Effect of diets containing probiotic yeast Cystobasidium benthicum and fruit Cyrtocarpa edulis on growth and immune parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromisniloticus).

This study investigates Cystobasidium benthicum (Cb) probiotic yeast and Cyrtocarpa edulis (Ce) fruit dietary effects, single (0.5 %) or combined (Cb:Ce, 0.25:0.25 %), on growth performance, humoral immunity in serum and skin mucus, and intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after 14 and 28 days. The Cb group presented the highest (P < 0.05) specific growth rate, weight gain, and absolute growth rate with respect to the control group. Immunological assays indicated that Cb, Ce and Cb:Ce groups increased serum nitric oxide concentration compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Cb and Cb:Ce groups showed the highest serum myeloperoxidase enzyme activity at day 14 and 28, respectively (P < 0.05); whereas, Cb:Ce group had the highest (P < 0.05) myeloperoxidase activity in skin mucus. The superoxide dismutase enzyme activity was unaffected. On day 28, Cb, Ce, and Cb:Ce groups showed higher and lower (P < 0.05) catalase enzyme activity in serum and skin mucus, respectively, compared with the control group. Only the Cb group had higher (P < 0.05) total protein concentration in serum (day 14) and skin mucus (day 14 and 28) with respect to the control group. The lysozyme activity in serum (day 28) and skin mucus (day 14) was higher (P < 0.05) in the Cb group compared to the control group. Only the skin mucus of Ce group showed bactericidal activity against Aeromonas dhakensis (P < 0.05). Histological studies indicated that Cb and Cb:Ce groups increased microvilli height, and Cb, Ce and Cb:Ce augmented goblet cell area at day 14 compared to the control group (P < 0.05). At day 28, microvilli height was higher in all groups and the number of intraepithelial leukocytes increased in Cb and Ce groups with respect to the control group (P < 0.05). The ex vivo assay revealed that A. dhakensis in leukocytes decreased cell viability similar to the control group (P < 0.05). A principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the results. In conclusion, C. benthicum in the diet was the best supplement to improve the growth and immunity of Nile tilapia.

Revisiting Microbial Diversity in Hypersaline Microbial Mats from Guerrero Negro for a Better Understanding of Methanogenic Archaeal Communities.

Knowledge regarding the diversity of methanogenic archaeal communities in hypersaline environments is limited because of the lack of efficient cultivation efforts as well as their low abundance and metabolic activities. In this study, we explored the microbial communities in hypersaline microbial mats. Bioinformatic analyses showed significant differences among the archaeal community structures for each studied site. Taxonomic assignment based on 16S rRNA and methyl coenzyme-M reductase (mcrA) gene sequences, as well as metagenomic analysis, corroborated the presence of Methanosarcinales. Furthermore, this study also provided evidence for the presence of Methanobacteriales, Methanomicrobiales, Methanomassiliicoccales, Candidatus Methanofastidiosales, Methanocellales, Methanococcales and Methanopyrales, although some of these were found in extremely low relative abundances. Several mcrA environmental sequences were significantly different from those previously reported and did not match with any known methanogenic archaea, suggesting the presence of specific environmental clusters of methanogenic archaea in Guerrero Negro. Based on functional inference and the detection of specific genes in the metagenome, we hypothesised that all four methanogenic pathways were able to occur in these environments. This study allowed the detection of extremely low-abundance methanogenic archaea, which were highly diverse and with unknown physiology, evidencing the presence of all methanogenic metabolic pathways rather than the sheer existence of exclusively methylotrophic methanogenic archaea in hypersaline environments.

Draft Genome Sequence of Pediococcus pentosaceus Strain PP16CC, Isolated from Oyster Crassostrea corteziensis.

Pediococcus pentosaceus strain PP16CC comes from the intestine of Crassostrea corteziensis. A 1.82-Mbp draft genome of this strain was assembled using A5-miseq from illumina reads, resulting in 4 contigs and 1,856 predicted protein coding genes. Additionally, 23 proteins belonging to various glycosyl hydrolase families and 6 prophage regions were identified.

Genomic analysis of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance of group B Streptococcus isolated from pregnant women in northeastern Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes infections in women during pregnancy and puerperium and invasive infections in newborns. The genes lmb, cylE, scpB, and hvgA are involved with increased virulence of GBS, and hypervirulent clones have been identified in different regions. In addition, increasing resistance of GBS to macrolides and lincosamides has been reported, so knowing the patterns of antibiotic resistance may be necessary to prevent and treat GBS infections. This study aimed to identify virulence genes and antibiotic resistance associated with GBS colonization in pregnant women from northeastern Mexico. METHODS: Pregnant women with 35-37 weeks of gestation underwent recto-vaginal swabbing. One swab was inoculated into Todd-Hewitt broth supplemented with gentamicin and nalidixic acid, a second swab was inoculated into LIM enrichment broth, and a third swab was submerged into a transport medium. All samples were subcultured onto blood agar. After overnight incubation, suggestive colonies with or without hemolysis were analyzed to confirm GBS identification by Gram staining, catalase test, hippurate hydrolysis, CAMP test, and incubation in a chromogenic medium. We used latex agglutination to confirm and serotype GBS isolates. Antibiotic resistance patterns were assessed by Vitek 2 and disk diffusion. Periumbilical, rectal and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from some newborns of colonized mothers. All colonized women and their newborns were followed up for three months to assess the development of disease attributable to GBS. Draft genomes of all GBS isolates were obtained by whole-genome sequencing. In addition, bioinformatic analysis to identify genes encoding capsular polysaccharides and virulence factors was performed using BRIG, while antibiotic resistance genes were identified using the CARD database. RESULTS: We found 17 GBS colonized women out of 1154 pregnant women (1.47%). None of the six newborns sampled were colonized, and no complications due to GBS were detected in pregnant women or newborns. Three isolates were serotype I, 5 serotype II, 3 serotype III, 4 serotype IV, and 2 serotype V. Ten distinct virulence gene profiles were identified, being scpB, lmb, fbsA, acp, PI-1, PI-2a, cylE the most common (3/14, 21%). The virulence genes identified were scpB, lmb, cylE, PI-1, fbsA, PI-2a, acp, fbsB, PI-2b, and hvgA. We identified resistance to tetracycline in 65% (11/17) of the isolates, intermediate susceptibility to clindamycin in 41% (7/17), and reduced susceptibility to ampicillin in 23.5% (4/17). The tetM gene associated to tetracyclines resistance was found in 79% (11/14) and the mel and mefA genes associated to macrolides resistance in 7% (1/14). CONCLUSIONS: The low prevalence of colonization and the non-occurrence of mother-to-child transmission suggest that the intentional search for GBS colonization in this population is not justified. Our results also suggest that risk factors should guide the use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. The detection of strains with genes coding virulence factors means that clones with pathogenic potential circulates in this region. On the other hand, the identification of decreased susceptibility to antibiotics from different antimicrobial categories shows the importance of adequately knowing the resistance patterns to prevent and to treat GBS perinatal infection.

Time course for urethral neuromuscular reestablishment and its facilitated recovery by transcutaneous neuromodulation after simulated birth trauma in rats.

The aims of the study were to determine the time-course of urinary incontinence recovery after vaginal distension (VD), elucidate the mechanisms of injury from VD leading to external urethral sphincter (EUS) dysfunction, and assess if transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris facilitates recovery of urinary continence after VD. Rats underwent 4-h VD, 4-h sham VD (SH-VD), VD plus 1-h DNC TENS, and VD plus 1-h sham TENS (SH-TENS). TENS or SH-TENS were applied immediately and at days 2 and 4 post-VD. Micturition behavior, urethral histochemistry and histology, EUS and nerve electrophysiology, and cystometrograms were evaluated. VD induced urine leakage and significantly disrupted EUS fibers and nerve-conduction (VD vs SH-VD group; p < 0.01). Urine leakage disappeared 13 days post-VD (p < 0.001). Structural and functional recovery of EUS neuromuscular circuitry started by day 6 post-VD, but did not fully recover by day 11 post-VD (p > 0.05). TENS significantly decreased the frequency of urine leakage post-VD (days 5-7; p < 0.01). We conclude that rat urinary continence after VD requires 2 weeks to recover, although urethra structure is not fully recovered. TENS facilitated urinary continence recovery after VD. Additional studies are necessary to assess if TENS could be used in postpartum women.

Clinical pathology, diagnostic and treatment in SARS-CoV-2 infection. / Patología clínica, diagnóstico y tratamiento en la infección por SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus causing an infection and illness referred to as COVID-19. As of July 7th of 2020, this virus has been associated worldwide with over 12 million of infections and more than 550,000 deaths. Transmission rate of SARS-CoV-2 in the population is high, and the origin of this coronavirus appears to be related to some species of the bat. However, scientific information related to the pathogenesis, and immune response to COVID-19 changes rapidly, which is why the aim of this work is to provide recent information related to an exacerbated inflammatory immune response which causes multiorgan failure and patient death. The timely identification of infected individuals will be key to stop the spread of infection and in severe cases to establish optimal strategies to reduce the risk of death in critically ill patients. In this review, we have considered the latest findings collected from the clinical studies, diagnostic tests, and treatment for COVID-19. Information presented here will help to the better understanding of this disease.

El SARS-CoV-2 es un nuevo virus que causa la enfermedad denominada COVID-19. Este virus ha generado hasta el 7 de julio de 2020 12 millones de contagios y más de 550 000 muertes en todo el mundo. Se sabe que la tasa de transmisión es muy alta y su origen está relacionado con una especie del murciélago. Sin embargo, la información científica relacionada con la COVID-19 cambia rápidamente, por lo que este trabajo tiene como objetivo aportar información reciente y relacionada con el desarrollo de la respuesta inflamatoria exacerbada, que con frecuencia causa falla orgánica múltiple y muerte del paciente. La rápida identificación de los individuos infectados es clave para detener la propagación de esta enfermedad y en los casos más graves establecer estrategias que permitan la reducción de la infección y del riesgo de muerte. En esta revisión, hemos considerado los últimos hallazgos recopilados de los estudios clínicos, pruebas diagnósticas y de tratamiento para COVID-19. La información presentada en este trabajo contribuirá al entendimiento de esta enfermedad.

Frequency of human leukocyte antigens class II-DR alleles (HLA-DRB1) in Argentinian patients with early arthritis.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or undifferentiated arthritis (UA) in the CONAART database (Argentine Consortium for Early Arthritis) were assessed for genetic risk factors for RA, specifically for HLA-DRB1 alleles and the PTPN22 rs2476601 polymorphism associated with progression to RA. This is a case-control study. Blood samples were obtained to determine HLA-DRB1 genotypes by PCR-SSO Luminex and PTPN22 (rs2476601) polymorphism by allelic discrimination. A control group of individuals from the general Argentinian population were obtained from the national register of cadaveric organ donors. A total of 1859 individuals were included in this analysis: 399 patients from the CONAART database (347 patients with RA at study end and 52 patients with UA at study end, mean follow-up time 25 ± 18 months) and 1460 individuals from the general Argentinian population. Compared with the controls, the HLA-DRB1*04 and DRB1*09 alleles were more commonly detected in patients with RA diagnosis (OR (95% CI) 2.23 (1.74-2.85) and 1.89 (1.26-2.81)) respectively. Both patients with UA and the general population showed higher frequency of DRB1*07, DRB1*11 and DRB1*15 alleles than patients with RA. PTPN22 rs2476601 polymorphism frequency was higher in RA and UA vs the general population; however, this was significantly different only for RA vs control group (OR [95% CI] = 1.81 [1.10-3.02], P = 0.018. HLA-DRB1 typing and PTPN22 allelic discrimination could distinguish between patients with UA, patients with early RA, and the general population in Argentina. This is the first study of HLA-DRB1 alleles and PTPN22 polymorphism associations with progression to early RA in an Argentinian population.

Molecular variability and genetic structure of white spot syndrome virus strains from northwest Mexico based on the analysis of genomes.

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has a ∼300 kb double-stranded DNA genome. It originated in China, spread rapidly through shrimp farms in Asia, and subsequently to America. This study determined complete genome sequences for nine historic WSSV strains isolated from Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) captured in farm ponds in northwest Mexico (Sinaloa and Nayarit). Genomic DNA was captured by an amplification method using overlapping long-range PCR and sequencing by Ion Torrent-PGM. Complete genome sequences were assembled (length range 255-290 kb) and comparative genome analysis with WSSV strains revealed substantial deletions (3 and 10 kb in two regions) in seven strains, with two strains differing from the rest. Phylogenetic analysis identified that the WSSV strains from the northern area of the state of Sinaloa clustered with strains from China (LC1, LC10, DVI) and Korea (ACF2, ACF4), while those from the southern region of the state of Nayarit (AC1 and JP) differed from both of those and from strains found in Taiwan and Thailand. Our data offer insights into the diversity of the WSSV genome in one country and their divergent origin, suggest that it entered Mexico via multiple routes and that specific genome regions can accommodate substantial deletions without compromising viability.

Administration of Probiotics Improves the Brine Shrimp Production and Prevents Detrimental Effects of Pathogenic Vibrio Species.

In this study, we evaluated a consortium of probiotic bacteria as an environmentally-friendly strategy for controlling pathogenic Vibrio species during the brine shrimp incubation period. Probiotic strains were initially selected on basis of (i) their ability to colonize the cyst surfaces, (ii) their absence of cross-inhibitory effects, and (iii) no detrimental effect on cyst hatching. The cysts and nauplius surfaces were immediately colonized after the application of selected probiotic strains, without detrimental effects on survival. Ten probiotic strains were mixed at similar proportions (probiotic consortium) and evaluated at different concentrations into brine shrimp cultures during incubation and early stages of development. Subsequently, these cultures were challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio harveyi. The probiotic consortium was effective to reduce the abundance of pathogenic Vibrio species and to prevent the mortality during Vibrio challenges; however, its effect was concentration-dependent and was successful at a starting concentration of 1.8 × 106 CFU/ml. Our results suggest that this probiotic consortium offers an alternative to antimicrobial agents routinely used to reduce the incidence and prevalence of pathogenic Vibrio species in brine shrimp production.

Prevalencia de malnutrición y factores asociados en mujeres del pueblo wichí de General Ballivián, Provincia de Salta / Prevalence of Malnutrition and Associated Factors in Women of the Wichí People in General Ballivián, Province of Salta

INTRODUCCIÓN: La malnutrición (MN) es un problema mundial. Sus causas, mecanismos y consecuencias presentan particularidades económicas, biológicas y socioculturales. En la población indígena se han demostrado prevalencias de MN infantil más altas que en la población no indígena, aunque el estado nutricional de mujeres en edad reproductiva no ha sido estudiado. OBJETIVOS: Conocer la prevalencia de MN por déficit (MND) o exceso (MNE) y los factores asociados en mujeres wichí de General Ballivián, Salta. MÉTODOS: Se determinó la prevalencia de MN por antropometría. Se consideraron variables socioeconómicas, biosanitarias y alimentarias. Se estudió a 141 mujeres (wichí, de 12 años o más, no gestantes, sin discapacidad física/mental). Se hizo un estudio de casos y controles no pareados con grupo de casos 1 MNE (80), grupo de casos 2 MND (4) y grupo control: eutróficas (Eu) (57). Los datos se procesaron con SPSS Statistics 20.0. RESULTADOS: Se registró 3% de MND, 40% de Eu y 57% de MNE, con asociación estadísticamente significativa entre MND y adolescencia y entre MNE y multiparidad, ausencia de piezas dentarias, adultez y escolaridad inadecuada. Según OR (odds ratio), el riesgo de MNE es mayor en multíparas y monolingües, la MNE aumenta el riesgo de pérdida de piezas dentarias y una escolaridad inadecuada aumenta casi 13 veces el riesgo de MNE. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de MNE es alta, asociada a edad, multiparidad, educación inadecuada, monolingüismo y carencia de micronutrientes.

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition (MN) is a global problem. Its causes, mechanisms and consequences have economic, biological and socio-cultural particularities. Studies on indigenous people showed a prevalence of childhood MN higher than in non-indigenous population. However, the nutritional status of women of reproductive age has not been studied. OBJECTIVES: To know the prevalence of MN by deficit (MND) or excess (MNE) and the factors associated with it in Wichí women of General Ballivián, Salta province. METHODS: The prevalence of MN was determined by anthropometry. Socioeconomic, biohealth and food variables were considered. A total of 141 women were studied (Wichí, 12 years of age or older, non-pregnant, without physical or mental disability). A case-control study was carried out, not paired, with case group 1 MNE (80), case group 2 MND (4) and control group: eutrophic (Eu) (57). Data was processed with SPSS Statistics 20.0. RESULTS: The study showed 3% of MND, 40% of Eu and 57% of MNE, with a statistically significant association between MND and adolescence and between MNE and multiparity, absence of teeth, adulthood and inadequate schooling. According to OR (odds ratio), the risk of MNE is greater in multiparous and monolingual women, MNE increases the risk of loss of teeth and inadequate schooling increases the risk of MNE by almost 13 times. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MNE is high, associated with age, multiparity, inadequate education, monolingualism and micronutrient deficiencies.

Genotyping WSSV isolates from northwestern Mexican shrimp farms affected by white spot disease outbreaks in 2010-2012.

White spot disease (WSD) causes high mortality in cultured shrimp throughout the world. Its etiologic agent is the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). The genomic repeat regions ORF 75, ORF 94, and ORF 125 have been used to classify WSSV isolates in epidemiological studies using PCR with specific primers and sequencing. The present study investigated the variation in nucleotide sequences from 107, 150, and 143 isolates of WSSV collected from Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp ponds with WSD outbreaks in northwestern Mexico during the period 2010-2012, in the genomic repeat regions ORFs 75, 94, and 125, respectively. The haplotypic nomenclature for each isolate was based on the number of repeat units and the position of single nucleotide polymorphisms on each ORF. We report finding 17, 43, and 66 haplotypes of ORFs 75, 94, and 125, respectively. The study found high haplotypic diversity in WSSV using the complete sequences of ORFs 94 and 125 as independent variables, but low haplotypic diversity for ORF 75. Different haplotypes of WSSV were found from region-to-region and year-to-year, though some individual haplotypes were found in different places and in more than one growing cycle. While these results suggest a high rate of mutation of the viral genome at these loci, or perhaps the introduction of new viral strains into the area, they are useful as a tool for epidemiological surveys. Two haplotypes from some of the ORFs in the same shrimp were encountered, suggesting the possibility of multiple infections.

Changes in the composition and diversity of the bacterial microbiota associated with oysters (Crassostrea corteziensis, Crassostrea gigas and Crassostrea sikamea) during commercial production.

The resident microbiota of three oyster species (Crassostrea corteziensis, Crassostrea gigas and Crassostrea sikamea) was characterised using a high-throughput sequencing approach (pyrosequencing) that was based on the V3-V5 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. We analysed the changes in the bacterial community beginning with the postlarvae produced in a hatchery, which were later planted at two grow-out cultivation sites until they reached the adult stage. DNA samples from the oysters were amplified, and 31 008 sequences belonging to 13 phyla (including Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes) and 243 genera were generated. Considering all life stages, Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum, but it showed variations at the genus level between the postlarvae and the adult oysters. Bacteroidetes was the second most common phylum, but it was found in higher abundance in the postlarvae than in adults. The relative abundance showed that the microbiota that was associated with the postlarvae and adults differed substantially, and higher diversity and richness were evident in the postlarvae in comparison with adults of the same species. The site of rearing influenced the bacterial community composition of C. corteziensis and C. sikamea adults. The bacterial groups that were found in these oysters were complex and metabolically versatile, making it difficult to understand the host-bacteria symbiotic relationships; therefore, the physiological and ecological significances of the resident microbiota remain uncertain.

Daño radiológico en al mano dominante de pacientes con artritis reumatoidea / Radiographic damage in the dominant hand of rheumatoid artritis patients

La Artritis Reumatoide (AR) es una enfermedad inflametoria crónica que compromete predominantemente manos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de daño radiológico en la mano dominante (MD) de pacientes con AR. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal, se incluyeron pacientes con AR (ACR 87’) de la consulta ambulatoria (noviembre de 2011 a julio de 2012). Se determinó la MD y se realizó lectura radiológica por un lector ciego validado, mediante Sharp van der Heijde modificado. Estadística: se realizó estadística descriptiva básica, y comparaciones mediante Chi2, test de Fisher o test de T para muestras relacionadas según correspondiera. Se consideró p<0,50 como significativa. Resultados: se incluyeron 52 pacientes, 43 mujeres (82,7%), la mediana de edad de 47 años (RIC: 41-56), de evolución de la AR de 10 años (RIC: 3-14). En 50 pacientes (96,2%), la mano derecha fue MD. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el puntaje total de SvdH modificado, ni de pinzamiento, ni de erosiones. Los varones tuvieron el doble de puntaje medio erosivo, pero no significativo. Conclusión: no se puede demostrar asociación entre la MD y el daño radiológico. Debería estudiarse el subgrupo masculino en estudios de mayor poder estadístico

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that affects thehand joints. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of domi-nant hand affection in RA patients. Methods:A cross sectional study was designed that included RA pa-tients (ACR 87’ criteria), that concurred to rheumatologic clinic, fromNovember 2011 to July 2012. Descriptive data was taken, and a radio-logic scoring by Sharp van der Heijde score was assessed comparingboth hands. Statistics:The variables were compared by Chi2, Fisher orT-student tests and a p <0.05 value was considered significant.Results: Fifty-two patients were included, 43 female (82.7%), 47 yearsof median age (IQR: 41-56), and 10 years of median disease evolution.In 50 patients (96.2%), the right hand was dominant. There were no dif-ferences between both hands in the total mSvdH score, nor the erosionnor the space narrowing score. Male patients were more prone to havehigher erosive scores, but the number was small (six).Conclusion: No association was seen between radiological damageand dominant hand. Male patients should be included in future studiesto clarify this issue in this sub-group of RA patients.

Daño radiológico en al mano dominante de pacientes con artritis reumatoidea / Radiographic damage in the dominant hand of rheumatoid artritis patients

La Artritis Reumatoide (AR) es una enfermedad inflametoria crónica que compromete predominantemente manos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de daño radiológico en la mano dominante (MD) de pacientes con AR. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal, se incluyeron pacientes con AR (ACR 87Æ) de la consulta ambulatoria (noviembre de 2011 a julio de 2012). Se determinó la MD y se realizó lectura radiológica por un lector ciego validado, mediante Sharp van der Heijde modificado. Estadística: se realizó estadística descriptiva básica, y comparaciones mediante Chi2, test de Fisher o test de T para muestras relacionadas según correspondiera. Se consideró p<0,50 como significativa. Resultados: se incluyeron 52 pacientes, 43 mujeres (82,7%), la mediana de edad de 47 años (RIC: 41-56), de evolución de la AR de 10 años (RIC: 3-14). En 50 pacientes (96,2%), la mano derecha fue MD. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el puntaje total de SvdH modificado, ni de pinzamiento, ni de erosiones. Los varones tuvieron el doble de puntaje medio erosivo, pero no significativo. Conclusión: no se puede demostrar asociación entre la MD y el daño radiológico. Debería estudiarse el subgrupo masculino en estudios de mayor poder estadístico

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that affects thehand joints. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of domi-nant hand affection in RA patients. Methods:A cross sectional study was designed that included RA pa-tients (ACR 87Æ criteria), that concurred to rheumatologic clinic, fromNovember 2011 to July 2012. Descriptive data was taken, and a radio-logic scoring by Sharp van der Heijde score was assessed comparingboth hands. Statistics:The variables were compared by Chi2, Fisher orT-student tests and a p <0.05 value was considered significant.Results: Fifty-two patients were included, 43 female (82.7%), 47 yearsof median age (IQR: 41-56), and 10 years of median disease evolution.In 50 patients (96.2%), the right hand was dominant. There were no dif-ferences between both hands in the total mSvdH score, nor the erosionnor the space narrowing score. Male patients were more prone to havehigher erosive scores, but the number was small (six).Conclusion: No association was seen between radiological damageand dominant hand. Male patients should be included in future studiesto clarify this issue in this sub-group of RA patients.(AU)

Molecular analysis of bacterial microbiota associated with oysters (Crassostrea gigas and Crassostrea corteziensis) in different growth phases at two cultivation sites.

Microbiota presumably plays an essential role in inhibiting pathogen colonization and in the maintenance of health in oysters, but limited data exist concerning their different growth phases and conditions. We analyzed the bacterial microbiota composition of two commercial oysters: Crassostrea gigas and Crassostrea corteziensis. Differences in microbiota were assayed in three growth phases: post-larvae at the hatchery, juvenile, and adult at two grow-out cultivation sites. Variations in the microbiota were assessed by PCR analysis of the 16S rRNA gene in DNA extracted from depurated oysters. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) profiles were studied using Dice's similarity coefficient (Cs) and statistical principal component analysis (PCA). The microbiota composition was determined by sequencing temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) bands. The RFLP analysis of post-larvae revealed homology in the microbiota of both oyster species (Cs > 88 %). Dice and PCA analyses of C. corteziensis but not C. gigas showed differences in the microbiota according to the cultivation sites. The sequencing analysis revealed low bacterial diversity (primarily ß-Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Spirochaetes), with Burkholderia cepacia being the most abundant bacteria in both oyster species. This study provides the first description of the microbiota in C. corteziensis, which was shown to be influenced by cultivation site conditions. During early growth, we observed that B. cepacia colonized and remained strongly associated with the two oysters, probably in a symbiotic host-bacteria relationship. This association was maintained in the three growth phases and was not altered by environmental conditions or the management of the oysters at the grow-out site.

Trastornos del sueño y dolor: Estudio transversal descriptivo en un instituto de medicina de sueño de Lima / Sleep disorders and pain: Cross-sectional descriptive study in a sleep institute of Lima

Objetivo: Determinar la existencia y fuerza de asociación entre síntomas relacionados con trastornos del sueño (ronquidos, pausas respiratorias durante el sueño, somnolencia e insomnio) con presentar dolor expresado como cefalea matutina, tensión muscular y dolor muscular matutino. Material y Métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo. Se evaluó cuestionarios de pacientes ambulatorios de Hypnos Instituto del Sueño entre los años 1995 y 2008. Se empleó regresión logística para el análisis multivariado ajustando para edad e índice de masa corporal (IMC). Resultados: Se analizó en total 2140 cuestionarios. El 46% de sujetos fueron varones, la edad promedio fue de 51 años y la media del IMC fue de 25,3. Se encontró una asociación significativa entre somnolencia con cefalea matutina (OR=1,5, IC95%:1,2-1,9), tensión muscular (OR=1,4, IC95%:1,1-1,8) y con dolores musculares matutinos (OR=1,5, IC95%:1,2-2,0). Del mismo modo, se encontró una asociación significativa entre insomnio con cefalea matutina (OR=1,9, IC95%:1,6-2,4), tensión muscular (OR=2,1, IC95%:1,7-2,6) y con dolores musculares matutinos (OR=1,8, IC95%:1,5-2,3). Conclusiones: Existe en nuestra población de estudio una relación de gran intensidad estadística entre síntomas relacionados a trastornos de sueño con cuadros de dolor.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the presence and strength of association between sleep related complaints (snoring, respiratory pauses during sleep, somnolence and insomnia) with pain, assessed as morning headaches, muscle tension and morning muscular pain. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. The questionnaires from outpatients treated at Hypnos Sleep Institute, between 1995 and 2008 were reviewed. Logistic regression was performed adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI) in the multivariate analysis. Results: In total 2140 questionnaires were assessed, 46% were males, the mean age was 51 years and the mean BMI was 25.3. A significant association was found between somnolence with morning headache (OR=1.5, IC95%:1.2-1.9), muscular tension (OR=1.4, IC95%:1.1-1.8) and with morning muscular pain (OR=1.5, IC95%:1.2-2.0). Also, a significant association was found between insomnia with morning headache (OR=1.9, IC95%:1.6-2.4), muscular tension (OR=2.1, IC95%:1.7-2.6) and with morning muscular pain (OR=1.8, IC95%:1.5-2.3). Conclusions: A strong statistical association between sleep disorders related symptoms and pain was found in the studied population.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the whale shark (Rhincodon typus).

In preparation for a study on population structure of the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), nine species-specific polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers were developed. An initial screening of 50 individuals from Holbox Island, Mexico found all nine loci to be polymorphic, with two to 17 alleles observed per locus. Observed and expected heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.200 to 0.826 and from 0.213 to 0.857, respectively. Neither statistically significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg expectations nor statistically significant linkage disequilibrium between loci were observed. These microsatellite loci appear suitable for examining population structure, kinship assessment and other applications.

Prevalencia de malnutrición y factores asociados en mujeres del pueblo wichí de General Ballivián, Provincia de Salta / Prevalence of Malnutrition and Associated Factors in Women of the Wichí People in General Ballivián, Province of Salta

INTRODUCCIÓN: La malnutrición (MN) es un problema mundial. Sus causas, mecanismos y consecuencias presentan particularidades económicas, biológicas y socioculturales. En la población indígena se han demostrado prevalencias de MN infantil más altas que en la población no indígena, aunque el estado nutricional de mujeres en edad reproductiva no ha sido estudiado. OBJETIVOS: Conocer la prevalencia de MN por déficit (MND) o exceso (MNE) y los factores asociados en mujeres wichí de General Ballivián, Salta. MÉTODOS: Se determinó la prevalencia de MN por antropometría. Se consideraron variables socioeconómicas, biosanitarias y alimentarias. Se estudió a 141 mujeres (wichí, de 12 años o más, no gestantes, sin discapacidad física/mental). Se hizo un estudio de casos y controles no pareados con grupo de casos 1 MNE (80), grupo de casos 2 MND (4) y grupo control: eutróficas (Eu) (57). Los datos se procesaron con SPSS Statistics 20.0. RESULTADOS: Se registró 3% de MND, 40% de Eu y 57% de MNE, con asociación estadísticamente significativa entre MND y adolescencia y entre MNE y multiparidad, ausencia de piezas dentarias, adultez y escolaridad inadecuada. Según OR (odds ratio), el riesgo de MNE es mayor en multíparas y monolingües, la MNE aumenta el riesgo de pérdida de piezas dentarias y una escolaridad inadecuada aumenta casi 13 veces el riesgo de MNE. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de MNE es alta, asociada a edad, multiparidad, educación inadecuada, monolingüismo y carencia de micronutrientes

Cr(VI) reduction in a chromate-resistant strain of Candida maltosa isolated from the leather industry.

A Cr(VI)-resistant yeast was isolated from tanning liquors from a leather factory in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. Based on morphological and physiological analyses and the D1/D2 domain sequence of the 26S rDNA, the yeast was identified as Candida maltosa. Resistance of the strain to high Cr(VI) concentrations and its ability to chemically reduce chromium was studied. When compared to the three laboratory yeasts Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Yarrowia lipolytica, the C. maltosa strain was found to tolerate chromate concentrations as high as 100 micro g/ml. In addition to this phenotypic trait, the C. maltosa strain showed ability to reduce Cr(VI). Chromate reduction occurred both in intact cells (grown in culture medium or in soil containing chromate) as well as in cell-free extracts. NADH-dependent chromate reductase activity was found associated with soluble protein and, to a lesser extent, with the membrane fraction.