptococcosis described. The diagnosis in all cases was done according to the histopathological findings or cultures. Results: in 8 patients described 6 were men (75%), most under 60 years ( = 13.25 = 42.25 years), 7 patients (87.5%) were immunosuppressed, of which 5 HIV-seropositive patients (62.5%). The main complaint was headache (87.5%). The clinical manifestations was more severe in HIV-seronegative patients. Several patients showed neuropsychiatric disorders. In 5 patients (62.5%) atypical manifestations were found: cryptococcoma brain in 25% (n = 2), ventriculitis in 12.5% (n = 1) and septic venous sinus thrombosis in 25% (n = 2). Conclusion: in our population CC was similar to those reported in other studies, where more than half had atypical manifestations especially HIV-seronegative. Additionally several neuropsychiatric manifestations were found. Physicians should consider neuropsychiatric changes and atypical presentations essentially in HIV-seronegative patients in order to make a quick diagnosis and initiate early treatment for CC.

Ventriculitis e hidrocefalia secundaria a criptocococis meníngea en un paciente no-VIH: reporte de un caso en el Hospital de San José en 2014 / Ventriculitis and hydrocephalia secondary to meningeal cryptococcosis in a non-HIV patient: a case report in the Hospital de San Jose in 2014

La criptocococis meníngea es la infección fúngica más frecuente del sistema nervioso central; generalmente se presenta en pacientes VIH seropositivos, aunque existe una proporción considerable de paciente VIH seronegativos, siendo en estos casos su presentación más agresiva. Esta infección tiene manifestaciones neurológicas variables que son secundarias al aumento de la presión intracraneal. La ventriculitis con hidrocefalia secundaria es una de las complicaciones de mayor morbi-mortalidad especialmente en pacientes VIH seronegativos. Presentamos un reporte de caso de criptocococis meníngea género Neoformans subtipo Grubbi con ventriculitis e hidrocefalia secundaria en paciente VIH seronegativo confirmado por histopatología.

Meningeal criptocococis is the most common fungal infection of the central nervous system, occuring in HIV seropositive patients, although there is a significant proportion of HIV seronegative patients, in whom the presentation is more aggresive. This infection has variable clinical manifestations secondary to increased intracranial pressure. Ventriculitis with hydrocephalus is one of the complications with the poorest outcome and mortality especially in HIV seronegative patients. We present a case report of meningeal criptocococis Neoformans subtype Grubbi with ventriculitis and secondary hydrocephalus in HIV seronegative patient confirmed by histopathology.