Fungal Proteins from Sargassum spp. Using Solid-State Fermentation as a Green Bioprocess Strategy.

The development of green technologies and bioprocesses such as solid-state fermentation (SSF) is important for the processing of macroalgae biomass and to reduce the negative effect of Sargassum spp. on marine ecosystems, as well as the production of compounds with high added value such as fungal proteins. In the present study, Sargassum spp. biomass was subjected to hydrothermal pretreatments at different operating temperatures (150, 170, and 190 °C) and pressures (3.75, 6.91, and 11.54 bar) for 50 min, obtaining a glucan-rich substrate (17.99, 23.86, and 25.38 g/100 g d.w., respectively). The results indicate that Sargassum pretreated at a pretreatment temperature of 170 °C was suitable for fungal growth. SSF was performed in packed-bed bioreactors, obtaining the highest protein content at 96 h (6.6%) and the lowest content at 72 h (4.6%). In contrast, it was observed that the production of fungal proteins is related to the concentration of sugars. Furthermore, fermentation results in a reduction in antinutritional elements, such as heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, Hg, and Sn), and there is a decrease in ash content during fermentation kinetics. Finally, this work shows that Aspergillus oryzae can assimilate nutrients found in the pretreated Sargassum spp. to produce fungal proteins as a strategy for the food industry.

Total IgM and Anti-Phosphatidylcholine IgM Antibody Secretion Continue After Clearance of Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Pleural Infection.

The cellular immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection has been well characterized, while the humoral antibody response remains underexplored. We aimed to examine the total and anti-phospholipid IgM levels in the pleural lavage from mice with Mycobacterium bovis BCG extrapulmonary infection. We found that the levels of total and anti-phosphatidylcholine IgM antibodies remained significantly higher in infected mice as compared to non-infected mice up to day 90 after BCG infection, while the anti-cardiolipin IgM antibody levels decreased with bacteria clearance. Our findings suggest that IgM antibodies are secreted and their composition vary during early and late immune response to BCG pleurisy.

The Surprising Dynamics of Electrochemical Coupling at Membrane Sandwiches in Plants.

Transport processes across membranes play central roles in any biological system. They are essential for homeostasis, cell nutrition, and signaling. Fluxes across membranes are governed by fundamental thermodynamic rules and are influenced by electrical potentials and concentration gradients. Transmembrane transport processes have been largely studied on single membranes. However, several important cellular or subcellular structures consist of two closely spaced membranes that form a membrane sandwich. Such a dual membrane structure results in remarkable properties for the transport processes that are not present in isolated membranes. At the core of membrane sandwich properties, a small intermembrane volume is responsible for efficient coupling between the transport systems at the two otherwise independent membranes. Here, we present the physicochemical principles of transport coupling at two adjacent membranes and illustrate this concept with three examples. In the supplementary material, we provide animated PowerPoint presentations that visualize the relationships. They could be used for teaching purposes, as has already been completed successfully at the University of Talca.

Muscarinic receptors control markers of inflammation in the small intestine of BALB/c mice.

Muscarinic-acetylcholine-receptors (mAChRs) modulate intestinal homeostasis, but their role in inflammation is unclear; thus, this issue was the focus of this study. BALB/c mice were treated for 7 days with muscarine (mAChR/agonist), atropine (mAChR/antagonist) or saline. Small-intestine samples were collected for histology and cytofluorometric assays in Peyer's patches (PP) and lamina propria (LP) cell-suspensions. In LP, goblet-cells/leukocytes/neutrophils/MPO+ cells and MPO/activity were increased in the muscarine group. In PP, IFN-γ+/CD4+ T or IL-6+/CD4+ T cell numbers were higher in the muscarine or atropine groups, respectively. In LP, TNF-α+/CD4+ T cell number was higher in the muscarine group and lower in the atropine.

Phytochemical Characterization of Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum as Mexican Mistletoe Plants with Antimicrobial Activity.

In Mexico, mistletoes have several applications in traditional medicine due to the great variety of compounds with biological activities that have not been characterized to date. The goals of the present study are to analyze the composition of minerals and phytochemical compounds in Mexican mistletoes Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum qualitatively and quantitatively, identify the compounds using HPLC-MS, and assess the antimicrobial potential in phytopathogenic microorganism control. Mineral content was evaluated with X-ray fluorescence. Three types of extracts were prepared: ethanol, water, and aqueous 150 mM sodium chloride solution. Characterization was carried out using qualitative tests for phytochemical compound groups, analytical methods for proteins, reducing sugars, total phenol, flavonoids quantification, and HPLC-MS for compound identification. The antimicrobial activity of mistletoe's liquid extracts was evaluated by microplate assay. K and Ca minerals were observed in both mistletoes. A qualitative test demonstrated alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and quinones. Ethanolic extract showed flavonoids, 3845 ± 69 and 3067 ± 17.2 mg QE/g for Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum, respectively, while aqueous extracts showed a total phenol content of 65 ± 6.9 and 90 ± 1.19 mg GAE/g Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum, respectively. HPLC-MS identified largely hydroxycinnamic acids and methoxycinnamic acids. Clavibacter michiganenses was successfully inhibited by aqueous extract of both mistletoes.

Occurrence of ß-Lactamase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacterial Isolates in Water Sources in Cali City, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Pollution by domestic, industrial, and hospital wastes of the artificial and natural waters of the city of Cali led us to investigate the presence of Gram-negative bacteria resistant to antibiotics in these aquatic ecosystems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used culture-dependent methods and molecular techniques to investigate the prevalence and dynamics of ß-lactamase producing Gram-negative bacteria in five areas located in channels and rivers that cross the city of Cali in January (dry season) and May (wet season). The association between the variables was determined by the chi-square test, using the statistical package SPSS vs 23.0. RESULTS: The main species being Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spp. with associated resistance to both cefoxitin and cefotaxime were observed in 73.3% isolates during the dry season. Most of the isolates belonged to antibiotype 3 (with resistance to 6 antibiotics), 51.2% in the dry season and 48.9% in the wet season, and they were found especially in the artificial waters of "Intersector Canal (CVC) Sur". CONCLUSION: These results indicate that ß-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria are widespread in the environment in the aquatic ecosystem of Cali city. The artificial and natural waters that cross the city are finally discharged into the Rio Cauca; this river can then be considered as a medium for the spread of bacterial antibiotic resistance genes.

Oocyte structure and ultrastructure in the Mexican silverside fish Chirostoma humboldtianum (Atheriniformes: Atherinopsidae).

The structural and ultrastructural features of gonads from endemic Mexican fish have received scarce attention. This study describes the histological and ultrastructural characteristics of the oocyte in Chirostoma humboldtianum. The ovary is asynchronic, and as such, most phases of oocyte development are found in the same ovary. The complete process of oogenesis was divided in five stages: oogonium and folliculogenesis, primary growth, cortical alveoli and lipid inclusions, vitellogenesis and maturation. The presence of big filaments, which appear at the end of primary growth, induces some common follicular adaptation. During primary growth, abundant ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria are grouped in the cytoplasm. At the end of this stage, the Z1 layer of the chorion is developed, while microvilli start to be evident as well. In the cortical alveoli and lipid droplets phase, intense PAS positive vesicles, some of them containing nucleoid material, are observed in the peripheral cytoplasm and the lipid droplets take a more central position. In vitellogenesis, the proteic yolk accumulates in a centripetal way while the chorion is completely formed. In maturation, the germinal vesicle migrates to the animal pole, meiosis is restored, and there is nuclear breakdown. The oocyte increases its size and holds some oil droplets and a big fluid mass of yolk. On the outside, filaments surround the oocyte completely.

Sequelae in permanent dentition after trauma in primary dentition in patients assisted at hospital base Valdivia, Chile / Secuelas en dentición permanente por trauma en dentición temporal en pacientes atendidos en el hospital base Valdivia, Chile

Aim: To determine the type and frequency of sequelae in permanent teeth as a result of traumatic dental injuries in primary teeth in pediatric patients attended to at the Hospital Base Valdivia, between 2007 and 2012. Material and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted. The medical records of pediatric patients who were affected by traumatic dental injuries in primary teeth and went to the Sub-department of Dentistry of the Hospital Base Valdivia, Chile, were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The recorded data was: age of the child at the time of the accident, gender, affected primary tooth, type of traumatic dental injuries, and diagnosis of the permanent successor tooth. Descriptive statistics were performed. A chi-square test was used to establish differences between type of traumatic dental injuries and condition of the permanent tooth. Results: The most frequent diagnosis of traumatic dental injuries in primary dentition was subluxation. The primary tooth with the highest frequency of traumatic dental injuries was the right maxillary central incisor; 58.2% of the permanent successors presented some developmental disturbances. The most frequent sequelae observed in permanent teeth were chronological alterations of the eruption. Conclusion: There is a high frequency of sequelae in permanent dentition as a result of trauma in primary dentition. The most frequent sequel observed was chronological alteration of the eruption. It is fundamental to inform parents about the possible consequences that could arise and emphasize the importance of attending periodic follow up in order to prevent or minimize possible sequelae in permanent teeth.

Objectivo: Determinar el tipo y frecuencia de secuelas en dientes permanentes como consecuencia de lesiones dentales traumáticas en dientes temporales en pacientes pediátricos atendidos en el Hospital Base Valdivia, entre los años 2007 y 2012. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo. Se seleccionaron las historias clínicas, según criterios de inclusión y exclusión, de pacientes pediátricos que sufrieron lesiones dentales traumáticas en dientes temporales y que acudieron al sub-departamento de Odontología del Hospital Base Valdivia, Chile. Los datos registrados fueron: edad en el momento del accidente, sexo, diente temporal afectado, tipo de lesiones dentales traumáticas y diagnóstico del diente sucesor permanente. Se realizó estadística descriptiva. Se utilizó la prueba de chi-cuadrado para establecer diferencias entre el tipo de lesiones dentales traumáticas y el estado del diente permanente. Resultado: El diagnóstico más frecuente de lesiones dentales traumáticas en dentición temporal fue subluxación. El diente temporal con mayor frecuencia de lesiones dentales traumáticas fue el incisivo central superior derecho. El 58.2% de los dientes sucesores permanentes presentó alguna alteración del desarrollo. Las secuelas más frecuentes observadas fueron alteraciones cronológicas de la erupción. Conclusión: Existe una alta frecuencia de secuelas en la dentición permanente como consecuencia de traumatismos en la dentición temporal. La secuela más frecuente observada fue la alteración cronológica de la erupción. Es fundamental informar a los padres sobre las posibles consecuencias que podrían surgir y enfatizar la importancia de realizar un seguimiento periódico para prevenir o minimizar posibles secuelas en los dientes permanentes.

Quantification of the effects of resperine on gonadotroph expression in the pituitary of goldfish (Carassius auratus).

In many teleosts, the control of gonadotropin II (or luteinizing hormone) secretion is under the dual control of stimulatory and inhibitory neuroendocrine factors. The principal stimulating factor is gonadotropin-releasing hormone and the main inhibitor is dopamine. Inhibiting the activities of dopamine by antidopaminergic drugs potentiates the actions of exogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs, resulting in a surge release of luteinizing hormone and ovulation and spawning in a number of different species. As the effects of blocking the inhibitory actions of dopamine on gonadotroph cytology have not been studied, goldfish were treated with 2, 4, 6 or 8 injections of reserpine (0.1 mg/kg body weight), at 48 h intervals, and the numbers of gonadotrophic cells studied at 48 h following last injection. After two injections, the number of gonadotrophic cells increased by 189% over controls; after four injections the increase was 234%; after six injections the increase was 259% and after eight injections, 288%. The results suggest that dopamine has an inhibitory influence on the numbers of gonadotrophs.

[Molecular evolution and geographic origins of type 1 human lymphotrophic virus in Colombia detected by RFLP polymorphism]. / Reconstrucción de la evolución molecular de la infección actual por el virus linfotrópico humano tipo I en Colombia.

The human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) infection is a public health problem in many endemic areas of Colombia. The subtyping of HTLV-I was based on the analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) in 3'LTR proviral DNA. From 31 HTLV-I isolates collected throughout Colombia, a RFLP analysis in a 737 bp 3'LTR fragment was performed. Fifty-eight percent (18/31) were identified as the Cosmopolitan subtype a, 19.4% (6/31) in the West African subtype b, 12.9% (4/31) in the Cosmopolitan subtype b and 9.6% (3/31) in the West African subtype c. The phylogenetic analysis of 3'LTR nucleotide sequences indicated that all the isolates in the current study were in the subgroup B or Japanese, in contrast with the highly divergent isolates from native Amerindians grouped in subgroup a or Transcontinental. The supported hypothesis was that of a post-Columbus introduction of virus represented in the African-American communities of the Colombian South Pacific. Some viral isolates from Colombian native Amerindians exhibited a nucleotide variation compatible with a Paleolithic introduction of the virus. The genetic diversity of HTLV-I in Colombia is complex and probably represents several independent introductions of lymphotropic virus.

[Phenotypic characterization of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates in a high-complexity healthcare institution in the city of Cali]. / Caracterización fenotípica de aislamientos de Acinetobacter baumannii en una institución de salud de alta complejidad de Cali.

INTRODUCTION: Phenotypic characterization of the Acinetobacter genus bacteria through biochemical and microscopic tests is possible. Studies have shown that the isolates from health-care associated infections show high resistance to first-line antibiotics. OBJECTIVE: To describe the resistance patterns of the A. baumannii isolates obtained in a health care institution, the phenotypic characteristics of the isolates, and the possible resistance mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 28 reports of samples taken from patients hospitalized with infection by A. baumannii . Susceptibility testing for ceftazidime, cefepime, meropenem, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin was performed with the Vitek ™ automated system and the susceptible, intermediate, and resistant classification was based on the protocol established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute for 2007. RESULTS: The highest percentage of isolates corresponded to males (53.6 %), to the infectology ward (28.5 %), and to the month of September (21.4 %); the most frequent sample site were endotracheal secretions (53.6 %). From the profile patterns for susceptibility to antibiotics used, 13 phylotypes were obtained. CONCLUSION: Acinetobacter baumannii is a pathogen resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents involved in outbreaks of health-care associated infections. The resistance profile patterns allow inferring that the possible resistance mechanisms present in the majority of the isolates are: Production of extended-spectrum b -lactamases, antibiotic modifying enzymes, and target site modification.

Frecuencia de lesiones dermatológicas en pacientes adultos de cuidado intensivo / Frequency of dermatológical lesions in adult intensive care patients

Resumen Objetivo: describir la frecuencia de las lesiones dermatológicas en pacientes de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) de adultos del Hospital de San José y del Hospital Infantil Universitario de San José entre enero y abril de 2012. Pacientes y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años con estancia mínima de 72 horas en UCI, ingresados por patología dermatológica o valorados por dermatología por aparición de lesiones en piel durante su estancia. Resultados: se evaluaron 595 pacientes, encontrando lesiones dermatológicas en 30% (182 pacientes). La edad promedio fue de 63.5 años ± 19.1 sin diferencias de género. La admisión a la UCI se debió principalmente a motivos no quirúrgicos con un porcentaje de 57.3% (105 pacientes). Las lesiones cutáneas más frecuentes fueron las lesiones terciarias observada en 91.8% (168 pacientes), seguida por lesiones secundarias, con predominio infeccioso 6% (11 pacientes) y las últimas fueron las primarias con sólo 1.6% (3 pacientes). Conclusiones: las lesiones dermatológicas en los pacientes de UCI son más frecuentes de lo esperado y en algunos casos pueden ser la causa directa del ingreso a la UCI poniendo en riesgo la vida de los pacientes, por lo tanto, consideramos importante un examen exhaustivo de piel en estos pacientes y el trabajo interdisciplinario con dermatología que permita disminuir el riesgo de mortalidad a causa de complicaciones de origen dermatológico. (Acta Med Colomb 2019; 44: 25-30).

Abstract Objective: to describe the frequency of dermatological lesions in patients of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of adults of the Hospital de San José and the Hospital Infantil Universitario de San José between January and April 2012. Patients and Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. Patients older than 18 years with a minimum stay of 72 hours in the ICU admitted for dermatological pathology or assessed by dermatology due to the appearance of skin lesions during their stay, were included. Results: 595 patients were evaluated, finding dermatological lesions in 30% (182 patients). The average age was 63.5 years ± 19.1 without gender differences. Admission to the ICU was mainly due to non-surgical reasons with a percentage of 57.3% (105 patients). The most frequent skin lesions were the tertiary lesions observed in 91.8% (168 patients), followed by secondary lesions, with an infectious predominance of 6% (11 patients) and the last ones were the primary ones with only 1.6% (3 patients). Conclusions: dermatological lesions in ICU patients are more frequent than expected and in some cases may be the direct cause of admission to the ICU putting patients' lives at risk; therefore, we consider important a thorough skin examination in these patients and interdisciplinary work with dermatology to reduce the risk of mortality due to dermatological complications. (Acta Med Colomb 2019; 44: 25-30).

Dentaduras gravitacionales inferiores: una alternativa en rebordes atróficos / Lower gravitational dentures: alternative treatment for atrophic ridges

Resumen: La estabilidad de una prótesis convencional (PC) inferior se ve afectada por una excesiva resorción mandibular; el incremento de peso de una prótesis gravitacional (PG) por su combinación metal (interno) y acrílico (externo) puede aumentarla. Objetivo: Comparar la estabilidad, desempeño masticatorio (DM), peso y percepción del paciente con reborde atrófico mandibular de PC contra PG. Material y métodos: Se solicitó el consentimiento informado en seis adultos mayores desdentados. La altura del reborde residual inferior fue medida en mm. A cada paciente se le elaboró una PC y una PG (idénticas). Se utilizó primero una y luego la otra; cada una en periodos de tiempos iguales. Al término del uso de cada prótesis se le realizó una encuesta tipo Likert y una escala visual análoga (EVA), midiendo la estabilidad clínica (escala de Woelfel), DM (tamaño medio de partícula con el alimento prueba artificial) y el peso de las prótesis (g). Se utilizó la prueba de rangos de Wilcoxon y la evaluación de correlaciones de Spearman (p = 0.05). Resultados: La prueba clínica de estabilidad resultó con diferencia significativa (p = 0.046) a favor de la PG. El análisis de las correlaciones entre variables indica que a menor movimiento mayor facilidad en el habla y la reducción del alimento. En el DM no se obtuvo diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p = 0.893). Conclusiones: A pesar de la limitación del tamaño de la muestra los resultados indican que las PG son más estables y pueden ser buena alternativa de tratamiento para pacientes con limitaciones económicas o no candidatos a cirugía.

Abstract: Stability of conventional lower prostheses (CP) is affected by excessive mandibular resorption, the greater weight of a gravitational prosthesis (GP) caused by its combination of metal (internal) and acrylic (external) can increase said stability. Objective: In patients with mandibular atrophic ridge, to compare stability, masticatory performance, weight and perception of CP in comparison with GP. Material and methods: Informed consent of six adult edentulous patients was requested. Residual lower ridge height was measured in mm. Identical CP and GP were manufactured for each patient: firstly, one was used, and then the other, each one for same periods of time. At the end of prostheses use, a Likert type survey was conducted, as well as analogous visual scale (AVS) measuring clinical stability (Woelfel scale), MP (particle mean size with artificial test foodstuff) as well as prostheses weight in grams. Wilcoxon ranking test was used as well as Spearman's correlations (p = 0.05). Results: Significant differences were found in the clinical stability test (p = 0.046) favoring GP. Correlation among variables analysis indicates that to lesser movement, greater ease for speech and food processing was found. No statistically significant difference was found in MP (p = 0.893). Conclusions: In spite of limitations imposed by sample size, results indicated that GP were more stable and could represent a suitable treatment alternative for patients who are not candidates for surgery or suffer financial limitations.

Los grupos educativos para la salud y los motivos de abandono de los pacientes / Health educational groups and the reasons patients drop out

Introduction: Patients and health professionals in educational groups have contrasting views of the institutional world, its objectives and the role played by each group of people in health care. Objective: To investigate the reasons why patients drop out of the Educational Strategy Groups for self-care in a social security institution. Materials and methods: Qualitative phenomenological design. A total of 29 patients were interviewed. They had a diagnosis of overweight, obesity, hypertension or diabetes and were sent to educational groups. Some never appeared, some dropped out after just one educational session, while others attended the four sessions. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the Giorgi method. During the analysis the following categories were established: a) power to choose, b) need to be heard, c) perceptions of institutional functions. Results: The main drop-out motive for patients is dissatisfaction as they perceive that their needs or expectations for health care are not being met by the institution. The patients look for other services or activities that, in their own view, can solve their problem. They build this choosing power through the perception and definition they make of themselves, their health concepts and the institutional functions. Conclusion: An educational group is not considered to be a first option to solve the patient's health problem since it breaks the healing function assigned to the institutions through their appointments with their family doctor, the medicines, surgeries and visits to specialists

Introducción: En la interacción personal que se suscita entre los pacientes y el personal de salud en los grupos educativos se oponen visiones diferentes sobre el mundo institucional, sus objetivos y el papel que desempeñan ambos en el cuidado de la salud. Objetivo: Indagar los motivos de los pacientes para abandonar los grupos con estrategia educativa para el autocuidado de la salud de una institución de seguridad social. Materiales y métodos: Diseño cualitativo fenomenológico. Se entrevistó un total de 29 pacientes con diagnóstico médico de sobrepeso, obesidad, hipertensión y diabetes, referidos a grupos con sesiones educativas que nunca se insertaron en los grupos o que abandonaron el grupo después de haber tenido alguna sesión educativa o que terminaron las cuatro sesiones educativas. Para analizar los datos, se transcribieron y analizaron las entrevistas con el método de Giorgi. Durante el análisis se establecieron las siguientes categorías: a) poder de elección, b) necesidad de ser escuchado, c) percepción sobre la función institucional. Resultados: El principal motivo del paciente para abandonar las sesiones educativas es la insatisfacción que siente al percibir que sus necesidades o expectativas de atención a la salud no son cubiertas por la institución. El paciente busca otros espacios que, a su consideración, pueden solucionar su problema. El paciente construye este poder de elección a través de la percepción y definición que hace sobre sí mismo, su concepto de salud y las funciones institucionales para tal evento. Conclusiones: Los grupos con sesiones educativas no son considerados como primera opción por el paciente, ya que rompe con el concepto de función curativa que le asigna a las instituciones a través de las consultas con su médico familiar, el empleo de fármacos, los eventos quirúrgicos y las consultas con los especialistas

Patrones de resistencia a antibióticos de Acinetobacter baumannii en un hospital de Colombia / Patterns of Acinetobacter baumannii resistance to antibiotics in a Colombian hospital

Identificar patrones de resistencia en los aislamientos de A. baumannii obtenidos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos de Cali, Colombia. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo de corte transversal. Institución: Clínica Universitaria Rafael Uribe Uribe, Cali, Colombia. Materiales: Los aislamientos se obtuvieron de cultivos de muestras de sangre, heridas quirúrgicas, secreción nasal, orina, secreción uretral y puntas de catéter. Intervenciones: Se recolectaron 52 aislamientos durante los años 2009 y 2010. Mediante el análisis del antibiograma se identificaron patrones de resistencia (antibiotipos), se realizó antibiograma cuantitativo y se construyó un cladograma basado en el agrupamiento por el método de promedios aritméticos de grupos apareados no ponderados (conocido en inglés como UPGMA). Principales medidas de resultados: Medida de la concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI) y el coeficiente de similitud generado por las distancias de los diámetros de los halos de inhibición entre dos aislamientos (antibiograma cuantitativo). Resultados: Se identificaron 5 antibiotipos; el 50 por ciento de los aislamientos se agruparon en el antibiotipo 1, con resistencia a todos los antibióticos y sensibilidad a tigeciclina y sulperazona; el antibiotipo 4 agrupó los aislamientos con resistencia a todos los antibióticos (19,3 por ciento). En el antibiograma cuantitativo se identificaron dos clados con 5 y 47 aislamientos, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Los aislamientos de Acinetobacter baumannii tuvieron pocas diferencias fenotípicas y es probable que presenten alguna de las ß-lactamasas tipo OXA...

To identify patterns of resistance in A. baumannii isolates obtained from an intensive care unit in Cali, Colombia. Design: Prospective cross-sectional descriptive study. Institution: Clínica Universitaria Rafael Uribe Uribe, Cali, Colombia. Materials: Isolates were obtained from cultures of blood, surgical wounds, nasal secretion, urine, urethral discharge and catheter tip samples. Interventions: Fifty-two isolates were collected between 2009 and 2010. Antibiogram analysis was done to identify resistance patterns (antibiotypes), a quantitative susceptibility testing was conducted, and a cladogram based on unweighted pair group method average (UPGMA) was constructed. Main outcome measures: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and similarity coefficient generated by diameters distances between two isolated inhibition zones (quantitative antibiogram). Results: Five antibiotypes were identified; 50 per cent of isolates were grouped in antibiotype 1, were resistant to all antibiotics, and susceptible to tigecycline and sulperazone; antibiotype 4 grouped isolates resistant to all antibiotics (19.3 per cent). In the quantitative antibiogram two clades with 5 and 47 isolates were identified respectively. Conclusions: Acinetobacter baumannii isolates showed few phenotypic differences and probably present some of ß-lactamases OXA type...

MÉTODOS DE TIPIFICACIÓN Y EPIDEMIOLOGÍA MOLECULAR DE Staphylococcus aureus CON RESISTENCIA A LA METICILINA / TIPIFICATION METHODS AND MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY OF Staphylocuccus aureus WITH METHICILLIN RESISTANCE

El interés actual del estudio de Staphylococcus aureus deriva de su elevada frecuencia de cepas resistentes a los antibióticos que causa frecuentes brotes de infección, especialmente, el S. aureus con resistencia a meticilina (SARM). El objetivo de esta revisión fue estudiar la estructura genética poblacional y el origen de los aislamientos de SARM. La tipificación del cassette cromosómico mec estafilocócico es el método más importante para identificar y definir la naturaleza clonal del S. aureus con resistencia a meticilina. Los estudios de epidemiología molecular evidencian un patrón de diseminación de unas pocas cepas que son las responsables del importante problema mundial. Existe el predominio de clones pandémicos de SARM asociado a infecciones hospitalarias (SARM-AH), que ha han sido reemplazados en la actualidad por clones de origen comunitario (SARM-AC). En Colombia, predomina el clon pediátrico y el chileno entre los aislamientos hospitalarios. Sin embargo, en la actualidad una variante del clon comunitario USA300 prevalece en las infecciones adquiridas en la comunidad y en el hospital, desplazando los clones hospitalarios como ocurre en el resto de mundo. El entendimiento de la epidemiología y clonalidad de las infecciones por S. aureus tiene importantes implicaciones en el control de la emergencia de cepas con multirresistencia y el esparcimiento de clones resistentes y sensibles a meticilina.

Recent interest in the study of Staphylococcus aureus derives from the high frequency of antibiotic-resistant strains that cause frequent outbreaks of infection, especially Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The objective of this review was to study the population genetic structure and the origin of MRSA isolation. Classification of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) is the most important method to identify and define the S. aureus methicillin-resistant clonal nature. Molecular epidemiologic studies have demonstrated dissemination patterns of few strains which are responsible for the important worldwide problem. There is a predominance of pandemic clones of MRSA associated to hospital-acquired infections (HA-MRSA) which has been replaced today by community-acquired strains (CA-MRSA). In Colombia, the pediatric clone and the Chilean clone predominate between hospital isolations. However, currently, there is a variant community clone USA300 prevailing in infections acquired in the community and in the hospital, displacing HA-MRSA as it happens in the rest of world. Understanding the epidemiology and clonality of S. aureus infections has important implications for future efforts to control of the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains and the spread of clones resistant and sensible to methicillin.

A randomized community intervention to improve hypertension control among Mexican Americans: using the promotoras de salud community outreach model.

The objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate the acceptance, effectiveness, and sustainability of a promotora (community health worker) pilot program to improve hypertension control among medically underserved Mexican Americans of the El Paso, Texas area, and 2) to demonstrate improvements in clinical measures of blood pressure, BMI and waist circumference, self-reported behaviors and changes in attitudes and beliefs about blood pressure among Mexican American hypertensives. Participants were eligible if they had been diagnosed with hypertension and if they were willing to be randomized as either participants in the intervention or as controls. A total of 58 participants enrolled in the intervention group and 40 participants served as controls. This was a 9-week promotora intervention. Health behavior constructs and clinical data were measured pre-post intervention. Perceived benefits, and two heart-healthy behaviors (salt and sodium, and cholesterol and fat) were shown to be statistically significantly different between the intervention and control groups.

Caracterización fenotípica de aislamientos de Acinetobacter baumannii en una institución de salud de alta complejidad de Cali / Phenotypic characterization of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates in a high-complexity healthcare institution in the city of Cali

Introducción. La caracterización fenotípica de las bacterias del género Acinetobacter mediante pruebas bioquímicas y microscópicas es posible. Varios estudios han demostrado que los aislamientos provenientes de infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud presentan una elevada resistencia a los antibióticos de primera elección. Objetivo. Describir los patrones de resistencia de los aislamientos de Acinetobacter baumannii obtenidos en una institución de salud, así como sus características fenotípicas y los posibles mecanismos de resistencia. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con 28 informes de muestras tomadas a pacientes hospitalizados con infección por A. baumannii . Las pruebas de sensibilidad para ceftazidime, cefepime, meropenem, amikacina y ciprofloxacina se realizaron con el sistema automatizado Vitek ® y la clasificación de sensible, intermedia y resistente se hizo con base en el protocolo establecido por el Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute para el año 2007. Resultados. El mayor porcentaje de aislamientos correspondió al sexo masculino (53,6 %), a la sala de infectología (28,5 %) y al mes de septiembre (21,4 %); el tipo de muestra más frecuente fue el de secreción endotraqueal (53,6 %). A partir de los patrones de los perfiles de sensibilidad a los antibióticos empleados se obtuvieron 13 filotipos. Conclusión. Acinetobacter baumannii es un agente patógeno resistente a múltiples antimicrobianos, involucrado en brotes de infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud. Los patrones de los perfiles de resistencia permiten inferir que los posibles mecanismos de resistencia presentes en la mayoría de los aislamientos son la producción de betalactamasas de espectro extendido, las enzimas modificadoras del antibiótico y la modificación del sitio diana.

Introduction: Phenotypic characterization of the Acinetobacter genus bacteria through biochemical and microscopic tests is possible. Studies have shown that the isolates from health-care associated infections show high resistance to first-line antibiotics. Objective: To describe the resistance patterns of the A. baumannii isolates obtained in a health care institution, the phenotypic characteristics of the isolates, and the possible resistance mechanisms. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 28 reports of samples taken from patients hospitalized with infection by A. baumannii . Susceptibility testing for ceftazidime, cefepime, meropenem, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin was performed with the Vitek ™ automated system and the susceptible, intermediate, and resistant classification was based on the protocol established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute for 2007. Results: The highest percentage of isolates corresponded to males (53.6 %), to the infectology ward (28.5 %), and to the month of September (21.4 %); the most frequent sample site were endotracheal secretions (53.6 %). From the profile patterns for susceptibility to antibiotics used, 13 phylotypes were obtained. Conclusion: Acinetobacter baumannii is a pathogen resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents involved in outbreaks of health-care associated infections. The resistance profile patterns allow inferring that the possible resistance mechanisms present in the majority of the isolates are: Production of extended-spectrum b -lactamases, antibiotic modifying enzymes, and target site modification.

Susceptibilidad genética para el desarrollo de la sepsis bacteriana grave y choque séptico / Genetic susceptibility to develop of severe bacterial sepsis and septic shock / A predisposição genética para o desenvolvimento de sepsis bacteriana grave e choque séptico

Objetivo: presentar el estado del arte de las investigaciones que, hasta el momento, relacionan el polimorfismo genético del paciente con la evolución de la sepsis, como herramienta diagnóstica y un nuevo enfoque terapéutico de esta condición. Los conceptos actuales basados en investigaciones sostienen que el polimorfismo genético del individuo es relevante en la evolución de la enfermedad y en la respuesta efectiva al tratamiento del paciente en estado crítico, en especial con sepsis bacteriana y choque séptico. Materiales y métodos: se revisó literatura indexada que relaciona los factores genéticos con la evolución de algunas enfermedades del paciente en estado crítico. Resultados: las características particulares de la enfermedad estarían influenciadas por el acervo genético del paciente, condicionando en gran medida la respuesta patofisiológica. Se ha evidenciado la susceptibilidad genética de algunos individuos a desarrollar infección; estos individuos con un tratamiento similar no evolucionan de igual forma, desencadenándose una sepsis bacteriana grave y choque séptico. El polimorfismo en los genes que codifican por el factor de necrosis tumoral -α (TNF-α) las interlucinas-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-10, el factor soluble CD-14, los receptores similares a Toll y el inhibidor tipo 1 del activador del plasminógeno estaría asociado con el desarrollo de sepsis grave y choque séptico, en particular las mutaciones TNF-α 308 G/A, PAI-1 4G/4G, IL-6 174 G/C. Conclusiones: el conocimiento de la susceptibilidad genética, los factores de riesgo y el buen funcionamiento del sistema inmune de cada persona ayudan a reducir y compensar las complicaciones de la sepsis bacteriana. Es claro que el tratamiento oportuno individualizado en los pacientes con sepsis se asocia con disminución de la mortalidad y con reducción en el deterioro de la respuesta inflamatoria.

Objective: to present the state of the art of research, so far relate patient's genetic polymorphism with the development of sepsis, as a diagnostic tool and a novel therapeutic approach for this condition. The concepts given by the research establishing the genetic polymorphism of the individual is relevant to disease progression of the disease and effective response to treatment in the critically ill patient, especially with bacterial sepsis and septic shock. Materials and methods: we reviewed indexed literature linking genetic factors with the development of some diseases of the critically ill patient. Results: the particular characteristics of the disease would be influenced by the genetic background of the patient, determining largely the pathophysiological response. It has revealed the genetic susceptibility of individuals to develop infection. These individuals with a similar treatment did not evolve in the same way, triggering a severe bacterial sepsis and septic shock. The polymorphism in the genes encoding the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) the interleukins-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-10, soluble factor CD-14, Toll like receptors, the inhibitor type 1 plasminogen activator would be associated with the development of severe sepsis and septic shock, particularly TNF-α mutations 308 G/A, PAI-1 4G/4G, IL-6174 G/C. Conclusions: knowledge of the genetic susceptibility of the individual, risk factors and proper functioning of the immune system to help reduce and offset the complications of bacterial sepsis. It is clear that individualized early treatment in patients with sepsis is associated with decreased mortality and a reduction in the deterioration of the inflammatory response.

Objetivo: apresentar o estado da arte da pesquisa, na medida relacionar o polimorfismo genético do paciente com o desenvolvimento de sepsia, como uma ferramenta de diagnóstico e de uma nova abordagem terapêutica para esta condição. Os conceitos atuais com base nas pesquisas argumentam que o polimorfismo genético do indivíduo é importante na evolução da doença e na resposta eficaz do paciente no estado crítico, especialmente com sepse bacteriana e choque séptico. Materiais e métodos: Revisou-se literatura indexada que liga fatores genéticos com o desenvolvimento de algumas doenças do paciente no estado crítico. Resultados: as características particulares da doença estariam sendo influenciadas pelo acervo genético do paciente, condicionando em grande medida a resposta patofisiológica. Evidencio-se, a susceptibilidade genética de alguns indivíduos a desenvolver infecção, estes indivíduos com tratamento semelhante não evolucionaram do mesmo modo, provocando uma grave sepse bacteriana e choque séptico. O polimorfismo nos genes que codificam pelo factor de necrose tumoral-α (TNF-α) as interleucinas-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-10,o fator solúvel CD-14, os receptores similares a Toll e o inibidor tipo 1 do activador do plasminogénio estariam associados com o desenvolvimento de sepse grave e choque séptico, em particular as mutações TNF-α 308 G / A, PAI-1, 4G/4G IL-6 174 G / C. Conclusões: o conhecimento da suscetibilidade genética, os fatores de risco e o bom funcionamento do sistema imunológico de cada pessoa ajudam a reduzir e compensar as complicações da sepse bacteriana. É claro que o tratamento oportuno e individualizado nos pacientes com sepse associa-se com a redução da mortalidade e do deterioro da resposta inflamatória.

Epidemiología de bacterias nosocomiales resistentes a los antimicrobianos: [revisión] / Epidemiology of nosocomial bacteria resistant to antimicrobials: [review]

Nosocomial infections are a major challenge for public health because of the high rates of morbidity and mortality generated. It was considered that the excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics triggers the emergence of resistant strains. Among the clinically important bacteria that most commonly cause nososcomial infections, Gram positive multiresistant pathogens stand out such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp (VRE), and the Gram negative strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter baumannii producing expanded spectrum b-lactamases (ESbL). This review describes the behavior of the main bacterial pathogens resistant to antibiotics that cause infections in Europe, United States, and Latin America, emphasizing studies of molecular epidemiology on a global scale, including the major epidemiological studies in Colombia. The genetic structure of S. aureus and Enterococcus spp strains shows a clonal characteristic favored by the predominance of a small number of clones with the capacity to spread globally, due probably to cross-infection. However, the introduction of MRSA strains from the community encourages genetic diversity, tending to establish a genetic polyclonal endemic structure in places like the United States. In Gram negative bacteria, the high genetic diversity among isolates, mainly in Latin American countries, indicates that the polyclonal spread is influenced by horizontal transfer of plasmids, by excessive exposure to antibiotics, and prolonged hospital stays. In Colombia, there is information on nosocomial resistant pathogens, but molecular epidemiological information is still scarce.

Las infecciones nosocomiales constituyen un gran desafío para la salud pública por las altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad que generan. Se ha considerado que el uso inapropiado o excesivo de antibióticos desencadena la aparición de cepas resistentes. Entre las bacterias de importancia clínica que con mayor frecuencia causan infecciones nososcomiales, se destacan los patógenos Gram positivos multiresistentes como Staphylococcus aureus con resistencia a meticilina (SARM) y Enterococcus spp. resistentes a vancomicina (ERV). En los Gram negativos, hay resistencia sobre todo con las cepas de Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp. y Acinetobacter baumannii productoras de b-lactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEEs, en inglés: ESbL expanded spectrum b-lactamases). Esta revisión tiene como finalidad realizar una decripción del estado de la resistencia bacteriana a los antibióticos en los principales patógenos que causan infecciones nosocomiales en países de Europa, Estados Unidos y de Latinoamérica, destacando los estudios de epidemiología molecular a escala global e incluyendo los principales estudios epidemiológicos realizados en Colombia. La estructura genética de las cepas de Staphylococus aureus y Enterococcus spp. evidencia una característica clonal favorecida por el predominio de un número pequeño de clones con capacidad de diseminarse en forma global, debida probablemente a infecciones cruzadas. Sin embargo, la introducción de cepas SARM desde la comunidad está favoreciendo la diversidad genética, tendiendo a establecerse una estructura genética policlonal en lugares endémicos como los Estados Unidos. En Colombia se dispone de información sobre los patógenos nosocomiales resistentes, pero la información epidemiológica molecular aún es escasa.