[Necrosis and intestinal perforation associated with feeding by jejunostomy]. / Necrosis y perforación intestinal asociada a alimentación por yeyunostomía.

Enteral nutrition through jejunostomy is a common practice in any general surgery service; it carries a low risk of complications and morbidity and mortality. We present the case of a patient with an immediate history of subtotal gastrectomy that began nutrition through jejunostomy and complicated with intestinal necrosis due to non-occlusive ischemia in the short period. The purpose of this work is to report on this complication, its pathophysiology and risk factors to take it into account and be able to take appropriate therapeutic action early.

La nutrición enteral por yeyunostomía es una práctica frecuente en cualquier servicio de cirugía general, esta conlleva bajo riesgo de complicaciones y morbimortalidad. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con antecedente inmediato de gastrectomía subtotal que inició nutrición por yeyunostomía y complicó con necrosis intestinal por isquemia no oclusiva en el corto lapso. La finalidad de este trabajo es informar sobre esta complicación, su fisiopatología y factores de riesgo para tenerla en cuenta y poder tomar precozmente una conducta terapéutica adecuada.

Assessing parasite epidemiology in the epidemiological importance of Patagonian Late Holocene rockshelters using carnivore coprolites in the past: new data from Piedra Parada, Argentina.

The aim of this research was to analyse the variability of parasite assemblages on a small spatial scale, by examining carnivore coprolites from the archaeological site Campo Moncada 2 (CM2), Piedra Parada area, Chubut province, Argentina, and comparing the results with those previously obtained from the archaeological site Campo Cerda 1 (CCe1), located in the same area. Six carnivore coprolites from CM2 were analysed: 4 obtained in sub-level 2a and 2 obtained in sub-level 2a/b. Two radiocarbon dates associated with the coprolites placed the samples chronologically between 780 ± 80 and 860 ± 80 years before present. The rehydrated sediments were sieved and then allowed to sediment spontaneously. The sediment was used for parasitological examination under light microscopy. Conservative estimation of total parasite richness resulted in 21 parasitic taxa. The taxa with the highest fecal prevalence (>50%) corresponded to parasites prevalent in modern carnivores (Alaria sp., Toxocara cf. canis, Toxascaris sp., Eucoleus cf. aerophila, Trichuris sp. and Ancylostomatidae gen. sp.). Assuming that the fox coprolites are contemporaneous, the total fecal parasite richness estimated for CM2 and previously for CCe1 was similar. The high total parasite richness found suggests a network of host­parasite relationships that could include regional hunter-gatherers. The results obtained in carnivore coprolites allow us to infer a very diverse biological community in Piedra Parada area, so the regional caves and rockshelters could have a proportional epidemiological importance as parasite exchange nodes.

Drenaje percutáneo transglúteo / Percutaneous transgluteal drainage

RESUMEN Antecedentes: El drenaje percutáneo es una alternativa a la cirugía en el manejo de los abscesos pélvi cos. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la seguridad y la eficacia del enfoque transglúteo. Material y métodos: Los drenajes fueron realizados por 3 cirujanos, bajo guía tomográfica. Se utilizó la técnica de Seldinger, con anestesia local; se utilizaron catéteres de 8 y 10 Fr. El drenaje fue exitoso si la colección desapareció y no había recurrido. Resultados: El promedio de edad de los pacientes fue de 49,2 años. El germen más común fue Esche richia coli. En la mitad de los casos, la causa fue posoperatoria. La duración media del drenaje fue de 9,2 días. El drenaje tuvo éxito en todos los casos, sin complicaciones mayores. Conclusión: El drenaje transglúteo guiado por tomografía computarizada (TC) es seguro y bien tolera do para el tratamiento de abscesos pélvicos profundos.

ABSTRACT Background: Percutaneous drainage is an alternative to surgery in the management of pelvic abscesses. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the transgluteal approach. Material and methods: Transgluteal percutaneous drainages were performed by 3 surgeons using computed tomography guidance. The Seldinger technique was used with 8 Fr and 10 Fr catheters under local anesthesia. Drainage was considered successful if the abscess regressed and did not recur. Results: Mean age was 49.2 years. Escherichia coli was the most common microorganism identified. In 50% of the cases, the abscesses occurred postoperatively. Mean duration of drainage was 9.2 days. Drainage was successful in all the cases and there were no major complications. Conclusion: Transgluteal computed tomography-guided approach is safe and well-tolerated for the treatment of deep pelvic abscesses.

Role of Tonsillar Chronic Inflammation and Commensal Bacteria in the Pathogenesis of Pediatric OSA.

Immune responses at the boundary between the host and the world beyond are complex and mucosal tissue homeostasis relies on them. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a syndrome suffered by children with hypertrophied tonsils. We have previously demonstrated that these tonsils present a defective regulatory B cell (Breg) compartment. Here, we extend those findings by uncovering the crucial role of resident pro-inflammatory B and T cells in sustaining tonsillar hypertrophy and hyperplasia by producing TNFα and IL17, respectively, in ex vivo cultures. Additionally, we detected prominent levels of expression of CD1d by tonsillar stratified as well as reticular epithelium, which have not previously been reported. Furthermore, we evidenced the hypertrophy of germinal centers (GC) and the general hyperplasia of B lymphocytes within the tissue and the lumen of the crypts. Of note, such B cells resulted mainly (IgG/IgM)+ cells, with some IgA+ cells located marginally in the follicles. Finally, by combining bacterial culture from the tonsillar core and subsequent identification of the respective isolates, we determined the most prevalent species within the cohort of OSA patients. Although the isolated species are considered normal oropharyngeal commensals in children, we confirmed their capacity to breach the epithelial barrier. Our work sheds light on the pathological mechanism underlying OSA, highlighting the relevance taken by the host immune system when defining infection versus colonization, and opening alternatives of treatment.

Colecistitis enfisematosa: presentación de tres casos / Emphysematous cholecystitis: a report of three cases

Antecedentes: la colecistitis enfisematosa (CE) es una forma de presentación infrecuente de la colecistitis aguda. Material y métodos: presentecedentes patológicos, mientras que los otros eran diabéticos. A todos se les realizó tomografía computarizada (TC). Dos pacientes fueron sometidos a colecistectomía videolaparoscópica (CL) con buena evolución, mientras que en un caso se realizó colecistostomía percutánea (CP). Discusión: la CE se refiere a la presencia de gas en la luz o en la pared de la vesícula biliar. La tasa de morbilidad es del 50%. Los pacientes suelen padecer diabetes, pero puede presentarse en pacientes más jóvenes sin factores de riesgo. La TC es el método de elección para el diagnóstico. El tratamiento definitivo es la CL, aunque la CP es otra opción válida. Conclusión: la CL se considera un enfoque eficaz y seguro para el tratamiento de la CE.

Background: Emphysematous cholecystitis (EC) is a rare presentation of acute cholecystitis. Material and methods: We report three cases of EC in two men and one woman between 55 and 79 years. One of the patients was otherwise healthy while the other two were diabetics. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed in all the cases. Two patients underwent video-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy with favorable outcome and one patient underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy. Discussion: Emphysematous cholecystitis is characterized by the presence of gas in the gallbladder lumen or wall. Mortality rate is 50%. Most patients are diabetics, but EC may present in younger patients without risk factors. Computed tomography scan is the method of choice for the diagnosis. Cholecystectomy is indicated as definite treatment, but percutaneous cholecystostomy may be a valid option. Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and antibiotics are effective and safe to treat.

Bioremediation strategies for chromium removal: Current research, scale-up approach and future perspectives.

Industrial applications and commercial processes release a lot of chromium into the environment (soil, surface water or atmosphere) and resulting in serious human diseases because of their toxicity. Biological Cr-removal offers an alternative to traditional physic-chemical methods. This is considered as a sustainable technology of lower impact on the environment. Resistant microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, and algae) have been most extensively studied from this characteristic. Several mechanisms were developed by microorganisms to deal with chromium toxicity. These tools include biotransformation (reduction or oxidation), bioaccumulation and/or biosorption, and are considered as an alternative to remove the heavy metal. The aim of this review is summarizes Cr(VI)-bioremediation technologies oriented on practical applications at larger scale technologies. In the same way, the most relevant results of several investigations focused on process feasibility and the robustness of different systems (reactors and pilot scale) designed for chromium-removal capacity are highlighted.

Draft Genome Sequence of Achromobacter sp. Strain AR476-2, Isolated from a Cellulolytic Consortium.

Achromobacter sp. AR476-2 is a noncellulolytic strain previously isolated from a cellulolytic consortium selected from samples of insect gut. Its genome sequence could contribute to the unraveling of the complex interaction of microorganisms and enzymes involved in the biodegradation of lignocellulosic biomass in nature.

Oleaginous yeasts from Antarctica: Screening and preliminary approach on lipid accumulation.

The capability of 17 Rhodotorula spp. isolated from Antarctica to accumulate intracellular lipids in nitrogen-limited medium was investigated. As results, 10 isolates were selected by Nile red staining, while 12 isolates were selected as oleaginous by analysis of total lipid content (20.4-73%, w/w of dry biomass). The higher lipid production and accumulation was exhibited for six strains belonging to three species of Rhodotorula (Rhodotorula glutinis, Rhodotorula glacialis, and Rhodotorula laryngis). This is the first report where R. laryngis have been identified within oleaginous specie. Lipid accumulation was evaluated comparatively in two nitrogen-limited glucose-based media (MI and MII). MI (low C/N ratio) was more suitable for biomass and lipid production while in MII (high C/N ratio) total lipid content was improved. R. glutinis R4, R. glacialis R15, and R. glutinis R48 showed high lipid concentrations (4.65-6.93 g L-1 ) and they were able to accumulate large amounts of lipids per gram of biomass (47-77%, w/w). A similar profile in fatty acids composition and content of neutral lipids to vegetable oils was observed, indicating that lipids produced by oleaginous Antarctic yeasts can be considered an alternative feedstock for biodiesel production. Antarctica represents an important source of oleaginous yeasts with adaptive capabilities to accumulate considerable amounts of lipids with biotechnological interest at 15 °C and 25 °C.

Removal efficiency of Cr6+ by indigenous Pichia sp. isolated from textile factory effluent.

Resistance of the indigenous strains P. jadinii M9 and P. anomala M10, to high Cr(6+) concentrations and their ability to reduce chromium in culture medium was studied. The isolates were able to tolerate chromium concentrations up to 104 µg mL(-1). Growth and reduction of Cr(6+) were dependent on incubation temperature, agitation, Cr(6+) concentration, and pH. Thus, in both studied strains the chromium removal was increased at 30 °C with agitation. The optimum pH was different, with values of pH 3.0 and pH 7.0 in the case of P. anomala M10 and pH 7.0 using P. jadinii M9. Chromate reduction occurred both in intact cells (grown in culture medium) as well as in cell-free extracts. Chromate reductase activity could be related to cytosolic or membrane-associated proteins. The presence of a chromate reductase activity points out a possible role of an enzyme in Cr(6+) reduction.

Chromate removal by yeasts isolated from sediments of a tanning factory and a mine site in Argentina.

Twenty-one yeast-like microorganisms were isolated from tannery effluents and from a nickel-copper mine in Argentina. They were tested for their Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II) and Cr(VI) tolerance in qualitative assays on solid medium. Three isolates were selected for their multiple tolerance to the different heavy metals and highest tolerance to Cr(VI). According to morphological and physiological analysis and 26S rDNA D1/D2 domain sequences the isolates were characterized as: Lecythophora sp. NGV-1, Candida sp. NGV-9 and Aureobasidium pullulans VR-8. Resistance of the three strains to high Cr(VI) concentrations and their ability to remove Cr(VI) were assessed using YNB-glucose medium supplemented with 0.5 and 1 mM Cr(VI). Chromate removal activity was estimated by measuring remaining Cr(VI) concentration in the supernatant using the colorimetric 1,5-diphenylcarbazide method and total chromium was determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results indicate that the initial Cr(VI) concentration negatively influenced growth and the specific growth rate but stimulated the metabolic activity of the three strains; resistance to Cr(VI) by these strains was mainly due to reduction of Cr(VI) rather than chromium bioaccumulation. This study showed the potential ability of these strains as tools for bioremediation of Cr(VI) from contaminated sites.

Hydrolytic protein cleavage mediated by unusual mononuclear copper(II) complexes: X-ray structures and solution studies.

The crystal structures and redox and UV-vis/EPR spectroscopic properties of two new mononuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu(HL1)Cl2] (1) and [Cu(L1)Cl] (2), prepared through the reaction between copper(II) chloride and the ligand 2-[(bis(pyridylmethyl)amino)methyl]-4-methyl-6-formylphenol (HL1) under distinct base conditions, are reported along with solution studies. Also, we demonstrate that these CuII complexes are able to cleave unactivated peptide bonds from bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the thermostable enzyme Taq DNA polymerase at micromolar concentration, under mild pH and temperature conditions. The cleavage activity seems to be specific with defined proteolytic fragments appearing after protein treatment. The location of the specific cleavage sites was tentatively assigned to solvent-accessible portions of the protein. These are two of the most active Cu(II) complexes described to date, since their cleavage activity is detected in minutes and evidence is here presented for a hydrolytic mechanism mediating protein cleavage by these complexes.