Implications of two-component systems EnvZ/OmpR and BaeS/BaeR in in vitro temocillin resistance in Escherichia coli.

BACKGROUND: BaeS/BaeR is a two-component system of Escherichia coli that controls the expression of porins and efflux pumps. Its role in beta-lactam resistance is limited. OBJECTIVES: To study the role of baeS/baeR two-component system in temocillin resistance in E. coli. METHODS: E. coli strain BW25113 and single-gene deletion mutants related to two-component systems were collected from the KEIO collection. Double-gen deletion mutants were generated. Temocillin-resistant mutant frequencies were determined at 32 mg/L. E. coli BW25113 mutants were selected by selective pressure from serial passages. Biological costs were analysed by growth curves. Genomes of the generated mutants were sequenced. The expression level of the mdtA, mdtB, mdtC, acrD and tolC in the ΔbaeS mutant was determined by RT-PCR (with/without temocillin exposure). RESULTS: The frequency of temocillin mutants ranged from 2.12 × 10-8 to 4.51 × 10-8 in single-porin mutants. No mutants were recovered from E. coli BW25113 (>10-9). Selection of temocillin-resistant variants by serial passage yielded mutants up to 128 mg/L. Mutations were found in the baeS gene. Temocillin MICs ranged from 4 to 32 mg/L (highest MICs for ΔbaeS and ΔompR). The efflux pumps mdtA, mdtB, mdtC and acrD pumps were overexpressed 3-10-fold in the presence of temocillin in ΔbaeS compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: Mutations in the sensor histidine kinase, baeS, may be involved in temocillin resistance through the expression of the efflux pumps mdtABC and acrD. In addition, the low mutation rate may be a good predictor of temocillin activity.

Evaluation of temocillin efficacy against KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in a hollow-fibre infection model.

BACKGROUND: Temocillin is an old antimicrobial that is resistant to hydrolysis by ESBLs but has variable activity against carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The current EUCAST susceptibility breakpoints for Enterobacterales are set at ≤16 mg/L (susceptible with increased exposure) based on a dose of 2 g q8h, but there is limited information on the efficacy of this dose against temocillin-susceptible carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of this dose using a hollow-fibre infection model (HFIM) against six KPC-2-producing clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. METHODS: The isolates were characterized by WGS and temocillin susceptibility was determined using standard and high inoculum temocillin. Mutant frequencies were estimated and temocillin activity was tested in time-kill assays and in the HFIM. At standard conditions, three of the isolates were classified as susceptible (MIC ≤ 16 mg/L) and three as resistant (MIC > 16 mg/L). The HFIM was performed over 3 days to mimic human-like pharmacokinetics of 2 g q8h. Bacterial counts were performed by plating on Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) and MHA containing 64 mg/L temocillin to detect resistant subpopulations. RESULTS: All isolates showed a reduction in bacterial population of at least 3 log cfu/mL within the first 8 h of simulated treatment in the hollow-fibre assay. Regrowth was observed for the three resistant isolates and one of the susceptible ones. The MIC value for these isolates was higher by at least two dilutions compared with their initial values. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that an optimized pharmacokinetic regimen may be of clinical interest for the treatment of KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae susceptible to temocillin. These data showed activity of temocillin against KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae susceptible to temocillin; however, a dose of 2g q8h administered over 30 min may be inadequate to prevent the emergence of resistant variants.

Volatile chemical composition of Piper sancti-felicis Trel essential oil and its biocidal action against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

This research assessed the fumigant activity of the essential oil from Piper sancti-felicis Trel and five of its components on the Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) biological model. Hydrodistillation was used for extraction of the essential oil, with separation and identification of the compounds through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The fumigant was evaluated through gas dispersion on the T. castaneum. The majority compounds found in the EO were b-nerolidol (15.4%), 3-carene (14.9%), p-cymene (9.1%), spathulenol (8.2%), a-cubebene (6.2%) and calamenene (5.2%). Piper sancti-felicis displayed fumigant activity with a LC50 = 108.5 & 956;g L-1 air, and other individual monoterpenes tested such as & 945;-terpinolene (LC50 = 110.1 & 956;g L-1 air), p-cymene (LC50 = 120.3 & 956;g L-1 air), 3-carene (LC50 = 130.6 & 956;g L-1 air), (R) -limonene (CL50 = 189.6 & 956;g L-1 air), and a-pinene (LC50 = 213.1 & 956;g L-1 air), were significantly less toxic than methyl pyrimiphos used as a positive control, CL50 = 87.4 & 956;g L-1 air. The essential oil of P. sancti-felicis can be considered as a natural source of biocides.

SEROLOGIC SURVEY OF LEPTOSPIRA SPP. IN CAPTIVE ANIMALS FROM VERACRUZ, MEXICO.

Leptospirosis is the most common zoonotic disease worldwide and is considered endemic in countries with tropical climates. It is caused by 10 species of the Leptospira genus and by more than 275 serovars which can affect a wide range of vertebrates. In the Americas, 122 species of four classes of vertebrates have been reported to be infected or exposed to many Leptospira species. Many of these reports are from zoos and rehabilitation centers. Mexico has one single study that reported antibody titers against Leptospira in zoo animals. The purpose of this research was to identify the degree of exposure of some captive mammals and reptiles in Veracruz, a Mexican state with endemic leptospirosis, through microagglutination using 14 live strains of five Leptospira species. Sera samples were collected from 55 animals of 11 species from two classes (Mammalia and Reptilia), four orders (Primates, Artiodactyla, Carnivora, Crocodilia), and nine genera. The more prevalent serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae and Tarassovi and the highest titers were reactive to the serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae with a value of 1: 51,200.

Impact on quality of life and sexual satisfaction of total abdominal hysterectomy and vaginal hysterectomy in the absence of prolapse. Cohort study, Medellín, 2015 / Impacto de la histerectomía abdominal total y de la histerectomía vaginal sin prolapso en la calidad de vida y la satisfacción sexual. Estudio de cohortes, Medellín, 2015

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify differences in quality of life and sexuality in women without genital prolapse taken to vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy. Materials and methods: Prospective cohort study including women with no vaginal prolapse and benign conditions, with no adhesions and a uterus of less than 1000cc, amenable to surgery through the abdominal or vaginal approach, coming to a private clinic in Medellín, Colombia. The SF12 score was used for quality of life assessment two and four months after surgery, and sexuality was assessed before and four months after the procedure, using the Female Sexual Function Index. Comparisons were made using ANCOVA, adjusted on the basis of baseline values and other characteristics. Approval by the ethics committee as well as informed consents were obtained. Results: The study included women with similar pre-operative characteristics. Of them, 24 were included in the vaginal hysterectomy group and 22 in the abdominal hysterectomy group. Quality of life and sexual function improved for the women in both groups following the procedure. Postoperative physical health: adjusted score for vaginal hysterectomy, 49.5 (SD ± 1.6) and for abdominal hysterectomy, 43.8 (SD ± 1.7), with a difference of 5.6 points (95% CI 0.87-10.4). Mental health: 51.0 (SD ± 1.7) and 59.3 (SD ± 1.6) points, respectively; adjusted difference 8.4 (95% CI 3.6-13.3). Sexuality: 22.7 (SD ± 1.8) and 26.5 (SD ± 1.7), respectively; difference, 3.8 points (95% CI -1.2-8.7). Conclusion: Although statistically significant differences were found for quality of life, the score obtained is not clinically significant.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar diferencias en calidad de vida y sexualidad en mujeres sin prolapso genital intervenidas con histerectomía vaginal o abdominal. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo. Se incluyeron mujeres sin prolapso vaginal con condiciones benignas, sin adherencias, con útero menor de 1000 cc, que fueran susceptibles de ser intervenidas tanto por vía abdominal como vaginal en una clínica privada de Medellín, Colombia. Evaluación de calidad de vida con la escala SF-12 antes, a los 2 y 4 meses posquirúrgico y de la sexualidad con la escala índice de Función Sexual Femenina, antes y a los 4 meses posoperatorio. Comparaciones con ANCOVA ajustadas porlos valores basales y por otras características. Se contó con aprobación de comité de ética y se tomó consentimiento informado. Resultados: Se incluyeron 24 mujeres en el grupo de histerectomía vaginal y 22 en el grupo de histerectomía abdominal, con características similares antes de la cirugía. Ambos grupos mejoraron en calidad de vida y en satisfacción sexual después del proce- dimiento. Los puntajes para histerectomía vaginal e histerectomía abdominal fueron, respectivamente: salud física posoperatoria: puntaje ajustado en histerectomía vaginal 49,5 (DE ± 1,6) e histerectomía abdominal 43,8 (DE ± 6,7), diferencia 5,6 puntos (IC 95%: 0,87-10,4). Salud mental: 51,0 (DE ± 1,7) y 59,3 (DE ± 1,6) puntos, respectivamente, diferencia ajustada 8,4 (IC 95%: 3,6-13,3). Sexualidad: 22,7 (DE ± 1,8) y 26,5 (DE ± 1,7), respectivamente, diferencia 3,8 puntos (IC 95%: -1,2-8,7). Conclusión: Aunque se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la calidad de vida, el puntaje alcanzado no es clínicamente significativo.

[Impact on quality of life with breast reconstructive surgery after mastectomy for breast cancer]. / Impacto en la calidad de vida con cirugía reconstructiva posterior al tratamiento de cáncer de mama.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer treatment leads mutilation and destruction of breast shape, with negative effects on body image and self-esteem. OBJECTIVES: Assessment on quality of life after breast reconstruction surgery, impact on sexuality, the cosmetic outcome experienced by the patient, and compare result with patients who refused breast reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational, descriptive, analytic study. We included breast cancer patients treated between April 15 2010 to April 15, 2011. Application of "The Survey Questionnaire short form Health 36" (SF-36) with valid use on Mexican population was conducted to measure quality of life, which uses 8 concepts: physical functioning, physical role, body pain, general health, vitality, social function, emotional role and mental health, the results are transferred to a scale 0 (worst health) to 100 (best health). RESULTS: 37 patients whit breast reconstruction had the inclusion criteria, mean age was 48.4 years. The score of SF-36 questionnaire in reconstructed patients was 76.8, in control group was 85.19 and mastectomy patients without reconstruction was 72.6. Among the items studied those with the greatest difference was the mental health, emotional role and social function, this means that patients with breast reconstruction are less affected in their social and sexual interaction. CONCLUSIONS: The reconstructed patients have a positive impact on quality of life slightly higher, sexuality is significantly worse in patients without breast reconstruction, it is important to inform and offer breast reconstruction because many do not require these procedures for fear or lack of information.

Histerectomía vaginal sin prolapso: estudio de cohorte: Medellín (Colombia) 2008-2010 / Vaginal hysterectomy without prolapse: a 2008-2010 cohort study in Medellín (Colombia)

Objetivo: describir los resultados posquirúrgicos de la histerectomía vaginal sin prolapso uterino. Materiales y métodos: estudio de cohorte de pacientes, a quienes se les practicó histerectomía vaginal sin prolapso (HSVP) por patología benigna uterina, utilizando la técnica de Heaney modificada y técnicas de morcelamiento uterino en la Clínica Medellín – Antioquia, entre septiembre de 2008 y febrero de 2010. Se realizó muestreo secuencial estricto. Se estimó un tamaño de muestra de 84 pacientes. Se midieron las características sociodemográficas, características del útero, diagnóstico preoperatorio, tiempo quirúrgico, comorbilidades, y complicaciones. Resultados: fueron intervenidos 84 pacientes, de los cuales un 8,33% presentaron complicaciones (n: 7/84), el 3,6% de estas, fueron intraoperatorias (2 lesiones vesicales y 1 lesión rectal) y el 4,76% posoperatorias (1 absceso pélvico con dehiscencia secundaria de la herida, 1 sepsis, 2 granulomas del muñón vaginal). También, fueron encontrados 9 casos de infección del tracto urinario (ITU) (10,71%). Conclusión: La HVSP es una técnica quirúrgica que en manos expertas y con instrumental quirúrgico adecuado, surge como alternativa para el manejo de la patología uterina benigna.

Objective: describing the post-surgical results of vaginal hysterectomy (VH) without uterine prolapse. Materials and methods: this was a cohort study of patients who had undergone vaginal hysterectomy withoutprolapse(VHWP) forbenignuterinepathology using a modified Heaney technique and uterine morcellationtechniquesintheClínicaMedellínbetween September 2008 and February 2010. Strict sequential sampling was done. Patient sample size was estimated at 84. Socio-demographic characteristics, uttering characteristics,pre-operationdiagnosis,timeinsurgery, comorbidities and complications were measured. Results: 84 patients were operated on; complications occurred in 8.33% of them (n: 7/84), 3.6% were intra-operation (2 vesical lesions and 1 rectal lesion) and 4.76% were post-operation (1 pelvic abscess with secondary dehiscence of the wound, 1 sepsis, 2 granulomas of the vaginal cuff). There were 9 cases of urinary tract infection (UTI) (10.71%). Conclusion: VHWP emerges as an alternative for surgical treatment of benign uterine diseases when performed by expert hands and with the appropriate surgical instrumentals.

Freeze survival of the cyanobacteria Microcoleus chthonoplastes without cryoprotector.

A Microcoleus chthonoplastes strain SC7B9002-1 isolated from microbial mats in tidal channels from San Carlos, Baja California Sur, Mexico was subjected to short- (15 days) and long-term (2 years) conservation assays in liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees C) using cryoprotective agents, such as 5% DMSO, 20% PVP-40, and 20% glycerol. Survival rate, chlorophyll a, protein, and nucleic acids content were observed in each case. Interesting growth and a significant increase in protein content was observed when no cryoprotectant was used during liquid nitrogen immersion. In the absence of a cryoprotectant, M. chthonoplastes lost their typical shape resembled spheroplasts, and recovery cultivation times after freezing were 5 and 25 days (short and long-term, respectively). Recovery from long-term preservation with 5% DMSO took 15 days. PVP and glycerol did not allow recovery of viable cells. The survival of M. chthonoplastes to freezing without cryoprotectant and the adaptive mechanisms that allow surviving under freezing conditions are discussed.

Retention and tissue damage of PSP and NSP toxins in shrimp: Is cultured shrimp a potential vector of toxins to human population?

Toxic microalgae outbreaks have caused significant economic losses in the Mexican aquaculture industry. Blooms that involve PSP and NSP phycotoxins are two of the most dangerous, causing harmful effects to the environment, economy and public health. The exact metabolic mechanism of these toxins in shrimp still remains unknown. Because shrimp consume microalgae their edible tissues are clearly possible vectors for human toxic syndrome. This study examined and verified the toxicological effects for white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) exposed to different cell densities of Gymnodinium catenatum and Karenia brevis. Acute assays demonstrated good survival rates of shrimp at low densities of dinoflagellates (10(3) cell/L), while mortality and abnormal behavior were observed with higher densities (>10(4) cell/L). Chronic assays showed significant differences in survival rates, percentage of feed and weight gain of organisms exposed to the dinoflagellates with respect to controls. Furthermore, PSP and NSP toxins were detected in all the edible tissues. Gastric glands and muscle retained toxins for a longer period of time compared to other tissues, even after a depuration period. Histology damages were observed in the heart, gastric gland and brain. This study strongly supports that shrimp represent a potential risk for humans as unconventional vectors of phycotoxins.

Grazing of heterotrophic dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans (Mcartney) Kofoid on Gymnodinium catenatum Graham.

A dinoflagellate bloom ("red tide" event) dominated by the toxic Gymnodinium catenatum Graham (Gymnodiniales, Dinophyceae; 99.7%) and the noxious Noctiluca scintillans (Mcartney) Kofoid (Noctilucaceae, Dinophyceae; 0.3%) was observed in Bahia de Mazatlán Bay, México, on 24-26 January 2000. Photographic and microscopic analysis of samples during such an event, allowed us to collect evidence of a marked The particularity of grazing of G. catrenatum by by N. scintillans cells, suggesting a mechanism of "biocontrol" between these species that may contribute to attenuate a potentially toxic phenomenon under natural conditions.

Diferentes términos utilizados para describir las mareas rojas / Different terms used to describe red tides

An event characterized by sudden increase in phytoplankton population, in the sea or aqueous environment, is often designated by different Spanish terms that attempt to describe the nature, aspect, characteristics, and/or properties of such phenomena. In this communication, we discuss the convenience of reaching an agreement among the Spanish-speaking scientific community to use a simple Spanish term that could be much more informative and accurate when referring to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), in general. Summarizing the different Spanish terms historically employed to describe the proliferation of noxious phytoplankton in the sea, we propose "Proliferación Microalgal Nociva" (PMN = HAB) as a term that, on the basis of its etymological meaning could be considered correct. Its use could help to avoid the prevailing confusion in our language caused by different misleading terms now employed when referring to a Harmful Algal Bloom event.

[Different terms used to describe "red tides"]. / Diferentes términos utilizados para describir las "mareas rojas".

An event characterized by sudden increase in phytoplankton population, in the sea or aqueous environment, is often designated by different Spanish terms that attempt to describe the nature, aspect, characteristics, and/or properties of such phenomena. In this communication, we discuss the convenience of reaching an agreement among the Spanish-speaking scientific community to use a simple Spanish term that could be much more informative and accurate when referring to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), in general. Summarizing the different Spanish terms historically employed to describe the proliferation of noxious phytoplankton in the sea, we propose "Proliferación Microalgal Nociva" (PMN = HAB) as a term that, on the basis of its etymological meaning could be considered correct. Its use could help to avoid the prevailing confusion in our language caused by different misleading terms now employed when referring to a Harmful Algal Bloom event.

Superoxide dismutase and Naproxen in the very late phase of carrageenan induced edema in rats / Peróxido dismutasa y Naproxen en fase muy tardía de edema inducido por carragenina en ratas

Introducción. El modelo de edema inducido por carragenina (EIC) en la pata de la rata es ampliamente utilizado para estudiar el efecto antiinflamatorio de drogas. Clásicamente consta de dos etapas de reacción inflamatoria, sin embargo se ha observado una tercera poco caracterizada. La superóxido dismutasa (SOD) es una enzima eliminadora de radicales libres de oxígeno con actividad antiinflamatoria. En nuestro país no contamos con un instrumento especialmente diseñado para evaluar el edema en EIC. Métodos. Se indujo edema a la pata de la rata mediante la aplicación intraplantar de carragenina. Se formaron cuatro grupos: placebo, dos distintas dosis de SOD y Naproxen©. Se evaluó el edema utilizando un pletismógrafo de mercurio especialmente diseñado. La intensidad de la reacción inflamatoria se determinó durante las fases clásicas temprana y tardía y durante una tercera fase muy tardía. Resultados. Todos los tratamientos tuvieron efecto antiinflamatorio durante la fase temprana, tardía y muy tardía, a excepción de la dosis alta de SOD durante la primera fase. El Naproxen© fue superior que la SOD durante las dos primeras fases, sin embargo esta diferencia desapareció en la fase muy tardía. En términos de bases equimolares la enzima parece ser 1,800 veces más potente que el Naproxen©. El pletismógrafo de mercurio funcionó adecuadamente. Conclusiones. La SOD y el Naproxen© tienen efecto antiinflamatorio el cual se extiende hasta la fase muy tardía del modelo de EIC. La actividad antiinflamatoria de la enzima se debe a un mecanismo suplementario a la capacidad eliminadora de radicales libres de oxígeno. La SOD puede ser utilizada como fuente alternativa en enfermedades inflamatorias.

Effect of superoxide dismutase from bovine erithrocytes on different activity parameters in Ajuvant-Induced arthritis

Background. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) on primary swelling, lipoperoxidation, body thymus, and spleen weight in the adjuvants-induced arthritis (AIA) model in rats. Methods. Orally and intraperitoneally administered SOD (100 U/kg) from bovine erythrocytes, as well as naproxen (40 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (25 mg/kg), were evaluated againts placebo. Results. Primary edema was not decreased by SOD; in contrast, naproxen and dexamethasone showed good anti-inflammatory activity. Lipoperoxidation increased 1.8, 2.5, and 2.8 times with intraperitoneal SOD, naproxen, and dexamethasone administration, respectively, while oral SOD decreased lipoperoxidation levels to approximately one-half of that found in the control group. Body weight increased with SOD but decreased with dexamethasone. Naproxen did not change the animal weight. Thymus weight remained unchanged with SOD and naproxen, while it decreased with dezamethasone. Splee weight remained the same wih SOD, but increased with naproxen and decreased with dezamethasone. No side of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and 50 percent of the rats in the dexamethasone group, of pulmonary infection. Conclusions. In conclusion, SOD showed no anti-inflammatory activity but decreased lipoperoxidation when administered orally. No deleterious effects in primary and secondary immunologic organs were observed with this agent

Anti-Inflammatory activity od debaryomyces hansenii Cu, Zn-SOD

Background. Cu,Zn-superoxide-dismutase, Cu,Zn-SOD, can be obtained from different sources with different anti-inflammatory activities. In this study we compared the antiinflammatory capacity of the marine yeast Debaryomyces hanseii Cu,Zn-SOD (Dh-SOD) with that of bovine erythrocytes (Be-SOD) in preventive an a therapeutic fashion. Methods. Edema was induced by carrageenan injection into the rat hind paw and was evaluated using a mercury plethysmograph. Development of the inflammatory process was followed by volume displacement at time 0 (carrageenan injection), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h thereafter. Three different SOD doses were used in preliminary experiments to prevent edema: 10, 100, and U/kg. Results. The results indicate that, at the lowest dose (10 U/kg), both SOD samples are effective in reducing inflammation in both the prostaglandin and amplification phases (-24.8 percent and -17.5 percent in the case of Be-SOD, and 11.8 percent and -18.7 percent in the case of Dh-SOD, respectively) (p<0.05). At 100 U/kg, Be-SOD also shows good anti-inflammatory activity in all edema phases (-27.1 percent in the serotonin phase; -19.4 percent in the prostaglandin phase; and -20 percent in the amplification phase) (p<0.05), but Dh-SOD was less effective (-10.9 percent, -9.1 percent, and -5.7 percent). At the highest dose tested (1000 U/kg), Dh-SOD was, again more effective than Be-SOD in all three edema phases (-33.1 percent and -1.5 percent; -17.9 percent and -2.6 percent; and -13.8 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively) (p >0.05). When evaluated as a therapeutic alternative, single doses of DH-SOD at 1,000 U/kg, and Be-SOD at 100 U/kg, both showed good anti-inflammatory activities (-31.7 percent and -23.5 percent, respectively) (p < 0.05). Conclusion. For therapy purposes alone, DH-SOD appears to be a better anti-inflammatory agent than Be-SOD in carrageenan-induced edema