Metabolomic Analysis of the Effect of Lippia origanoides Essential Oil on the Inhibition of Quorum Sensing in Chromobacterium violaceum.

Bacteria can communicate through quorum sensing, allowing them to develop different survival or virulence traits that lead to increased bacterial resistance against conventional antibiotic therapy. Here, fifteen essential oils (EOs) were investigated for their antimicrobial and anti-quorum-sensing activities using Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 as a model. All EOs were isolated from plant material via hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC/MS. In vitro antimicrobial activity was determined using the microdilution technique. Subinhibitory concentrations were used to determine anti-quorum-sensing activity by inhibition of violacein production. Finally, a possible mechanism of action for most bioactive EOs was determined using a metabolomic approach. Among the EOs evaluated, the EO from Lippia origanoides exhibited antimicrobial and anti-quorum activities at 0.37 and 0.15 mg/mL, respectively. Based on the experimental results, the antibiofilm activity of EO can be attributed to the blockage of tryptophan metabolism in the metabolic pathway of violacein synthesis. The metabolomic analyses made it possible to see effects mainly at the levels of tryptophan metabolism, nucleotide biosynthesis, arginine metabolism and vitamin biosynthesis. This allows us to highlight the EO of L. origanoides as a promising candidate for further studies in the design of antimicrobial compounds against bacterial resistance.

Effect of Essential Oil from Lippia origanoides on the Transcriptional Expression of Genes Related to Quorum Sensing, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Microbial infections resistant to conventional antibiotics constitute one of the most important causes of mortality in the world. In some bacterial species, such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens, biofilm formation can favor their antimicrobial resistance. These biofilm-forming bacteria produce a compact and protective matrix, allowing their adherence and colonization to different surfaces, and contributing to resistance, recurrence, and chronicity of the infections. Therefore, different therapeutic alternatives have been investigated to interrupt both cellular communication routes and biofilm formation. Among these, essential oils (EO) from Lippia origanoides thymol-carvacrol II chemotype (LOTC II) plants have demonstrated biological activity against different biofilm-forming pathogenic bacteria. In this work, we determined the effect of LOTC II EO on the expression of genes associated with quorum sensing (QS) communication, biofilm formation, and virulence of E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 29213. This EO was found to have high efficacy against biofilm formation, decreasing-by negative regulation-the expression of genes involved in motility (fimH), adherence and cellular aggregation (csgD), and exopolysaccharide production (pgaC) in E. coli. In addition, this effect was also determined in S. aureus where the L. origanoides EO diminished the expression of genes involved in QS communication (agrA), production of exopolysaccharides by PIA/PNG (icaA), synthesis of alpha hemolysin (hla), transcriptional regulators of the production of extracellular toxins (RNA III), QS and biofilm formation transcriptional regulators (sarA) and global regulators of biofilm formation (rbf and aur). Positive regulation was observed on the expression of genes encoding inhibitors of biofilm formation (e.g., sdiA and ariR). These findings suggest that LOTCII EO can affect biological pathways associated with QS communication, biofilm formation, and virulence of E. coli and S. aureus at subinhibitory concentrations and could be a promising candidate as a natural antibacterial alternative to conventional antibiotics.

Untargeted Metabolomics for Unraveling the Metabolic Changes in Planktonic and Sessile Cells of Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076 after Treatment with Lippia origanoides Essential Oil.

Nontyphoidal Salmonella species are one of the main bacterial causes of foodborne diseases, causing a public health problem. In addition, the ability to form biofilms, multiresistance to traditional drugs, and the absence of effective therapies against these microorganisms are some of the principal reasons for the increase in bacterial diseases. In this study, the anti-biofilm activity of twenty essential oils (EOs) on Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis ATCC 13076 was evaluated, as well as the metabolic changes caused by Lippia origanoides thymol chemotype EO (LOT-II) on planktonic and sessile cells. The anti-biofilm effect was evaluated by the crystal violet staining method, and cell viability was evaluated through the XTT method. The effect of EOs was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Untargeted metabolomics analyses were conducted to determine the effect of LOT-II EO on the cellular metabolome. LOT-II EO inhibited S. Enteritidis biofilm formation by more than 60%, without decreasing metabolic activity. Metabolic profile analysis identified changes in the modulation of metabolites in planktonic and sessile cells after LOT-II EO treatment. These changes showed alterations in different metabolic pathways, mainly in central carbon metabolism and nucleotide and amino acid metabolism. Finally, the possible mechanism of action of L. origanoides EO is proposed based on a metabolomics approach. Further studies are required to advance at the molecular level on the cellular targets affected by EOs, which are promising natural products for developing new therapeutic agents against Salmonella sp. strains.

Análisis de la evolución del conocimiento preventivo y su práctica entre la población de Colombia hacia la enfermedad por Coronavirus (Covid-19)

La presente investigación muestra la evolución que ha presentado el conocimiento y práctica de las recomendaciones dadas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud para la prevención de la Covid-19 en comparación al estudio realizado por Rivera-Diaz et al. Se encuetaron 478 personas, los resultados mostraron que un alto porcentaje conoce y pone en práctica las recomendaciones de la OMS indistintamente del sexo del individuo. Además, el estudio evidencia la problemática relacionada con el consumo de sustancias o medicamentos para la prevención de la Covid-19, que pueden poner en serios riesgos la salud de quien los consume; de otro lado, el uso de plantas medicinales también demuestra ser una práctica muy común en la población.

SUMMARY This research shows the evolution that has been presented by the knowledge and practice by part of the people of the recommendations given by the World Health Organization for the prevention of Covid-19 compared to the study carried out by Rivera-Diaz et al. 478 people were surveyed, the results showed that a high percentage knows and puts into practice the WHO recommendations regardless of the sex of the individual. In addition, the study shows the problems related to the consumption of substances and / or medications for the prevention of Covid-19, which can put the health of those who consume them at serious risk; on the other hand, the use of medicinal plants also proves to be a very common practice in the population.

A presente investigação mostra a evolução que tem apresentado o conhecimento e prática das recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúden para a prevenção do Covid-19 em comparação com o estudo realizado por Rivera-Diaz et ai. 478 pessoas foram entrevistadas, os resultados mostraram que uma alta porcentagem conhece e coloca em prática as recomendações da OMS, independentemente da sexo do indivíduo. Além disso, o estudo destaca o problema relacionado à consumo de substâncias ou medicamentos para a prevenção da Covid-19, que podem colocar em sério risco a saúde de quem os consome; Por outro lado, o uso de As plantas medicinais também se revelam uma prática muito comum na população.

Desgaste laboral en personal prehospitalario en México durante la pandemia de 2020 / Burnout in prehospital staff in Mexico during the 2020 pandemic

El burnout (desgate emocional) es una problemática que tiene consecuencias en las y los trabajadores expuestos a determinados riesgos y exigencias. Durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en México aumentó la carga laboral del personal de salud, por lo que esta investigación tiene como propósito explorar la relación entre los datos sociodemográficos, de salud, de las condiciones laborales y burnout entre los profesionales de salud de atención prehospitalaria a inicios de la pandemia en México. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo y descriptivo, se realizó una encuesta en línea en la que participaron 80 trabajadores/as del área prehospitalaria de un universo de aproximadamente 21 mil personas para indagar sus condiciones laborales y la exposición a factores estresantes, así como la prevalencia de la despersonalización, el agotamiento emocional y la realización personal, dimensiones emocionales que definen el burnout. Resultados: El 11.25% de la muestra presenta burnout de acuerdo con el instrumento; en el resto de la muestra destaca que un porcentaje alto de participantes, no tienen burnout, refieren niveles elevados de despersonalización y agotamiento emocional, lo que indica un síndrome en proceso, por lo que es importante dar seguimiento para evitar el avance del burnout en el personal de salud en general y el prehospitalario en particular. Conclusiones: El personal prehospitalario reconoce su trabajo como actividad de riesgo, no obstante, también destacan que su labor favorece la realización personal y la ayuda a otros, que funcionan como factores protectores(AU)

Burnout (emotional exhaustion) is a problem that has consequences for workers, exposed to certain risks and demands. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico, the workload of health workers increased, so this research aims to explore the relationship between sociodemographic, health, working conditions and burnout syndrome data between prehospital care health professionals at the beginning of the pandemic in Mexico. Materials and Methods: Quantitative and descriptive study, an online survey was carried out in which 80 workers from the pre-hospital area participated to investigate their working conditions and exposure to stressors, as well as the prevalence of depersonalization, exhaustion emotional and personal fulfillment, which are the emotional dimensions that define burnout. Results: 11.25% of the sample presents burnout according to the instrument; In the rest of the sample, it stands out that a high percentage of participants, who do not have burnout, report high levels of depersonalization and emotional exhaustion, which indicates a syndrome in process, so it is important to follow up to avoid the progression of burnout in health personnel in general and pre-hospital personnel in particular. Conclusions: The prehospital staff recognize their work as a risky activity; however, they also emphasize that their work favors personal fulfillment and helps others, which function as protective factors(AU)

RNA Microarray-Based Comparison of Innate Immune Phenotypes between Human THP-1 Macrophages Stimulated with Two BCG Strains.

Currently, the only available vaccine against tuberculosis is Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Pulmonary tuberculosis protection provided by the vaccine varies depending on the strain, the patient's age and the evaluated population. Although the adaptive immune responses induced by different BCG strains have been widely studied, little conclusive data is available regarding innate immune responses, especially in macrophages. Here, we aimed to characterize the innate immune responses of human THP-1-derived macrophages at the transcriptional level following a challenge with either the BCG Mexico (M.BCG) or Phipps (P.BCG) strains. After a brief in vitro characterization of the bacterial strains and the innate immune responses, including nitric oxide production and cytokine profiles, we analyzed the mRNA expression patterns and performed pathway enrichment analysis using RNA microarrays. Our results showed that multiple biological processes were enriched, especially those associated with innate inflammatory and antimicrobial responses, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, type I interferon (IFN-I) and IFN-γ. However, four DEGs were identified in macrophages infected with M.BCG compared to P. BCG. These findings indicated the proinflammatory stimulation of macrophages induced by both BCG strains, at the cytokine level and in terms of gene expression, suggesting a differential expression pattern of innate immune transcripts depending on the mycobacterial strain.

Guía de práctica clínica para el manejo de Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 en pacientes con falla cardiaca del Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión (Callao, Perú) / Clinical Practice Guideline for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in patients with Heart Failure at Daniel Alcides Carrion National Hospital (Callao, Peru)

Objetivo: Emitir recomendaciones para el manejo de la diabetes en pacientes con falla cardiaca, contextualizadas al Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión (HNDAC) del Callao, Perú. Material y métodos: Se buscó sistemáticamente las GPC publicadas en los últimos 3 años en bases de datos, repositorios y organismos elaboradores. Se seleccionó aquellas que alcancen un puntaje >60% en la evaluación global con el instrumento AGREE-II. De cada guía se extrajeron las recomendaciones con sus respectivas preguntas clínicas. La aceptabilidad y aplicabilidad de las recomendaciones al contexto del HNDAC fueron evaluadas por médicos especialistas mediante la matriz ADAPTE. La dirección del HNDAC emitió una resolución directoral de la GPC con la versión final del documento. Resultados: De 26 GPC, 3 cumplieron requisitos: Diabetes Canadá 2018, SIGN 2017 y ESC/EASD 2019. Se adoptaron 9 recomendaciones. Los Inhibidores SGLT-2 fueron de primera elección, luego los GLP-1 e inhibidores DPP4, por último, insulina y metformina. Tanto tiazolidinedionas, saxagliptinas y sulfonilureas están contraindicadas. Conclusiones: Mediante un proceso de adopción y contextualización, se elaboró una GPC para el manejo de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en pacientes con falla cardiaca.

Objetive:To issue contextualized recommendations for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with heart failure. GPC published in the last 3 Materials and methods:years were systematically searched in databases, repositories, and guideline development organizations. Those that achieve a score >60% in the overall evaluation with the AGREE-II instrument were selected. From each guide, the recommendations with theirrespectiveclinicalquestionwereextracted.The acceptability and applicability of the recommendations to the Peruvian context were evaluated by medical specialists from different institutions in the country (MINSA, EsSalud and armed forces) using the ADAPTE matrix. The final version of the document was approved by a directorial resolution in the "Daniel Alcides Carrión" National Hospital. Of 26 GPC, 3 met Results:therequirements:DiabetesCanada2018,SIGN2017and ESC/EASD 2019. Nine recommendations were adopted. SGLT-2 inhibitors were first choice in treatment, then GLP-1 and DPP4 inhibitors, finally insulin and metformin. Both thiazolidinedions, saxagliptins and sulfonylureas are contraindicated. Conclusions:Through a process of adoption and contextualization, a GPC was developed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with heart failure.

Aetiology and incidence of diarrhoea requiring hospitalisation in children under 5 years of age in 28 low-income and middle-income countries: findings from the Global Pediatric Diarrhea Surveillance network.

INTRODUCTION: Diarrhoea remains a leading cause of child morbidity and mortality. Systematically collected and analysed data on the aetiology of hospitalised diarrhoea in low-income and middle-income countries are needed to prioritise interventions. METHODS: We established the Global Pediatric Diarrhea Surveillance network, in which children under 5 years hospitalised with diarrhoea were enrolled at 33 sentinel surveillance hospitals in 28 low-income and middle-income countries. Randomly selected stool specimens were tested by quantitative PCR for 16 causes of diarrhoea. We estimated pathogen-specific attributable burdens of diarrhoeal hospitalisations and deaths. We incorporated country-level incidence to estimate the number of pathogen-specific deaths on a global scale. RESULTS: During 2017-2018, 29 502 diarrhoea hospitalisations were enrolled, of which 5465 were randomly selected and tested. Rotavirus was the leading cause of diarrhoea requiring hospitalisation (attributable fraction (AF) 33.3%; 95% CI 27.7 to 40.3), followed by Shigella (9.7%; 95% CI 7.7 to 11.6), norovirus (6.5%; 95% CI 5.4 to 7.6) and adenovirus 40/41 (5.5%; 95% CI 4.4 to 6.7). Rotavirus was the leading cause of hospitalised diarrhoea in all regions except the Americas, where the leading aetiologies were Shigella (19.2%; 95% CI 11.4 to 28.1) and norovirus (22.2%; 95% CI 17.5 to 27.9) in Central and South America, respectively. The proportion of hospitalisations attributable to rotavirus was approximately 50% lower in sites that had introduced rotavirus vaccine (AF 20.8%; 95% CI 18.0 to 24.1) compared with sites that had not (42.1%; 95% CI 33.2 to 53.4). Globally, we estimated 208 009 annual rotavirus-attributable deaths (95% CI 169 561 to 259 216), 62 853 Shigella-attributable deaths (95% CI 48 656 to 78 805), 36 922 adenovirus 40/41-attributable deaths (95% CI 28 469 to 46 672) and 35 914 norovirus-attributable deaths (95% CI 27 258 to 46 516). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the substantial impact of rotavirus vaccine introduction, rotavirus remained the leading cause of paediatric diarrhoea hospitalisations. Improving the efficacy and coverage of rotavirus vaccination and prioritising interventions against Shigella, norovirus and adenovirus could further reduce diarrhoea morbidity and mortality.

Extended Hildebrand solubility approach and Yalkowsky-Roseman mode l for estimating the solubility of sulfadiazine and sulfamethazine in some {ethylene glycol (1) + water (2)} mixtures at several temperatures

SUMMARY Aim: extended Hildebrand Solubility Approach (EHSA) and Yalkowsky Roseman (YR) were applied to evaluate the solubility of sulfadiazine, and sulfamethazine in ethylene glycol + water mixtures. Methodology: reported experimental equilibrium solubilities and some fusion properties of these drugs were used for the calculations. Results: a good predictive character of EHSA (with mean deviations lower than 3.0%) were found by using regular polynomials in order two correlating the inter-action parameter W with the Hildebrand solubility parameter of solvent mixtures without drug; however, the results obtained from YR model show relatively high deviations greater than 50%.

Objetivo: aplicar los enfoques de los modelos de Solubilidad Extendido de Hildebrand (EHSA) y Yalkowsky Roseman (YR) para evaluar la solubilidad de sulfadiazina y sulfametazina en mezclas de etilenglicol + agua. Metodología: para los cálculos se utilizaron las solubilidades experimentales en equilibrio reportadas y algunas propiedades de fusión de estos fármacos. Resultados: en particular, se encontró un buen carácter predictivo de EHSA (con desviaciones medias inferiores al 3,0%) utilizando polinomios regulares en orden dos correlacionando el parámetro de interacción W con el parámetro de solubilidad de Hildebrand de mezclas de disolventes sin fármaco; sin embargo, los resultados obtenidos del modelo YR muestran desviaciones relativamente altas superiores al 50%.

Objetivo: aplicar as abordagens dos modelos de Solubilidade Estendida de Hildebrand (EHSA) e Yalkowsky Roseman (YR) para avaliar a solubilidade de sulfadiazina e sulfametazina em misturas de etilenoglicol + água. Metodologia: as solubilidades de equilíbrio experimental relatadas e algumas propriedades de fusão dessas drogas foram usadas para os cálculos. Resultados: em particular, foi encontrado um bom caráter preditivo de EHSA (com desvios médios menores que 3,0%) usando polinômios regulares na ordem dois, correlacionando o parâmetro de interação W com o parâmetro de solubilidade de Hildebrand de misturas de solventes sem fármaco; no entanto, os resultados obtidos com o modelo YR mostram desvios relativamente altos superiores a 50%.

Thermodynamic analysis and preferential solvation of gatifloxacin in DMF + methanol cosolvent mixtures / Análisis termodinâmico y solvatación preferencial de gatifloxacina en mezclas cosolventes DMF + metanol

SUMMARY This paper presents the thermodynamic analysis of solubility of gatifloxacin in the N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) + methanol (MeOH) cosolvent system at 10 temperatures. From the solubility data, the thermodynamic functions of solution, mixing, and transfers are calculated and analyzed using the Perlovich graphical method. On the other hand, an enthalpy-entropy compensation analysis is performed and the preferential solvation parameters are calculated using the inverse Kirkwood-Buff integral (IKBI) method. The result of the performed calculations indicates that the gatifloxacin solution process is endothermic with entropic favor, where the addition of DMF has a positive cosolvent effect in all cases. Regarding preferential solvation, the results are not entirely conclusive, since in all cases the values of the preferential solvation parameter are less than 0.01, so that, negligible preferential solvation takes place.

RESUMEN Este artículo presenta el análisis termodinâmico de la solubilidad de gatifloxacina en el sistema cosolvente de A,A-Dimetilformamida (DMF) + metanol (MeOH) a 10 temperaturas. A partir de los datos de solubilidad se calculan las funciones termodinámicas de solución, mezcla y transferencia. Para el análisis además se utiliza el método gráfico Perlovich. Por otro lado, se realiza un análisis de compensación entalpía-entropía y se calculan los parámetros de solvatación preferencial utilizando el método de las integrales inversas de Kirkwood-BufF (IIKB). Los resultados del análisis termodinámico indican que el proceso de solución de gatifloxacina es endotérmica con favorecimiento entrópico, donde la adición de DMF tiene un efecto cosolvente positivo en todos los casos. En cuanto a la solvatación preferencial, los resultados no son del todo concluyentes, debido a que en todos los casos los valores del parámetro de solvatación preferencial son menores a 0,01 indicando una solvatación insignificante.

Conocimiento preventivo y su práctica entre la población de Colombia hacia la enfermedad por Coronavirus (COVID-19): una perspectiva de género / Preventive knowledge and its practice among Colombian population towards coronavirus disease (COVID-19): A Gender-Based Perspective

RESUMEN Este estudio investiga el conocimiento existente de la COVID-19 en ambos sexos y propone una práctica para prevenir la COVID-19. Se realizó un estudio transversal con una encuesta en línea recopilando datos en diferentes regiones de Colombia, a través de un cuestionario validado estructurado y de diseño propio basado en el asesoramiento público general de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) sobre la prevención de la COVID-19. Este estudio ha empleado la técnica de muestreo de bola de nieve, y contó con 445 participantes (46,5% hombres y 53,5% mujeres). Se identificó que las mujeres no solo tienen un mejor conocimiento, sino que su comportamiento en la práctica es mucho mejor que sus contrapartes masculinas. Aunque los resultados entre hombres y mujeres son muy similares, la pregunta de quedarse en casa es bastante concluyente a favor de las mujeres, quienes son más responsables. Finalmente, el estudio demuestra que las mujeres corren menos riesgo en comparación con los hombres, porque estas tienen mejores prácticas de prevención, como lo indican las estadísticas. Este estudio destaca aún más la idea de que las mujeres son menos propicias para contraer la infección de covid-19 debido a su mejor comportamiento de práctica que los hombres.

SUMMARY This study investigates the existing knowledge of covid-19 among both genders and a likely use of it in practice to combat COVID-19. Cross sectional study with an online survey and data was collected from Colombia, through a structured, self-design validated questionnaire was created based on the World Health Organization (WHO) general public advice towards COVID-19 prevention. This study has employed snow-ball sampling technique, counted on 445 participants (46.5% male and 53.5% female). This study has found out that women not only carry better knowledge, but their practicing behavior is far better than their male counterparts. Although the results between men and women are very similar, the question about staying at home is quite conclusive in favor of women, who are more responsible. Finally his study proves that women are on a less risk in comparison to men on the basis of prevention practices exercised better as the prevailing statistics indicate. This study highlighted the notion further that women are less conducive to infection of COVID-19 due to their better practicing behavior than men.

Thermodynamic analysis and applications of the Abraham solvation parameter model in the study of the solubility of some sulfonamides / Análisis termodinámico y aplicaciones del modelo de parámetros de solvatación de Abraham en el estudio de la solubilidad de algunas sulfonamidas

SUMMARY Solubility of sulfadiazine (SD), sulfamerazine (SMR) and sulfamethazine (SMT) in cosolvent mixtures octanol+methanol was investigated to 278.15 K, 298.15 and 313.15 K. In all cases, the lowest solubility of each drug was obtained in pure octanol at 278.15 K. The maximum solubility depends on the polarity of the drug, thus SMR and SMT reached their maximum solubility in cosolvent mixtures methanol-rich. The solution thermodynamic functions were calculated from the experimental solubility data, using the van't Hoff and Gibbs equations, following the approach proposed by Krug et al. The enthalpy of solution is positive in all cases, which is an indication of the endothermic process with a marked entropic favor. Theoretical solubility and mean lethal concentration were calculated using the Abraham model.

RESUMEN Se investigó la solubilidad de sulfadiazina (SD), sulfamerazina (SMR) y sulfametazina (SMT) en mezclas codisolventes de octanol + metanol a 278,15 K, 298,15 y 313,15 K. En todos los casos, la solubilidad más baja de cada fármaco se obtuvo en octanol puro a 278,15 K. La solubilidad máxima depende de la polaridad del fármaco, por lo que SMR y SMT alcanzaron su máxima solubilidad en mezclas cosolventes ricas en metanol. Las funciones termodinámicas de solución se calcularon a partir de los datos experimentales de solubilidad, utilizando las ecuaciones de van't Hoff y Gibbs, siguiendo el enfoque propuesto por Krug et al. La entalpia de la solución es positiva en todos los casos, lo cual es una indicación del proceso endotérmico con un marcado favorecimiento entrópico. La solubilidad teórica y la concentración letal media se calcularon utilizando el modelo de Abraham.

Effect of UV radiation on the structure of graphene oxide in water and its impact on cytotoxicity and As(III) adsorption.

Graphene oxide (GO) is widely used in different applications, however once released into the environment it can change its structure and affect the transport of important contaminants such as arsenic. In this work we show that UV radiation, even in the range of 28-74 µW/cm2 of irradiance up to 120 h of exposure, can induce important changes in the structure of graphene oxide, by eliminating -OH and CO functional groups. This reduction affected the stability of graphene oxide in water by decreasing its zeta potential from -41 to -37 mV at pH=7 with the increase of the exposure time. Our results showed that after 24 and 120 h of UV exposure, As(III) adsorption capacity decreased from 5 mg/g to 4.7 and 3.8 mg/g, respectively, suggesting a lower capacity to transport contaminants with time. Computer modelling showed that even a degraded GO structure can have an interaction energy of 223.84 kJ/mol with H3AsO3. Furthermore, we observed that the cytotoxicity of graphene oxide changed after being irradiated at 74 µW/cm2 for 120 h, showing 20% more cell viability compared to as-produced GO. Our results stress the importance of considering the microstructural and compositional changes that GO undergoes even under low irradiance and short periods, when studying its fate and behavior in the environment and possible applications in water treatment.

Translation of gastric disease progression at gene level expression.

Helicobacter pylori is associated with the development of several lesions in the human stomach. This chronic infection produces gastritis, which can progress to intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer. To date, there is very little information regarding gene-expression in the different phases of progression caused by chronic H. pylori infection. In this study, we performed a genome-wide gene-expression analysis in gastric biopsies of patients chronically infected with H. pylori, using the potential of high-throughput technologies that have not been fully exploited in this area. Here we illustrate the potential correlation of H. pylori infection with the gene expression changes in follicular gastritis, chronic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. We also suggest its potential as biomarkers of each condition. An exploratory set of 21 biopsies from patients with follicular gastritis, chronic gastritis, and intestinal metaplasia were analyzed by gene-expression microarrays in order to identify the biological processes altered in each lesion. The microarray data was corroborated by real-time PCR, while 79 Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embeded samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Follicular gastritis exhibited significant enrichment in genes associated with glutamate signaling, while chronic gastritis showed a down-regulation in metallothionein 1 and 2 and in oxidative phosphorylation-related genes, which could be associated with the chronic infecton of H. pylori. Intestinal metaplasia exhibited an over-expression of gastrointestinal stem cell markers, such as LGR5 and PROM1, as well as messenger RNA and nucleic acid metabolism-related genes. The gene-expression patterns found in this study provide new comparative information about chronic gastritis, follicular gastritis and intestinal metaplasia that may play an important role in the development of gastric cancer.

Planes de cuidados enfermeros de estudiantes de pregrado: comparación de dos modelos / Nursing care plans of undergraduate students: Comparison of two models

Resumen Introducción: El modelo AREA (Análisis de Resultado Esperado Actual) plantea la importancia de reorientar la enseñanza y el aprendizaje del proceso de enfermería al pensarlo en términos más amplios, panorámicos y reflexivos; facilitando el desarrollo de habilidades de razonamiento clínico, lo que constituye un gran avance para la enseñanza y la práctica en la toma de decisiones clínicas que integra NANDA, NIC y NOC. Los nuevos lineamientos estructurados desde el modelo OPT superan la visión lineal, fraccionada e instrumental de las cinco etapas del proceso de enfermería. Objetivo: Comparar dos modelos de aplicación del proceso de enfermería (generación 2 y 3), en la elaboración de planes de cuidados por parte de estudiantes del programa de enfermería de una institución de educación superior de Bucaramanga (Colombia). Metodología: Estudio de corte transversal. Participaron 33 estudiantes de quinto nivel del programa de enfermería de la UIS. Se definieron las variables y se diseñaron los instrumentos que permitieron evaluar y comparar la aplicación del proceso de enfermería de la segunda y tercera generación. Resultados: Se identificó preferencia por el modelo tercera generación como guía para el abordaje de casos clínicos; sin embargo, es importante resaltar que los estudiantes no encontraron diferencias significativas en aspectos de articulación teórica, ni en la aplicación de los lenguajes NIC y NOC. Los estudiantes encuentran diferencias significativas en el uso del modelo OPT en aspectos relacionados con el razonamiento clínico, la determinación de la esencia del caso, el respaldo diagnóstico y la identificación del diagnóstico de enfermería. Conclusiones: Ampliar la enseñanza del modelo OPT en todos los cursos del programa de enfermería UIS, facilitará una mayor comprensión de los procesos de pensamiento del estudiante y mayor capacidad de adaptar experiencias para satisfacer las necesidades individuales de aprendizaje; igualmente, fortalecerá el currículo y por ende las prácticas docentes.

Abstract Introduction: The OPT model (Outcome Present State Test) raises the importance of reorienting the teaching and learning of the nursing process when thinking about it in broader, panoramic and reflective terms; it facilitates the development of clinical reasoning skills, which is a breakthrough for teaching and practice in making clinical decisions that integrate NANDA, NIC and NOC. The new guidelines structured from the OPT model, overcome the linear, fractional and instrumental vision of the five stages of the nursing process. Objective: To compare two nursing process application models (generation 2 and generation 3), in the elaboration of care plans by students of the nursing program of a higher education institution of Bucaramanga (Colombia). Methodology: Cross-sectional study. With participation of 33 students from the fifth level of UIS nursing program UIS. Variables were defined and the instruments to evaluate and compare the application of the nursing process of the second and third generations were designed. Results: Preference for the third generation model was identified as a guide for addressing clinical cases; however, it is important to note that the students did not find significant differences in aspects of theoretical articulation, nor in the application of NIC and NOC languages. Students find significant differences in the use of OPT model in aspects related to clinical reasoning, case essence determination, diagnostic support and in the nursing diagnosis identification. Conclusions: Expanding the teaching of the OPT model in all courses of the nursing program UIS, will facilitate a greater understanding of the student's thinking processes and a greater ability to adapt experiences to meet individual learning needs; it will also strengthen the curriculum and therefore the teaching practices.

Geological gas-storage shapes deep life.

Around the world, several dozen deep sedimentary aquifers are being used for storage of natural gas. Ad hoc studies of the microbial ecology of some of them have suggested that sulfate reducing and methanogenic microorganisms play a key role in how these aquifers' communities function. Here, we investigate the influence of gas storage on these two metabolic groups by using high-throughput sequencing and show the importance of sulfate-reducing Desulfotomaculum and a new monophyletic methanogenic group. Aquifer microbial diversity was significantly related to the geological level. The distance to the stored natural gas affects the ratio of sulfate-reducing Firmicutes to deltaproteobacteria. In only one aquifer, the methanogenic archaea dominate the sulfate-reducers. This aquifer was used to store town gas (containing at least 50% H2 ) around 50 years ago. The observed decrease of sulfates in this aquifer could be related to stimulation of subsurface sulfate-reducers. These results suggest that the composition of the microbial communities is impacted by decades old transient gas storage activity. The tremendous stability of these gas-impacted deep subsurface microbial ecosystems suggests that in situ biotic methanation projects in geological reservoirs may be sustainable over time.

Presence of depressive symptoms in medical students in a Mexican public university / Presencia de síntomas depresivos en estudiantes de medicina en una universidad pública de México

Abstract Introduction During their professional training, medical students are subject to diverse stress-causing factors such as academic demands and a highly competitive environment which may threaten their mental health. Objective Identify the presence of depressive symptoms in medical students in a public university in Mexico. Method Descriptive cross-sectional study of a random sample of 203 medical students at the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California from February to April 2018. The PHQ - 9 scale was used, and a cut-off score of ≥ 10 was employed as positive for depressive symptoms. Basic descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze sociodemographic variables such as gender, academic advancement, stage of training (basic science vs. clinical), and the prevalence of the five different categories of the scale. Results Of the medical students surveyed, 20.2% were found positive for depressive symptoms and 7.9% (16) had severe or moderately severe symptoms. Female gender increased the risk of presenting symptoms (OR = 3.5, 95% CI [1.6, 7.6]). Discussion Despite the fact that the prevalence of depressive symptoms encountered was similar to that reported worldwide, it is troubling that one fifth of the surveyed students presented depressive symptoms. These results may justify implementation of preventive strategies by academic authorities to improve student mental health, and maybe even for early detection of risk of major depressive disorder.

Resumen Introducción Durante su formación profesional, los estudiantes de medicina están sometidos a diversos factores generadores de estrés como la exigencia académica y un entorno altamente competitivo, lo cual podría llegar a ser adverso para su salud mental. Objetivo Identificar la presencia de síntomas depresivos en estudiantes de medicina de una universidad pública mexicana. Método Estudio transversal, descriptivo, que se realizó con una muestra aleatoria de 203 estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California de febrero a abril de 2018. Se utilizó el cuestionario PHQ - 9 tomando el punto de corte ≥ 10 como positivo para síntomas depresivos. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva; se estimaron proporciones de las variables sociodemográficas como género, semestre cursado, etapa básica o disciplinar y prevalencias de las diferentes categorías de la escala. Resultados Se encontró una prevalencia de 20.2% de estudiantes de medicina con presencia de síntomas depresivos y el 7.9% reportó síntomas graves o moderadamente graves. Pertenecer al género femenino resultó ser un factor que incrementa las posibilidades de presentar síntomas depresivos (OR = 3.5, IC 95% [1.6, 7.6]). Discusión A pesar de que la prevalencia de síntomas depresivos encontrada fue similar a lo reportado a nivel mundial, preocupa que una quinta parte de los encuestados presentaran síntomas depresivos. Estos resultados podrían permitir justificar a las autoridades académicas y a la comunidad estudiantil la implementación de estrategias preventivas para el mejoramiento de la salud mental de los estudiantes e incluso quizá detectar en forma temprana el riesgo de presentar un trastorno depresivo mayor.

New Synthetic Peptides Conjugated to Gold Nanoclusters: Antibiotic Activity Against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Gold nanoclusters protected with bovine serum albumin (AuNC) can be used in multiple biomedical applications through functionalization with two new and bioactive peptides. Both cationic peptides sequences of 17 amino acids in length and the cysteine residue at its C-terminus were designed and synthesized. Peptides were obtained by solid phase synthesis using the Fmoc strategy. Peptides may be coupled via disulfide bonds to AuNC with hydrodynamic size ~ 2 nm ± 0.3 determined by dynamic light scattering and it had a zeta potential value equal to - 42 mV. Peptides named NBC2253 and NBC2254 were attached to the AuNC using N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyl-dithiol) propionate as crosslinker agent. AuNC@NBC2253 was more active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MIC50 6.5 µM) and AuNC@NBC2254 exhibited higher antimicrobial activity than the free peptides on Escherichia coli O157:H7 (MIC50 3.5 µM). No hemolysis was detected for any of the peptides. It is evidenced that these antimicrobial peptides conjugated to AuNC serve as promising agents to combat some multi-resistant bacterial strains and that the specific binding of these antimicrobial peptides to gold nanoclusters improves the interaction of these nanostructured systems with the biological target.

Automedicación en estudiantes de la Sede Neiva de la Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia / Self-medication in the students from Neiva Campus of the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia

RESUMEN La automedicación es una práctica riesgosa cuyas consecuencias incluyen enmascaramiento de una enfermedad, aparición de reacciones adversas, interacciones medicamentosas, aumento de la resistencia a ciertos tipos de fármacos y fármaco dependencia. La Organización Mundial de la Salud contempla la posibilidad de educar a la población en prácticas de automedicación responsable, señalando al profesional farmacéutico como figura clave de este proceso educativo. El presente trabajo analiza las conductas de automedicación en una población encuestada de 600 estudiantes de la Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia Campus Neiva. Los resultados de la encuesta han sido analizados en forma global y diferenciando a los encuestados en subgrupos de: a) programa académico y b) variables sociodemográficas. Los resultados indican que la automedicación es una práctica común en estudiantes de la Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia Campus Neiva que no siempre se lleva a cabo de acuerdo con las recomendaciones de la OMS para poder considerarse una práctica responsable y segura.

SUMMARY Self-medication is a dangerous practice with consequences including masking of disease, adverse reactions to medications, drug interaction, resistance to certain types of therapeutic agents and drug dependence. The World Health Organization has considered the possibility of educating population in practices of responsible self-medication, pointing at the pharmacist as a key figure in this educational process. In the present work we have analyzed the self-medication conducts of 600 surveyed college students of the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia Sede Neiva (UCC). The overall results of the survey have been analyzed; we have also divided the surveyed population in subgroups of: a) Academic program and b) Sociodemographic variables. Results indicate that self-medication is a common practice among college students of UCC, and that it is not always practiced according to WHO recommendations for responsible, safe self-medication.

Germination and seedling growth of the Chilean native grass Polypogon australis in soil polluted with diesel oil.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of Polypogon australis, a Chilean native grass that colonizes copper polluted sites, to germinate and grow in soil contaminated with diesel oil. The effect of increasing proportions of diesel in soil (0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 5%) on the cumulative germination and growth of plants was measured. The relative seed germination (RSG), relative root growth (RRG), germination index (GI), and the effective concentration (EC50) were calculated. The cumulative germination in soil polluted with 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% of diesel oil in soil was 93.3%, 85.5%, 99%, and 78.5%, respectively, showing no significant differences between the treatments (p > 0.05). A proportion of 5% of diesel in the soil reduced the germination of P. australis by 50%, compared to the control. The growth of leaves and roots of the plants germinated in 5% of diesel was reduced by 30% compared to the control, with a 34% survival rate observed on day 40. The calculated EC50 of diesel for P. australis was 4.5%. P. australis germinated and grew on all diesel concentration used in the experiments. The species was classified as a tolerant to diesel oil.