The Time-resolved and Extreme-conditions XAS (TEXAS) facility at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility: the energy-dispersive X-ray absorption spectroscopy beamline ID24.

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility has recently made available to the user community a facility totally dedicated to Time-resolved and Extreme-conditions X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy--TEXAS. Based on an upgrade of the former energy-dispersive XAS beamline ID24, it provides a unique experimental tool combining unprecedented brilliance (up to 10(14) photons s(-1) on a 4 µm × 4 µm FWHM spot) and detection speed for a full EXAFS spectrum (100 ps per spectrum). The science mission includes studies of processes down to the nanosecond timescale, and investigations of matter at extreme pressure (500 GPa), temperature (10000 K) and magnetic field (30 T). The core activities of the beamline are centered on new experiments dedicated to the investigation of extreme states of matter that can be maintained only for very short periods of time. Here the infrastructure, optical scheme, detection systems and sample environments used to enable the mission-critical performance are described, and examples of first results on the investigation of the electronic and local structure in melts at pressure and temperature conditions relevant to the Earth's interior and in laser-shocked matter are given.

Enhanced production of a lutein-rich acidic environment microalga.

AIMS: This study was aimed at increasing productivity of a novel lutein-rich acidic environment microalga, Coccomyxa onubensis, based on efficient inorganic carbon use. METHODS AND RESULTS: Productivity was determined based on dry weight data; inorganic carbon concentration mechanisms were determined by means of carbonic anhydrase activity; carotenoids were extracted with methanol and measured by HPLC techniques. The existence of carbon concentration mechanisms and conditions that might lead to use them for addressing increased productivity of C. onubensis was studied. Best growth and carbon uptake capacity occurred at acidic pH, proving acid-tolerant behaviour of C. onubensis. Incubation in air followed by shift to high carbon conditions enhanced carbon-use efficiency in terms of growth rate and biomass productivity, based on the action of both carbonic anhydrase activities. Lutein accumulated in the microalga at high concentrations above 5-6 g kg(-1) dry weight and did not depend on inorganic carbon conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, repeated cycles of air incubation and high CO2 incubation of C. onubensis might become a suitable tool to perform production processes of lutein-enriched biomass. SIGNIFICANT AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study intends to show that acidic environment microalgae can be produced at similar productivities of nonextreme microalgae, with the added advantage of their growth in highly selective culture medium. Particularly, it is applied to C. onubensis which accumulates lutein at commercially relevant concentrations.

Pseudothrombocytopenia by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid can jeopardize patient safety - report.

Pseudothrombocytopenia by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is an infrequent phenomenon of in vitro platelet agglutination due to the presence of antiplatelet autoantibodies. It has no clinical significance, but misdiagnosis may lead to clinical or therapeutic decision-making. In this study we report a case of an 8-year-old boy with no history of platelet disorder presenting a low platelet count and a peripheral blood smear showing clumping of platelets by EDTA. The initial diagnosis hypothesis was of an idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and an unnecessary bone marrow aspirate was made even though he did not have personal or family history of bleeding. A second sample collected in sodium citrate confirmed the pseudothrombocytopenia by EDTA. In conclusion, the laboratory should enhance a strong relationship with clinicians trying to avoid misunderstandings as that reflected in this case report. It should be reminded that, in those cases where a pseudothrombocytopenia by EDTA is suspected, a blood smear is mandatory to confirm platelet clumps and blood must be tested anticoagulated with another anticoagulant (i.e., sodium citrate or heparin).

Geochemical behavior of heavy metals in a Zn-Pb-Cu mining area in the State of Mexico (central Mexico).

The geochemical behavior of zinc, lead and copper from sulfidic tailings in a mine site with potential to generate acidic drainage (pyrite (55%) and sphalerite (2%)) is reported in this paper. The mining area is divided in two zones, considering the topographic location of sampling points with respect to the tailings pile: (a) outer zone, out of the probable influence of acid mine drainage (AMD) pollution, and (b) inner zone, probably influenced by AMD pollution. Maximum total ions concentrations (mg/L) measured in superficial waters found were, in the outer zone: As (0.2), Cd (0.9), Fe (19), Mn (39), Pb (5.02), SO4(2-) (4650), Zn (107.67), and in the inner zone are As (0.1), Cd (0.2), Fe (88), Mn (13), Pb (6), SO4(2-) (4,880), Zn (46). The presence of these ions that exceeding the permissible maximum limits for human consume, could be associated to tailings mineralogy and acid leachates generated in tailings pile.

[Guillain-Barre syndrome in pregnancy]. / Síndrome de Guillain-Barré en el embarazo.

TITLE: Síndrome de Guillain-Barré en el embarazo.

Autoimmunity and molecular mimicry in tropical spastic paraparesis/human T-lymphotropic virus-associated myelopathy.

Viruses share antigenic sites with normal host cell components, a phenomenon known as molecular mimicry. It has long been suggested that viral infections might trigger an autoimmune response by several mechanisms including molecular mimicry. More than 600 antiviral monoclonal antibodies generated against 11 different viruses have been reported to react with 3.5% of cells specific for uninfected mouse organs. The main pathological feature of tropical spastic paraparesis/human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I)-associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM) is a chronic inflammation of the spinal cord characterized by perivascular cuffing of mononuclear cells accompanied by parenchymal lymphocytic infiltration. We detected the presence of autoantibodies against a 98- to 100-kDa protein of in vitro cultured human astrocytes and a 33- to 35-kDa protein from normal human brain in the serum of HTLV-I-seropositive individuals. The two cell proteins exhibited molecular mimicry with HTLV-I gag and tax proteins in TSP/HAM patients, respectively. Furthermore, the location of 33- to 35-kDa protein cross-reaction correlated with the anatomical spinal cord areas (in the rat model) in which axonal damage has been reported in several cases of TSP/HAM patients. Our experimental evidence strongly suggests that the demyelinating process occurring in TSP/HAM may be mediated by molecular mimicry between domains of some viral proteins and normal cellular targets of the spinal cord sections involved in the neurodegeneration.

Lessons from an outbreak of metallo-ß-lactamase-producing Klebsiella oxytoca in an intensive care unit: the importance of time at risk and combination therapy.

BACKGROUND: Outbreaks of nosocomial infection due to carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), mostly Klebsiella spp., have become a worldwide phenomenon. AIM: To investigate the risk factors for the acquisition of clonal multidrug-resistant Klebsiella oxytoca (MDRKO) producing the metallo-ß-lactamase IMP-8 and hyperproducing chromosomal OXY-2 ß-lactamase during a well-characterized outbreak, and to describe the clinical features of infections due to MDRKO. METHODS: A four-wave outbreak due to MDRKO occurred in the intensive care unit of a Spanish hospital between 2009 and 2011. The risk factors for acquisition of MDRKO during waves 1 and 2 (in which colonized patients served as the main reservoir for the epidemic strain) were analysed using a case-control study by Cox regression and logistic regression analysis. Clinical data and treatments of patients infected with MDRKO were also analysed. FINDINGS: For the study of risk factors, 26 cases and 45 controls were studied. None of the variables studied in the Cox regression analysis showed an association with MDRKO acquisition; time at risk was the only associated variable by logistic regression analysis. Colonization pressure was not associated with earlier acquisition. Overall, 14 patients were infected with MDRKO; ventilator-associated pneumonia (seven patients) was the most frequent type of infection. Monotherapy tended to be associated with higher mortality than combination therapy [60% (3/5) vs 16.6% (1/6); P = 0.07]. CONCLUSIONS: Time at risk was the most significant risk determinant for the acquisition of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in this epidemiological context and should be included in any study of risk factors for the acquisition of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Combination therapy may be superior to monotherapy for the treatment of CRE infections.

Evolution of the antimicrobial susceptibility of B. fragilis group at the university hospital of Seville (Spain) between 1977 and 1995.

A susceptibility survey of the B. fragilis group divided into three periods was carried out between 1977 and 1995 at the University Hospital of Seville (Spain) using the agar dilution method. No chloramphenicol, imipenem or meropenem-resistant strains were found. Metronidazole-resistant strains (2%) were isolated only in the first period. The most active beta-lactam drugs were piperacillin and ceftizoxime (resistance rate 16%), followed by ticarcillin mezlocillin and azlocillin (25%) and cefotaxime, cefotetam, and cefmetazol (around 40%). All strains tested were resistant to ampicillin and 4% to ampicillin/sulbactam. Cefoxitin resistance increased from 10% in the first two periods to 21% in the third and that of clindamycin from 12% in 1982 to 29% in 1987 and 50% in 1995.

Effect of aluminum and lead salts on lipid peroxidation and cell survival in human skin fibroblasts.

The aim of this study was to see whether aluminum (Al) and lead (Pb) salts are toxic for cultured human fibroblasts under different experimental conditions, in the controllable situation offered by cell cultures. Cell survival and membrane lipid peroxidation served as markers of Al and Pb toxicity. Evaluation of the living cells was carried out using a colorimetric method, the mitochondrial reduction of 1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). Lipoperoxidation assay was performed on whole cell homogenates by measuring thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) produced after incubation with ascorbic acid-ferrous sulfate. Al(III) and Pb(II) salts (300 microM) produce a considerable decrease in cell survival after an exposure period of 4d, evident with the three fetal calf serum concentrations in the culture media: 2, 5, and 10%. Taking into account in vitro cell aging, the cytotoxic effects of Al(III) and Pb(II) are greater in senescent fibroblasts than in young cells. Lead-induced cytotoxicity is higher than Al-induced cytotoxicity. A mechanism that contributes to cellular toxicity is membrane lipid peroxidation; our results demonstrate that Al(III) and Pb(II) ions, 400 microM, exert an antioxidant-like effect or a pro-oxidant action on cell membranes depending on exposure time. We describe significant increases in TBARS formation associated with the presence of 400 microM Al(III) or Pb(II) salts in the culture media. Our study also revealed that these heavy metals induce a cell age-dependent action on membrane lipoperoxidation that is greater in senescent fibroblasts and this could have severe consequences for maintenance of cellular integrity.

The effect of paprika, garlic and salt on rancidity in dry sausages.

Eight batches of ground fat and eight batches of a mixture of meat and fat (70 and 30%, respectively), were prepared by adding salt, paprika and garlic, in the proportions used for making chorizo - a dry fermented sausage - stuffed into natural casings and then ripened. The evolution of rancidity in these products was evaluated by means of total free fatty acid content, peroxide value and TBARS during the ripening period. Spanish paprika and salt showed antioxidant and prooxidant properties, respectively. Paprika was even able to inhibit the prooxidant effect of salt. Also, four batches of chorizo were made to compare the antioxidant effect of the spices (garlic and paprika) with a mixture of nitrate, nitrite and ascorbic acid. In this respect, paprika and garlic were as effective as the mixture of additives in inhibiting lipid oxidation.

Taste compounds in chorizo and their changes during ripening.

Taste compounds in chorizo-a dry fermented sausage-prepared by both traditional and industrial methods, i.e. D- and L-lactic acid, acetic acid, free amino acids and ATP derivatives, were analysed. Industrial chorizo contained larger amounts of D-lactic, L-lactic and acetic acids, several amino acids (e.g. γ-aminobutyric acid, phenylalanine) and hypoxanthine (Hx) than the traditional one (p < 0.05). The variations in taste compounds during the ripening of chorizo were tracked. D-Lactic and acetic acid increased, as well as most of the amino acids. ATP derivatives showed characteristic changes, IMP decreased on the first day and inosine (Ino) changed gradually to Hx during ripening. The taste compounds contents of garlic and paprika were studied. There was an important contribution of asparagine from spices to the initial mixture of sausage.

[Cerebral infarct in a young adult, as the presenting form of myeloencephalopathic syndrome with lactic acidosis and cerebral ischemia]. / Infarto cerebral en un adulto joven, como forma de presentación de un MELAS (síndrome encefalomiopático con acidosis láctica e isquemia cerebral).

We report a 26-year-old male who developed aphasia due to an ischemic cerebral infarction caused by MELAS (myoencephalophatic syndrome with lactic acidosis and cerebral ischemia). The most common causes of cerebral infarction in young patients were ruled out by laboratory investigations. The diagnosis of MELAS was suspected on the basis of past history of epilepsy, migraine and progressive sensory deafness, and increased resting blood lactic acid. Cerebral computed tomography showed bilateral caudate-putamen-pallidal calcification and nuclear magnetic resonance scan disclosed a left ischemic parietal-temporal-occipital infarction. The diagnosis was confirmed by muscular biopsy, which was characteristic of mitochondrial myopathy showing "red disarrayed" fibers in the histologic modified trichromic Gomori stain. Our patient showed that MELAS should be considered in young adults with cerebral infarction. The diagnosis should initially be suspected on a clinical basis, and confirmed by the presence of "red disarrayed" fibers with modified trichromic Gomori stain histologic muscle study.

Wastewater drainage system as an occult reservoir in a protracted clonal outbreak due to metallo-ß-lactamase-producing Klebsiella oxytoca.

We describe the epidemiology of a protracted nosocomial clonal outbreak due to multidrug-resistant IMP-8 producing Klebsiella oxytoca (MDRKO) that was finally eradicated by removing an environmental reservoir. The outbreak occurred in the ICU of a Spanish hospital from March 2009 to November 2011 and evolved over four waves. Forty-two patients were affected. First basic (active surveillance, contact precautions and reinforcement of surface cleaning) and later additional control measures (nurse cohorting and establishment of a minimum patient/nurse ratio) were implemented. Screening of ICU staff was repeatedly negative. Initial environmental cultures, including dry surfaces, were also negative. The above measures temporarily controlled cross-transmission but failed to eradicate the epidemic MDRKO strain that reappeared two weeks after the last colonized patients in waves 2 and 3 had been discharged. Therefore, an occult environmental reservoir was suspected. Samples from the drainpipes and traps of a sink were positive; removal of the sink reduced the rate number but did not stop new cases that clustered in a cubicle whose horizontal drainage system was connected with the eliminated sink. The elimination of the horizontal drainage system finally eradicated the outbreak. In conclusion, damp environmental reservoirs (mainly sink drains, traps and the horizontal drainage system) could explain why standard cross-transmission control measures failed to control the outbreak; such reservoirs should be considered even when environmental cultures of surfaces are negative.

Therapeutic effect of an altered peptide ligand derived from heat-shock protein 60 by suppressing of inflammatory cytokines secretion in two animal models of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease mediated by T cells. Productive engagement of T cell receptors by major histocompatibility complex-peptide leads to proliferation, differentiation and the definition of effector functions. Altered peptide ligands (APL) generated by amino acid substitutions in the antigenic peptide have diverse effects on T cell response. We predicted a novel T cell epitope from human heat-shock protein 60, an autoantigen involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Three APLs were designed from this epitope and it was demonstrated that these peptides induce the activation of T cells through their ability to modify cell cycle phase's distribution of CD4+T cells from RA patients. Also, IL-17, TNF-α and IL-10 levels were determined in PBMC from these patients. Unlike the wild-type peptide and the other two APLs, APL2 increased the IL-10 level and suppressed IL-17 secretion in these assays. Therapeutic effect of this APL in adjuvant arthritis (AA) and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) models was also evaluated. Clinical score, histopathology, inflammatory and regulatory cytokine concentration were monitored in the animals. APL2 efficiently inhibited the progression of AA and CIA with a significant reduction of the clinical and histopathologic score. Therapeutic effect of APL2 on CIA was similar to that obtained with MTX; the standard treatment for RA. This effect was associated with a decrease of TNF-α and IL-17 levels. These results suggest that the therapeutic effect of APL2 is mediated in part by down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines and support the potential use of APL2 as a therapeutic drug in RA patients.

Effect of epinephrine on the synthesis of glyceride glycerol in adipose tissue in vitro.

In order to study the effect of epinephrine on the rate of esterification of fatty acids in adipose tissue, pieces of epididymal fat pad were incubated in KRB in the presence of purified albumin, glucose and either 1-14C-glycerol, 1-14C-glucose or 6-14C-glucose. Epinephrine enhances the production of glycerol but reduces the uptake of 1-14C-glycerol by the tissue and its conversion to 14CO2, 14C-fatty acids and 14C-glyceride glycerol. When the change in specific activity of the tracer is taken into account the effect of epinephrine on the utilization of glycerol by the tissue is only observed in the reduction of glyceride glycerol synthesis. When 14C-labelled glucose was used as tracer, epinephrine enhances both the production of 14CO2 from 6-14C-glucose and the synthesis of 14C-glyceride glycerol from 1-14C and 6-14C-glucose. The contrasting effects of epinephrine on the glyceride glycerol formation from glycerol and from glucose can explain the difficulties found in observing any change in the net rate of esterification of fatty acids by adipose tissue.

Effects of glycerol and glucose on the kinetics of glycerol utilization by adipose tissue in the rat.

To study the kinetics of glycerol utilization by adipose tissue in vitro as function of the concentrations of both glycerol and glucose in the incubation media, pieces of epididymal fat pad from fed rats were incubated for different times in Krebs Ringer bicarbonate supplemented with 1-14C-glycerol and purified albumin. An increase in the concentration of glycerol in the medium produces a decrease in the formation of 14CO2 and 14C-lipids from 1-14C-glycerol. When the decrease in the specific activity of the tracer is considered to calculate the respective velocities, it turns out that glycerol actually enhances the rate of synthesis of both CO2 and glyceride glycerol. Glucose enhances the rate of synthesis of CO2 and fatty acids from glycerol but decreases the rate of glyceride glycerol synthesis from the same substrate. While the Km of the glycerol effect is much lower that the physiological concentrations of glycerol the Ka and Ki of the glucose effects are above or close to its concentration in blood. The results are discussed in terms of the competitive effects of glucose and glycerol for the synthesis of alpha-glycerophosphate and the necessity of glucose for lipogenesis from glycerol in adipose tissue.

The effect of glucose, insulin and adrenaline on glycerol metabolism in vitro in rat adipose tissue.

The uptake and utilization of [1-14C]glycerol was determined in pieces of rat epididymal fat-pads incubated in Krebs--Ringer bicarbonate buffer containing albumin. Insulin (200 muunits/ml), adrenaline (epinephrine; 0.5 mug/ml) and glucose (0, 5, 15 and 20 mM) were added to the medium. Changes in the specific radioactivity of the tracer during the incubation were taken into account in calculating the rate of glycerol utilization. Adrenaline decreased glycerol uptake, whereas insulin plus adrenaline increased it. The rate of incorporation of glycerol into glycerides was decreased by adrenaline and insulin, singly or together. Insulin increased the rate of formation of CO2 and fatty acids from glycerol. The formation of CO2 and fatty acids was further enhanced by insulin plus adrenaline. The decrease in glycerol uptake induced by adrenaline, the decrease in incorporation of glycerol into glycerides induced by insulin and insulin plus adrenaline and the synthesis of fatty acids were dependent on the presence of glucose in the medium. Thus insulin and adrenaline act on glycerol utilization in adipose tissue and some of their effects are mediated by action on glucose metabolism, but others are independent of this.