Comparative Analyses of Reproductive Caste Types Reveal Vitellogenin Genes Involved in Queen Fertility in Solenopsis invicta.

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) is a social pest species with a robust reproductive ability that causes extensive damage. Identification of the genes involved in queen fertility is critical in order to better understand the reproductive biology and screening for the potential molecular targets in S. invicta. Here, we used the mRNA deep sequencing (RNA-seq) approach to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the transcriptomes of three reproductive caste types of S. invicta, including queen (QA) and winged female (FA) and male (MA) ants. The genes that were specific to and highly expressed in the queens were then screened, and the Vg2 and Vg3 genes were chosen as targets to explore their functions in oogenesis and fertility. A minimum of 6.08 giga bases (Gb) of clean reads was obtained from all samples, with a mapping rate > 89.78%. There were 7524, 7133, and 977 DEGs identified in the MA vs. QA, MA vs. FA, and FA vs. QA comparisons, respectively. qRT-PCR was used to validate 10 randomly selected DEGs, including vitellogenin 2 (Vg2) and 3 (Vg3), and their expression patterns were mostly consistent with the RNA-seq data. The S. invicta Vgs included conserved domains and motifs that are commonly found in most insect Vgs. SiVg2 and SiVg3 were highly expressed in queens and winged females and were most highly expressed in the thorax, followed by the fat body, head, and epidermis. Evaluation based on a loss-of-function-based knockdown analysis showed that the downregulation of either or both of these genes resulted in smaller ovaries, less oogenesis, and less egg production. The results of transcriptional sequencing provide a foundation for clarifying the regulators of queen fertility in S. invicta. The functions of SiVg2 and SiVg3 as regulators of oogenesis highlight their importance in queen fecundity and their potential as targets of reproductive disruption in S. invicta control.

Metagenomic profiling of antibiotic resistance and virulence removal: Activated sludge vs. algal wastewater treatment system.

Conventional activated sludge-based (CAS) wastewater treatment plants are known to be a source of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence genes (VGs). As an alternative, a single-step mixotrophic algal wastewater treatment (A-WWT) system is proposed here to effectively reduce ARGs and VGs in the final effluent while meeting all the discharge standards. In this study, we applied the metagenomic profiling approach to compare the A-WWT system against the CAS system in terms of removal efficacy of ARG and VGs. A total of 111 ARG and 93 VG subtypes belonging to 10 antibiotic resistant classes and 19 virulence classes were detected in this study. Although the CAS system reduced the relative abundance of most classes of ARGs (7 of 10) and VGs (11 of 19), 3 ARG classes and 7 VG classes had increased abundances. On the other hand, the A-WWT system reduced the relative abundance of all classes of ARGs and VGs, and effectively eliminated most subtypes of ARGs and VGs. In the CAS system, the bacterial genera carrying ARGs and VGs was expanded, and the diversity index was increased greatly, suggesting the occurrence of horizontal gene transfer (HGT). In contrast, the A-WWT system narrowed down the potential host range and decreased their diversity substantially. Results of this study highlight the potential risk of ARGs and VGs in CAS system and demonstrate the feasibility of the algal-based system in removing ARGs and VGs.

Ultra-sensitive nucleic acids detection with electrical nanosensors based on CMOS-compatible silicon nanowire field-effect transistors.

Silicon nanowire field-effect transistors (SiNW-FETs) have recently emerged as a type of powerful nanoelectronic biosensors due to their ultrahigh sensitivity, selectivity, label-free and real-time detection capabilities. Here, we present a protocol as well as guidelines for detecting DNA with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible SiNW-FET sensors. SiNWs with high surface-to-volume ratio and controllable sizes were fabricated with an anisotropic self-stop etching technique. Probe DNA molecules specific for the target DNA were covalently modified onto the surface of the SiNWs. The SiNW-FET nanosensors exhibited an ultrahigh sensitivity for detecting the target DNA as low as 1 fM and good selectivity for discrimination from one-base mismatched DNA.

Streptococcus mitis as a New Emerging Pathogen in Pediatric Age: Case Report and Systematic Review.

Streptococcus mitis, a normal inhabitant of the oral cavity, is a member of Viridans Group Streptococci (VGS). Generally recognized as a causative agent of invasive diseases in immunocompromised patients, S. mitis is considered to have low pathogenic potential in immunocompetent individuals. We present a rare case of sinusitis complicated by meningitis and cerebral sino-venous thrombosis (CSVT) caused by S. mitis in a previously healthy 12-year-old boy with poor oral health status. With the aim of understanding the real pathogenic role of this microorganism, an extensive review of the literature about invasive diseases due to S. mitis in pediatric patients was performed. Our data define the critical role of this microorganism in invasive infections, especially in immunocompetent children and in the presence of apparently harmful conditions such as sinusitis and caries. Attention should be paid to the choice of therapy because of VGS's emerging antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Poly (ɛ-Caprolactone-co-l,l-Lactide) Vascular External Sheath Carrying Prednisone for Improving Patency Rate of the Vein Graft.

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is an impactful treatment for coronary heart disease. Intimal hyperplasia is the central reason for the restenosis of vein grafts (VGs) after CABG. The introduction of external vascular sheaths around VGs can effectively inhibit intimal hyperplasia and ensure the patency of VGs. In this study, the well-known biodegradable copolymer poly (ɛ-caprolactone-co-l,l-lactide) (PLCL) was electrospun into high porosity external sheaths. The prednisone loaded in the PLCL sheath was slowly released during the degradation process of PLCL. Under the combined effects of sheath and prednisone, intimal hyperplasia was inhibited. For the cell experiments, all sheaths show low cytotoxicity to L929 cells at different concentrations at different time intervals. The ultrasonography and histological results showed prominent dilation and intimal hyperplasia of VG without sheath after 2 months of surgery. But there was no dilation in PLCL and PLCLPrednisone groups. Of note, the prednisone-loaded sheath group exhibited efficacy in inhibiting intimal hyperplasia and ensured graft patency. Impact statement To inhibit intimal hyperplasia after coronary artery bypass graft, the use of external vascular sheaths can prevent vein graft (VG) dilatation, then reduce turbulent blood flow shear stress to vessel wall, and lower the stimulation of shear stress to smooth muscle cells (SMCs), so as to prevent the proliferation and migration of vascular SMC. We provide a biodegradable sheath electrospun by poly (ɛ-caprolactone-co-l,l-lactide) (PLCL) loading prednisone and utilize it around VG in animal models. Vascular ultrasound examinations show strong evidence of vascular patency. The histological alterations of VGs in PLCLPrednisone group gave a narrower intima layer owing to the inhibition effect of prednisone.

Advances in the development of biodegradable coronary stents: A translational perspective.

Implantation of cardiovascular stents is an important therapeutic method to treat coronary artery diseases. Bare-metal and drug-eluting stents show promising clinical outcomes, however, their permanent presence may create complications. In recent years, numerous preclinical and clinical trials have evaluated the properties of bioresorbable stents, including polymer and magnesium-based stents. Three-dimensional (3D) printed-shape-memory polymeric materials enable the self-deployment of stents and provide a novel approach for individualized treatment. Novel bioresorbable metallic stents such as iron- and zinc-based stents have also been investigated and refined. However, the development of novel bioresorbable stents accompanied by clinical translation remains time-consuming and challenging. This review comprehensively summarizes the development of bioresorbable stents based on their preclinical/clinical trials and highlights translational research as well as novel technologies for stents (e.g., bioresorbable electronic stents integrated with biosensors). These findings are expected to inspire the design of novel stents and optimization approaches to improve the efficacy of treatments for cardiovascular diseases.

[Assessment of nutritional status on admission and outcome after seven days of hospitalization in a second-level hospital in Madrid]. / Evaluación del estado nutricional al ingreso y evolución tras siete días de hospitalización en un hospital de segundo nivel de Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: hospital malnutrition is a highly prevalent problem and continues to be a pending issue today, often unnoticed by health care workers, with the negative clinical impact this entails. Objectives: a) to evaluate nutritional status upon admission; b) to assess the outcome after a week of hospitalization; c) to analyze the relationship between nutritional status and different clinical variables (specialty, age, body weight loss, length of stay, readmissions, and consultations to the endocrinology-nutrition department). Methods: an observational, prospective, analytical, randomized study in 260 patients from medical and surgical services, nutritionally evaluated on admission and after seven days of hospitalization using the SGA and NRS-2002. Results: prevalence at admission according to the SGA was 48 % and according to NRS-2002, 38.5 %. After a week of hospitalization it increased to 72.5 % and 58.8 %, respectively. After seven days, 2-7.8 % of subjects improved their nutritional status, while 16-27.5 % worsened. Malnutrition on admission was associated with longer stay (6 days for non-malnourished vs 8 days for malnourished); with older age (64 years for non-malnourished vs 71 years for malnourished); with medical vs surgical specialties (44-53 % vs 20-32 %); with weight loss (on admission they had lost 2.1 kg on average as compared to usual weight, and 0.9 kg after seven days of hospitalization); and with premature readmission (8-11 % for non-malnourished vs 27 % for malnourished), among others. Conclusions: the study's results offer an overview of hospital malnutrition, showing how patients evolve nutritionally during hospitalization, and which are the crucial moments for action. It is extremely important that health care workers will become aware and take action.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la desnutrición hospitalaria es un problema de alta prevalencia y continúa siendo a día de hoy una asignatura pendiente, ya que a menudo pasa desapercibida para el personal sanitario, con las consiguientes repercusiones clínicas negativas que esto conlleva. Objetivos: a) evaluar el estado nutricional al ingreso; b) conocer la evolución tras una semana de hospitalización; c) analizar la relación entre el estado nutricional y distintas variables clínicas (especialidades, edad, pérdida de peso corporal, estancia media, reingresos e interconsultas al servicio de endocrinología-nutrición). Métodos: estudio observacional, prospectivo, analítico y aleatorio de 260 pacientes de servicios médicos y quirúrgicos, evaluados nutricionalmente al ingreso y tras siete días de hospitalización mediante la VGS y la NRS-2002. Resultados: la prevalencia al ingreso según la VGS fue del 48 % y según la NRS-2002 del 38,5 %. Tras una semana de hospitalización, la prevalencia aumentó al 72,5 % y el 58,8 %, respectivamente. Tras siete días, en el 2-7,8 % mejoró el estado nutricional; en cambio, en el 16-27,5 % empeoró. La desnutrición al ingreso se asoció con estancias más prolongadas (6 días los normonutridos frente a 8 días los desnutridos); con una mayor edad (64 años los normonutridos frente a 71 años los desnutridos); con las especialidades médicas más que con las quirúrgicas (44-53 % vs. 20-32 %); con la pérdida de peso (al ingresar habían perdido 2,1 kg de media respecto al peso habitual y 0,9 kg tras siete días de hospitalización); y con los reingresos prematuros (8-11 % los normonutridos frente a 27 % los desnutridos), entre otros. Conclusiones: los resultados hallados nos ofrecen una panorámica de la desnutrición hospitalaria, mostrando cómo evolucionan nutricionalmente los pacientes durante los ingresos y cuáles son los momentos cruciales de actuación. Es sumamente importante que el personal sanitario se conciencie y tome medidas.

A Novel Next-Generation Sequencing and Analysis Platform to Assess the Identity of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Viral Preparations from Viral DNA Extracts.

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are increasingly popular gene delivery tools in biological systems. They are safe and lead to high-level, long-term transgene expression. rAAV are available in multiple serotypes, natural or engineered, which enable targeting to a wide array of tissues and cell types. In addition, rAAVs are relatively easily produced in a well-equipped lab or obtained from a viral vector core facility. Unfortunately, there is no standardization of quality control assays beyond titering and purity assessments. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can be used to identify rAAV preparations. Because the rAAV genome is single stranded, previous studies have assumed that rAAV genomes must be converted to double strands before NGS. We demonstrate that rAAV DNA extracts exist primarily as double-stranded species. We hypothesize that these molecules form from the natural base pairing of complementary [+] and [-] strands after DNA extraction and show that rAAV DNA extracts are sufficient templates for downstream NGS without the labor-intensive double-stranding step. Here, we provide a detailed protocol for the simple and rapid NGS of rAAV genomes from DNA extracts. With this protocol, users can quickly confirm the identity of an rAAV preparation and detect the presence of contaminating rAAV DNA. In addition, we share custom Python scripts that allow users to accurately determine the serotype and detect Cre-independent DNA recombination events in rAAV containing Lox sites within minutes. We have used these scripts to analyze more than 100 rAAV preparations. Although we focused on the detection of cross-contaminating rAAV DNA and recombination events, our Python scripts can be customized to detect other sequences or events, such as reverse packaging of plasmid backbone or DNA from the packaging cell line. We find that the NGS of rAAV DNA extracts, termed viral genome sequencing, is a simple and powerful method for rAAV validation.

[Comparison of the CONUT method with SGA and NSA for the prediction of complications, hospital stay, readmissions, and mortality]. / Comparación del método CONUT con la VGS y el VEN para la predicción de complicaciones, estancia hospitalaria, readmisiones y mortalidad.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: disease-related malnutrition (DRM) is a specific type of malnutrition caused by the inflammatory response to the underlying disease. Its prevalence worldwide varies from 30 % to 50 %, being similar in Spanish hospitals. DRE is not commonly recognized but is usually misdiagnosed and generally not treated. It is associated with an increased risk of morbidity, mortality, and costs. Nutritional societies recommend that screening be performed within the first 24 to 48 hours after admission for the early detection of malnutrition. No screening tool is universally accepted. Objectives: to evaluate the predictive validity (hospital stay, complications, readmissions and mortality) of the CONUT method as compared to SGA and NSA. Material and method: a retrospective study included in a prospective observational study of 365 hospitalized patients from July to December 2012. Results: the most frequent admission services were Internal Medicine and Oncology (30.7 % and 29.3 %). Moderate and severe risk of malnutrition: CONUT, 42.2 % and 12.1 %, SGA 25.8 % and 10.1 %, and NSA 13.7 % and 14.5 %. Malnutrition evaluated using the CONUT method was significantly related to complications (p = 0.036), readmissions (p = 0.041) and mortality (p = 0.007). The ROC curves for mortality, for all the methods evaluated, showed that CONUT is the best tool. Conclusions: CONUT is an automatic detection tool that can be used as a first step in the diagnosis risk of malnutrition. CONUT offers the advantage of being a prognostic factor for complications, readmission, and mortality.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la desnutrición relacionada con la enfermedad (DRE) es un tipo específico de desnutrición producida por la respuesta inflamatoria de la enfermedad de base. Su prevalencia en todo el mundo varía del 30 al 50 %, siendo similar en los hospitales españoles. La DRE no se reconoce comúnmente, se diagnostica inadecuadamente y generalmente no se trata. Se asocia a un mayor riesgo de morbilidad, mortalidad y costes. Las sociedades nutricionales recomiendan que el cribado se realice en las primeras 24 a 48 horas posteriores al ingreso para la detección temprana de la desnutrición. Ninguna herramienta de cribado se acepta universalmente. Objetivos: evaluar la validez predictiva (estancia hospitalaria, complicaciones, reingresos y mortalidad) del método CONUT en comparación con la VGS y el VEN. Material y método: estudio retrospectivo incluido en un prospectivo observacional de 365 pacientes hospitalizados de julio a diciembre de 2012. Resultados: los servicios de ingreso más frecuentes fueron Medicina Interna y Oncología (30,7 % y 29,3 %). Detección de los riesgos moderado y severo de desnutrición: CONUT, 42,2 y 12,1 %; VSG, 25,8 % y 10,1 %; VEN, 13,7 y 14,5 %. La desnutrición evaluada utilizando el método CONUT se relacionó significativamente con las complicaciones (p = 0,036), los reingresos (p = 0,041) y la mortalidad (p = 0,007). Las curvas ROC de la mortalidad, para todos los métodos evaluados, mostraron que CONUT es la mejor herramienta. Conclusiones: CONUT es una herramienta de detección automática que se puede utilizar como primer paso en el diagnóstico del riesgo de desnutrición. CONUT ofrece la ventaja de ser un factor pronóstico de complicaciones, reingreso y mortalidad.

Extended Phylogeny and Extraintestinal Virulence Potential of Commensal Escherichia coli from Piglets and Sows.

Commensal Escherichia coli, naturally occurring in the intestinal tract, can be the origin of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains. ExPEC causes high mortality and significant economic losses in the swine industry in several countries and poses a serious threat to public health worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze the extended phylogenetic structure and extraintestinal virulence potential in two groups of commensal E. coli isolates from post-weaning piglets and sows. The phylogenetic assignment to eight groups was determined using the revised Clermont phylogenetic typing method in quadruplex PCR. Identification of extraintestinal virulence genes (VGs) and adhesin operon genes was performed using multiplex or simplex PCR. The revised phylogenetic assignment allowed us to distinguish E. coli with significantly higher (groups C and F) or lower (group E) virulence potential in isolates from piglets. The majority of the tested VGs occurred more frequently in isolates from piglets than from sows, with statistically significant differences for seven genes: fimH, papAH, iutA, iroN, ompT, traT, and iss. Complete operons for type I and P fimbriae significantly prevailed among E. coli from piglets. This study provides insight into the extended phylogenetic structure of porcine commensal E. coli and showed that these strains, particularly from piglets, constitute a considerable reservoir of extraintestinal VGs and may increase the potential risk of extraintestinal infections.

An Analysis of Resistance Patterns of Oral Streptococci Obtained from Orofacial Infections Against Beta-lactams, Clindamycin and Vancomycin over 2014-2018.

PURPOSE: Comparison of viridans group Streptococcus (VGS) susceptibility to benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, clindamycin and vancomycin in order to determine resistance rates to assess whether guidelines for prophylactic or therapeutic antibiotic treatment include the present resistance patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) over 4 consecutive years (2014-2017) and 4 months in 2018 for 779 VGS isolates (cumulative data). Isolates originated from pus from orofacial infections cases and tissue fragments from patients undergoing maxillofacial surgeries Results: The highest resistance rate was observed to clindamycin. The highest overall resistance rate was for Streptococcus parasanguinis 43% and S. constellatus 49%; the lowest was for S. anginosus 12%. All S. anginosus isolates were susceptible to ampicillin during tested period. All isolates of analysed species were susceptible to vancomycin through studied period. CONCLUSION: Due to high resistance levels, individual antibiotic susceptibility testing for strains should become mandatory.

Profiles of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence genes and their temporal interactions in the membrane bioreactor and oxidation ditch.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence genes (VGs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) may pose a potential threat to public health if without proper treatment. In this study, GeoChip was used to reveal the differences in ARG/VG diversity between a membrane bioreactor (MBR) and an oxidation ditch (OD) and the temporal co-occurrence patterns between ARGs and VGs. Results showed that the diversity of ARGs and VGs was lower in MBR than that in OD in the short term due to the better disinfection capability of MBR. However, the differences in diversity between two reactors disappeared in the long term because of the great variation of temperature. Instead, time-decay relationship was observed and overall turnover rate was -0.0105. Co-occurrence patterns indicate that direct connections between ARGs and VGs reduced sharply with time increasing due to the different responses of ARGs and VGs to environmental variation.

[Fate of Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Virulence Genes in Enterococci During Anaerobic Digestion Process of Thermal Hydrolyzed Sludge].

Municipal sludge contains large amounts of enterococci, which can harbor antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence genes (VGs). ARG- and VG-containing enterococci therefore present potential resistance and virulence and, as a consequence, represent a significant health risk to humans. Therefore, the resistance phenotype of enterococci and the prevalence of ARGs and VGs in the enterococci isolated from the mesophilic (40℃) and thermophilic (55℃) anaerobic digestion of thermal hydrolyzed sludge was investigated. Results showed that the enterococci isolated from thermal hydrolyzed sludge showed significantly higher resistance to azithromycin than that to spiramycin and tetracycline. Thermophilic anaerobic digestion resulted in a greater reduction of enterococci abundance (by two orders of magnitude and one order of magnitude, respectively), and a greater reduction in the antibiotic resistance rates of the enterococci. However, thermophilic digestion can promote the expression of tetracycline resistance genes in the enterococci. Furthermore, both mesophilic and thermophilic digestion can facilitate horizontal genes transfer (HGT) between enterococci, which might result in an increase in the occurrence of double- or multiple-resistance. Mesophilic digestion reduced the prevalence of co-occurring ARGs and VGs in enterococci, while thermophilic digestion had the opposite effect. This research improves understanding of the occurrence and fate of ARGs and VGs in potential pathogens during the treatment of municipal sludge.

Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Complemented with Selected 16S rRNA and gyrB Genes Sequencing to Practically Identify Clinical Important Viridans Group Streptococci (VGS).

There are challenges in viridans group streptococci (VGS) identification especially for the mitis group. Few studies have investigated the performance of MALDI-TOF MS system in VGS identification. Using 16S rRNA gene and gyrB gene sequencing as a gold standard, the performance of two MALDI-TOF MS instruments in the identification of 181 VGS clinical isolates was studied. The Bruker Biotyper and Vitek MS IVD systems correctly identified 88.4% and 98.9% of the 181 isolates, respectively. The Vitek MS RUO system was the least reliable, only correctly identifying 38.7% of the isolates to species level with several misidentifications and invalid results. The Bruker Biotyper system was very unreliable in the identification of species within the mitis group. Among 22 non-pneumococci isolates (S. mitis/S. oralis/S. pseudopneumoniae), Biotyper misidentified 21 of them as S. pneumoniae leading to a low sensitivity and low positive predictive value in these species. In contrast, the Vitek MS IVD demonstrated a better resolution for pneumococci and non-pneumococci despite the inability to distinguish between S. mitis/S. oralis. For more accurate species-level identification, further improvements in the VGS spectra databases are needed. Based on MALDI-TOF analysis and selected 16S rRNA gene plus gyrB genes sequencing, we designed a practical VGS identification algorithm.

Evaluación del estado nutricional al ingreso y evolución tras siete días de hospitalización en un hospital de segundo nivel de Madrid / Assessment of nutritional status on admission and outcome after seven days of hospitalization in a second-level hospital in Madrid

Introducción: la desnutrición hospitalaria es un problema de alta prevalencia y continúa siendo a día de hoy una asignatura pendiente, ya que a menudo pasa desapercibida para el personal sanitario, con las consiguientes repercusiones clínicas negativas que esto conlleva. Objetivos: a) evaluar el estado nutricional al ingreso; b) conocer la evolución tras una semana de hospitalización; c) analizar la relación entre el estado nutricional y distintas variables clínicas (especialidades, edad, pérdida de peso corporal, estancia media, reingresos e interconsultas al servicio de endocrinología-nutrición). Métodos: estudio observacional, prospectivo, analítico y aleatorio de 260 pacientes de servicios médicos y quirúrgicos, evaluados nutricionalmente al ingreso y tras siete días de hospitalización mediante la VGS y la NRS-2002. Resultados: la prevalencia al ingreso según la VGS fue del 48 % y según la NRS-2002 del 38,5 %. Tras una semana de hospitalización, la prevalencia aumentó al 72,5 % y el 58,8 %, respectivamente. Tras siete días, en el 2-7,8 % mejoró el estado nutricional; en cambio, en el 16-27,5 % empeoró. La desnutrición al ingreso se asoció con estancias más prolongadas (6 días los normonutridos frente a 8 días los desnutridos); con una mayor edad (64 años los normonutridos frente a 71 años los desnutridos); con las especialidades médicas más que con las quirúrgicas (44-53 % vs. 20-32 %); con la pérdida de peso (al ingresar habían perdido 2,1 kg de media respecto al peso habitual y 0,9 kg tras siete días de hospitalización); y con los reingresos prematuros (8-11 % los normonutridos frente a 27 % los desnutridos), entre otros. Conclusiones: los resultados hallados nos ofrecen una panorámica de la desnutrición hospitalaria, mostrando cómo evolucionan nutricionalmente los pacientes durante los ingresos y cuáles son los momentos cruciales de actuación. Es sumamente importante que el personal sanitario se conciencie y tome medidas. (AU)

Introduction: hospital malnutrition is a highly prevalent problem and continues to be a pending issue today, often unnoticed by health personnel, with the negative clinical impact this entails. Objectives: a) to evaluate nutritional status upon admission; b) to assess the outcome after a week of hospitalization; c) to analyze the relationship between nutritional status and different clinical variables (specialty, age, body weight loss, length of stay, readmissions, and consultations to the endocrinology-nutrition department). Methods: an observational, prospective, analytical, randomized study in 260 patients from medical and surgical services, nutritionally evaluated on admission and after seven days of hospitalization using the SGA and NRS-2002. Results: prevalence at admission according to the SGA was 48 % and according to NRS-2002, 38.5 %. After a week of hospitalization it increased to 72.5 % and 58.8 %, respectively. After seven days, 2-7.8 % of subjects improved their nutritional status, while 16-27.5 % worsened. Malnutrition on admission was associated with longer stay (6 days for non-malnourished vs 8 days for malnourished); with older age (64 years for non-malnourished vs 71 years for malnourished); with medical vs surgical specialties (44-53 % vs 20-32 %); with weight loss (on admission they had lost 2.1 kg on average as compared to usual weight, and 0.9 kg after seven days of hospitalization); and with premature readmission (8-11 % for non-malnourished vs 27 % for malnourished), among others. Conclusions: the study's results offer an overview of hospital malnutrition, showing how patients evolve nutritionally during hospitalization, and which are the crucial moments for action. It is extremely important that health personnel will become aware and take action. (AU)

Isolation of Streptococcus tigurinus - a novel member of Streptococcus mitis group from a case of periodontitis.

Streptococcus tigurinus is a new member of the Streptococcus viridians group and is closely related to Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae, Streptococcus oralis, and Streptococcus infantis. The type strain AZ_3a(T) of S. tigurinus was originally isolated from a patient with infective endocarditis. Accurate identification of S. tigurinus is facilitated only by newer molecular methods like 16S rRNA gene analysis. During the course of study on bacteraemia and infective endocarditis with reference to periodontitis and viridians group of streptococci, a strain of S. tigurinus isolated from subgingival plaque of a patient with periodontitis identified by 16S rRNA gene analysis, which was originally identified as Streptococcus pluranimalium by Vitek 2. Confirmation by 16S rRNA gene analysis showed 99.39% similarity (1476/1485 bp) with S. tigurinus AZ_3a(T) (AORU01000002). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of isolation of S. tigurinus from the oral cavity of a periodontitis patient.

Discrimination between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus mitis based on sorting of their MALDI mass spectra.

Accurate species-level identification of alpha-hemolytic (viridans) streptococci (VGS) is very important for understanding their pathogenicity and virulence. However, an extremely high level of similarity between VGS within the mitis group (S. pneumoniae, S. mitis, S. oralis and S. pseudopneumoniae) often results in misidentification of these organisms. Earlier, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been suggested as a tool for the rapid identification of S. pneumoniae. However, by using Biotyper 3.0 (Bruker) or Vitek MS (bioMérieux) databases, Streptococcus mitis/oralis species can be erroneously identified as S. pneumoniae. ClinProTools 2.1 software was used for the discrimination of MALDI-TOF mass spectra of 25 S. pneumoniae isolates, 34 S. mitis and three S. oralis. Phenotypical tests and multilocus gene typing schemes for the S. pneumoniae (http://spneumoniae.mlst.net/) and viridans streptococci (http://viridans.emlsa.net/) were used for the identification of isolates included in the study. The classifying model was generated based on different algorithms (Genetic Algorithm, Supervised Neural Network and QuickClassifier). In all cases, values of sensitivity and specificity were found to be equal or close to 100%, allowing discrimination of mass spectra of different species. Three peaks (6949, 9876 and 9975 m/z) were determined conferring the maximal statistical weight onto each model built. We find this approach to be promising for viridans streptococci discrimination.

Desnutrición a partir de la valoración global subjetiva generada por el paciente (VGS-GP) en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello / Malnutrition based on the scored-patient-generated subjective global assessment (EGS-GP) in head and neck cancer patients at the national cancer institute

La desnutrición es una complicación frecuente en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello (CyC). La Valoración Global Subjetiva Generada por el Paciente (VGS-GP)es una herramienta validada para valorar el estado nutricional. El objetivo del estudio fuedeterminar la frecuencia de desnutrición según VGS-GP en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (INC) “Prof. Dr. Manuel Riveros” en el periodo 2014-2015.Estudioobservacional descriptivo de corte transversal en el que se estudiaron 81 pacientes mayores de 18 años, de ambos sexos condiagnóstico de cáncer de cabeza y cuello en el periodo 2014 - 2015. El estado nutricional de los pacientes fue valorado mediante la herramienta VGS-GP. La VGS-GP mostró una desnutrición moderada/severa del 64,2% (32,1% categorías B y 32,1%categorías C). El 98% de los pacientes presentó complicaciones secundarias, siendo la disfagia el síntoma más frecuente. Las "categorías B y C" se observaron con mayor frecuencia en pacientes del sexo masculino, de edades avanzadas, en estadiosIII/IV de la neoplasia, así como en pacientes sometidos a cirugía y quimioterapia ycon cáncer en faringe, cavidad oral y esófago proximal. Según la VGS-GPmás de la mitad de los pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello presentaron desnutrición moderada o severa ("categorías B y C").

Malnutrition is a common complication in head and neck cancer patients. Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (EGS-GP) is a validated tool fornutritional evaluation in patients with cancer. To determine the frequency of malnutritionac cording to Scored-Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (EGS-GP) inpatients with head and neck cancer at the National Cancer Institute “Prof. Dr. Manuel Riveros” from 2014-2015. It’s an observational descriptive cross-sectional study with primary data. A total of 81 patients of both sexes, over 18 years old with head and neck cancer were studied using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment during the evaluation period between 2014-2015. Scored-PG-SGA showed moderately/severe lymalnutrition with 64.2% ("class B and C" with 32.1% for each one). A high percentage of the patients display secondary symptoms (98%) and the dysphagia is the most common symptom observed. "Class B and C" were showed with more frequency in male patients, an advanced age, stages III/IV of the neoplasia, as in patients treated with surgery and chemotherapy and in patients with cancer in pharynx, oral cavity and proximal esophagus. According to Scored-Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (EGSGP)more than half of head and neck cancer patients had moderate or severe malnutrition.