Bismuth-based drugs sensitize Pseudomonas aeruginosa to multiple antibiotics by disrupting iron homeostasis.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are difficult to treat due to rapid development of antibiotic drug resistance. The synergistic combination of already-in-use drugs is an alternative to developing new antibiotics to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Here we demonstrate that bismuth-based drugs (bismuth subsalicylate, colloidal bismuth subcitrate) in combination with different classes of antibiotics (tetracyclines, macrolides, quinolones, rifamycins and so on) can eliminate multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa and do not induce development of antibiotic resistance. Bismuth disrupts iron homeostasis by binding to P. aeruginosa siderophores. Inside cells, bismuth inhibits the electron transport chain, dissipates the proton motive force and impairs efflux pump activity by disrupting iron-sulfur cluster-containing enzymes, including respiration complexes. As a result, bismuth facilitates antibiotic accumulation inside bacteria, enhancing their efficacy. The combination therapy shows potent antibacterial efficacy and low toxicity in an ex vivo bacteraemia model and increases the survival rate of mice in in vivo mouse lung-infection models. Our findings highlight the potential of bismuth-based drugs to be repurposed to combat P. aeruginosa infections in combination with clinically used antibiotics.

Intestinal anti-inflammatory and visceral analgesic effects of a Serpylli herba extract in an experimental model of irritable bowel syndrome in rats.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Serpylli herba extract (SHE), composed of the aerial parts of wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) (Lamiaceae family), is traditionally used in Europe and North Africa to treat diarrhea, gastric ulcers, intestinal parasites and upper respiratory tract infections. Recently, SHE has generated a great interest for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) management, probably due to its intestinal anti-inflammatory properties shown in experimental colitis and the fact that its active components could preserve the intestinal barrier integrity, which is altered in patients with IBS. Aim of study: We aimed to test the effects of a SHE in a rat experimental model resembling human IBS. Materials and methods: IBS was provoked by deoxycholic acid (DCA). Rats were then treated with SHE (100 mg/kg) or gabapentin (70 mg/kg) and different inflammatory and gut barrier integrity markers were evaluated. Moreover, several gut hypersensitivity and hyperalgesia determinations were performed. Results: SHE improved referred pain and visceral hypersensitivity. Additionally, SHE enhanced immune status by downregulating of the expression of the pro-inflammatory mediators Il-1ß, Il-6, Ifn-γ, Tlr-4, and the inducible enzyme Cox-2, thus inducing visceral analgesia, and promoting the restore of the gut barrier function by upregulating the mucins Muc-2 and Muc-3. These anti-inflammatory effects could be related to its action on mast cells since it significantly inhibited the ß-Hexosaminidase production in RBL-2H3 cells. Lastly, SHE also seems to modulate the serotonin pathway by restoring the altered expression of the 5-HT receptors Htr-3 and Htr-4. Conclusion: SHE could be considered a potential new treatment for IBS, since it ameliorates hypersensitivity, visceral hyperalgesia, and inflammation. These beneficial effects may be due to the inhibition of mast cells degranulation and serotonin pathway.

Beneficial Effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum in the DCA Experimental Model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Rats.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716, a probiotic strain isolated from human milk, has reported beneficial effects on different gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, it has shown its ability to restore altered immune responses, in association with microbiome modulation in different pathological conditions. Therefore, our aim was to assess the effects of a Limosilacbacillus fermentum CECT5716 in a rat experimental model of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that resembles human IBS. The experimental IBS was induced by deoxycholic acid (DCA) in rats and then, Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 (109 CFU/day/rat) was administered. Behavioral studies, hyperalgesia and intestinal hypersensitivity determinations were performed and the impact of the probiotic on the inflammatory and intestinal barrier integrity was evaluated. Additionally, the gut microbiota composition was analyzed. Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 attenuated the anxiety-like behavior as well as the visceral hypersensitivity and referred pain. Moreover, this probiotic ameliorated the gut inflammatory status, re-establishing the altered intestinal permeability, reducing the mast cell degranulation and re-establishing the gut dysbiosis in experimental IBS. Therefore, our results suggest a potential use of Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 in clinical practice for the management of IBS patients.

[Blood vessel access, skill and tricks]. / Accesos vasculares. Habilidades y trucos.

From a personal viewpoint, the author explains diverse "tricks" and skills which can be used when facing various emergency situation. In this case, the author deals with means of applying blood vessel access.

[Poly-traumatic cases. Skills and tricks]. / Politraumatismos. Habilidades y trucos.

From a personal perspective based on her experience, the author explains various "tricks" and skills which can be used when facing different emergency situations. In this article, the author's recommendations deal with poly-traumatic cases.

[Rear nasal blockage and other tricks]. / Taponamiento nasal posterior y otras habilidades y trucos.

From her personal perspective, the author explains diverse "tricks" and skills which can be put into practice when dealing with various emergency situations. In this article the author describes some which apply to rear nasal blockages so that their treatment becomes a safe, sure, easy procedure; she also describes a few tricks for other emergency situations medical professionals have to resolve.

El riesgo de accidentes de trabajo por la mala calidad del sueño / Risk of occupational injury due to poor sleep quality

Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre la calidad del sueño y el riesgo de accidente de trabajo.Método: Estudio retrospectivo en el que participan 772 trabajadores de empresas asociadas a la Sociedad de Prevenciónde ASEPEYO que acudieron a realizarse el examen de salud en las delegaciones de Algeciras, Córdoba, Huelva, Málaga ySevilla. Se suministró por entrevista directa un cuestionario que incluía el Test de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburg (PSQI).Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente a las tres primeras mujeres y a los tres primeros hombres que acudieron entre noviembrede 2007 a enero de 2008, excluyendo a los trabajadores con turnos rotatorios o nocturnos.Resultados: La prevalencia de accidente de trabajo (AT) durante el año previo a la entrevista fue del 23% (n=176),siendo el riesgo superior en los hombres en comparación con las mujeres (OR=2,52; IC95% 1,71-3,71). El 86% de los trabajadorestenían alterado alguno de los componentes del sueño según el PSQI, mientras que el 38% se calificarían comomalos dormidores. El riesgo de AT fue discretamente superior en los malos dormidores (OR 1,13 IC95% 0,87-1,47) en comparacióncon el resto.Conclusiones: Entre los trabajadores con mala calidad de sueño el riesgo de padecer un AT es escasamente superior al de los buenos dormidores(AU)

Objectives: To assess the association between poor sleep quality and occupational injuries.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among 772 employees of companies covered by the ASEPEYO insurancecompany (mutua) who completed routine occupational health medical exams in Algeciras, Cordoba, Huelva, Seville andMalaga. Personal interviews were performed using a questionnaire that included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale. Thestudy sample consisted of the first three women and first three men presenting each day for evaluation between November2007 and January 2008, excluding rotating or night shift workers.Results: The prevalence of occupational injuries in the year prior to the interview was 23% (n=176); risk was higheramong men (OR 2.52; 95%CI 1.71-3.71). 86% of workers had some altered sleep pattern components, while 38% wereclassified as poor sleepers. The risk of occupational injury was slightly higher among poor sleepers (OR 1.13; 95%CI 0.87-1.47) when compared to the remaining workers.Conclusions: The risk of occupational injury is slightly higher in workers with poor quality sleep than in those withgood quality sleep(AU)

Accesos vasculares. Habilidades y trucos / Blood vessel access, skill and tricks

Desde una perspectiva personal la autora explica diversos "trucos" y habilidades a poner en práctica ante diversas situaciones de emergencia y urgencias. En esta ocasión se aplican a los accesos vasculares(AU)

From a personal viewpoint, the author explains diverse "tricks" and skills which can be used when facing various emergency situation. In this case, the author deals with means of applying blood vessel access(AU)

Sondajes y vía aérea. Habilidades y trucos / Blood vessel access. Skill and tricks

Desde una perspectiva personal, basada en su experiencia, la autora explica diversos «trucos» y habilidades a poner en práctica ante variadas situaciones de emergencia y urgencia. En esta ocasión, sus recomendaciones se aplican a los sondajes y a la vía aérea(AU)

From a personal viewpoint, the author explains diverse «tricks» and skills which can be used when facing various emergency situation. In this case, the author deals with means of applying blood vessel access(AU)

Taponamiento nasal posterior y otras habilidades y trucos / Rear nasal blockage and other tricks

Desde una perspectiva personal la autora explica diversos «trucos» y habilidades a poner en práctica ante diversas situaciones de emergencia y urgencias. En esta ocasión se aplican al taponamiento nasal posterior para que se convierta en un procedimiento fácil, sencillo y seguro y a otras situaciones en las que también podemos encontrarnos inmersos(AU)

From her personal perspective, the author explains diverse «tricks» and skills which can be put into practice when dealing with various emergency situations. In this article the author describes some which apply to rear nasal blockages so that their treatment becomes a safe, sure, easy procedure; she also describes a few tricks for other emergency situations medical professionals have to resolve(AU)

Paciente que simula y otras habilidades y trucos / A patient who simulates an injury. Illness and other skills and tricks

Acabamos con este artículo la serie sobre Pautas de Actuación en Urgencias y Emergencias donde, desde una perspectiva personal, la autora explica diversos "trucos" y habilidades a poner en práctica ante diversas situaciones de emergencia y urgencias. En esta ocasión se aplican al paciente que simula y a otras situaciones en las que también podemos encontrarnos inmersos(AU)

This article finalizes a series on Operating Guides for Emergencies in which, from her personal viewpoint, the author explains various "tricks" and skills to use when facing diverse emergency situations. In this article, the author describes some tricks to apply when a patient simulates an injury/illness or other situations in which nurses may find themselves immersed(AU)