Draft genomes of two phylotype I and II Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) isolates causing bacterial wilt in tomato plants from Costa Rica.

Bacteria from RSSC hold agricultural significance as they are the causal agents of bacterial wilt. Here, we report the draft genomes of two bacteria extracted from vascular tissues of infected tomato plants. Isolate RALF-MA was classified as Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum (phylotype I) and RALSA-MA as Ralstonia solanacearum (phylotype II).

Silage quality and bacterial diversity of silages inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714

Introduction: King grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone, syn. Pennisetum purpuphoides) and pineapple peel (Ananas comosus) silages are food alternatives for livestock in conditions of feed shortage. Objective: To describe the dynamics of the microbiota present in king grass and pineapple silage during the fermentation process using next generation sequencing (NGS) and to evaluate the protective effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714 as a silage inoculum against Listeria monocytogenes. Methods: We used an unrestricted randomized design to characterize the microbiota present in silages made from king grass harvested 70 days after regrowth and pineapple peel. We inoculated mixtures of grass and peel with L. paracasei_6714 or L. monocytogenes, or both, with a non-inoculated treatment as control. The nutritional and fermentative profile was evaluated after 30 days. After 15 and 30 days of fermentation, we used 16S rRNA analysis to determine the dynamics and diversity of the microbiota in the inoculated and control silages. Result: Dry matter content and digestibility did not differ significantly; however, there were differences in crude protein, pH and organic acids. We obtained 4432 amplicon sequence variants of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacterioidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes and Patescibacteria. The relative abundance of each phylum varied depending on the material and fermentation period. Phylum similarity was over 70 % (but not greater than 50 % with Bray-Curtis at the species level). Conclusion: These bacterial communities seem to have an important role during silage fermentation. Proper management of silage processing can reduce or eliminate pathogenic bacteria.

Introducción: Los ensilajes del pasto king grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone, syn. Pennisetum purpuphoides) y cáscaras de piña (Ananas comosus) son alternativas de alimento para ganado en condiciones de escasez alimentaria. Objetivo: Describir las dinámicas de la microbiota presente en los ensilajes de king grass y piña durante el proceso de fermentación usando secuenciación de próxima generación (NGS) y evaluar el efecto de protección de Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714 como inoculante de ensilaje ante Listeria monocytogenes. Métodos: Usamos un diseño aleatorio no restringido para caracterizar la microbiota presente en ensilajes de king Grass cosechados 70 días después de rebrote y de cáscaras de piña. Inoculamos mezclas de pasto y cáscara con L. paracasei_6714 o L. monocytogenes, o ambos, con un tratamiento control sin inocular. El perfil nutricional y de fermentación fue evaluado luego de 30 días. Después de 15 y 30 días de fermentación, usamos un análisis de para determinar la dinámicas y diversidad de la microbiota en los ensilajes inoculados y control. Resultados: Los contenidos de materia seca y digestibilidad, no difirieron significativamente; sin embargo, hubo diferencias en proteína cruda, pH y ácidos orgánicos. Obtuvimos 4 432 secuencias variantes de amplicon de Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacterioidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes y de Patescibacteria. La abundancia relativa de cada filo vario dependiendo del material y periodo de fermentación. Similitudes de filo fueron mayores al 70 % (pero no mayor que 50 % con Bray-Curtis a nivel de especie). Conclusión: Estas comunidades bacterianas parecen cumplir un papel importante durante la fermentación del ensilaje. Un manejo apropiado del proceso de ensilaje puede reducir o eliminar baterías patogénicas.

Deep-Sea asteroids (Echinodermata; Asteroidea) from the Galician Bank (North Atlantic Ocean).

The Galician Bank (GB) is a seamount located 180 km away from the Galician coast (Northwest Spain), in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. The summit occurs at a depth between 650 and 1500 m with the maximum depth reaching 4000 m (the abyssal bottom). The water masses, twists, eddies, and geomorphology favour the retention of nutrients and larvae, thus, being an area rich in nutrients. It is a hotspot of biodiversity and an important place for benthic communities. This study aims to inventory and review the asteroid fauna collected during the LIFE+INDEMARES project in GB, compare the new findings with previous studies Official Spanish Checklist (IEEM: "Inventario Español de Especies Marinas", Manjón-Cabeza et al. 2017, 2020) and update our knowledge of the diversity and distribution of known species. In this study a total of 272 asteroid specimens belonging to 19 species were found at 45 stations in depths between 765-1764 m, as part of the LIFE+INDEMARES-Galician Bank (2010-2011) surveys. The most frequently encountered species were Plinthaster dentatus (Perrier, 1884), Peltaster placenta (Müller & Troschel, 1842) and Henricia caudani (Koehler, 1895). Circeaster americanus (A.H. Clark, 1916) and Hymenaster giboryi (Perrier, 1894) are new observations from this area. For several species, including Henricia caudani, Pedicellaster typicus M. Sars, 1861, Podosphaeraster thalassae Cherbonnier, 1970 and Hymenaster giboryi known bathymetric range has been extended.

To Lead, or to Follow? How Self-Uncertainty and the Dark Triad of Personality Influence Leadership Motivation.

Under uncertainty, leaders who possess dark triad personality traits seem able to attain leadership positions. We draw on uncertainty-identity theory and dark triad research to explore the effect of self-uncertainty on leadership motivation. Uncertainty-identity theory predicts that people can reduce self-uncertainty by identifying with groups and following their leaders, which suggests that self-uncertainty reduces people's own leadership motivation. However, individuals high in dark triad traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) have such a powerful drive for dominance over others that their leadership motivation may be unaffected by self-uncertainty. To test these predictions, we conducted four studies (Ns = 2,641, 421, 513, and 400). We found that self-uncertainty reduced leadership motivation for individuals low in the dark triad. In contrast, those high in the dark triad had an elevated leadership motivation that remained unaltered when they were self-uncertain. These effects were mediated by participants' negative affect. We discuss the implications of these findings.

First insights into the prokaryotic community structure of Lake Cote, Costa Rica: Influence on nutrient cycling.

Prokaryotic diversity in lakes has been studied for many years mainly focusing on community structure and how the bacterial assemblages are driven by physicochemical conditions such as temperature, oxygen, and nutrients. However, little is known about how the composition and function of the prokaryotic community changes upon lake stratification. To elucidate this, we studied Lake Cote in Costa Rica determining prokaryotic diversity and community structure in conjunction with physicochemistry along vertical gradients during stratification and mixing periods. Of the parameters measured, ammonium, oxygen, and temperature, in that order, were the main determinants driving the variability in the prokaryotic community structure of the lake. Distinct stratification of Lake Cote occurred (March 2018) and the community diversity was compared to a period of complete mixing (March 2019). The microbial community analysis indicated that stratification significantly altered the bacterial composition in the epi-meta- and hypolimnion. During stratification, the Deltaproteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes, Nitrospirae, and Euryarchaeota were dominant in the hypolimnion yet largely absent in surface layers. Among these taxa, strict or facultative anaerobic bacteria were likely contributing to the lake nitrogen biogeochemical cycling, consistent with measurements of inorganic nitrogen measurements and microbial functional abundance predictions. In general, during both sampling events, a higher abundance of Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria was found in the oxygenated layers. Lake Cote had a unique bacterial diversity, with 80% of Amplicon Sequence Variant (ASV) recovered similar to unclassified/uncultured strains and exhibits archetypal shallow lake physicochemical but not microbial fluctuations worthy of further investigation. This study provides an example of lake hydrodynamics impacts to microbial community and their function in Central American lakes with implications for other shallow, upland, and oligotrophic lake systems.

Novel Cyanobacterial Diversity Found in Costa Rican Thermal Springs Associated with Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles Volcanoes: A Polyphasic Approach.

Central America is one of the most important biodiversity hot spots in the world, and Costa Rican microbial communities from thermal springs are the best characterized in the isthmus. Miravalles is an inactive quaternary stratovolcano, and the Rincón de la Vieja is a unique active volcano, in whose slopes diverse hydrothermal springs, such as Las Lilas, are located. These springs harbor extensive microbial mats, whose diversity has been studied. Based on their importance as primary producers, in this study we focused on cultured cyanobacterial diversity from two geothermal environments of northern Costa Rica. Several cultural, molecular and taxonomic techniques were employed to maximize the results of a polyphasic approach. Sample collection sites were physicochemically described, and strains were isolated and characterized by light and electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequences and amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA). Fifty-six phylotypes were isolated and classified into 21 morphotypes and identified in 14 genera, some of them might be new species within these genera. Furthermore, according to phylogenetic analysis, there are three possible new genera in our collection. Miravalles and Las Lilas thermal springs are reservoirs of novel phylogeographic lineages of phototrophic microorganisms. This study is the first report of strains that belong to the genera Gloeocapsa, Stanieria, Microseira, Klisinema and Oculatella isolated from thermal springs and growing at temperatures above 50°C. We also obtained isolates assigned to Synechococcus, Leptolyngbya spp., and Fischerella, which are considered typical strains in these environments.

Técnicas moleculares integradas a la vigilancia entomológica de vectores de la enfermedad de Chagas: Estudio del vector secundario Triatoma sordida en la Región Oriental del Paraguay / Molecular techniques integrated to the entomological surveillance of Chagas disease vectors: Study of the secondary vector Triatoma sordida in the Eastern Region of Paraguay

Las técnicas moleculares para la detección de infección natural y fuente de alimentación en vectores secundarios de la enfermedad de Chagas cuando son aplicadas a ejemplares capturados en áreas endémicas, históricamente ocupadas por Triatoma infestans, proporcionan a las investigaciones epidemiológicas respuestas más exactas con relación a la transmisibilidad de la enfermedad. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo emplear biomarcadores moleculares para evaluar el impacto de la infestación intra y peridomicilar de Triatoma sordida en viviendas bajo vigilancia entomológica de departamentos de la Región Oriental del Paraguay en el período 2007 al 2015. Un total de 559 ejemplares de T. sordida capturados en 253, 91 y 52 viviendas de los departamentos Paraguarí, San Pedro y Cordillera, respectivamente fueron analizados. La infestación detectada fue del 24% al 48% así como una elevada colonización intradomiciliar del 5% al 36% en los tres departamentos. La detección molecular de infección natural osciló entre el 14% y 44%; y en 111 ejemplares se determinó la fuente de alimentación. El marcador molecular citocromo b permitió demostrar por vez primera un elevado porcentaje de triatominos con sangre humana como fuente de alimentación, principalmente en Cordillera con un 82% (28/34 T. sordida capturados). Estos hallazgos dejan en evidencia el avance del T. sordida en la ocupación del nicho ecológico de T. cruzi y la capacidad de esta especie secundaria como vector en la transmisión de T. cruzi en comunidades de la Región Oriental

When molecular techniques for the detection of natural infection and blood meal source in secondary vectors of Chagas disease are applied to specimens captured in endemic areas, historically occupied by Triatoma infestans, provide more accurate answers to questions about transmissibility of the illness and further contribute to the epidemiological studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intra and peridomiciliary infestation of Triatoma sordida in households from the departments of the Eastern Region of Paraguay, under entomological surveillance during the period 2007 to 2015, by using the molecular biomarkers technology. A total of 559 specimens of T. sordida captured in 253, 91 and 52 households from Paraguarí, San Pedro and Cordillera departments, respectively, were analyzed. The infestation detected was from 24% to 48% as well as a high intradomicialiary colonization from 5% to 36% in the three departments. The molecular detection of natural infections ranged from 14% to 44% and in 111 specimens the meal source was identified. The molecular marker cytochrome b allowed to demonstrate, for the first time, high frequency of triatomines with human blood as a food source, mainly in Cordillera as it was determined in 82% (28/34) of the T. sordida captured. These findings demonstrate a progress of T. sordida into the ecological niche of T. cruzi and the abillity of this secondary species as a vector of the transmission of T. cruzi in communities from the Eastern Region of Paraguay

Diagnosis of pre-sarcopenia from a single selectional crosscut at C3 region, using CT scans before radiotherapy / Diagnóstico de pre-sarcopenia mediante un único corte axial en C3 utilizando el TC de planificación de radioterapia

Purpose: the main purpose of this study was to diagnose pre-sarcopenia in cancer patients who had lack of computed tomography (CT) abdominal images, with a newly discovered method based on cervical images. Material and methods: a sample of 37 patients with either lung cancer or a cancer that affected the upper digestive system underwent radiotherapy computed simulation which included measurements at C3 and L3 regions. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were determined by Hounsfield units and compared in both regions. Pre-sarcopenia was identified according to the cut-points currently established: ≤ 41 cm2/m2 in females, ≤ 43 cm2/m2 in males with a BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2, and ≤ 53 cm2/m2 in males with a BMI > 25 kg/m2. Results: the correlation of SMM and SMI between the C3 and L3 regions was R2 = 0.876 and R2 = 0.805, respectively. Moreover, there was a positive association (86.49%) in terms of the diagnosis of pre-sarcopenia according to both regions. In total, eleven pre-sarcopenic patients (29.37%) were identified; three of them being overweight (27.27%) and two of them being obese (18.18%). Conclusion: a single sectional cross at the level of C3 can be used for the diagnosis of pre-sarcopenia. This new method avoids unnecessary irradiation, saves hospital costs and detects malnutrition before starting radiotherapy treatment in cancer patients who have lack of CT abdominal imaging

Propósito: el propósito de este estudio fue diagnosticar la presarcopenia en pacientes con cáncer que no disponen de imágenes por tomografía computarizada (TC) a nivel abdominal mediante un método novedoso basado en cortes a nivel cervical. Material y métodos: se analizaron y se compararon mediante unidades la masa muscular y la masa muscular esquelética en 37 pacientes con cáncer de pulmón y neoplasias del aparato digestivo superior que incluían cortes en la TC de planificación a nivel de C3 y L3. La presarcopenia se identificó de acuerdo con los puntos de corte establecidos actualmente: ≤ 41 cm2/m2 para mujeres, ≤ 43 cm2/m2 en hombres con un IMC ≤ 25 kg/m2 y ≤ 53 cm2/m2 en hombres con IMC > 25 kg/m2. Resultados: la correlación de la masa muscular y el índice musculoesquelético entre las regiones C3 y L3 fue R2 = 0.876 y R2 = 0.805, respectivamente. Además, hubo una asociación positiva (86,49%) en términos del diagnóstico de presarcopenia según ambas regiones. En total, se identificaron once pacientes con presarcopenia (29,37%); tres de ellos con sobrepeso (27,27%) y dos con obesidad (18,18%). Conclusión: un solo corte transversal a nivel de la vértebra C3 puede diagnosticar la presarcopenia. Este nuevo método evita la irradiación innecesaria, ahorra costos hospitalarios y detecta la desnutrición antes de iniciar el tratamiento de radioterapia en pacientes con cáncer que no disponen de imágenes a nivel abdominal

Diagnosis of pre-sarcopenia from a single selectional crosscut at C3 region, using CT scans before radiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Purpose: the main purpose of this study was to diagnose pre-sarcopenia in cancer patients who had lack of computed tomography (CT) abdominal images, with a newly discovered method based on cervical images. Material and methods: a sample of 37 patients with either lung cancer or a cancer that affected the upper digestive system underwent radiotherapy computed simulation which included measurements at C3 and L3 regions. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were determined by Hounsfield units and compared in both regions. Pre-sarcopenia was identified according to the cut-points currently established: ≤ 41 cm2/m2 in females, ≤ 43 cm2/m2 in males with a BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2, and ≤ 53 cm2/m2 in males with a BMI > 25 kg/m2. Results: the correlation of SMM and SMI between the C3 and L3 regions was R2 = 0.876 and R2 = 0.805, respectively. Moreover, there was a positive association (86.49%) in terms of the diagnosis of pre-sarcopenia according to both regions. In total, eleven pre-sarcopenic patients (29.37%) were identified; three of them being overweight (27.27%) and two of them being obese (18.18%). Conclusion: a single sectional cross at the level of C3 can be used for the diagnosis of pre-sarcopenia. This new method avoids unnecessary irradiation, saves hospital costs and detects malnutrition before starting radiotherapy treatment in cancer patients who have lack of CT abdominal imaging.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Propósito: el propósito de este estudio fue diagnosticar la presarcopenia en pacientes con cáncer que no disponen de imágenes por tomografía computarizada (TC) a nivel abdominal mediante un método novedoso basado en cortes a nivel cervical. Material y métodos: se analizaron y se compararon mediante unidades la masa muscular y la masa muscular esquelética en 37 pacientes con cáncer de pulmón y neoplasias del aparato digestivo superior que incluían cortes en la TC de planificación a nivel de C3 y L3. La presarcopenia se identificó de acuerdo con los puntos de corte establecidos actualmente: ≤ 41 cm2/m2 para mujeres, ≤ 43 cm2/m2 en hombres con un IMC ≤ 25 kg/m2 y ≤ 53 cm2/m2 en hombres con IMC > 25 kg/m2. Resultados: la correlación de la masa muscular y el índice musculoesquelético entre las regiones C3 y L3 fue R2 = 0.876 y R2 = 0.805, respectivamente. Además, hubo una asociación positiva (86,49%) en términos del diagnóstico de presarcopenia según ambas regiones. En total, se identificaron once pacientes con presarcopenia (29,37%); tres de ellos con sobrepeso (27,27%) y dos con obesidad (18,18%). Conclusión: un solo corte transversal a nivel de la vértebra C3 puede diagnosticar la presarcopenia. Este nuevo método evita la irradiación innecesaria, ahorra costos hospitalarios y detecta la desnutrición antes de iniciar el tratamiento de radioterapia en pacientes con cáncer que no disponen de imágenes a nivel abdominal.

Tolerance and sorption of Bromacil and Paraquat by thermophilic cyanobacteria Leptolyngbya 7M from Costa Rican thermal springs.

We studied the adsorption ability and tolerance of the thermophilic filamentous cyanobacteria Letolyngbya 7M towards Paraquat and Bromacil. Adsorption isotherms at pH = 7.0 showed an adsorption capacity of 24.4 mg/g and 66.8 mg/g, respectively, and a good fit to the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.97 and 0.99, respectively). To evaluate the effect of both herbicides on photosynthetic pigments and viability of cyanobacteria, cell autoflorescence and esterase activity was determined using flow cytometry. Autofluorescence was less sensitive to changes in cell viability, as it was only slightly reduced at high Paraquat and Bromacil concentrations. Herbicide effect on esterase activity is dose-dependent. Bromacil did not cause a significant effect on either chlorophyll a content or cell viability. This study demonstrates the potential of Leptolyngbya 7M to remove Paraquat and Bromacil herbicides from aqueous solution under laboratory conditions.

The influence of temperature and pH on bacterial community composition of microbial mats in hot springs from Costa Rica.

We used the 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing approach to investigate the microbial diversity and community composition in several Costa Rican hot springs alongside the latitudinal axis of the country, with a range of temperatures (37-63°C), pH (6-7.5) and other geochemical conditions. A principal component analyses of the physicochemical parameters showed the samples were separated into three geochemically distinct habitats associated with the location (North, Central, and South). Cyanobacteria and Chloroflexi comprised 93% of the classified community, the former being the most abundant phylum in all samples except for Rocas Calientes 1, (63°C, pH 6), where Chloroflexi and Deinococcus-Thermus represented 84% of the OTUs. Chloroflexi were more abundant as temperature increased. Proteobacteria, Bacteriodetes and Deinococcus-Thermus comprised 5% of the OTUs represented. Other Phyla were present in very small percentages (<1%). A LINKTREE analysis showed that the community structure of the mats was shaped primarily by pH, separating samples with pH > 6.6 from samples with pH < 6.4. Thus, both pH and temperature were relevant for community composition even within the moderate ranges of variables studied. These results provide a basis for an understanding of the physicochemical influences in moderately thermophilic microbial mats.

Fuente de alimentación de ejemplares de Triatoma sordida en un área con alto riesgo de domiciliación en el Chaco Paraguayo / Blood meal source of specimens of Triatoma sordida in an area with high risk of domiciliation in the Paraguayan Chaco

En el presente estudio evaluamos indicadores entomológicos (índices de infección, colonización e infección natural) de ejemplares de Triatoma sordida capturados en el intra y peridomicilio de viviendas del Chaco Paraguayo en el período 2014 al 2016. El objetivo fue comparar con los hallazgos previamente reportados en el periodo 2010 al 2013 en la misma región. Además se ha incorporado la detección de fuente de alimentación como complemento para definir el riesgo de domiciliación de este vector secundario. Se aplicaron técnicas moleculares asociados a indicadores entomológicos y epidemiológicos a 220 ejemplares de T. sordida capturados en 67 viviendas de 24 localidades del Chaco. Se detectó infestación y colonización por T. sordida en el intradomicilio 13/67 (19%) y 5/13 (38%) y en el peridomicilio 54/67 (81%) y 43/54 (80%), respectivamente. Se detectó infección con T. cruzi en un 17,3% de los ejemplares analizados. La fuente de alimentación pudo detectarse en tan solo 13 de 220 ejemplares (6%), todos resultaron positivos para sangre de gallina y correspondían a captura en el peridomicilio. El índice de infestación intradomiciliar fue del 19%, superior al de años anteriores y similar a las zonas históricamente endémicas de la Región Occidental (18%-20%). El riesgo de transmisión intradomiciliar sigue siendo elevado porque en 3 de 5 viviendas con ninfas de T. sordida, los ejemplares estaban infectados con T. cruzi. Los indicadores entomológicos obtenidos en el presente estudio concuerdan con resultados previos de nuestro equipo, y confirman la capacidad vectorial de este triatomino secundario en la transmisión de la enfermedad de Chagas(AU)

Mejora del sueño en deportistas: uso de suplementos nutricionales / Sleep improvement in athletes: use of nutritional supplements

El sueño es el estado de reposo físico y mental fundamental en la recuperación del sistema biológico, regulando mecanismos claves y ejerciendo su papel en la homeostasis metabólica. Las recomendaciones lo sitúan en torno a las 8 horas/noche, considerándose que una persona sufre restricción del mismo con tiempos inferiores a 6 horas durante 4 o más noches consecutivas. Éste se ve afectado por diferentes factores ambientales de forma negativa lo que conlleva efectos perjudiciales para la esperanza y la calidad de vida. En el ámbito deportivo, el rendimiento es el factor clave para el éxito en la competición. El sueño es pieza clave en el entrenamiento invisible, jugando un papel fundamental en el rendimiento. Está comprobado que la falta de descanso es desencadenante de una menor capacidad física y de la aparición de trastornos anímicos que dificultan la toma de decisiones. Por ello existen un gran número de investigaciones centradas en estudiar cómo mejorar la calidad y la cantidad del sueño de los atletas a partir de una correcta programación de los entrenamientos y/o una nutrición adecuada, y así minimizar la interferencia o mejorar la fase de conciliación del sueño. La conciliación del sueño, las alteraciones de este los días previos a la competición, el horario de entrenamiento, el estilo de vida del deportista y su influencia en el mismo, la alimentación y la suplementación son los principales temas tratados en esta revisión sobre el sueño en deportistas. Es necesario un mayor número de estudios y un mayor nivel de evidencia para poder conocer y usar las diferentes estrategias que mejoren la calidad del sueño en deportistas

Sleep is the physical and mental resting state which is fundamental for recovery of the biological system, regulating key mechanisms and metabolic homeostasis. It is recommended to sleep around 8 hours/night, and sleep restriction is considered when a person sleeps less than 6 hours during 4 or more consecutive nights. Some environmental factors adversely a ecting sleep will reduce quality of life and may increase mortality risk. Sports performance is obviously a key factor that needs to be successful in a competition period. It is well known that insucient rest reduces physical tness and favors the onset of mood disorders. For that reason, multiple lines of research are focused on nding the best way to improve the quality and quantity of sleep in athletes. It has been found that both nutrition and good training periodization are important to improve the rest and sleep of athletes. To get to sleep and its disruption in the previous days to competition, hour of training, athletes’ lifestyle and its impact, nutrition and supplementation, are the key topics addressed in this review about sleep in athletes. There is an urgent need of more research to understand and use diferent strategies, including nutritional supplements, in improving sleep in athletes

Design and Evaluation Process of a Personal and Motive-Based Competencies Questionnaire in Spanish-Speaking Contexts.

Most questionnaires used for managerial purposes have been developed in Anglo-Saxon countries and then adapted for other cultures. However, this process is controversial. This paper fills the gap for more culturally sensitive assessment instruments in the specific field of human resources while also addressing the methodological issues that scientists and practitioners face in the development of questionnaires. First, we present the development process of a Personal and Motive-based competencies questionnaire targeted to Spanish-speaking countries. Second, we address the validation process by guiding the reader through testing the questionnaire construct validity. We performed two studies: a first study with 274 experts and practitioners of competency development and a definitive study with 482 members of the general public. Our results support a model of nineteen competencies grouped into four higher-order factors. To assure valid construct comparisons we have tested the factorial invariance of gender and work experience. Subsequent analysis have found that women self-rate themselves significantly higher than men on only two of the nineteen competencies, empathy (p < .001) and service orientation (p < .05). The effect of work experience was significant in twelve competencies (p < .001), in which less experienced workers self-rate higher than experienced workers. Finally, we derive theoretical and practical implications.

Design and evaluation process of a personal and motive-based competencies questionnaire in Spanish-speaking contexts

Most questionnaires used for managerial purposes have been developed in Anglo-Saxon countries and then dapted for other cultures. However, this process is controversial. This paper fills the gap for more culturally sensitive assessment instruments in the specific field of human resources while also addressing the methodological issues that scientists and practitioners face in the development of questionnaires. First, we present the development process of a Personal and Motive-based competencies questionnaire targeted to Spanish-speaking countries. Second, we address the validation process by guiding the reader through testing the questionnaire construct validity. We performed two studies: a first study with 274 experts and practitioners of competency development and a definitive study with 482 members of the general public. Our results support a model of nineteen competencies grouped into four higher-order factors. To assure valid construct comparisons we have tested the factorial invariance of gender and work experience. Subsequent analysis have found that women self-rate themselves significantly higher than men on only two of the nineteen competencies, empathy (p < .001) and service orientation (p < .05). The effect of work experience was significant in twelve competencies (p < .001), in which less experienced workers self-rate higher than experienced workers. Finally, we derive theoretical and practical implications (AU)

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Analysis of microbiota in stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

To identify the bacterial diversity (microbiota) in expectorated sputum, a pyrosequencing method that investigates complex microbial communities of expectorated sputum was done in 19 stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients (mean (SD) FEV1: 47 (18%) of predicted value). Using conventional culture, 3 phyla and 20 bacterial genera were identified, whereas the pyrosequencing approach detected 9 phyla and 43 genera (p < 0.001). In sputum the prevalent genera with pyrosequencing approach were Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Neisseria, Haemophilus, Rothia, Fusobacterium, Gemella, Granulicatella, Porphyromonas, Prevotella and Veillonella. Enterobacteriaceae, detected frequently in conventional culture, were not significantly detected with pyrosequencing methods. In addition, we found that important pathogens such as Haemophilus and Moraxella were detected more frequently with the new genetic procedures. The presence of Enterobacteriaceae is probably overestimated with conventional culture, whereas other difficult cultivable pathogens are underestimated. These studies open a new perspective for evaluating the role of bacterial colonization in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease pathogenesis and progression.

[Characterization of gene expression associated with both the AcrAB/TolC system and the membrane permeability, in Salmonella spp isolates with and without gyrA mutation]. / Caracterización de la expresión de genes asociados con el sistema AcrAB/TolC y la permeabilidad de membrana en aislados de Salmonella spp. con y sin mutación en gyrA.

Introduction. The marA, soxS, ramA, acrB and ompF genes have been studied in order to characterize mechanisms of AcrAB-TolC active efflux pumps and membrane permeability alterations that reduce fluoroquinolones susceptibility in Salmonella spp. Methods. Mutations in marA, soxS, ramA, acrB and ompF genes were detected, as well as their expression levels in presence and absence of ciprofloxacin, calculating the level of change between them by qPCR. Data were analysed by using SPSS 19.0. Results. No mutations in these genes were found, but both AcrAB-TolC regulatory genes and structural acrB gene expression were affected by ciprofloxacin in both mutant strains and wild type bacterial strains (WT). The activation of the marA gene in presence of drug was higher in WT strains (level of change 0.823) than in mutants strains (level of change 0.158; p=0.049). In gyrA mutants, a reduction in ompF gene expression in presence of ciprofloxacin was found (level of change -0.949 p=0.017). Conclusion. The reduction of fluoroquinolones susceptibility in Salmonella spp is a complex process, in which several different bacterial mechanisms are involved. This study has found a high difference in the degree of participation among studied mechanisms, between bacterial strains with and without gyrA mutation. Whereas WT strains activated efflux pumps especially through marA gene, mutants supressed ompF gene expression related to porins.

Caracterización de la expresión de genes asociados con el sistema AcrAB/TolC y la permeabilidad de membrana en aislados de Salmonella spp. con y sin mutación en gyrA / Characterization of gene expression associated with both the AcrAB/TolC system and the membrane permeability, in Salmonella spp isolates with and without gyrA mutation

Introducción. Se han estudiado los genes marA, soxS, ramA, acrB y ompF para caracterizar los mecanismos del sistema de expulsión activa AcrAB/TolC y las alteraciones en la permeabilidad de membrana que reducen la sensibilidad a fluoroquinolonas en Salmonella spp. Métodos. Se detectaron las mutaciones en los genes marA, soxS, ramA, acrB y ompF y se cuantificó su nivel de expresión en presencia y ausencia de ciprofloxacino calculando su valor de nivel de cambio por qPCR. Los datos se analizaron estadísticamente mediante el programa SPSS 19.0. Resultados. No se encontraron mutaciones en ninguno de los genes, pero la expresión de los genes reguladores de AcrAB/TolC y del gen estructural acrB se vieron afectados por la presencia de ciprofloxacino tanto en las cepas con mutación en gyrA como en las cepas silvestres. La activación del gen marA en presencia del fármaco fue mayor en las cepas silvestres (nivel de cambio de 0,823) que en las mutantes (nivel de cambio de 0,158; p=0,049). Se vio una disminución de la expresión del gen ompF en presencia de ciprofloxacino en cepas con mutación (nivel de cambio de -0,949 p=0,017). Conclusión. La disminución de la sensibilidad a fluoroquinolonas en Salmonella spp es un proceso complejo, donde intervienen diferentes mecanismos bacterianos. Este estudio encuentra gran diferencia en el grado de participación de los mecanismos estudiados entre las cepas con y sin mutación en gyrA. Mientras que las cepas silvestres activan el sistema de expulsión activa, especialmente a través del gen marA, las cepas con mutación reprimen la expresión del gen ompF, relacionado con las porinas (AU)

Introduction. The marA, soxS, ramA, acrB and ompF genes have been studied in order to characterize mechanisms of AcrAB-TolC active efflux pumps and membrane permeability alterations that reduce fluoroquinolones susceptibility in Salmonella spp. Methods. Mutations in marA, soxS, ramA, acrB and ompF genes were detected, as well as their expression levels in presence and absence of ciprofloxacin, calculating the level of change between them by qPCR. Data were analysed by using SPSS 19.0. Results. No mutations in these genes were found, but both AcrAB-TolC regulatory genes and structural acrB gene expression were affected by ciprofloxacin in both mutant strains and wild type bacterial strains (WT). The activation of the marA gene in presence of drug was higher in WT strains (level of change 0.823) than in mutants strains (level of change 0.158; p=0.049). In gyrA mutants, a reduction in ompF gene expression in presence of ciprofloxacin was found (level of change -0.949 p=0.017). Conclusion. The reduction of fluoroquinolones susceptibility in Salmonella spp is a complex process, in which several different bacterial mechanisms are involved. This study has found a high difference in the degree of participation among studied mechanisms, between bacterial strains with and without gyrA mutation. Whereas WT strains activated efflux pumps especially through marA gene, mutants supressed ompF gene expression related to porins (AU)

Non-synonymous variant (Gly307Ser) in CD226 is associated with susceptibility to multiple autoimmune diseases.

OBJECTIVES: Recently, a non-synonymous (Gly307Ser) variant, rs763361, in the CD226 gene was shown to be associated with multiple autoimmune diseases (ADs) in European Caucasian populations. However, shared autoimmunity with CD226 has not been evaluated in non-European populations. The aim of the present study is to assess the association of this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with ADs in non-European populations. METHODS: To replicate this association in non-European populations, we evaluated case-control association between rs763361 and coeliac disease (CED) samples from Argentina; SLE, RA, type-1 diabetes (T1D) and primary SS (pSS) from Colombia; and SLE samples from China and Japan. We genotyped rs763361 and evaluated its genetic association with multiple ADs, using chi(2)-test. For each association, odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were calculated. RESULTS: We show that rs763361 is significantly associated with Argentinean CED (P = 0.0009, OR = 1.60). We also observed a trend of possible association with Chinese SLE (P = 0.01, OR = 1.19), RA (P = 0.047, OR = 1.25), SLE (P = 0.0899, OR = 1.24) and pSS (P = 0.09, OR = 1.33) in Colombians. Meta-analyses for SLE (using our three populations) and T1D (our population and three published populations) yielded significant association with rs763361, P = 0.009 (OR = 1.16) and P = 1.1.46 x 10(-9) (OR = 1.14), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the coding variant rs763361 in CD226 gene is associated with multiple ADs in non-European populations.

Confirmation of an association between rs6822844 at the Il2-Il21 region and multiple autoimmune diseases: evidence of a general susceptibility locus.

OBJECTIVE: Autoimmune diseases often have susceptibility genes in common, indicating similar molecular mechanisms. Increasing evidence suggests that rs6822844 at the IL2-IL21 region is strongly associated with multiple autoimmune diseases in individuals of European descent. This study was undertaken to attempt to replicate the association between rs6822844 and 6 different immune-mediated diseases in non-European populations, and to perform disease-specific and overall meta-analyses using data from previously published studies. METHODS: We evaluated case-control associations between rs6822844 and celiac disease (CD) in subjects from Argentina; rheumatoid arthritis (RA), type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in subjects from Colombia; and Behçet's disease (BD) in subjects from Turkey. Allele and gene distributions were compared between cases and controls. Meta-analyses were performed using data from the present study and previous studies. RESULTS: We detected significant associations of rs6822844 with SLE (P = 0.008), type 1 DM (P = 0.014), RA (P = 0.019), and primary SS (P = 0.033) but not with BD (P = 0.34) or CD (P = 0.98). We identified little evidence of population differentiation (F(ST) = 0.01) within cases and controls from Argentina and Colombia, suggesting that association was not influenced by population substructure. Disease-specific meta-analysis indicated significant association for RA (P(meta) = 3.61 x 10(-6)), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) (P(meta) = 3.48 x 10(-12)), type 1 DM (P(meta) = 5.33 x 10(-5)), and CD (P(meta) = 5.30 x 10(-3)). Overall meta-analysis across all autoimmune diseases reinforced association with rs6822844 (23 data sets; P(meta) = 2.61 x 10(-25), odds ratio 0.73 [95% confidence interval 0.69-0.78]). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that there is an association between rs6822844 and multiple autoimmune diseases in non-European populations. Meta-analysis results strongly reinforce this robust association across multiple autoimmune diseases in both European-derived and non-European populations.