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This work presents a one-step synthesis methodology for preparing a hydrochar (HC) doped with TiO2 (HC-TiO2) for its application on the degradation of crystal violet (CV) using UV and visible radiation. Byrsonima crassifolia stones were used as precursors along with TiO2 particles. The HC-TiO2 sample was synthesized at 210 °C for 9 h using autogenous pressure. The photocatalyst was characterized to evaluate the TiO2 dispersion, specific surface area, graphitization degree, and band-gap value. Finally, the degradation of CV was investigated by varying the operating conditions of the system, the reuse of the catalyst, and the degradation mechanism. The physicochemical characterization of the HC-TiO2 composite showed good dispersion of TiO2 in the carbonaceous particle. The presence of TiO2 on the hydrochar surface yields a bandgap value of 1.17 eV, enhancing photocatalyst activation with visible radiation. The degradation results evidenced a synergistic effect with both types of radiation due to the hybridized π electrons in the sp2-hybridized structures in the HC surface. The degradation percentages were on average 20% higher using UV radiation than visible radiation under the following conditions: [CV] = 20 mg/L, 1 g/L of photocatalyst load, and pH = 7.0. The reusability experiments demonstrated the feasibility of reusing the HC-TiO2 material up to 5 times with a similar photodegradation percentage. Finally, the results indicated that the HC-TiO2 composite could be considered an efficient material for the photocatalytic treatment of water contaminated with CV.
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Violeta de Genciana , Rayos Ultravioleta , Luz , Titanio/química , CatálisisRESUMEN
Invasive meningococcal disease has high morbidity and mortality, with infants and young children among those at greatest risk. This phase III, open-label, randomised study in toddlers aged 12-23 months evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of meningococcal tetanus toxoid-conjugate vaccine (MenACYW-TT), a tetanus toxoid conjugated vaccine against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W and Y, when coadministered with paediatric vaccines (measles, mumps and rubella [MMR]; varicella [V]; 6-in-1 combination vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b [DTaP-IPV-HepB-Hib] and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine [PCV13])(NCT03205371). Immunogenicity to each meningococcal serogroup was assessed by serum bactericidal antibody assay using human complement (hSBA). Vaccine safety profiles were described up to 30 days post-vaccination. A total of 1183 participants were enrolled. The proportion with seroprotection (hSBA ≥1:8) to each meningococcal serogroup at Day 30 was comparable between the MenACYW-TT and MenACYW-TT + MMR + V groups (≥92 and ≥96%, respectively), between the MenACYW-TT and MenACYW-TT + DTaP-IPV-HepB-Hib groups (≥90% for both) and between the MenACYW-TT and MenACYW-TT + PCV13 groups (≥91 and ≥84%, respectively). The safety profiles of MenACYW-TT, and MMR + V, DTaP-IPV-HepB-Hib, and PCV13, with or without MenACYW-TT, were generally comparable. Coadministration of MenACYW-TT with paediatric vaccines in toddlers had no clinically relevant effect on the immunogenicity and safety of any of the vaccines.
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Infecciones Meningocócicas/prevención & control , Vacunas Meningococicas/inmunología , Neisseria meningitidis/inmunología , Anticuerpos Antibacterianos/sangre , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Vacuna contra la Varicela/administración & dosificación , Vacuna contra la Varicela/inmunología , Vacuna contra Difteria, Tétanos y Tos Ferina/administración & dosificación , Vacuna contra Difteria, Tétanos y Tos Ferina/inmunología , Femenino , Vacunas contra Haemophilus/administración & dosificación , Vacunas contra Haemophilus/inmunología , Vacunas contra Hepatitis B/administración & dosificación , Vacunas contra Hepatitis B/inmunología , Humanos , Inmunogenicidad Vacunal , Lactante , Masculino , Vacuna contra el Sarampión-Parotiditis-Rubéola/administración & dosificación , Vacuna contra el Sarampión-Parotiditis-Rubéola/inmunología , Vacunas Neumococicas/administración & dosificación , Vacunas Neumococicas/inmunología , Vacuna Antipolio de Virus Inactivados/administración & dosificación , Vacuna Antipolio de Virus Inactivados/inmunología , Seguridad , Serogrupo , Vacunas Combinadas/administración & dosificación , Vacunas Combinadas/inmunologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Specific respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19, may cause smell and/or taste disorders (STDs) with increased frequency. The aim was to determine whether new-onset STDs are more frequent amongst COVID-19 patients than influenza patients. METHOD: This was a case-control study including hospitalized patients of two tertiary care centres. Consecutive patients positive for COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (cases) and patients positive for influenza polymerase chain reaction (historical control sample) were assessed during specific periods, employing a self-reported STD questionnaire. RESULTS: Seventy-nine cases and 40 controls were included. No significant differences were found in basal features between the two groups. New-onset STDs were significantly more frequent amongst cases (31, 39.2%) than in the control group (5, 12.5 %) [adjusted odds ratio 21.4 (2.77-165.4, P = 0.003)]. COVID-19 patients with new-onset STDs were significantly younger than COVID-19 patients without STDs (52.6 ± 17.2 vs. 67.4 ± 15.1, P < 0.001). Amongst COVID-19 patients who presented STDs, 22 (70.9%) recalled an acute onset and it was an initial manifestation in 11 (35.5%). Twenty-five (80.6%) presented smell disorders (mostly anosmia, 14, 45.2%) and 28 (90.3%) taste disorders (mostly ageusia, 14, 45.2%). Only four (12.9 %) reported concomitant nasal obstruction. The mean duration of STD was 7.5 ± 3.2 days and 12 patients (40%) manifested complete recovery after 7.4 ± 2.3 days of onset. CONCLUSION: New-onset STDs were significantly more frequent amongst COVID-19 patients than influenza patients; they usually had an acute onset and were commonly an initial manifestation. The use of STD assessment in anamnesis as a hint for COVID-19 and to support individuals' self-isolation in the current epidemic context is suggested.
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COVID-19/complicaciones , Gripe Humana/complicaciones , Trastornos del Olfato/epidemiología , Trastornos del Gusto/epidemiología , Adulto , Anciano , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Trastornos del Olfato/etiología , Pandemias , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Autoinforme , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Trastornos del Gusto/etiologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship of telomere length to the prevalence and incidence of hand osteoarthritis in a longitudinal cohort. DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of data from a subset of participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) recruited between February 2004 and May 2006. 274 individuals were eligible for the study based on availability of both baseline and 48-month hand radiographs and peripheral blood leucocyte telomere length data. Mean telomere length of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL)s from the DNA samples was determined using a validated quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay, and hand radiographs were analyzed and graded using the Kellgren-Lawrence scale. RESULTS: In joint -level analyses, prevalent Interphalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis (IPJOA) was significantly associated with PBL telomere length in the baseline sample in unadjusted analyses (RR = 2.84; 95% CI:0.87-9.29) or in models adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index (aRR = 1.10; 95% CI: 0.96-1.27). The association in crude and adjusted analyses appeared slightly stronger with incident IPJOA, especially in the subset with normal hands at baseline (aRR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.02-2.57). PBL telomere length was also associated with prevalent HOA at baseline (significant in unadjusted analysis: RR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.06-1.42), but not after adjusting for covariates: aRR = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.96-1.30). The magnitude of association was stronger for incident HOA, especially incident symptomatic HOA (aRR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.09-2.15). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the results of this exploratory analysis are confirmatory of previous work showing a cross-sectional relationship between telomere length and HOA and add to the field by demonstrating an even stronger association with incident IPJOA, both radiographic and symptomatic.
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Articulaciones de la Mano/diagnóstico por imagen , Leucocitos/fisiología , Osteoartritis/genética , Acortamiento del Telómero/fisiología , Anciano , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Estudios Longitudinales , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Osteoartritis/sangre , Osteoartritis/diagnóstico por imagen , Osteoartritis/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Telómero/fisiología , Estados Unidos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
The field of gene therapy has recently witnessed a number of major conceptual changes. Besides the traditional thinking that comprises the use of viral vectors for the delivery of a given therapeutic gene, a number of original approaches have been recently envisaged, focused on using vectors carrying genes to further modify basal ganglia circuits of interest. It is expected that these approaches will ultimately induce a therapeutic potential being sustained by gene-induced changes in brain circuits. Among others, at present, it is technically feasible to use viral vectors to (1) achieve a controlled release of neurotrophic factors, (2) conduct either a transient or permanent silencing of any given basal ganglia circuit of interest, (3) perform an in vivo cellular reprogramming by promoting the conversion of resident cells into dopaminergic-like neurons, and (4) improving levodopa efficacy over time by targeting aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase. Furthermore, extensive research efforts based on viral vectors are currently ongoing in an attempt to better replicate the dopaminergic neurodegeneration phenomena inherent to the progressive intraneuronal aggregation of alpha-synuclein. Finally, a number of incoming strategies will soon emerge over the horizon, these being sustained by the underlying goal of promoting alpha-synuclein clearance, such as, for instance, gene therapy initiatives based on increasing the activity of glucocerebrosidase. To provide adequate proof-of-concept on safety and efficacy and to push forward true translational initiatives based on these different types of gene therapies before entering into clinical trials, the use of non-human primate models undoubtedly plays an instrumental role.
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Terapia Genética , Vectores Genéticos , Enfermedad de Parkinson/terapia , alfa-Sinucleína/genética , Animales , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Enfermedad de Parkinson/genética , PrimatesRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia and hydrocele repair has become an alternative to the more frequently used inguinal approach. We describe our experience with the laparoscopic technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of laparoscopic inguinal hernia and hydrocele repair performed during the period between 2003-2016. We included patients < 14 years, with communicating hydrocele and/or indirect inguinal hernia diagnosis (N = 39). We have studied two cohorts; group A patients with indirect inguinal hernia (N = 31) and group B patients with communicating hydrocele (N = 8). We used intraperitoneal laparoscopic approach, performing herniorrhaphy of the internal inguinal orifice without resection of the hernial sac. The main outcome measurements were surgical indication and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The indication for laparoscopic repair was bilateral defects (46.2%), unilateral defects (28.2%), defects associated with umbilical hernia (23.1%) and associated with another pathology (2.6%). In group A the rate of complications that required new admission was 3.2% and the recurrence rate was 9.7%. In group B, was 12.5% ââand 12.5% respectively. We have not observed a significant relationship with respect to patient age, laterality or suture used and the rate of complications in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations of our study given the small sample size and retrospective nature, the complication rate (15%) is higher than that published in the literature. This makes us take a step back to reassess our indications and technique, and not forget that the laparoscopic approach is not a technique without risks and requires a learning curve.
OBJETIVOS: La reparación laparoscópica de la hernia inguinal e hidroceles en la edad pediátrica, se ha convertido en una alternativa a la herniorrafia inguinal clásica. Describimos nuestra experiencia en las intervenciones realizadas con dicha técnica. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de las reparaciones laparoscópicas de hernia inguinal e hidrocele realizadas en el periodo 2003-2016. Se han incluido pacientes <14 años, diagnosticados de hidrocele comunicante y/o de hernia inguinal indirecta (N=39), divididos en dos cohortes: grupo A pacientes con hernia inguinal indirecta y grupo B pacientes con hidrocele comunicante. Se ha empleado el abordaje laparoscópico intraperitoneal, y anillorrafia del orificio inguinal interno sin resección del saco herniario. Las variables principales estudiadas han sido la indicación quirúrgica y las complicaciones postquirúrgicas. RESULTADOS: Las indicaciones quirúrgicas han sido los defectos bilaterales (46,2%), defectos unilaterales (28,2%), defectos asociados a hernia umbilical (23,1%) y asociados a otra patología (2,6%). En el grupo A la tasa de complicaciones que precisaron de ingreso fue de 3,2% y la tasa de recurrencias fue de 9,7%; mientras que en el B han sido del 12,5% y del 12,5% respectivamente. No hay una relación significativa respecto a la edad, la lateralidad o la sutura utilizada y la tasa de complicaciones en ninguno de los grupos. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de las limitaciones del estudio, el porcentaje total de complicaciones (15,3%) es más elevado que el publicado en la literatura. Esto nos hace reflexionar y no olvidar que el abordaje laparoscópico no es una técnica exenta de riesgos y requiere de una curva de aprendizaje.
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Hernia Inguinal/cirugía , Herniorrafia/métodos , Laparoscopía/métodos , Hidrocele Testicular/cirugía , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Enfermedades Peritoneales/patología , Enfermedades Peritoneales/cirugía , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/epidemiología , Recurrencia , Estudios Retrospectivos , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most frequent cancer in humans after basal cell carcinoma, and its incidence is dramatically rising. CSCC is rarely problematic, but given its high frequency, the absolute number of complicated cases is also high. It is necessary to identify molecular markers in order to recognize those CSCCs with poor prognosis. There is controversy concerning the role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a marker of prognosis in CSCC. In addition, EGFR-targeted therapies have emerged in recent years and a better understanding of the role of EGFR in CSCC may be of help for some patients in predicting prognosis and guiding curative management. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of EGFR as a prognostic factor in CSCC. METHODS: We evaluated clinical and histopathological features, including events of poor clinical evolution, in a series of 94 cases of CSCC. We also analysed EGFR expression by immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: We detected EGFR in 85 cases (90%), with overexpression in 33 cases (35%), and aberrant EGFR expression in the cytoplasm in 50 cases (53%). EGFR overexpression in the primary tumours was associated with lymph node progression, tumour-nodes-metastasis stage progression and proliferation (Ki-67 staining) in CSCC. EGFR overexpression and poor grade of differentiation were the strongest independent variables defining lymph node metastasis and progression in CSCC in a logistic regression model. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that EGFR overexpression has prognostic implications associated with lymph node metastasis and progression in CSCC.
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Biomarcadores de Tumor/metabolismo , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/diagnóstico , Receptores ErbB/metabolismo , Neoplasias Cutáneas/diagnóstico , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/genética , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Receptores ErbB/genética , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunohistoquímica , Metástasis Linfática , Masculino , Pronóstico , Factores de Riesgo , Neoplasias Cutáneas/genéticaRESUMEN
Members of the Eimeria genus are protozoan parasites of the subphylum Apicomplexa (Eimeriidae family), and belong to the coccidia group. Eimeria tenella is one of the most pathogenic species owing to its ability to penetrate the mucosa, and cause inflammation and damage. It is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes disease by destroying the host cells during multiplication. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a molecular chaperone that prevents cellular stress. The objective of this study was to clone, sequence, and express E. tenella HSP70 protein. After selecting the region of highest hydrophilicity in the hsp70 gene, we cloned complementary DNA (cDNA) into a pTrcHis2-TOPO vector and transformed it into TOP10 Escherichia coli cells; after induction, the bacteria expressed a 23-kDa protein with insoluble expression levels of approximately 5 mg/L. In summary, the partial hsp70 gene was successfully expressed in E. coli, producing a 23-kDa protein under insoluble conditions, and the antigen characteristics predicted by hydrophilicity analysis suggest the development of a vaccine for use in avian coccidiosis.
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Eimeria tenella/genética , Proteínas HSP70 de Choque Térmico/genética , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Animales , Secuencia de Bases , Pollos , Escherichia coli , Expresión Génica , Proteínas HSP70 de Choque Térmico/biosíntesis , Proteínas HSP70 de Choque Térmico/química , Proteínas HSP70 de Choque Térmico/aislamiento & purificación , Interacciones Hidrofóbicas e Hidrofílicas , Proteínas Protozoarias/biosíntesis , Proteínas Protozoarias/química , Proteínas Protozoarias/aislamiento & purificación , Análisis de Secuencia de ADNRESUMEN
The gasification of organic waste materials to synthesis gas (syngas), followed by microbial fermentation, provides a significant resource for generating bioproducts such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The anaerobic photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodospirillum rubrum, is an organism particularly attractive for the bioconversion of syngas into PHAs. In this study, a quantitative physiological analysis of R. rubrum was carried out by implementing GC-MS and HPLC techniques to unravel the metabolic pathway operating during syngas fermentation that leads to PHA production. Further, detailed investigations of the central carbon metabolites using (13) C-labelled substrate showed significant CO2 assimilation (of 40%) into cell material and PHA from syngas carbon fraction. By a combination of quantitative gene expression and enzyme activity analyses, the main role of carboxylases from the central carbon metabolism in CO2 assimilation was shown, where the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle (CBB) played a minor role. This knowledge sheds light about the biochemical pathways that contribute to synthesis of PHA during syngas fermentation being valuable information to further optimize the fermentation process.
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Reactores Biológicos/microbiología , Fermentación/fisiología , Fotosíntesis/fisiología , Polihidroxialcanoatos/metabolismo , Rhodospirillum rubrum/metabolismo , Carbono/metabolismo , Dióxido de Carbono/metabolismo , Ligasas de Carbono-Carbono/metabolismo , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de MasasRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Antibodies to the domain 1 of beta 2 glycoprotein I (ß2GPI-D1) have been suggested as a risk marker for thrombosis in patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the clinical utility of a novel chemiluminescence assay for the detection of anti-ß2GPI-D1 antibodies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sera collected from patients with primary or secondary APS (n = 106; 72 with and 34 without history of thrombosis) and controls (n = 272) were tested for anti-ß2GPI-D1 IgG by chemiluminescence assay (QUANTA Flash) and by two anti-ß2GPI IgG assays (QUANTA Lite and QUANTA Flash ß2GPI IgG). RESULTS: Anti-ß2GPI-D1 IgG titers were significantly higher in patients with thrombosis (P = 0.0032) than those without. At the cut-off of 20 units, which yielded a 99.5% specificity, 24 of 72 (34.9%) patients with thrombosis and four of 34 (11.8%) without thrombosis were anti-ß2GPI-D1 IgG positive (odds ratio, OR = 4.0). By further optimizing the cut-off specifically for correlation with thrombosis, 20.8% of the patients with thrombosis and 2.9% of the patients without thrombosis were positive (OR = 8.7). The ORs were significantly lower for antibodies to the full-length ß2GPI by either the chemiluminescence assay or ELISA. Using the anti-ß2GPI chemiluminescence assay, the OR was 2.3 (recommended cut-off of 20 CU) or 4.1 (optimal cut-off 164.6 CU). Using the anti-ß2GPI ELISA, the OR was 2.7 (recommended cut-off of 20 units) or 3.7 (optimal cut-off 7.6 units). CONCLUSION: These data indicate that anti-ß2GPI-D1 IgG are present more frequently and in higher titers in APS patients with thrombotic complications than in those without.The novel ß2GPI-D1 chemiluminescence assay appears to be superior to full-length ß2GPI assays for the risk assessment of thrombotic events in APS patients.
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Anticuerpos Anticardiolipina/sangre , Síndrome Antifosfolípido/complicaciones , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Mediciones Luminiscentes/métodos , Trombosis/complicaciones , beta 2 Glicoproteína I/inmunología , Estudios Transversales , Humanos , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR BSI) reduction programme and healthcare workers' compliance with recommendations. A 3-year surveillance programme of CR BSIs in all hospital settings was implemented. As part of the programme, there was a direct observation of insertion and maintenance of central venous catheters (CVCs) to determine performance. A total of 38 education courses were held over the study period and feedback reports with the results of surveillance and recommendations were delivered to healthcare workers every 6 months. A total of 6722 short-term CVCs were inserted in 4982 patients for 58 763 catheter-days. Improvements of compliance with hand hygiene was verified at the insertion (87·1-100%, P < 0·001) and maintenance (51·1-72·1%, P = 0·029) of CVCs; and the use of chlorhexidine for skin disinfection was implemented at insertion (35·7-65·4%, P < 0·001) and maintenance (33·3-45·9%, P < 0·197) of CVCs. There were 266 CR BSI incidents recorded with an annual incidence density of 5·75/1000 catheter-days in the first year, 4·38 in the second year [rate ratio (RR) 0·76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·57-1·01] and 3·46 in the third year (RR 0·60, 95% CI 0·44-0·81). The education programme clearly improved compliance with recommendations for CVC handling, and was effective in reducing the burden of CR BSIs.
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Infecciones Relacionadas con Catéteres/epidemiología , Infecciones Relacionadas con Catéteres/prevención & control , Investigación sobre Servicios de Salud , Control de Infecciones/métodos , Sepsis/epidemiología , Sepsis/prevención & control , Adulto , Anciano , Actitud del Personal de Salud , Cateterismo/efectos adversos , Catéteres Venosos Centrales/efectos adversos , Desinfección/métodos , Desinfección/estadística & datos numéricos , Educación Médica , Femenino , Adhesión a Directriz , Humanos , Incidencia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Centros de Atención TerciariaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The different forms of lubrication are among the most simple, accessible, and economic techniques that have been implemented for improving the diagnostic performance of colonoscopy. AIM: To determine whether the use of oil improved the number of complete colonoscopies, facilitated the procedure, reduced pain, or improved the study's diagnostic performance, compared with the conventional lubrication technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy-five patients referred for colonoscopy were alternately allocated to receive treatment with the standard lubrication method with chlorhexidine gel (group 1) or lubrication with corn oil administered through the working channel (group II). The number of complete colonoscopies, the length of time needed to reach the cecum, the degree of difficulty estimated by the endoscopist and the assistant, the level of pain at the end of the study estimated by the patient, and the endoscopic findings were all determined. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients made up group I and 87 made up group II. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in relation to general characteristics, the number of complete colonoscopies (93 vs. 97%, respectively), the time needed to reach the cecum (8:00 vs. 8:41min, respectively), the level of pain at the end of the study, or the detection of polyps. The degree of difficulty was slightly lower in group II, but with no statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Lubrication with oil during colonoscopy did not improve the number of complete colonoscopies, did not facilitate the study, nor did it reduce pain or increase the diagnostic performance of the study, when compared with the conventional technique.
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Colonoscopía/métodos , Aceite de Maíz , Lubrificación/métodos , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Clorhexidina , Pólipos del Colon/diagnóstico , Desinfectantes , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Dolor/epidemiología , Satisfacción del Paciente , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori causes motor, secretory, and inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders and therefore the term "functional" has been questioned when referring to dyspepsia associated with this bacterium. Patients with dyspepsia and Helicobacter pylori infection could have clinical characteristics that differentiate them a priori from those with true functional dyspepsia. AIMS: To determine whether there are clinical differences between patients with functional dyspepsia and Helicobacter pylori-associated dyspepsia that enable their a priori identification and to know the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with functional dyspepsia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 578 patients with dyspepsia with no significant lesions detectable through endoscopy were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of Helicobacter pylori. The clinical characteristics, medical history, comorbidities, and use of health resources were compared between the two groups. A sub-analysis pairing the groups by age and sex in a 1:1 ratio was carried out to reduce bias. RESULTS: A total of 336 patients infected with Helicobacter pylori were compared with 242 non-infected patients. The prevalence of infection in the patients with dyspeptic symptoms and no endoscopically detectable lesions was 58%. The initial analysis showed that the cases with dyspepsia and Helicobacter pylori infection were more frequently associated with overweight, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome, but the paired analysis nullified all these differences. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with dyspepsia infected with Helicobacter pylori had similar clinical characteristics to the non-infected patients and could not be differentiated a priori. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with functional dyspepsia was 58% and increased with age.
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Dispepsia/diagnóstico , Dispepsia/etiología , Infecciones por Helicobacter/complicaciones , Infecciones por Helicobacter/diagnóstico , Helicobacter pylori , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Dispepsia/epidemiología , Endoscopía , Femenino , Infecciones por Helicobacter/epidemiología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , PrevalenciaAsunto(s)
COVID-19 , Trastornos del Olfato , Trastornos del Gusto , COVID-19/complicaciones , COVID-19/diagnóstico , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Humanos , Trastornos del Olfato/diagnóstico , Trastornos del Olfato/virología , Pandemias , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , SARS-CoV-2 , Olfato , Trastornos del Gusto/diagnóstico , Trastornos del Gusto/virologíaRESUMEN
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a varying degree of severity that correlates with the reduction of SMN protein levels. Motor neuron degeneration and skeletal muscle atrophy are hallmarks of SMA, but it is unknown whether other mechanisms contribute to the spectrum of clinical phenotypes. Here, through a combination of physiological and morphological studies in mouse models and SMA patients, we identify dysfunction and loss of proprioceptive sensory synapses as key signatures of SMA pathology. We demonstrate that SMA patients exhibit impaired proprioception, and their proprioceptive sensory synapses are dysfunctional as measured by the neurophysiological test of the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex). We further show that loss of excitatory afferent synapses and altered potassium channel expression in SMA motor neurons are conserved pathogenic events found in both severely affected patients and mouse models. Lastly, we report that improved motor function and fatigability in ambulatory SMA patients and mouse models treated with SMN-inducing drugs correlate with increased function of sensory-motor circuits that can be accurately captured by the H-reflex assay. Thus, sensory synaptic dysfunction is a clinically relevant event in SMA, and the H-reflex is a suitable assay to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy of motor circuit pathology.
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Pseudomonas putida KT2440 has evolved a tightly regulated system for metabolizing glycerol implying a prolonged growth lag-phase. We have learnt that this fact can be avoided by the addition of small amounts of some growth precursors. The addition of 1 mM octanoic acid as co-feeder completely eliminated the lag-phase, resulting in an improvement, in terms of invested time, of both growth and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) accumulation. To investigate this phenomenon, we have followed co-metabolic approaches combined with mutations of the specific and global regulatory networks that connect glycerol catabolism and PHA synthesis. By using mutant strains in metabolic genes from the PHA and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycles, we have demonstrated that the co-feeding effect is independent of PHA accumulation, but driven on active glyoxylate shunt and Entner-Doudoroff (ED) routes. These findings suggested that the effect of octanoate on glycerol metabolism could rely, either on a global activation of the cell energy state, or on the generation of specific metabolites or cofactors needed for the activation of glycerol metabolism. Our results addressed GlpR as the key factor controlling the efficient utilization of glycerol as growth precursor in P. putida KT2440. Accordingly, a glpR knockout mutant of P. putida KT2440 showed an elimination of the lag-phase when cultured on glycerol in the absence of co-feeder. Besides, the production of PHA in this strain was increased near twofold, resulting in a higher final yield in terms of PHA accumulation. The repressor activity of the GlpR protein over the glp genes in the absence of glycerol was finally demonstrated by qRT-PCR. This work contributed to unravel the physiological causes of the long lag-phase produced by glycerol in the model strain P. putida KT2440 that hinders its use as carbon source in biotechnological applications for generating valuable products.
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Carbono/metabolismo , Regulación Bacteriana de la Expresión Génica , Glicerol/metabolismo , Polihidroxialcanoatos/biosíntesis , Pseudomonas putida/crecimiento & desarrollo , Pseudomonas putida/metabolismo , Proteínas Represoras/metabolismo , Biotecnología , Ciclo del Ácido Cítrico/fisiología , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Pseudomonas putida/genéticaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and adherence to asthma management recommendations during pregnancy of Spanish health care professionals. METHODS: A multiple choice survey with 14 questions was designed. Items assessed opinion about asthma guidelines and attitudes towards treatment, spirometry, specific immunotherapy and labour in pregnant asthmatic patients. Test completion was voluntary, individual, and anonymous. RESULTS: A total of 1000 questionnaires were fulfilled: respiratory medicine specialists (19.8%); allergy specialists (17.2%); primary care physicians (46.1%); and gynaecologists/obstetricians (16.9%). Guidelines were considered useful by 96.5% although 64% admitted that they followed them seldom or never. Most physicians (55.9%) answered that they would maintain asthma therapy in clinically stable patients. Almost 30% of physicians would not perform spirometry in pregnant asthma patients. 19% declared they would interrupt specific immunotherapy which had proven safe and effective. Univariate analysis revealed low adherence to be associated with the following variables: age, primary care or gynaecology/obstetrician specialisation, number of asthmatics attended per month, and declared use of guidelines for pregnant asthmatic patients. Multivariate analysis showed that being a primary care physician and a gynaecologist/obstetrician, attending a low number of asthma patients per month, and poor use of spirometry during pregnancy are associated to low adherence to asthma guidelines. CONCLUSION: Even though the majority of Spanish physicians surveyed seem to consider guidelines useful, their adherence to those is very low if translated to managing pregnant asthmatic patients. Educational strategies seem unavoidable and should be targetted mainly to primary care and gynaecology/obstetrician physicians.
Asunto(s)
Asma/epidemiología , Adhesión a Directriz/estadística & datos numéricos , Complicaciones del Embarazo/epidemiología , Adulto , Asma/diagnóstico , Asma/terapia , Desensibilización Inmunológica/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Embarazo , Complicaciones del Embarazo/diagnóstico , Complicaciones del Embarazo/terapia , Práctica Profesional , España , Espirometría , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with biologic and/or immunosuppressant drugs are at increased risk for opportunistic infections. Seroprevalence studies can confirm the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections as well as the associated risk factors. This is a descriptive study which primary endpoints were to highlight the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a cohort of IBD patients in March 2021, and to analyze seroconversion in patients with known COVID-19 infection and its relationship with IBD treatments. Patients filled in a questionnaire about symptoms of COVID-19 infection and clinical information about their IBD. All included patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. 392 patients were included. Among patients with clinical infection, 69 patients (17,65%) were IgG-positive, 286 (73,15%) IgG-negative and 36 (9,21%) indeterminate. In relation to seroconversion among patients under biologic treatment, 13 patients of the 23 with a previous positive CRP developed antibodies (56.5%). However, when the influence of immunosuppressive treatment on the probability of developing antibodies was analyzed, no significant differences were seen between those patients with or without treatment (77.8% vs. 77.1%, p = 0.96). In our cohort of IBD patients, after one year of pandemic, there were 18.64% IgG positive patients, a higher prevalence than the general population (15.7%).
Asunto(s)
Productos Biológicos , COVID-19 , Enfermedades Inflamatorias del Intestino , Humanos , COVID-19/epidemiología , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , SARS-CoV-2 , Anticuerpos Antivirales , Inmunosupresores/uso terapéutico , Enfermedades Inflamatorias del Intestino/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades Inflamatorias del Intestino/epidemiología , Inmunoglobulina G , Productos Biológicos/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
The PhaF is a nucleoid-associated like protein of Pseudomonas putida KT2442 involved in the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) metabolism. Its primary structure shows two modular domains; the N-terminal PHA granule-binding domain (phasin domain) and the C-terminal half containing AAKP-like tandem repeats characteristic of the histone H1 family. Although the PhaF binding to PHA granules and its role as transcriptional regulator have been previously demonstrated, the cell physiology meaning of these properties remains unknown. This work demonstrates that PhaF plays a crucial role in granule localization within the cell. TEM and flow cytometry studies of cells producing granules at early growth stage demonstrated that PhaF directs the PHA granules to the centre of the cells, forming a characteristic needle array. Our studies demonstrated the existence of two markedly different cell populations in the strain lacking PhaF protein, i.e. cells with and without PHA. Complementation studies definitively demonstrated a key role of PhaF in granule segregation during the cell division ensuring the equal distribution of granules between daughter cells. In vitro studies showed that PhaF binds DNA through its C-terminal domain in a non-specific manner. All these findings suggested a main role of PhaF in PHA apparatus through interactions with the segregating chromosome.