Nanocomposites: silver nanoparticles and bacteriocins obtained from lactic acid bacteria against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Drug-resistant bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus represent a global health problem that requires priority attention. Due to the current situation, there is an urgent need to develop new, more effective and safe antimicrobial agents. Biotechnological approaches can provide a possible alternative control through the production of new generation antimicrobial agents, such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and bacteriocins. AgNPs stand out for their antimicrobial potential by employing several mechanisms of action that can act simultaneously on the target cell such as the production of reactive oxygen species and cell wall rupture. On the other hand, bacteriocins are natural peptides synthesized ribosomally that have antimicrobial activity and are produced, among others, by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), whose main mechanism of action is to produce pores at the level of the cell membrane of bacterial cells. However, these agents have disadvantages. Nanoparticles also have limitations such as the tendency to form aggregates, which decreases their antibacterial activity and possible cytotoxic effects, and bacteriocins have a narrow spectrum of action, require high doses to be effective, and can be degraded by proteases. Given these limitations, nanoconjugates of these two agents have been developed that can act synergistically in the control of pathogenic bacteria resistant to antibiotics. This review focuses on knowing relevant aspects of the antibiotic resistance of E. coli and S. aureus, the characteristics of these new generation antibacterial agents, and their effect alone or forming nanoconjugates that are more effective against the multiresistant mentioned bacteria.

The Nurse-Chaplain-Family Spiritual Care Triad: A Qualitative Study.

This qualitative study utilized a phenomenological approach to better understand nurse, chaplain, and family member experiences with the delivery of spiritual services at the end of life in an inpatient intensive care unit. Triadic semistructured interviews (six with the patient's family members, six with nurses, and six with chaplains) were conducted. Family members perceived that the nurses' role was to care for the physical needs of their loved one, whereas chaplains were there to care for the emotional needs of those involved.

Clostridium perfringens in central Colombia: frequency, toxin genes, and risk factors.

Clostridium perfringens is an opportunistic bacterium that causes intestinal diseases in both humans and animals. This study aimed to assess the frequency of C. perfringens and the presence of toxin-encoding genes in fecal samples from individuals with or without gastrointestinal symptoms in the Department of Boyacá, Colombia. Additionally, risk factors associated with carriage and disease development were analyzed. A total of 114 stool samples were analyzed using a molecular test based on specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting 16S-rRNA and alpha toxin (cpa) genes. For individuals with a positive result for the PCR test, stool samples were cultured on Tryptose Sulfite Cycloserine (TSC) agar. Two to five colonies forming units were selected based on phenotypic characteristics, resulting in 56 bacterial isolates. These isolates were then analyzed for toxin-coding genes associated with gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, sociodemographic and clinical data from 77 individuals were also analyzed. The overall frequency of C. perfringens was 19.3% (n = 22/114). The detection frequency in 77 individuals with clinical data was 16.6% (n = 5/30) among symptomatic individuals and 21.2% (n = 10/47) among asymptomatic individuals. All 56 isolates obtained carried the cpa gene, while cpb2 was present in 10.7% (n = 6/56); cpe and cpb genes were not detected. Notably, diabetes and autoimmune diseases are significantly associated with an increased risk of C. perfringens detection (adjusted OR 8.41: 95% CI 1.32-35.89). This study highlights an elevated frequency of C. perfringens and the presence of the cpb2 gene in asymptomatic individuals compared with their symptomatic counterparts. These findings offer insights into the distribution and virulence factors of C. perfringens at a micro-geographical level. This information supports the need for developing tailored prevention strategies based on local characteristics to promote active surveillance programs based on molecular epidemiology.

Understanding the Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccine Among Hispanic/Latinx Communities.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 disproportionally affected Hispanic/Latinx populations exacerbating systemic health inequities. The pilot study aimed to explore barriers to COVID-19 vaccination across Hispanic/Latinx communities in Southern California. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of 200 participants to identify common barriers to vaccine hesitancy among Hispanics/Latinx individuals in Southern California utilizing a 14-item survey and questionnaire in English and Spanish. RESULTS: Of the 200 participants that completed questionnaires, 37% identified a knowledge deficit, 8% identified misinformation, and 15% identified additional barriers such as awaiting appointments, immigration status, transportation issues, or religious reasons as barriers to not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Wald statistics denoted that household members with COVID-19 infection within the past 3 months saw a medical provider within the last year, wearing a mask in public often, and barriers to vaccination (not knowing enough about the vaccine) predicted vaccine. These variables indicated changes in the likelihood of obtaining vaccination. CONCLUSION: The most crucial factor for increasing vaccination rates was directly reaching out to the community and actively conducting surveys to address the barriers and concerns encountered by Hispanic/Latinx participants.

Potentially pathogenic bacteria isolated from Paipa cheese and its susceptibility profiles to antibiotics and biocides.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the microbiological quality of cheese produced by formal and informal micro-enterprises in Paipa, Colombia, to isolate potentially pathogenic bacteria and to determine their prevalence and resistance to antimicrobials such as antibiotics and biocides. Sixteen micro-enterprises of the seventy existing in the region were sampled during 3 years. Viable concentrations of aerobic mesophiles, total and fecal coliforms, Salmonella sp., Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus sp., yeasts, and molds were determined. Seventy-three bacterial isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The susceptibility of the isolates to antibiotics and biocides was determined. The results indicated that between 98 and 100% of the cheese samples (n = 48 samples) of formal and informal micro-enterprises presented populations of total and fecal coliforms and Staphylococcus sp. above the limits established by Colombian regulations and varied according to the micro-enterprise. The results also indicated that 56% of Staphylococcus isolates were S. aureus. L. monocytogenes was positive in 38% of the samples. Salmonella sp. was not detected. The coliforms that prevailed were Escherichia coli (25%), Citrobacter freundii (14%), and Proteus mirabilis (8%). All L. monocytogenes were sensitive to ampicillin but resistant to erythromycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. S. aureus isolates were susceptible to most antibiotics, except tetracycline and erythromycin (7% resistance). Likewise, 30% of coliforms (n = 36) were multidrug-resistant to antibiotics but susceptible to biocides.

Trace element fixation in sediments rich in organic matter from a saline lake in tropical latitude with hydrothermal inputs (Sochagota Lake, Colombia): The role of bacterial communities.

We studied the relationships between the trace element concentration in sediments from a saline lake at a tropical latitude (Sochagota Lake, Colombia) containing hydrothermal and anthropic inputs with the organic matter content, the mineral assemblage composition and the activity of the bacterial communities of the sediments. Organic matter-poor sediments (TOC < 0.7%) with quartz and kaolinite near the southern entrance of the lake were enriched in Zr (up to 603 mg/kg) and some major detrital elements (Na, Ti, Al and Si). Fine-sized clay-rich sediments deposited in the deep zones of the lake (central and northern segments) were characterized by substantial organic matter (up to 11.10%) and the crystallization of S-bearing minerals, clay mineral mixed layers and illite. These sediments were enriched in S, Fe, Zn, Mo, Rb, Co, K, Cr, Sb, Ni, As, Ba, Cu, Mn, Pb, P, Mg, and Sr. The presence of Fe sulfide nanoparticles enriched in heavy metals encrusting microbial cells and a dominant sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) community (Desulfatiglans, Desulfobacterales and Sva0485) suggested that the precipitation of the hydrothermal S and the accumulation of trace elements in the sediments was regulated by SRB activity. The crystallization of S°, barite and calcite and the good correlations between Ba, Sr and Ca indicated that previously precipitated sulfide can be oxidized by the activity of a relevant sulfur-oxidizing bacterial community (Thioalkalimicrobium, Sulfurovum, Arcobacter and Sulfurimonas), possibly facilitating the release of the metals.

Analysis of the Bacterial Diversity of Paipa Cheese (a Traditional Raw Cow's Milk Cheese from Colombia) by High-Throughput Sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Paipa cheese is a traditional, semi-ripened cheese made from raw cow's milk in Colombia. The aim of this work was to gain insights on the microbiota of Paipa cheese by using a culture-independent approach. METHOD: two batches of Paipa cheese from three formal producers were sampled during ripening for 28 days. Total DNA from the cheese samples was used to obtain 16S rRNA gene sequences by using Illumina technology. RESULTS: Firmicutes was the main phylum found in the cheeses (relative abundances: 59.2-82.0%), followed by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Lactococcus was the main genus, but other lactic acid bacteria (Enterococcus, Leuconostoc and Streptococcus) were also detected. Stapylococcus was also relevant in some cheese samples. The most important Proteobacteria were Enterobacteriaceae, Aeromonadaceae and Moraxellaceae. Enterobacter and Enterobacteriaceae (others) were detected in all cheese samples. Serratia and Citrobacter were detected in some samples. Aeromonas and Acinetobacter were also relevant. Other minor genera detected were Marinomonas, Corynebacterium 1 and Chryseobacterium. The principal coordinates analysis suggested that there were producer-dependent differences in the microbiota of Paipa cheeses. CONCLUSIONS: lactic acid bacteria are the main bacterial group in Paipa cheeses. However, other bacterial groups, including spoilage bacteria, potentially toxin producers, and bacteria potentially pathogenic to humans and/or prone to carry antimicrobial resistance genes are also relevant in the cheeses.

Situational Factors Associated With Burnout Among Emergency Department Nurses.

Emergency departments are high-stress environments for patients and clinicians. As part of the clinical team, nurses experience this stress daily and are subject to high levels of burnout, which has been shown to lead to hypertension, depression, and anxiety. Presence of these diseases may also contribute to burnout, creating a cycle of stress and illness. This prospective qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to better understand factors associated with burnout among emergency department nurses. Burnout manifests itself in multiple modes, can affect nurses' decisions to leave the profession, and must be addressed to mitigate the phenomenon.

Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of persons with suspected vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) / Recomendaciones para diagnostico y manejo de personas con trombocitopenia trombotica inmune inducida por vacunas (VITT)

Abstract In recent months, rare cases of thrombosis at unusual sites associated with thrombocytopenia, occurring within a typical risk window (i.e., 4-28 days) after receiving SARS CoV2 vaccines, have been reported. Healthcare professionals should be prepared to detect these cases on time. The Expert Panel of the Knowledge Management and Transfer Network conducted a free search of the related literature. With the available information and the clinical expertise of the working group, we formulated, reviewed, and endorsed recommendations for the timely suspicion, diagnosis (case definitions, the use of initial laboratory and imaging tests, specific tests), and management of these thrombotic conditions. This document is considered a living document that will be updated as new evidence emerges, and recommendations may change over time.

Resumen En meses recientes se han reportado casos raros de trombocitopenia y trombosis en sitios inusuales, que ocurren dentro de una ventana de riesgo típica ( por ejemplo de 4 a 28 días) luego de recibir vacunas de SARS CoV 2. Los profesionales de la salud deben estar preparados para detectar estos casos a tiempo. Un panel de expertos y una red de transferencia de conocimiento realizó una búsqueda libre de literatura seleccionada. Con la información disponible y la experticia clínica del grupo de trabajo revisamos y dimos recomendaciones para la sospecha temprana, el diagnostico (definición de caso, el uso de pruebas de laboratorio especificas y de imágenes diagnósticas) para le manejo de estas condiciones tromboticas. Este documento es considerado un documento vivo que debe ser actualizado a medida que surja nueva evidencia y las recomendaciones vayan cambiando con el tiempo

Long-term evaluation of the performance of four point-of-use water filters.

Despite technological advances water supply quality and poor access to safe water remain a major problem in developing countries, especially in rural areas. Point-of-use (POU) water treatment has been shown to be a viable option to produce safe drinking water quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate, under laboratory conditions over 14 months, the performance of four household filtration systems: membrane filter (MF), one-candle ceramic filter (1CCF), two-candle ceramic filter (2CCF) and pot ceramic filter (PCF). The evaluation was made using spiked water having the required concentrations of turbidity, Escherichia coli and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The results show that all systems have high removal efficiencies for turbidity (98-99%), and E. coli 4-5 Log Reduction Value (LRV). The poorest efficiency was for TDS (9-18%). The MF and the CCF displayed no significant difference in efficiencies for these parameters. The PCF had less significant differences for turbidity removal than the other systems. The average filtration rate for all systems decreased during the operation time. The CPF showed the major potential to be used in rural communities mainly for its low operational level and maintenance requirements as well as its local craftsmanship. It was observed that the efficiency of the systems is highly sensitive to cleaning and maintenance activities and therefore, the system sustainability will depend considerably on the training and education of the potential users.

Recomendaciones para el uso racional de la prueba 25-hidroxivitamina D Resumen de política

está disponible en el texto completo

The exponential increase in the request for laboratory tests of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D or [25 (OH) D has ignited the alarms and generated a strong call for attention, since it may reflect deficiencies in the standardization of clinical practice and in the use non-systematic scientific evidence for decision-making in real life, which allows to analyze the indications of the test, its frequency, interpretation and even to assess the impact for health systems, especially when contrasted with the minimum or almost. No effects of the strategy of screening or supplying indiscriminately to the general population, without considering a comprehensive clinical assessment of risks and needs of people. From a purely public health impact point of view, the consequence of massive and unspecified requests is affecting most of the health systems and institutions at the global level. The primary studies that determined average population intake values have been widely used in the formulation of recommendations in Clinical Practice Guidelines, but unfortunately misinterpreted as cut points to diagnose disease and allow the exaggerated prescription of nutritional substitution. The coefficient of variation in routine tests to measure blood levels of 25 (OH) D is high (28%), decreasing the overall accuracy of the test and simultaneously, increasing both the falsely high and falsely low values. The most recent scientific evidence analyzes and seriously questions the usefulness and the real effect of the massive and indiscriminate practice of prescribing vitamin D without an exhaustive risk analysis. The available evidence is insufficient to recommend a general substitution of vitamin D to prevent fractures, falls, changes in bone mineral density, incidence of cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease, neoplasms and also to modify the growth curve of mothers' children. They received vitamin D as a substitute during pregnancy. The recommendations presented in the document are based on the critical analysis of current evidence and the principles of good clinical practice and invite to consider a rational use of 25 (OH) D tests in the context of a clinical practice focused on people and a comprehensive assessment of needs and risks. The principles of good practice suggest that clinicians may be able to justify that the results of the 25 (OH) D test strongly influence and define clinical practice and modify the outcomes that interest people and impact their health and wellness. Currently there is no clarity on how to interpret the results, and the relationship between symptoms and 25 (OH) D levels, which may not be consistent with the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency reported. For this reason, it is suggested to review the rationale of the request for tests for systematic monitoring of levels of 25 (OH) D or in all cases where substitution is performed. Consider the use of 25 (OH) D tests within the comprehensive evaluation of people with suspicion or confirmation of the following conditions: rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, hyper or hypoparathyroidism, malabsorption syndromes, sarcopenia, metabolic bone disease.

Características epidemiologicas de la endocarditis infecciosa en la Fundacion Clinica A. Shaio entre 1994-2001 / Infectious endocarditis in Fundacion Clinica A. Shaio 1994-2001

Antecedentes: la endocarditis infecciosa es una enfermedad grave que conlleva una morbimortalidad importante, con variaciones regionales significativas en cuanto a factores demográficos, tipo de germen y evolución, los cuales son determinantes en el pronóstico. Objetivo: determinar las características epidemiológicas de la endocarditis infecciosa. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo con 105 pacientes con endocarditis infecciosa entre enero de 1994 y junio del 2001, seleccionados aleatoriamente. Se analizaron variables como: demografía, sintomatología, ecocardiografía, germen, tratamiento, complicaciones y mortalidad. Se utilizaron medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión para variables cuantitativas y proporciones para variables cualitativas. Resultados: la edad de aparición fue 42 años en promedio, siendo más frecuente en hombres (65.7 por ciento) el síntoma más prevalente fue fiebre en 90.5 por ciento. La válvula con mayor compromiso fue la aórtica. El ecocardiograma mostró la presencia de abscesos en 24.8 por ciento. Recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico el 62.9 por ciento y el 37.1 por ciento sólo tratamiento médico. Los hemocultivos fueron positivos en 64.8 por ciento, siendo los gérmenes más frecuentes: Staphylococcus aureus 13 por ciento y Streptococcus viridans 13 por ciento. Las complicaciones ocurrieron en 76.2 por ciento siendo el edema pulmonar 45.7 por ciento y el choque cardiogénico 41.9 por ciento las complicaciones más frecuentes. Se encontró una mortalidad global de 21 por ciento. Conclusión: en esta serie se encontró una incidencia de complicaciones importantes relacionada probablemente con el tipo de germen, alta incidencia de hemocultivos negativos y tipo de válvula afectada; estos resultados son diferentes a lo publicado en otras series