Molecular insight into endosulfan degradation by Ese protein from Arthrobacter: Evidence-based structural bioinformatics and quantum mechanical calculations.

Endosulfan is an organochlorine insecticide widely used for agricultural pest control. Many nations worldwide have restricted or completely banned it due to its extreme toxicity to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Arthrobacter sp. strain KW has the ability to degrade α, ß endosulfan and its intermediate metabolite endosulfate; this degradation is associated with Ese protein, a two-component flavin-dependent monooxygenase (TC-FDM). Employing in silico tools, we obtained the 3D model of Ese protein, and our results suggest that it belongs to the Luciferase Like Monooxygenase family (LLM). Docking studies showed that the residues V59, V315, D316, and T335 interact with α-endosulfan. The residues: V59, T60, V315, D316, and T335 are implicated in the interacting site with ß-endosulfan, and the residues: H17, V315, D316, T335, N364, and Q363 participate in the interaction with endosulfate. Topological analysis of the electron density by means of the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) and the Non-Covalent Interaction (NCI) index reveals that the Ese-ligands complexes are formed mainly by dispersive forces, where Cl atoms have a predominant role. As Ese is a monooxygenase member, we predict the homodimer formation. However, enzymatic studies must be developed to investigate the Ese protein's enzymatic and catalytic activity.

Teoría de Rango Medio: Factores personales, ambientales y consumo de alcohol / Middle Range Theory: Personal, environmental factors and alcohol consumption / Teoria do Médio Alcance: Fatores pessoais, ambientais e consumo de álcool

El consumo de alcohol se considera un fenómeno complejo y multifactorial que puede estudiarse a través de diversas posturas teóricas, sin embargo, algunas teorías existentes carecen de sufi-cientes elementos para explorar y comprender dicho fenómeno. Por lo anterior, se propone una Teoría de Rango Medio que aborde los factores personales, ambientales y representaciones so-ciales del consumo de alcohol en jóvenes universitarios a partir de la Teoría Cognitiva Social de Bandura y de la conceptualización de la representación social de Moscovici. Para ello, se utilizó el método de Estructura Conceptual-Teórico-Empírico propuesto por Fawcett, compuesto por cinco pasos. La teoría derivada de este método contribuye en la identificación de un fenómeno específico para la disciplina mediante la determinación de conceptos y su relación con el con-sumo de alcohol en jóvenes universitarios. Además, de la incorporación de las representaciones sociales como elemento innovador para la profundización del fenómeno. Esta propuesta puede ser considerada en futuras investigaciones para ser probada y contribuir significativamente en el desarrollo de conocimiento sobre el consumo de alcohol

Alcohol consumption is considered a complex and multifactorial phenomenon that can be studied through various theoretical positions; however, some existing theories lack sufficient elements to explore and understand this phenomenon. Therefore, a Middle Range Theory is proposed that addresses personal, environmental, and social representations of alcohol consumption in young university students based on Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory and Moscovici's conceptualiza-tion of social representation. For this, the method of Conceptual-Theoretical-Empirical Structure proposed by Fawcett was used, consisting of five steps. The theory derived from this method con-tributes to the identification of a specific phenomenon for the discipline by determining concepts and their relationship with alcohol consumption in young university students. In addition, the incorporation of social representations as an innovative element for the deepening of the phenom-enon. This proposal can be considered in future research to be tested and contribute significantly to the development of knowledge about alcohol consumption

O consumo de álcool é considerado um fenômeno complexo e multifatorial que pode ser estu-dado por meio de vários posicionamentos teóricos, porém, algumas teorias existentes carecem de elementos suficientes para explorar e compreender esse fenômeno. Assim, propõe-se uma Teoria de Médio Alcance que aborda as representações pessoais, ambientais e sociais do consu-mo de álcool em universitários com base na Teoria Social Cognitiva de Bandura e na conceitu-ação de representação social de Moscovici. Para isso, foi utilizado o método da Estrutura Con-ceitual-Teórico-Empírica proposto por Fawcett, composto por cinco etapas. A teoria derivada desse método contribui para a identificação de um fenômeno específico da disciplina ao deter-minar conceitos e sua relação com o consumo de álcool em jovens universitários. Além disso, a incorporação das representações sociais como elemento inovador para o aprofundamento do fenômeno. Essa proposta pode ser considerada em pesquisas futuras a serem testadas e contribuir significativamente para o desenvolvimento do conhecimento sobre o consumo de álcool

An update on Mycobacterium tuberculosis lipoproteins.

Almost 3% of the proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), the main causative agent of human tuberculosis, are lipoproteins. These lipoproteins are characteristic of the mycobacterial cell envelope and participate in many mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis. In this review, the authors provide an updated analysis of M. tuberculosis lipoproteins and categorize them according to their demonstrated or predicted functions, including transport of compounds to and from the cytoplasm, biosynthesis of the mycobacterial cell envelope, defense and resistance mechanisms, enzymatic activities and signaling pathways. In addition, this updated analysis revealed that at least 40% of M. tuberculosis lipoproteins are glycosylated.

[Basic health indicators in the NutrIMSS program: a retrospective study]. / Indicadores básicos de salud en el programa NutrIMSS: estudio retrospectivo.

Background: The NutrIMSS program is granted to populations with chronic conditions to improve basic health indicators and its effectiveness in this population is unknown. Objective: To analyze the change in the basic health indicators of patients who attended the NutrIMSS Program, at the UMF No. 2 of the IMSS in Mexico City, during the period 2018 to 2019. Material and methods: From 105 files of IMSS beneficiaries, a retrospective cohort study was carried out considering two measurements, before and after the NutrIMSS program. To evaluate the average change over time of health indicators, GEE models (Generalized Estimation Equations) and multiple linear regression models were used. Statistical analysis was used using the statistical program StataCorp 2015. Results: Patients who attended the Program showed changes between the beginning and end of the period with an average of three months of follow-up. They presented a decrease in the following health indicators: body weight of 1 kg, body mass index: 0.8 kg/m2, glucose of 13 mg/dL, triglycerides of 57 mg/dL and cholesterol of 17 mg/dL (p < 0.005 in all cases). There was no difference in the level of blood pressure. Conclusions: The NutrIMSS program influenced the improvement of the health indicators of the population of the program and is an ally to improve the health of the IMSS beneficiary population.

Introducción: el programa NutrIMSS se otorga a población con padecimientos crónicos para mejorar los indicadores básicos de salud; sin embargo, se desconoce su efectividad en esta población. Objetivo: analizar el cambio en los indicadores básicos de salud de pacientes que acudieron al programa NutrIMSS, en la UMF No. 2 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) en la Ciudad de México, durante el periodo 2018 a 2019. Material y métodos: a partir de 105 expedientes de derechohabientes del IMSS se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva, considerando dos mediciones, antes y después del programa NutrIMSS. Para evaluar el cambio promedio en el tiempo de los indicadores de salud se utilizaron modelos GEE (Ecuaciones de Estimación Generalizadas) y modelos de regresión lineal múltiple. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa estadístico StataCorp 2015. Resultados: los pacientes que acudieron a NutrIMSS mostraron cambios entre el inicio y el fin del periodo, con un promedio de seguimiento de tres meses. Presentaron una disminución en los siguientes indicadores de salud: peso corporal de 1 kg, índice de masa corporal: 0.8 kg/m2, glucosa de 13 mg/dL, triglicéridos de 57 mg/dL y colesterol de 17 mg/dL (p < 0.005, en todos los casos). No se presentó diferencia en el nivel de la tensión arterial. Conclusiones: el programa NutrIMSS influyó para mejorar los indicadores de salud de la población del programa y es un aliado en la mejora de la salud de la población derechohabiente del IMSS.

In silico design of bio-marker detection fluorescent probes.

Fluorescent probes capable of sensing the biological medium are of utmost importance in medical diagnostics. However, the optical spectrum of such probes needs to be tuned with care for compatibility with living tissues. More specifically, fluorescent bioprobes must be adjusted so as to avoid light interference with pigments (e.g. hemoglobin), tissue photodamage, scattering of the emitted light, and autofluorescence. This leads to two important conditions on the optical spectrum of the probes. On the one hand, the emission wavelength must be in an optical window of 650 to 950 nm. On the other hand, the Stokes shift must be large, ideally greater than 150 nm. In this paper, we showcase the in-silico design of potential fluorescent biomarkers fulfilling these two conditions by means of heteroatomic substitution and conjugation on a 1,2,4-triazole core initially far away from biological standards.

Inoculation with Azospirillum argentinense Az19 improves the yield of maize subjected to water déficit at key stages of plant development / La inoculación con Azospirillum argentinense Az19 mejora el rendimiento del maíz expuesto a déficit hídrico durante estadios clave del desarrollo vegetal

Resumen El déficit hídrico constituye una severa limitación a la productividad agrícola. En el marco de la producción sostenible de cultivos, la biotecnología microbiana está cobrando relevancia para aumentar la tolerancia a la sequía y mejorar el rendimiento de los cultivos en condiciones adversas. El propósito de este trabajo fue comparar la acción de la cepa de Azospirillum argentinense Az19, con tolerancia in vitro a estresores abióticos, con la cepa Az39, utilizada ampliamente para la formulación de inoculantes comerciales, al inocularlas en plantas sometidas a déficit hídrico. Se realizaron ensayos de invernadero y de campo. En invernadero, la cepa Az19 evitó el impacto adverso del déficit hídrico en el estadio V2 sobre el crecimiento del maíz. Además, el porcentaje de plantas con espigas y el peso de la espiga disminuyó significativamente con la restricción hídrica aplicada en V2 y en floración en plantas inoculadas con la cepa Az39, pero no en las inoculadas con Az19. En el primer ensayo de campo con el maíz híbrido comercial DOW DS 515 PW las plantas inoculadas con Az19 fueron las que mejor toleraron la deficiencia hídrica. En el segundo ensayo de campo se utilizaron dos genotipos de maíz con sensibilidad diferencial a la sequía. La inoculación con Az19 condujo a una mayor tolerancia al déficit hídrico, con un efecto detectable en algunos componentes del rendimiento en el genotipo sensible. Sobre la base de estos resultados, proponemos el empleo de A. argentinense Az19 para la formulación de inoculantes basados en Azospirillum especialmente indicados para áreas agroecológicas que experimenten períodos de déficit hídrico.

Physician Perceptions of and Barriers to Pediatric Palliative Care for Children With Cancer in Brazil.

PURPOSE: Early integration of pediatric palliative care (PPC) for children with cancer is critical to improving the quality of life of both the patient and family. Understanding physician perceptions of palliative care and perceived barriers to early integration is necessary to develop PPC in Brazil. METHODS: The Assessing Doctors' Attitudes on Palliative Treatment survey was modified for use in Brazil. The survey was open from January 2022 to June 2022 and distributed to physicians of all specialties from participating institutions who treat children with cancer. Statistical analysis was complemented by qualitative analysis of open-ended responses. RESULTS: A total of 272 respondents participated. Most respondents reported access to PPC experts for consultation (77.2%) and 34.5% indicated previous palliative care training. Physician knowledge of PPC was generally aligned with WHO guidance (median alignment, 93.0%; range, 80.5%-98.2%). However, about half (53.3%) felt comfortable addressing physical needs of patients receiving PPC, 35.3% addressing emotional needs, 25.8% addressing spiritual needs, and 33.5% addressing grief and bereavement needs. Most respondents (65.4%) felt palliative care should be involved from diagnosis, but only 10.3% stated that this occurred in their setting. The most important barriers identified were physician discomfort (89.0%), limited physician knowledge (88.6%), and lack of home-based services (83.8%). CONCLUSION: Despite a strong understanding of the role of palliative care, physicians in Brazil reported low confidence delivering PPC to children with cancer. Additionally, physicians generally believed that PPC should be integrated earlier in the disease trajectory of children with cancer. This work will direct educational and capacity building initiatives to ensure greater access to high-quality PPC for children with cancer in Brazil to address patient and family suffering.

Inoculation with Azospirillum argentinense Az19 improves the yield of maize subjected to water deficit at key stages of plant development.

Water deficit constitutes a severe limitation to agricultural productivity. In the context of sustainable crop production, the potential of microbial biotechnology to increase plant drought tolerance and improve crop yields under adverse conditions is gaining relevance. This work aimed to compare the performance of Azospirillumargentinense strain Az19 to that of strain Az39, the most widely used for commercial inoculants, when inoculated in maize plants exposed to water deficit. For this purpose, greenhouse and field assays were conducted. In the greenhouse experiment, strain Az19 prevented the adverse effect of water deficit at V2 stage on maize growth. Moreover, the percentage of fertile plants and the ear weight decreased significantly under water deficits imposed at V2 and flowering in Az39-inoculated plants but not in Az19-inoculated plants. In the first field trial with the commercial maize hybrid DOW DS 515 PW, Az19-inoculated plants were those which better tolerated the water deficit imposed. In the second field trial, two maize genotypes with differential drought sensitivity (LP 29×LP 2542, sensitive; LP 882 (923)×LP 4703, tolerant) were tested. Higher tolerance to water deficit was detected in plants inoculated with A. argentinense Az19, with a noticeable effect on grain yield components in the sensitive genotype. Based on these results, we propose the use of A. argentinense Az19 for the formulation of more targeted Azospirillum-based inoculants, suitable for agroecological areas subjected to seasonal water deficits.

Aportaciones empíricas a un modelo teórico-práctico de prevención de anorexia y bulimia nerviosas basado en el nivel de riesgo / Empirical contributions a theoretical-practical model for prevention of anorexia y bulimia nervosas based on the risk level

Resumen En la actualidad existe evidencia suficiente de los efectos de los programas de prevención de anorexia y bulimia nerviosas evidencia que se ha documentado mediante trabajos de meta-análisis o revisiones sistematizadas. Particularmente en México, se han evaluado diferentes estrategias de prevención que aportan conocimiento valioso al tema. Por lo anterior, objetivo fue proponer un modelo de prevención de anorexia y bulimia basado en el nivel de riesgo, y sustentarlo mediante aportaciones empíricas. Dichas aportaciones permiten concluir que el modelo teórico-práctico representa una herramienta útil para implementar los programas de prevención, una vez identificado el nivel de riesgo e implementando la categoría adecuada (universal, selectiva e indicada) con el propósito de eliminar o disminuir los factores de riesgo o sintomatología asociada a imagen corporal y conductas alimentarias de riesgo. Así también, se puede disminuir el efecto iatrogénico asociado a estos programas. Finalmente se concluye que es la prevención selectiva la que presenta los mejores resultados.

Abstract Nowdays, there's enough evidence of the effects of Eating Disorders Prevention Programs, evidence that has been documented through meta-analysis or systematic reviews. Particularly in Mexico, different prevention strategies that provide valuable knowledge to the subject has been evaluated. Therefore, the objective was it propose a model of anorexia y bulimia prevention based on the level of risk, sustain it through empirical contributions. These contributions, allows to conclude that the theorical-practical model represents a helpful tool to implement prevention programs, at once the leve lof risk is identified and implementing the appropiate category (selective,universal and indicated) with the purpose of eliminating or decrease the risk factors or symptomatology related with body image and risky eating behaviors. Also the iatrogenic effects associated with these programs can be reduced. Finally, it is concluded that is selective prevention that presents the best results.

E6C15 (E = Si-Pb): polycyclic aromatic compounds with three planar tetracoordinate carbons.

A systematic exploration of the potential energy surface reveals two global minima with three planar tetra coordinate carbons (ptCs) and two global minima with three quasi-ptCs for E6C15 (E = Si-Pb) combinations. These consist of aromatic polycyclic templates suitable for further design of different materials without hindering the ptC texture.

Genome-based reclassification of Azospirillum brasilense Az39 as the type strain of Azospirillum argentinense sp. nov.

Strain Az39T of Azospirillum is a diazotrophic plant growth-promoting bacterium isolated in 1982 from the roots of wheat plants growing in Marcos Juárez, Córdoba, Argentina. It produces indole-3-acetic acid in the presence of l-tryptophan as a precursor, grows at 20-38 °C (optimal 38 °C), and the cells are curved or spiral-shaped, with diameters ranging from 0.5-0.9 to 1.8-2.2 µm. They contain C16 : 0, C18 : 0 and C18 : 1 ω7c/ω6c as the main fatty acids. Phylogenetic analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence confirmed that this strain belongs to the genus Azospirillum, showing a close relationship with Azospirillum baldaniorum Sp245T, Azospirillum brasilense Sp7T and Azospirillum formosense CC-Nfb-7T. Housekeeping gene analysis revealed that Az39T, together with five strains of the genus (Az19, REC3, BR 11975, MTCC4035 and MTCC4036), form a cluster apart from A. baldaniorum Sp245T, A. brasilense Sp7T and A. formosense CC-Nfb-7T. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) between Az39T and the aforementioned type strains revealed values below 96 %, the circumscription limit for the species delineation (ANI: 95.3, 94.1 and 94.0 %; dDDH: 62.9, 56.3 and 55.6 %). Furthermore, a phylogeny evaluation of the core proteome, including 809 common shared proteins, showed an independent grouping of Az39T, Az19, REC3, BR 11975, MTCC4035 and MTCC4036. The G+C content in the genomic DNA of these six strains varied from 68.3 to 68.5 %. Based on the combined phylogenetic, genomic and phenotypic characterization presented here, we consider that strain Az39T, along with strains Az19, REC3, BR 11975, MTCC4035 and MTCC4036, are members of a new Azospirillum species, for which the name Azospirillum argentinense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Az39T (=LBPCV39T=BR 148428T=CCCT 22.01T).

The drop plate method as an alternative for Azospirillum spp viable cell enumeration within the consensus protocol of the REDCAI network

Abstract Quality evaluation of commercial inoculants is essential to warrant an adequate cropresponse to inoculation within a biosecurity framework. In this sense, this work is aimed at standardizing and validating the drop plate method for the enumeration of Azospirillum viable cellsas an alternative to the spread plate technique, which is currently proposed in the consensusprotocol of the REDCAI network. Between 14 and 25 private and public laboratories partici-pated in three independent trials. We obtained consistent and robust results that allowed toconfirm that both techniques are equivalent, concluding that the drop plate method is an alternative enumeration technique that is adequate to be included in the abovementioned consensusprotocol.

Resumen La evaluación de la calidad de los inoculantes comerciales es fundamental para garantizar una adecuada respuesta de los cultivos a la inoculación dentro de un marco de bioseguridad. En este sentido, el objetivo de este trabajo fue la estandarización y validación de la técnica de la microgota para la cuantificación de Azospirillum como metodología alternativa a la técnica de siembra en superficie, propuesta actualmente en el protocolo consenso de la Red de Calidad de Inoculantes, REDCAI. Entre 14 y 25 laboratorios, tanto privados como públicos, participaron de tres ensayos independientes. A partir de ellos se obtuvieron resultados reproducibles y robustos que permiten confirmar que ambas técnicas son equivalentes y concluir que la técnica de recuento por la microgota es una alternativa adecuada para ser incluida dentro del mencionado protocolo consenso.

Campylobacter fetus releases S-layered and immunoreactive outer membrane vesicles

Abstract The study of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) became relevant because of theirprobable important role in the transfer of virulence factors to host cells. Campylobacter fetusis mainly a mammal pathogen whose virulence characterization is still limited. The aim of thisstudy was to evaluate and to characterize the secretion of OMVs in this bacterium. By trans-mission electron microscopy, we confirmed the production of OMVs in all the strains assayed.Purified OMVs showed a spherical shape and variable size, although comparable to those ofother gram-negative bacteria. We also confirmed the presence of the S-layer on the surface ofthe OMVs of all the strains assayed with the exception of those derived from the NTCC referencestrain. In addition, we demonstrated their immunoreactivity by the dot-blot assay. Hence, C.fetus OMVs could contribute to the modulation of the host response and constitute a candidateto be evaluated as an adjuvant of current vaccines used in the veterinary field. This work rep-resents a platform to drive future studies towards the role of these subcellular structures in C.fetus-host interaction.

Resumen El estudio de las vesículas de membrana externa (VME) tomó un rol protagónico, yaque se las ha relacionado con la transferencia de factores de virulencia a la célula hospedadora.Campylobacter fetus es, principalmente, un patógeno de mamíferos cuya virulencia solo hasido caracterizada de forma limitada. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar y caracterizar la secreción de VME en esta bacteria. Mediante microscopía electrónica de transmisión confir-mamos la producción espontánea de VME en todas las cepas estudiadas. Las VME purificadasmostraron una morfología esférica y un tama˜no variable, pero compatible con el reporte deotras bacterias gram negativas. Asimismo, hemos demostrado que estas vesículas conservanla capa S en todas las cepas, menos en la cepa de referencia NCTC y hemos confirmado suinmunorreactividad por dot-blot inmunoblot. Estas VME de C. fetus podrían contribuir a la mod-ulación de la respuesta del hospedador y constituir un buen candidato como adyuvante de lasactuales vacunas empleadas en el campo veterinario. Este trabajo representa una plataformapara impulsar estudios futuros en torno al rol de estas estructuras subcelulares en la interfaseC. fetus-hospedador.

Características socioantropológicas y de salud de un asentamiento urbano desde la perspectiva de enfermería

RESUMEN Introducción: Se realizó una investigación de desarrollo tecnológico en el período 2019-2020 en Previsora, comunidad urbana, de Camagüey. Su ejecución fue liderada por investigadores y profesionales de enfermería comunitaria. El objetivo del presente trabajo está dirigido a caracterizar la comunidad desde la perspectiva histórico social y de salud para la identificación de las necesidades de aprendizaje de los profesionales de enfermería comunitaria. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio etnográfico como método de recopilación descriptivo de datos a partir de la combinación de técnicas y fuentes; de ellas se especifica: grupos focales, entrevista a profundidad, entrevista estructurada abierta y la observación participante y dentro del método cuantitativo: entrevista estructurada cerrada; así como los elementos más significativos del Análisis de la Situación de salud. Se realizó una triangulación teórica y metodológica de técnicas, instrumentos y fuentes en correspondencia con la metodología cualitativa y cuantitativa, según el momento de la investigación. Resultados: Se evidenció falta de sentido de pertenencia de los pobladores, indisciplinas sociales que perjudican la comunidad y su salud, deterioro de las relaciones interpersonales, sistema eco cultural deficiente y se identificó la necesidad de emprender otras acciones comunitarias que inciten el cambio y modifiquen el cuadro de salud comunitaria. Discusión: Los resultados que se exhiben coinciden con los de investigaciones desarrolladas por prestigiosos profesionales de las ciencias sociales y humanísticas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: A technological développent investigation was carried out in the period 2019-2020 in Previsora, an urban community, in Camagüey. Its execution was led by researchers and community nursing professionals. The objective of this work is aimed at characterizing the community from a historical, social and health perspective in order to identify the learning needs of community nursing professionals. Methods: An ethnographic study was carried out as a method of descriptive data collection from the combination of techniques and sources; of them are specified: focus groups, in-depth interview, open structured interview and participant observation and within the quantitative method: closed structured interview; as well as the most significant elements of the Health Situation Analysis. A theoretical and methodological triangulation of techniques, instruments and sources was carried out in correspondence with the qualitative and quantitative methodology, according to the moment of the investigation. Results: Lack of sense of belonging of the inhabitants was evidenced, social indiscipline that harms the community and its health, deterioration of interpersonal relationships, deficient eco-cultural system and it was identified the need to undertake other community actions that incite change the environment and modify the community health chart. Discussion: The results that are exhibited coincide with those of research carried out by prestigious professionals in the social and humanistic sciences.

COVID-19 in HSCT recipients: a collaborative study of the Brazilian Society of Marrow Transplantation (SBTMO).

In the COVID-19 scenario, patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) infected with SARS-CoV-2 may have an increased risk of death. Through a national multicenter study, we aimed to describe the impact of COVID-19 on the survival of HSCT recipients in Brazil. Eighty-six patients with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 (92% by RT-PCR) were included. There were 24 children and 62 adults receiving an autologous (n = 25) and allogeneic (n = 61) HSCT for malignant (n = 72) and non-malignant (n = 14) disorders. Twenty-six patients died, (10 on autologous (38%) and 16 patients (62%) on allogeneic group). The estimated overall survival (OS) at day 40 was 69%. Adults had decreased OS compared to children (66% vs 79%, p = 0.03). The severity of symptoms at the time of diagnosis, ECOG score, laboratory tests (C-reactive protein, urea values) were higher in patients who died (p < 0.05). In conclusion, HSCT recipients infected with SARS-CoV-2 have a high mortality rate mainly in adults and patients with critical initial COVID-19 presentation. These findings show the fragility of HSCT recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, the importance of adherence to preventive measures is evident, in addition to prioritizing the vaccination of family members and the HSCT team.

The drop plate method as an alternative for Azospirillum spp. viable cell enumeration within the consensus protocol of the REDCAI network.

Quality evaluation of commercial inoculants is essential to warrant an adequate crop response to inoculation within a biosecurity framework. In this sense, this work is aimed at standardizing and validating the drop plate method for the enumeration of Azospirillum viable cells as an alternative to the spread plate technique, which is currently proposed in the consensus protocol of the REDCAI network. Between 14 and 25 private and public laboratories participated in three independent trials. We obtained consistent and robust results that allowed to confirm that both techniques are equivalent, concluding that the drop plate method is an alternative enumeration technique that is adequate to be included in the abovementioned consensus protocol.

Campylobacter fetus releases S-layered and immunoreactive outer membrane vesicles.

The study of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) became relevant because of their probable important role in the transfer of virulence factors to host cells. Campylobacter fetus is mainly a mammal pathogen whose virulence characterization is still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate and to characterize the secretion of OMVs in this bacterium. By transmission electron microscopy, we confirmed the production of OMVs in all the strains assayed. Purified OMVs showed a spherical shape and variable size, although comparable to those of other gram-negative bacteria. We also confirmed the presence of the S-layer on the surface of the OMVs of all the strains assayed with the exception of those derived from the NTCC reference strain. In addition, we demonstrated their immunoreactivity by the dot-blot assay. Hence, C. fetus OMVs could contribute to the modulation of the host response and constitute a candidate to be evaluated as an adjuvant of current vaccines used in the veterinary field. This work represents a platform to drive future studies towards the role of these subcellular structures in C. fetus-host interaction.