Cross-cultural adaptation of the FRAIL scale for critically ill patients in Spain.

AIM: To translate and culturally adapt the FRAIL scale into Spanish and perform a preliminary test of diagnostic accuracy in patients admitted to intensive care units. DESIGN: Cross-sectional diagnostic study. METHODS: Five intensive care units (ICU) in Spain were participated. Stage 1: Three native Spanish-speaking bilingual translators familiar with the field of critical care translated the scale from English into Spanish. Stage 2: Three native English-speaking bilingual translators familiar with critical care medicine. Stage 3: Authors of the original scale compared the English original and back-translated versions of the scale. Stage 4: Five nurses with more than 5 years of ICU experience and five critical care physicians assessed the comprehension and relevance of each of the items of the Spanish version in 30 patients of 3 different age ranges (<50, 50-65 and >65 years). RESULTS: The FRAIL scale was translated and adapted cross-culturally for patients admitted to intensive care units in Spain. The process consisted of four stages: translation, back translation, comparison and pilot test. There was good correspondence between the original scale and the Spanish version in 100% of the items. The participating patients assessed the relevance (content validity) and comprehensibility (face validity) of each of the items of the first Spanish version. The relevance of some of the items scored low when the scale was used in patients younger than 65 years. CONCLUSIONS: We have cross-culturally adapted the FRAIL scale, originally in English, to Spanish for its use in the critical care medical setting in Spanish-speaking countries. IMPLICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONALS: Physicians and nurses can apply the new scale to all patients admitted to the intensive care units. Nursing care can be adapted according to frailty, trying to reduce the side effects of admission to these units for the most fragile patients. REPORTING METHOD: The manuscript's authors have adhered to the EQUATOR guidelines, using the COSMIN reporting guideline for studies on the measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: In a pilot clinical study, we applied the first version of the FRAIL-Spain scale to intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Five nurses with more than 5 years of ICU experience and five critical care physicians assessed the relevance (content validity) and comprehensibility (face validity) of the five items of the first Spanish version. Relevance was assessed using a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (no relevance) to 4 (high relevance), and comprehensibility was assessed as poor, acceptable or good. Each health professional applied the scale to three patients (total number of patients = 30) of three different age ranges (<50, 50-65 and >65 years) and recorded the time of application of the scale to each patient. Although the frailty scales were initially created by geriatricians to be applied to the elders, there is little experience with their application in critically ill patients of any age. Therefore, more information is needed to determine the relevance of using this scale in critical care patients. In this pilot study, we considered that nurses and critical care physicians should evaluate frailty using this adapted scale in adult patients admitted to the Intensive Care Units.

The T6SS-Dependent Effector Re78 of Rhizobium etli Mim1 Benefits Bacterial Competition.

The genes of the type VI secretion system (T6SS) from Rhizobium etli Mim1 (ReMim1) that contain possible effectors can be divided into three modules. The mutants in them indicated that they are not required for effective nodulation with beans. To analyze T6SS expression, a putative promoter region between the tssA and tssH genes was fused in both orientations to a reporter gene. Both fusions are expressed more in free living than in symbiosis. When the module-specific genes were studied using RT-qPCR, a low expression was observed in free living and in symbiosis, which was clearly lower than the structural genes. The secretion of Re78 protein from the T6SS gene cluster was dependent on the presence of an active T6SS. Furthermore, the expression of Re78 and Re79 proteins in E. coli without the ReMim1 nanosyringe revealed that these proteins behave as a toxic effector/immunity protein pair (E/I). The harmful action of Re78, whose mechanism is still unknown, would take place in the periplasmic space of the target cell. The deletion of this ReMim1 E/I pair resulted in reduced competitiveness for bean nodule occupancy and in lower survival in the presence of the wild-type strain.

Bruxismo de la vigilia

El bruxismo del sueño ha sido extensamente estudiado en las últimas décadas pero aún persiste una considerable controversia científica en relación al bruxismo de la vigilia. El presente trabajo de revisión se focalizó en este tema, incluyendo 45 artículos publicados entre los años 2011 al año 2020. Los consensos internacionales plantean avances en nuevas clasificaciones diagnósticas, que contemplan herramientas como cuestionarios, examen clínico, electromiografía, polisomnografía, evaluación ecológica momentánea y métodos de muestreo de experiencias. Se considera al bruxismo de la vigilia un problema comportamental, pasible de ser tratado mediante terapias comportamentales que lo controlen. La evaluación ecológica momentánea permite capturar información comportamental en tiempo real y se presenta como una herramienta valiosa para el diagnóstico y evaluación del bruxismo de la vigilia. A pesar de numerosos avances presentados en esta revisión, aún se requieren estudios que exploren esta área del conocimiento, especialmente en los mecanismos fisiopatológicos y los posibles tratamientos.

O bruxismo do sono tem sido amplamente estudado nas últimas décadas, mas ainda persiste considerável controvérsia científica em relação ao bruxismo de vigília. O presente trabalho de revisão focou nesse tema, incluindo 45 artigos publicados entre 2011 e 2020. Consensos internacionais propõem avanços em novas classificações diagnósticas, que incluem ferramentas como questionários, exame clínico, eletromiografia, polissonografia, avaliação ecológica momentânea e métodos de amostragem de experiência. O bruxismo de vigília é considerado um problema comportamental, que pode ser tratado por terapias comportamentais que o controlam. A avaliação ecológica momentânea permite capturar informações comportamentais em tempo real e se apresenta como uma ferramenta valiosa para o diagnóstico e avaliação do bruxismo em vigília. Apesar dos inúmeros avanços apresentados nesta revisão, ainda são necessários estudos para explorar essa área do conhecimento, principalmente nos mecanismos fisiopatológicos e possíveis tratamentos.

Intervenciones ergonómicas y su impacto en la profesión odontológica / Ergonomic interventions and their impact on the dental profession / Intervenções ergonômicas e seu impacto sobre a profissão odontológica

Introducción: los desórdenes músculoesqueletales tienen una alta prevalencia en la población general y en particular, en el área salud, los profesionales de la odontología representan una población altamente vulnerable, debido a características particulares del ejercicio de su profesión. Es creciente el estudio de diferentes intervenciones ergonómicas y el impacto que estas pueden tener sobre la reducción de la sintomatología muscular y en el desarrollo y/o la perpetuación de estos cuadros disfuncionales. Materiales y método: se realizó una revisión, de tipo narrativa, entre los meses de abril de 2022 y agosto de 2022. Se consultaron base de datos tales como MedLine/PubMed y Scielo, incluyendo artículos publicados en los últimos diez años. Resultados: se obtuvieron un total de 71 artículos, de los cuales, se excluyeron 30 trabajos, resultando en 41 los artículos incluidos en la presente síntesis cualitativa. Conclusiones: las intervenciones ergonómicas están dirigidas básicamente, a cambios en los ambientes de trabajo de los profesionales y/o a la implementación de programas que tienen como objetivo instruir y concientizar a los profesionales sobre criterios ergonómicos para su incorporación en el desempeño de su trabajo. Ambos enfoques intervencionistas, han sido evaluados con herramientas validadas de autopercepción, exámenes clínicos y evaluaciones instrumentales. Las estrategias que focalizan el problema, en los espacios de trabajo, y aquellas que, incluyen educación y formación en ergonomía, disminuyen el impacto de los desórdenes músculoesqueletales en esta población. Estas últimas, tienen la potencialidad de provocar cambios en los hábitos de los profesionales, con conductas que se mantienen a mediano plazo.

Introduction: musculoskeletal disorders have a high prevalence in the general population and in particular, in the health area, dental professionals represent a highly vulnerable population, due to the particular characteristics of the practice of their profession. The study of different ergonomic interventions and the impact they can have on the reduction of muscular symptomatology and on the development and/or perpetuation of these dysfunctional conditions is growing. Method: a narrative review was carried out between April 2022 and August 2022. Databases such as MedLine/PubMed and Scielo were consulted, including articles published in the last ten years. Results: a total of 71 articles were obtained, of which 30 were excluded, resulting in 41 articles included in this qualitative synthesis. Conclusions: ergonomic interventions are basically aimed at changes in the working environments of professionals and/or the implementation of programs aimed at instructing and making professionals aware of ergonomic criteria for their incorporation in their work performance. Both interventionist approaches have been evaluated with validated self-perception tools, clinical examinations and instrumental evaluations. Strategies that focus the problem in the workplace and those that include education and training in ergonomics reduce the impact of musculoskeletal disorders in this population. The latter have the potential to provoke changes in the habits of professionals, with behaviors that are maintained in the medium term.

Introdução: os distúrbios músculo-esqueléticos são altamente prevalentes na população em geral e, em particular, na área da saúde, os profissionais da odontologia representam uma população altamente vulnerável, devido às características particulares do exercício de sua profissão. O estudo de diferentes intervenções ergonômicas e o impacto que elas podem ter na redução dos sintomas musculares e no desenvolvimento e/ou perpetuação dessas condições disfuncionais está crescendo. Materiais e métodos: foi realizada uma revisão narrativa entre abril de 2022 e agosto de 2022. Bases de dados como MedLine/PubMed e Scielo foram consultadas, incluindo artigos publicados nos últimos dez anos. Resultados: foram obtidos um total de 71 artigos, dos quais 30 foram excluídos, resultando em 41 artigos incluídos nesta síntese qualitativa. Conclusões: as intervenções ergonômicas visam basicamente a mudanças nos ambientes de trabalho dos profissionais e/ou a implementação de programas que visam instruir e conscientizar os profissionais sobre critérios ergonômicos para sua incorporação em seu trabalho. Ambas as abordagens intervencionistas foram avaliadas com ferramentas validadas de autopercepção, exames clínicos e avaliações instrumentais. As estratégias que visam o problema no local de trabalho e aquelas que incluem educação e treinamento em ergonomia reduzem o impacto dos distúrbios músculo-esqueléticos nesta população. Estes últimos têm o potencial de provocar mudanças nos hábitos dos profissionais, com comportamentos que são mantidos a médio prazo.

Bruxismo de la vigilia por autoreporte y factores asociados en estudiantes universitarios de educación física

El bruxismo es una actividad parafuncional de los músculos masticatorios con alta prevalencia en la población general. Asimismo, se ha descrito como un fenómeno frecuente en estudiantes universitarios de algunas disciplinas. En este sentido, el presente trabajo analizó la autopercepción y algunos factores asociados al bruxismo de la vigilia en estudiantes universitarios de educación física (ISEF-UdelaR). Se presenta un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, en una muestra de 178 jóvenes universitarios. Para la recolección de los datos se utilizó un cuestionario de autoreporte. El 67,9% de los participantes conocían el bruxismo y el 33% lo reportaron (el 21% y 13%, representado por mujeres y hombres respectivamente). Asimismo, seis de cada diez voluntarios que reportaron bruxismo también reportaron ansiedad y tres de cada diez voluntarios con reporte de bruxismo reportan estrés. En suma, el bruxismo "probable" de vigilia es altamente prevalente en estudiantes de educación física y el factor más asociado al bruxismo de la vigilia es la ansiedad.

O bruxismo é uma atividade parafuncional dos músculos mastigatórios com alta prevalencia na população em geral. Assim mesmo, vem sendo descrito como um fenômemo frequente em estudantes universitários de algumas disciplinas. Neste sentido, o trabalho atual analisou a autopercepção e alguns fatores associados ao bruxismo da vigília em estudantes universitários de educação física (ISEF-UdelaR). Trata-se de um estudo observacional, descritivo, transversal, com uma amostra de 178 jovens universitários. Os dados foram coletados através de um questionário de auto-relato. Os 67,9% dos participantes conheciam o bruxismo e 33% lhe relataram (21% e 13% representado por mulheres e homens, respectivamente). Assim mesmo, seis de cada dez voluntários que relataram bruxismo, também relataram ansiedade e três dos dez voluntários que relataram bruxismo, relataram estresse. Então, o bruxismo "provável" da vigília é altamente prevalente em estudantes de educação física e o principal fator associado ao bruxismo da vigília seria a ansiedade.

Microvirga tunisiensis sp. nov., a root nodule symbiotic bacterium isolated from Lupinus micranthus and L. luteus grown in Northern Tunisia.

Three bacterial strains, LmiM8T, LmiE10 and LluTb3, isolated from nitrogen-fixing nodules of Lupinus micranthus (Lmi strains) and L. luteus (Llu strain) growing in Northern Tunisia were analysed using genetic, phenotypic and symbiotic approaches. Phylogenetic analyses based on rrs and concatenated gyrB and dnaK genes suggested that these Lupinus strains constitute a new Microvirga species with identities ranging from 95 to 83% to its closest relatives Microvirga makkahensis, M. vignae, M. zambiensis, M. ossetica, and M. lotononidis. The genome sequences of strains LmiM8T and LmiE10 exhibited pairwise Average Nucleotide Identities (ANIb) above 99.5%, significantly distant (73-89% pairwise ANIb) from other Microvirga species sequenced (M. zambiensis and M. ossetica). A phylogenetic analysis based on the symbiosis-related gene nodA placed the sequences of the new species in a divergent clade close to Mesorhizobium, Microvirga and Bradyrhizobium strains, suggesting that the M. tunisiensis strains represent a new symbiovar different from the Bradyrhizobium symbiovars defined to date. In contrast, the phylogeny derived from another symbiosis-related gene, nifH, reproduced the housekeeping genes phylogenies. The study of morphological, phenotypical and physiological features, including cellular fatty acid composition of the novel isolates demonstrated their unique profile regarding close reference Microvirga strains. Strains LmiM8T, LmiE10 and LluTb3 were able to nodulate several Lupinus spp. Based on genetic, genomic and phenotypic data presented in this study, these strains should be grouped within a new species for which the name Microvirga tunisiensis sp. nov. is proposed (type strain LmiM8T=CECT 9163T, LMG 29689T).

The Type VI secretion system of Rhizobium etli Mim1 has a positive effect in symbiosis.

The Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) allow bacteria to translocate effector proteins to other bacteria or to eukaryotic cells. However, little is known about the role of T6SS in endosymbiotic bacteria. In this work we describe the T6SS of Rhizobium etli Mim1, a bacteria able to effectively nodulate common beans. Structural genes and those encoding possible effectors have been identified in a 28-gene DNA region of R. etli Mim1 pRetMIM1f plasmid. Immunodetection of Hcp protein, a conserved key structural component of T6SS systems, indicates that this secretion system is active at high cell densities, in the presence of root exudates, and in bean nodules. Rhizobium etli mutants affected in T6SS structural genes produced plants with lower dry weight and smaller nodules than the wild-type strain, indicating for the first time that the T6SS plays a positive role in Rhizobium-legume symbiosis.

Definition of two new symbiovars, sv. lupini and sv. mediterranense, within the genera Bradyrhizobium and Phyllobacterium efficiently nodulating Lupinus micranthus in Tunisia.

In this study, a polyphasic approach was used to analyze three representative strains (LmiH4, LmiM2 and LmiT21) from a collection of six previously described strains isolated in Tunisia from root nodules of Lupinus micranthus. The phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated rrs, recA and glnII genes showed that strain LmiH4 had 100% concatenated gene sequence identity with the type strain Bradyrhizobium retamae Ro19T. Similarly, strain LmiM2 shared 100% concatenated gene sequence identity with the species Bradyrhizobium valentinum LmjM3T. However, strain LmiT21 showed an identical concatenated gene sequence with reference strain Phyllobacterium sophorae CCBAU03422T. The recA-glnII concatenated protein-coding genes used produced incongruent phylogenies compared with 16S rDNA phylogeny. The nodC gene analysis showed that the strains were phylogenetically divergent to the Bradyrhizobium symbiovars defined to date, and represented two new symbiovars. Plant infection analysis revealed that the three strains showed moderate host range and symbiotic specificities. Based on their symbiotic characteristics, we propose that the three strains isolated from Lupinus micranthus nodules belong to two new symbiovars, with the first denominated lupini within the two species Bradyrhizobium valentinum (type strain LmiM2) and B. retamae (type strain LmiH4), and the second denominated mediterranense within the species P. sophorae (type strain LmiT21).

Bradyrhizobium algeriense sp. nov., a novel species isolated from effective nodules of Retama sphaerocarpa from Northeastern Algeria.

We have characterized genetic, phenotypic and symbiotic properties of bacterial strains previously isolated from nitrogen-fixing nodules of Retama sphaerocarpa from Northern Algeria. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA genes and three concatenated housekeeping genes, recA, atpD and glnII, placed them in a new divergent group that is proposed to form a new Bradyrhizobium species, Bradyrhizobium algeriense sp. nov. (type strain RST89T, LMG 27618 and CECT 8363). Based on these phylogenetic markers and on genomic identity data derived from draft genomic sequences, Bradyrhizobium valentinum LmjM3T, Bradyrhizobium lablabi CCBAU 23086T, Bradyrhizobium retamae Ro19T, and Bradyrhizobium jicamae PAC68T are the closest relatives of B. algeriense RST89T, with sequence identities of 92-94% and Average Nucleotide Identities (ANIm) under 90%, well below the 95-96% species circumscription threshold. Likewise, a comparison of whole-cell proteomic patterns, estimated by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometric analysis, yielded almost identical spectra between B. algeriense strains but significant differences with B. valentinum, Bradyrhizobium paxllaeri, Bradyrhizobium icense, B. lablabi, B. jicamae and B. retamae. A phylogenetic tree based on symbiotic gene nodC revealed that the B. algeriense sequences cluster with sequences from the Bradyrhizobium symbiovar retamae, previously defined with B. retamae strains isolated from Retama monosperma. B. algeriense strains were able to establish effective symbioses with Retama raetam, Lupinus micranthus, Lupinus albus and Genista numidica, but not with Lupinus angustifolius or Glycine max.

Genomic Diversity in the Endosymbiotic Bacterium Rhizobium leguminosarum.

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae is a soil α-proteobacterium that establishes a diazotrophic symbiosis with different legumes of the Fabeae tribe. The number of genome sequences from rhizobial strains available in public databases is constantly increasing, although complete, fully annotated genome structures from rhizobial genomes are scarce. In this work, we report and analyse the complete genome of R. leguminosarum bv. viciae UPM791. Whole genome sequencing can provide new insights into the genetic features contributing to symbiotically relevant processes such as bacterial adaptation to the rhizosphere, mechanisms for efficient competition with other bacteria, and the ability to establish a complex signalling dialogue with legumes, to enter the root without triggering plant defenses, and, ultimately, to fix nitrogen within the host. Comparison of the complete genome sequences of two strains of R. leguminosarum bv. viciae, 3841 and UPM791, highlights the existence of different symbiotic plasmids and a common core chromosome. Specific genomic traits, such as plasmid content or a distinctive regulation, define differential physiological capabilities of these endosymbionts. Among them, strain UPM791 presents unique adaptations for recycling the hydrogen generated in the nitrogen fixation process.

One-step nondestructive functionalization of graphene oxide paper with amines.

Direct functionalization of prefabricated free-standing graphene oxide paper (GOP) is the only approach suitable for systematic tuning of its mechanical, thermal and electronic characteristics. However, the traditional liquid-phase functionalization can compromise physical integrity of the paper-like material up to its total disintegration. In the present paper, we attempted to apply an alternative, solvent-free strategy for facile and nondestructive functionalization of GOP with 1-octadecylamine (ODA) and 1,12-diaminododecane (DAD) as representatives of aliphatic amines, and with 1-aminopyrene (AP) and 1,5-diaminonaphthalene (DAN) as examples of aromatic amines. The functionalization can be carried out under moderate heating at 150-180 °C for 2 h in vacuum, and proceeds through both amidation and epoxy ring opening reactions. Comparative characterization of pristine and amine-modified GOP samples was carried out by means of Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy. In addition, we compared stability in water, wettability, electrical conductivity and elastic (Young's) modulus of GOP samples before and after functionalization. The highest content of amine species was obtained in the case of GOP-ODA, followed by GOP-DAD, GOP-AP and GOP-DAN. The functionalization increased mechanical and thermal stability, as well as the electrical conductivity of GOP. The magnitude of each effect depends on the structure of amine employed, which allows for tuning a given GOP characteristic. Morphological characterization showed that, compared to pristine graphene oxide paper, amine-modified mats become relatively ordered layered structures, in which individual GO sheets are organized in a near-parallel fashion.

Characterization of a novel MIIA domain-containing protein (MdcE) in Bradyrhizobium spp.

Several genes coding for proteins with metal ion-inducible autocleavage (MIIA) domains were identified in type III secretion system tts gene clusters from draft genomes of recently isolated Bradyrhizobium spp. MIIA domains have been first described in the effectors NopE1 and NopE2 of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens USDA 110. All identified genes are preceded by tts box promoter motifs. The identified proteins contain one or two MIIA domains. A phylogenetic analysis of 35 MIIA domain sequences from 16 Bradyrhizobium strains revealed four groups. The protein from Bradyrhizobium sp. LmjC strain contains a single MIIA domain and was designated MdcE (MdcELmjC). It was expressed as a fusion to maltose-binding protein (MalE) in Escherichia coli and subsequently purified by affinity chromatography. Recombinant MalE-MdcELmjC-Strep protein exhibited autocleavage in the presence of Ca2+, Cu2+, Cd2+ and Mn2+, but not in the presence of Mg2+, Ni2+ or Co2+. Site-directed mutagenesis at the predicted cleavage site abolished autocleavage activity of MdcELmjC. An LmjC mdcE- mutant was impaired in the ability to nodulate Lupinus angustifolius and Macroptilium atropurpureum.

Molecular characterization of virulence and antimicrobial resistance profile of Shigella species isolated from children with moderate to severe diarrhea in northeastern Brazil.

Molecular characterization of virulence and antimicrobial resistance profiles were determined for Shigella species isolated from children with diarrhea in Fortaleza, Brazil. Fecal specimens were collected along with socioeconomic and clinical data from children with moderate to severe diarrhea requiring emergency care. Shigella spp. were isolated by standard microbiological techniques, and we developed 4 multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays to detect 16 virulence-related genes (VRGs). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using disk diffusion assays. S. flexneri and S. sonnei were the predominant serogroups. S. flexneri was associated with low monthly incomes; more severe disease; higher number of VRGs; and presence of pic, set, and sepA genes. The SepA gene was associated with more intense abdominal pain. S. flexneri was correlated with resistance to ampicillin and chloramphenicol, whereas S. sonnei was associated with resistance to azithromycin. Strains harboring higher numbers of VRGs were associated with resistance to more antimicrobials. We highlight the correlation between presence of S. flexneri and sepA, and increased virulence and suggest a link to socioeconomic change in northeastern Brazil. Additionally, antimicrobial resistance was associated with serogroup specificity in Shigella spp. and increased bacterial VRGs.

Regulación voluntaria de la actividad contráctil del músculo masetero en individuos sanos y con trastornos temporomandibulares. Un potencial test diagnóstico / Voluntary regulation of the contractile activity of the masseter muscle in healthy individuals vs. patients with temporomandibular disorders: a potential diagnostic test

El presente trabajo buscó analizar aspectos electrofisiológicos del control voluntario de la actividad contráctil del músculo masetero estudiando una nueva variable, presentada previamente por nuestro grupo. Con este objetivo se realizó un estudio comparativo entre un grupo de voluntarios sanos y otro de pacientes con trastornos temporomandibulares. Se utilizó un sistema experimental que utilizó retroalimentación visual a tiempo real para controlar el esfuerzo contráctil del músculo masetero y se calculó para cada registro electromiográfico, el tiempo que cada individuo necesitó para controlar la trayectoria de la actividad motora. Los coeficientes de variación y los desvíos estándar fueron diferentes entre los grupos analizados (p< 0.01 y p=0.02 respectivamente). Un coeficiente de variación mayor a 0.936 fue encontrado, determinando de esta manera, una especificidad del 93.7%. Asimismo se verificó una sensibilidad del 60%. Esta nueva variable mostró un potencial diagnóstico prometedor, con alta especificidad. Es posible que la sensibilidad pueda aumentarse si se realizan más repeticiones para cada individuo, de modo de analizar mejor el impacto de la dispersión.

This study analyzed the electrophysiological aspects of the voluntary control of the contractile activity of the masseter muscle studying a new variable, previously presented by our group. We conducted a comparative study among healthy volunteers and patients with temporomandibular disorders. We used an experimental system that included real time visual feedback to control the contractile effort of the masseter muscle. The time that each individual needed to control the trajectory of the motor activity was calculated for each electromyographic record. Coefficients of variation and standard deviations were different in the groups analyzed (p<0.01 and p = 0.02 respectively). We found a coefficient of variation greater than 0.936, which determines a 93.7% specificity. Additionally, a 60% sensitivity was verified. This new variable showed promising diagnostic potential, with high specificity. Sensitivity can be increased if more repetitions are conducted for each individual, so as to better analyze the impact of dispersion.

Genome sequence of Bradyrhizobium sp. LMTR 3, a diazotrophic symbiont of Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus).

Bradyrhizobium sp. LMTR 3 is a representative strain of one of the geno(species) of diazotrophic symbionts associated with Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) in Peru. Its 7.83 Mb genome was sequenced using the Illumina technology and found to encode a complete set of genes required for nodulation and nitrogen fixation, and additional genes putatively involved in root colonization. Its draft genome sequence and annotation have been deposited at GenBank under the accession number MAXC00000000.

Draft genome sequence of Bradyrhizobium paxllaeri LMTR 21T isolated from Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) in Peru.

Bradyrhizobium paxllaeri is a prevalent species in root nodules of the Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) in Peru. LMTR 21T is the type strain of the species and was isolated from a root nodule collected in an agricultural field in the Peruvian central coast. Its 8.29 Mbp genome encoded 7635 CDS, 71 tRNAs and 3 rRNAs genes. All genes required to stablish a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with its host were present. The draft genome sequence and annotation have been deposited at GenBank under the accession number MAXB00000000.

Members of Microvirga and Bradyrhizobium genera are native endosymbiotic bacteria nodulating Lupinus luteus in Northern Tunisian soils.

The genetic diversity of bacterial populations nodulating Lupinus luteus (yellow lupine) in Northern Tunisia was examined. Phylogenetic analyses of 43 isolates based on recA and gyrB partial sequences grouped them in three clusters, two of which belong to genus Bradyrhizobium (41 isolates) and one, remarkably, to Microvirga (2 isolates), a genus never previously described as microsymbiont of this lupine species. Representatives of the three clusters were analysed in-depth by multilocus sequence analysis of five housekeeping genes (rrs, recA, glnII, gyrB and dnaK). Surprisingly, the Bradyrhizobium cluster with the two isolates LluI4 and LluTb2 may constitute a new species defined by a separate position between Bradyrhizobium manausense and B. denitrificans. A nodC-based phylogeny identified only two groups: one formed by Bradyrhizobium strains included in the symbiovar genistearum and the other by the Microvirga strains. Symbiotic behaviour of representative isolates was tested, and among the seven legumes inoculated only a difference was observed i.e. the Bradyrhizobium strains nodulated Ornithopus compressus unlike the two strains of Microvirga. On the basis of these data, we conclude that L. luteus root nodule symbionts in Northern Tunisia are mostly strains within the B. canariense/B. lupini lineages, and the remaining strains belong to two groups not previously identified as L. luteus endosymbionts: one corresponding to a new clade of Bradyrhizobium and the other to the genus Microvirga.

Diverse Bacteria Affiliated with the Genera Microvirga, Phyllobacterium, and Bradyrhizobium Nodulate Lupinus micranthus Growing in Soils of Northern Tunisia.

The genetic diversity of bacterial populations nodulating Lupinus micranthus in five geographical sites from northern Tunisia was examined. Phylogenetic analyses of 50 isolates based on partial sequences of recA and gyrB grouped strains into seven clusters, five of which belong to the genus Bradyrhizobium (28 isolates), one to Phyllobacterium (2 isolates), and one, remarkably, to Microvirga (20 isolates). The largest Bradyrhizobium cluster (17 isolates) grouped with the B. lupini species, and the other five clusters were close to different recently defined Bradyrhizobium species. Isolates close to Microvirga were obtained from nodules of plants from four of the five sites sampled. We carried out an in-depth phylogenetic study with representatives of the seven clusters using sequences from housekeeping genes (rrs, recA, glnII, gyrB, and dnaK) and obtained consistent results. A phylogeny based on the sequence of the symbiotic gene nodC identified four groups, three formed by Bradyrhizobium isolates and one by the Microvirga and Phyllobacterium isolates. Symbiotic behaviors of the representative strains were tested, and some congruence between symbiovars and symbiotic performance was observed. These data indicate a remarkable diversity of L. micranthus root nodule symbionts in northern Tunisia, including strains from the Bradyrhizobiaceae, Methylobacteriaceae, and Phyllobacteriaceae families, in contrast with those of the rhizobial populations nodulating lupines in the Old World, including L. micranthus from other Mediterranean areas, which are nodulated mostly by Bradyrhizobium strains.IMPORTANCELupinus micranthus is a legume broadly distributed in the Mediterranean region and plays an important role in soil fertility and vegetation coverage by fixing nitrogen and solubilizing phosphate in semiarid areas. Direct sowing to extend the distribution of this indigenous legume can contribute to the prevention of soil erosion in pre-Saharan lands of Tunisia. However, rhizobial populations associated with L. micranthus are poorly understood. In this context, the diversity of endosymbionts of this legume was investigated. Most Lupinus species are nodulated by Bradyrhizobium strains. This work showed that about half of the isolates from northern Tunisian soils were in fact Bradyrhizobium symbionts, but the other half were found unexpectedly to be bacteria within the genera Microvirga and Phyllobacterium These unusual endosymbionts may have a great ecological relevance. Inoculation with the appropriate selected symbiotic bacterial partners will increase L. micranthus survival with consequent advantages for the environment in semiarid areas of Tunisia.

Combination of different methods for detection of Campylobacter spp. in young children with moderate to severe diarrhea.

Campylobacter spp. were detected - using culture, ELISA, PCR, and qPCR - among children (0-36months) with moderate to severe diarrhea in Northeastern Brazil. Our data showed that either the qPCR alone or PCR along with ELISA might be an alternative to culture to diagnose Campylobacter due to their enhanced sensitivity.

Diversity of Bradyrhizobium strains nodulating Lupinus micranthus on both sides of the Western Mediterranean: Algeria and Spain.

Lupinus micranthus is a lupine distributed in the Mediterranean basin whose nitrogen fixing symbiosis has not been described in detail. In this study, 101 slow-growing nodule isolates were obtained from L. micranthus thriving in soils on both sides of the Western Mediterranean. The diversity of the isolates, 60 from Algeria and 41 from Spain, was addressed by multilocus sequence analysis of housekeeping genes (16S rRNA, atpD, glnII and recA) and one symbiotic gene (nodC). Using genomic fingerprints from BOX elements, 37 different profiles were obtained (22 from Algeria and 15 from Spain). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA and concatenated atpD, glnII and recA sequences of a representative isolate of each BOX profile displayed a homogeneous distribution of profiles in six different phylogenetic clusters. All isolates were taxonomically ascribed to the genus Bradyrhizobium. Three clusters comprising 24, 6, and 4 isolates, respectively, accounted for most of the profiles. The largest cluster was close to the Bradyrhizobium canariense lineage, while the other two were related to B. cytisi/B. rifense. The three remaining clusters included only one isolate each, and were close to B. canariense, B. japonicum and B. elkanii species, respectively. In contrast, phylogenetic clustering of BOX profiles based on nodC sequences yielded only two phylogenetic groups. One of them included all the profiles except one, and belonged to symbiovar genistearum. The remaining profile, constituted by a strain related to B. elkanii, was not related to any well-defined symbiotic lineage, and may constitute both a new symbiovar and a new genospecies.