Biosynthetic gene clusters with biotechnological applications in novel Antarctic isolates from Actinomycetota.

Actinomycetota have been widely described as valuable sources for the acquisition of secondary metabolites. Most microbial metabolites are produced via metabolic pathways encoded by biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Although many secondary metabolites are not essential for the survival of bacteria, they play an important role in their adaptation and interactions within microbial communities. This is how bacteria isolated from extreme environments such as Antarctica could facilitate the discovery of new BGCs with biotechnological potential. This study aimed to isolate rare Actinomycetota strains from Antarctic soil and sediment samples and identify their metabolic potential based on genome mining and exploration of biosynthetic gene clusters. To this end, the strains were sequenced using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies platforms. The assemblies were annotated and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Finally, the BGCs present in each genome were identified using the antiSMASH tool, and the biosynthetic diversity of the Micrococcaceae family was evaluated. Taxonomic annotation revealed that seven strains were new and two were previously reported in the NCBI database. Additionally, BGCs encoding type III polyketide synthases (T3PKS), beta-lactones, siderophores, and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) have been identified, among others. In addition, the sequence similarity network showed a predominant type of BGCs in the family Micrococcaceae, and some genera were distinctly grouped. The BGCs identified in the isolated strains could be associated with applications such as antimicrobials, anticancer agents, and plant growth promoters, among others, positioning them as excellent candidates for future biotechnological applications and innovations. KEY POINTS: • Novel Antarctic rare Actinomycetota strains were isolated from soil and sediments • Genome-based taxonomic affiliation revealed seven potentially novel species • Genome mining showed metabolic potential for novel natural products.

Clinical Outcome and Histological Findings After Induced Leakage of PMMA Loaded With Methotrexate and Cisplatin During Vertebroplasty: Experimental Model in Pigs.

STUDY DESIGN: Animal experimental model. OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical behavior and histological changes in the spinal cord, nerve roots and perivertebral muscles of the spine after induced leakage of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) loaded with antiblastic drugs during vertebroplasty in an animal model of pigs. METHODS: We performed vertebroplasty on 25 pigs. The animals were divided into 3 groups: vertebroplasty with PMMA alone (control group), vertebroplasty with PMMA loaded with methotrexate (MTX) and vertebroplasty with PMMA loaded with cisplatin (CYS). At 2 vertebral levels, epidural and prevertebral, massive cement leaks were induced. Animals were evaluated daily. Two weeks later, the pigs were sacrificed, and the tissues that came in contact with the cement were analyzed. RESULTS: The clinical results for each of the groups were reported. The control group had no clinical alterations. In the MTX group, 2 pigs died before 1 week due to pneumonitis. In the CYS group, 4 animals had motor impairment, and 3 of the 4 had paraplegia. The histological results were as follows: the control and MTX groups showed synovial metaplasia, inflammatory reaction, crystal deposits, and giant cell reaction in the dura mater and muscle and all the animals in the CYS group had spinal cord and muscular necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Massive cement leak after vertebroplasty with PMMA loaded with cisplatin is extremely toxic to the spinal cord and muscles around the spine. Therefore, its use cannot be recommended for the treatment of vertebral metastases. Using PMMA loaded with methotrexate seems to be a safe procedure, but further research is needed.

Evidencias de validez de la tarea de los dedos en una modalidad de administración asincrónica / Validity evidence of the finger task in an asynchronous administration modality

La batería de Autorregulación Cognitiva -TAC-es una herramienta informatizada para la evaluación de los principales procesos ejecutivos en una modalidad de administración presencial. Aunque sus características técnicas hacen viable su administración en una modalidad remota y asincrónica aún no cuenta con evidencias de validez y confiabilidad de sus puntuaciones en una modalidad de administración no presencial. Por ello, este estudio propone obtener evidencias de las propiedades psicométricas de la Tarea de los Dedos -TAC-en su modalidad de administración remota y asincrónica para la evaluación de la Inhibición comportamental y la flexibilidad cognitiva en personas adultas. Para cumplir con este objetivo, se analizó la presencia de dos efectos experimentales que aportan validez de constructo y se comparó su desempeño en las dos modalidades de administración. Finalmente, se analizó la confiabilidad de las puntuaciones a través del método de división por mitades. Los resultados obtenidos aportan evidencia empírica de las propiedades psicométricas del instrumento(AU)

The cognitive self-regulation battery -TAC-is a computerized tool designed to evaluate the work memory, three inhibitory processes and cognitive flexibility. There is still no evidence of validity and reliability of their scores in remote administration mode. The goal of this work is to obtain evidence of reliability and validity for the tac fingers task in remote and asynchronous administration mode for cognitive flexibility and behavioral inhibition evaluation in the adult population. It was analyzed iftwo experimental effects were detected. Its presence indicates the activation or participation of cognitive flexibility and behavioral inhibition in the resolution of activities proposed by the task. Also, the performance of the participants in both modalities was compared. The internal consistency was analyzed through the method of division by halves. The results obtained provide empirical evidence of psychometric properties of TAC fingers task for evaluation of cognitive flexibility and behavioral inhibition in the adult population(AU)

Osteotomies of the second phalanx of the great toe: A clinical experience.

BACKGROUND: At the time of the first report on the feasibility of corrective osteotomies of the distal phalanx (DP) of the great toe there were no published studies addressing this type of surgery. Along this line, and throughout our clinical experience, this paper tries to show the clinical benefits of hallux DP osteotomies when correcting interphalangeal valgus deformities (IHV) of the great toe, either with open or percutaneous procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a review of 18 cases in which a DP osteotomy was performed in 2 different institutions, 8 cases were performed using open technique and 10 cases percutaneously. The correction obtained was analyzed by measuring the distal articular set angle (DASA), obliquity angle (AP1), asymmetry angle (AP2), and global distal phalanx deviation (GDPD) angle before and after the surgery on dorso-plantar weight-bearing radiographs in all cases. Clinical results were also recorded. RESULTS: Excellent clinical and radiological results were achieved with both techniques in all patients with no complications. The average DP angular deformity correction in terms of AP1, AP2 and GDPD angles were 4.58º ± 5.55º, 8.95º ± 4.77º and 16.53º ± 7.26 respectively. In 10 cases an Akin osteotomy was associated. CONCLUSION: In cases with valgus deviation in the hallux DP, a corrective osteotomy of the DP alone or associated to osteotomy of the PP should be considered as a useful tool. The technique is feasible and has no technical difficulties for an orthopedic surgeon with experience on feet surgery.

[Prevalence of neurocognitive disorders in a rural area of Argentina] / Prevalencia de trastornos neurocognitivos en una región rural Argentina.

Aim: To carry out a cognitive screening to detect cases of Neurocognitive Disorders (NCD) 60 and over years adults and estimate its prevalence in the eastern area of Tucumán. Methods: A neuropsychological assessment was carried out. Groups were formed according to the presence and severity of NCD. Results: 257 subjects participated in the study (X = 69.9 years, SD = 7.2; 60.7% of female gender). The prevalence of neurocognitive disorders was estimated at 51.17% with 90% confidence and a precision (d) of 4%. Main Conclusion: The prevalence exceeded the estimation for Argentina. From the tests it was observed that the lower the educational level and the older the age, the risk of developing neurocognitive disorders would increase. This work demonstrated the ability to develop large-scale epidemiological studies in public health, articulating the activity of the different healthcare centers, given the lack of studies about the matter in our country.

Objetivos: realizar un screening cognitivo para detectar casos de trastornos neurocognitivos (TNC) en adultos mayores de 60 años y estimar su prevalencia en el Este de Tucumán. Métodos: Se realizó una evaluación neuropsicológica de cribado. Para el análisis de los datos se conformaron grupos según la presencia y severidad de TNC. Resultados: 257 sujetos participaron en el estudio (X = 69.9 años; DS=7.2; 60,7% género femenino). Se estimó la prevalencia de trastornos neurocognitivos en 51,17% con un 90% confianza y una precisión (d) del 4%. Conclusión principal: La prevalencia superó los datos estimados para Argentina. A partir de las pruebas se observó que  a menor nivel educativo y a mayor edad,  aumentaría el riesgo para desarrollar trastornos neurocognitivos. Este trabajo demostró la capacidad de desarrollar estudios epidemiológicos a gran escala en el sistema sanitario público, articulando la actividad de los diferentes centros de salud, ante la escasez de estudios de este tipo en nuestro país.

Análisis clínico-radiológico comparativo de tallos femorales no cementados planos de primera vs. segunda generación / Comparative clinical-radiological analysis of first-generation vs. second-generation flat cementless femoral stems

Introducción: El diseño del implante femoral es imprescindible para su adaptación a los distintos tipos de canales. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar la adaptabilidad del implante y el tipo de contacto de los tallos femorales planos de segunda generación. Materiales y Métodos: Se analizó a los pacientes sometidos a un reemplazo total de cadera bilateral en nuestra institución, entre 2007 y 2020, a quienes se les colocó un tallo de primera generación (Accolade TMZF) en una cadera y de segunda generación (Accolade II) en la contralateral. Se estudiaron las variables demográficas, la adaptación y el llenado del canal. Se analizó el Harris Hip Score modificado y el índice WOMAC. Resultados:Se incluyó a 42 pacientes (84 casos).En el grupo 1 (Accolade TMZF), la ocupación del canal fue del 81% y, en el grupo 2 (Accolade II), del 84%. En el grupo 1, el contacto fue tipo 1 (60%), tipo 2 (16%) y tipo 3 (24%). En el grupo 2, fue tipo 1 (88%), tipo 2 (7%) y tipo 3 (5%). El Harris Hip Score modificado para el grupo 1 fue 88 y, para el grupo 2, 87,5. El puntaje WOMAC para el grupo 1 fue 2,5 y, para el grupo 2, de 3. Conclusión: La adaptabilidad del implante es fundamental para la estabilidad primaria y su osteointegración/fijación biológica. En nuestra muestra, es más precisa con tallos de segunda generación debido a las modificaciones del diseño. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: The design of the femoral implant is essential for its adaptation to the different types of femoral canals. The objective of this study is to describe the adaptability of the implant and the type of fixation (fill and fit) of second-generation flat femoral stems compared to first-generation femoral stems. Materials and Methods: We described the radiological characteristics of patients who had undergone bilateral total hip replacement between 2007 and 2020 in our institution with both a first-generation Accolade TMZF (Stryker Orthopedics) and a second-generation Accolade II (Stryker Orthopedics) flat cementless femoral implant. Demographic variables, adaptation, and canal filling were studied. The modified Harris Hip Score and the WOMAC index were analyzed. Results: Forty-two patients (84 cases) were included in the sample. In group 1 (Accolade TMZF) we obtained an average canal fill of 81% and in group 2 (Accolade II), we obtained an average of 84%. In group 1, the type of fixation (fit) was type 1 (60%), type 2 (16%) and type 3 (24%). In group 2, it was type 1 (88%), type 2 (7%) and type 3 (5%). The modified Harris Hip Score for group 1 was 88 and, for group 2, 87.5. The WOMAC score for group 1 was 2.5 and for group 2 it was 3. Conclusion: The adaptability of the implant is essential for primary stability and its osseointegration/biological fixation. This adaptability is more precise with second-generation flat femoral stems. Level of Evidence: IV

Tratamiento psicofarmacológico de pacientes con trastorno límite de la personalidad: aspectos farmacoclínicos con evidencia científica / Psychopharmacologic treatment of patients with borderline personality disorder: pharmacoclinic aspects with scientific evidence

Introducción: El trastorno de la personalidad (TLP) afecta al 1-2% de la población adulta y aproximadamente al 20% de los pacientes hospitalizados por causas psiquiátricas. La tasa de mortalidad por suicidio alcanza el 10%, y se destacan las conductas suicidas que alcanzan el 84% de los pacientes, siendo éstas muy prevalentes en la consultas en los servicios de emergencia. El tratamiento psicofarmacológico aplicado en estos pacientes es uno de los abordajes clínicos que más incertidumbre generan debido a la falta de protocolos terapéuticos que cubran todas las dimensiones centrales de la personalidad. Objetivos: El objetivo del presente artículo es realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre la utilidad de antipsicóticos de segunda generación, estabilizadores del ánimo y antidepresivos para el tratamiento farmacológico aplicado a la clínica de pacientes con diagnóstico de trastorno límite de la personalidad, con especificación de la evidencia científica para cada grupo farmacológico. Material y Método: Revisión y comparación bibliográfica sobre el uso y utilización de 3 grupos psicofarmacológicos (antipsicóticos de segunda generación, estabilizadores del ánimo y antidepresivos)para el tratamiento de pacientes con diagnóstico de TLP, con especificación de los indicadores y resultados de trabajos de medicina basada en la evidencia. Resultados: Según la revisión sistemática en ensayos clínicos con antipsicóticos (primera y segunda generación), estabilizadores del estado de ánimo y antidepresivos se hallaron mayores beneficios con el uso de estabilizadores del estado de ánimo (topiramato, lamotrigina y valproato de sodio) y antipsicóticos de segunda generación (aripiprazol y olanzapina). La consistencia es baja ya que el tamaño muestral fue pequeño o fue realizado mediante reportes de casos. Asimismo, la duración de los estudios varió de 5 a 24 semanas (duración promedio 12 semanas) y analizaron datos de 1714 participantes, con muestras heterogéneas en los estudios (entre 16 y 314 participantes).Conclusión: Suponemos que se debería profundizar en el abordaje de los síntomas borderline, básicamente investigaciones longitudinales a largo plazo (superior al año) con mayor número de pacientes, instrumentos de evaluación validados y tener en cuenta diseños para la traslación de resultados en contexto asistencial

Introduction: Personality disorder affects 1-2% of adult population and almost 20% of hospitalized patients for psychiatric causes. Mortality rate by suicide is almost 10%, and suicidal behaviour stand out in 84% of patients, being very prevalent in emergency service. Psicopharmacologic treatment applied to those patients is one of the approaches that more uncertainty generates because of the absence of therapeutic protocols that cover all the central dimensions of the personality. Objectives: to make a bibliographic review about second generation antipsychotics utility, mood stabilizers and antidepressants applied to patients with diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, with scientific evidence specification for each pharmacological group. Material and Method: Bibliographic review and comparison about use and utilization of three psicopharmacologic groups (second generation antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and antidepressant) for patients with borderline personality disorder treatment, with indicators specification and evidence-based medicine works results. Results: According to systematic review in clinical essays with antipsychotics (first and second generation), mood stabilizers and antidepressants, it was found more benefits with mood stabilizers (topiramate, lamotrigine and sodium valproate) and second generation antipsychotics (aripiprazole and olanzapine). The consistency is low because of the sample size or it was made with cases reports. Likewise, studies duration were between 5 and 24 weeks (average duration: 12 weeks) and 1714 data patients ́ were analysed, with heterogeneous sample (between 16 and 314). Conclusions: We assume we should deepen in borderline symptoms average with long term longitudinal studies (more than a year) with a bigger number of patients, validated evaluation instruments and take into account designs for results translation in an assistance context.

Efectos de la prematurez sobre el desarrollo cognitivo y la atención en etapa escolar / Effects of prematurity on cognitive development and attention at school age

Gracias a los avances tecnológicos, los niños prematuros con discapacidades físicas mayores han disminuido su prevalencia; actualmente, los defectos cognitivos son la secuela predominante. Se investigó el desarrollo cognitivo y la atención en escolares con antecedentes de haber sido recién nacidos prematuros, a través de un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, en que se realizaron evaluaciones neuropsicológicas mediante WISC-R y test de Gordon a niños escolares con antecedentes de prematurez (EG<33s y/o PN<1500g) y niños controles con antecedentes de ser recién nacidos de término. Se evaluó a 77 pacientes: 40 niños prematuros (EG: 30,5 s) y 37 de término, entre 6-7 años. Aunque ambos grupos obtuvieron un CIT dentro del rango normal, se observó diferencias significativas (p<0,03) en desmedro del grupo prematuro en comparación con controles. Las habilidades atencionales también fueron significativamente menores para los prematuros (p< 0,01). Los niños prematuros se encuentran en riesgo de presentar problemas cognitivos y/o de atención en la etapa escolar. Se sugiere incorporar instrumentos de pesquisa de estas dificultades durante el seguimiento, que permitan un reconocimiento precoz e intervención oportuna.

The prevalence of premature children with major physical disabilities has diminished over time mainly due to advances in technology. Cognitive disorders are currently the main sequels. In order to study cognitive and attentional functioning of extremely premature infants at school age, a cross sectional study was designed. Neuropsychological assessments were performed by WISC-R and Gordon test, in prematures and controls at school age. Seventy seven children, 40 preterm (GA: 30.5 w) and 37 term at birth, aged 6-7 years-old were assessed. Although both groups obtained an overall IQ within the normal range, prematures showed significantly lower scores than the control group (p< 0.03). Attentional skills were also significantly lower (p <0.01) in the premature children. Children with a history of extreme prematurity are at risk for cognitive and attention impairment at school age. We suggest to introduce screening tools during follow-up which allow early recognition and appropriate intervention.

Results at seven years after the use of intracamerular cefazolin as an endophthalmitis prophylaxis in cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate results after seven years using prophylactic intracameral cefazolin for the prevention of endophthalmitis in cataract surgery. METHODS: A prospective, observational study of all patients submitted to cataract surgery over the period January 1996 to December 2009. All cases of postoperative endophthalmitis over that period were reviewed. The patients were classified in two groups: Group 1 (11,696 patients) operated on between January 1996 and December 2002, Group 2 (13,305 patients) between January 2003 and December 2009 (in whom a 1 mg/0.1 bolus of intracameral cefazolin was instilled). RESULTS: During the study period, 76 cases of endophthalmitis were observed in Group 1, and seven in Group 2. The rate of postoperative endophthalmitis reduced from 0.63% to 0.05% with a cefazolin injection. The relative risk (RR) for endophthalmitis in Group 1 against group 2 was 11.45 [95% CI 5.72-22.84, p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: An intracameral bolus injection of cefazolin (1 mg in 0.1 ml solution) at the conclusion of the cataract surgery significantly reduced the rate of postoperative endophthalmitis.

18FDG-PET/CT assessing the absence of cell viability and excluding metastatic disease in a case of necrotic choroidal melanoma.

PURPOSE: To report a case of choroidal melanoma in which the absence of 18FDG-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) uptake in the whole body scan excluded the presence of any foci of metastases. Additionally, the PET/CT study correctly diagnosed the necrotic character of the lesion. METHODS: A 76-year-old woman with neovascular glaucoma, and without vitreous or retina visualization, was studied by our ophthalmology service. RESULTS: Ocular ultrasound showed an 18 × 16 mm vitreous exophytic image compatible with choroidal melanoma; magnetic resonance gave a 17 × 15 mm exophytic image, highly intense at T1 and hypointense at T2, with cystic and necrotic images after a contrast injection. An 18FDG-PET/CT study revealed a clearly hypometabolic lesion, representing absence of cell viability and excluding active melanoma cells. No other uptake lesions were detected at the whole-body PET/CT scan, assuming the absence of extraocular metastases. The eye was enucleated, and the pathology study showed a 16 × 15 mm necrotic choroidal melanoma. CONCLUSIONS: The 18FDG-PET/CT study correctly depicted the necrotic character of the choroidal melanoma and was able to exclude other foci of metastases.

Differences between the combination of the 25-gauge vitrectomy with phacoemulsification versus 20-gauge vitrectomy and phacofragmentation.

INTRODUCTION: In the present study we determine the differences observed between 25-gauge-vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification, and the 20-gauge-vitrectomy combined with pars plana phacofragmentation. METHODS: A prospective study of a sample of 987 eyes of 661 patients randomly divided into two groups. 25-gauge-vitrectomy plus phacoemulsification included 486 eyes, and 20-gauge-vitrectomy plus phacofragmentation 501 eyes. We evaluated the differences at the time of the surgery, the intra-and postoperative complications, and the variations in intraocular pressure. RESULTS: The final visual outcome was similar in both groups. The most important differences between groups were: surgical time was faster in group 1 than in group 2, (mean time: 35.16 +/- 3.49, 44.74 +/- 5.30 minutes). Intraoperative complications were more numerous in group 1. In group 1, postoperative low levels of intraocular pressure are present in all patients with 2.77% of patients with hypotension (<8 mmHg), and three choroidal effusion. In group 2, intraocular lens decentration and retinal detachment are more frequent (2.38% and 1.39%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, both techniques have a similar number of complications and have a similar postoperative outcome, and are valid for the management of the pathologies selected.

Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and macular edema progression after phacoemulsification: prospective study.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression after phacoemulsification in patients with type II diabetes. SETTING: Service of Ophthalmology, University of Sant Joan, Barcelona, Spain. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated 132 patients with diabetes mellitus who had monocular phacoemulsification. A control group comprised the patients' contralateral eyes. Data analysis included preoperative retinal findings and DR status; hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides levels; insulin treatment; and arterial hypertension. RESULTS: Postoperative visual acuity increased by 2 or more lines in 105 patients (79.55%); the mean postoperative acuity was 0.63 +/- 0.28 (SD). Diabetic retinopathy in the operated eye progressed in 31 patients (23.48%) and in the fellow eye in 28 patients (21.21%). The progression was associated with high levels of HbA1c and diabetes mellitus duration in both groups. Diabetic macular edema occurred in the operated eye in 8 patients (6.06%) and in the fellow eye in 6 patients (4.54%). Pseudophakic macular edema developed in 2 eyes (1.52%). The progression of diabetic macular edema was not associated with the risk factors studied. CONCLUSION: Uneventful phacoemulsification cataract surgery may not cause DR progression.

Toxic and repellent effects of Baccharis salicifolia essential oil on Tribolium castaneum.

Allelochemical effects were observed when Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) adults were treated with Baccharis salicifolia (Ruiz & Pavon) Pers essential oil. The main biological activities were toxicity and repellence. Terpenes present in the essential oil were identified by GC-MS, and some authentic samples were tested to assess their activity individually. The most acutely toxic compounds after 3 days were beta-pinene and pulegone. Most of the monoterpenes elicited symptoms indicative of neurotoxicity. The most repellent compound was alpha-terpineol. Toxic and repellent effects of chemical derivatives of the major sesquiterpene present in B salicifolia essential oil, as well as a series of monoterpenes, were evaluated in order to investigate structure-activity relationships. The reduced derivatives of the monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were more repellent that their carbonyl analogues. In addition, unsaturation in the germacrane skeleton enhanced repellent activity.