The role of SepF in cell division and diazotrophic growth in the multicellular cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120.

The cyanobacterium Anabaena forms filaments of cells that grow by intercalary cell division producing adjoined daughter cells connected by septal junction protein complexes that provide filament cohesion and intercellular communication, representing a genuine case of bacterial multicellularity. In spite of their diderm character, cyanobacterial genomes encode homologs of SepF, a protein normally found in Gram-positive bacteria. In Anabaena, SepF is an essential protein that localized to the cell division ring and the intercellular septa. Overexpression of sepF had detrimental effects on growth, provoking conspicuous alterations in cell morphology that resemble the phenotype of mutants impaired in cell division, and altered the localization of the division-ring. SepF interacted with FtsZ and with the essential FtsZ tether ZipN. Whereas SepF from unicellular bacteria generally induces the bundling of FtsZ filaments, Anabaena SepF inhibited FtsZ bundling, reducing the thickness of the toroidal aggregates formed by FtsZ alone and eventually preventing FtsZ polymerization. Thus, in Anabaena SepF appears to have an essential role in cell division by limiting the polymerization of FtsZ to allow the correct formation and localization of the Z-ring. Expression of sepF is downregulated during heterocyst differentiation, likely contributing to the inhibition of Z-ring formation in heterocysts. Finally, the localization of SepF in intercellular septa and its interaction with the septal-junction related proteins SepJ and SepI suggest a role of SepF in the formation or stability of the septal complexes that mediate cell-cell adhesion and communication, processes that are key for the multicellular behavior of Anabaena.

Instrumental texture analysis on the surface of dry-cured ham to define the end of the process.

The end of the elaboration process of dry-cured ham is currently decided by product weight loss and/or by an expert who carries out an evaluation of the tactile texture on the surface. The objective of this study was to define the optimal measurement conditions of an instrumental texture analysis on the surface of the dry-cured ham (ITAS), to define the end of process. 120 dry-cured hams were classified by experts into Hard (appropriate) or Soft (non-appropriate) texture groups and used to perform compression tests using different probes on three anatomical positions. Results showed that the small probe in position 2 gave the most discriminant conditions, providing representative information of the internal texture. Although classification using only weight loss was possible with an accuracy rate of 80.4% or 66.7% depending on the weight loss, the maximum classification accuracy was obtained when using ITAS in combination with weight loss. Further studies at industrial level are needed.

Direct observation of endoglucanase fibrillation and rapid thickness identification of cellulose nanoplatelets using constructive interference.

Better understanding through direct observation of the mechanisms involved in chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass is of great importance, to implement a substitute for the common cellulose standards. We report the hydrolysis of biomass, using exclusively the parenchyma, to isolate cellulose nanoplatelets using a less harsh pretreatment. Then, we show direct evidence of the effect of endoglucanase on the structure of cellulose nanoplatelets, finding that amorphous cellulose is exclusively digested, loosening the cellulose nanofibrils in the process. The analysis of micrographs demonstrates that when cellulose nanoplatelets are deposited on a silicon wafer, its thickness can be qualitatively measured by the interference color detected using an optical microscope. This finding facilitates further studies of mechanisms involved in lignin removal and cellulose nanofibrils production by specific enzymatic digestion.

Efficacy of Telavancin in Comparison to Linezolid in a Porcine Model of Severe Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia.

Current guidelines recommend vancomycin and linezolid as first-line agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nosocomial pneumonia. Telavancin is a potential new therapeutic alternative, specifically in monomicrobial MRSA pneumonia. This study compared the efficacies of telavancin versus linezolid in a porcine model of severe MRSA pneumonia. In 18 mechanically ventilated pigs (32.11 ± 1.18 kg), 75 ml of 106 CFU/ml of MRSA was administered into each pulmonary lobe. After the onset of pneumonia, pigs were randomized into three groups: a control group, a group receiving 22.5 mg/kg of body weight every 24 h (q24h) of telavancin, and a group receiving 10 mg/kg q12h of linezolid intravenously. Tracheal aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids were cultured every 24 h. After 48 h of treatment, tissue samples were collected from the ventral and dorsal sections of each lobe. Microbiological and histopathological analyses were performed. Lung tissue concentrations differed among the groups (P = 0.019), with the lowest MRSA lung burden in the telavancin group (P < 0.05 versus the control). MRSA was detected in 46.7%, 40.0%, and 21.7% of the lung tissue samples from the control, linezolid, and telavancin groups, respectively (P < 0.001). MRSA concentrations differed among the groups in tracheal aspirate fluid (P = 0.011) but not in BAL fluid. Furthermore, there was no increased risk of kidney injury during telavancin use. Thus, telavancin has higher bactericidal efficacy than linezolid during the first 48 h of treatment in a porcine model of severe MRSA pneumonia. However, studies are needed to confirm the benefits of telavancin in treating MRSA nosocomial pneumonia.

Cefalea cardíaca: cuando la isquemia miocárdica llega a la consulta del neurólogo / No disponible

No disponible

Validation of self-reported adherence in chronic patients visiting pharmacies and factors associated with the overestimation and underestimation of good adherence.

BACKGROUND: Studies validating indirect methods to identify nonadherence in chronic patients who visit pharmacies are lacking. The aim of this study was to validate self-reported adherence and assess the variables associated with both overestimation and underestimation of good adherence when using this method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was undertaken to validate self-reported adherence in 132 community pharmacies throughout Spain in 6237 chronic patients. The Morisky-Green test was used as the validation method and through a 2 × 2 table, the validity indicators, predictive values, and likelihood ratios were calculated. To assess the variables associated with both overestimation and underestimation of good adherence, multivariate logistic regression analysis and calculation of the area under the ROC curve were used to evaluate discriminatory capacity. RESULTS: Sensitivity was 27.8% (95% CI: 26.2-29.4) and specificity was 93.9% (95% CI: 93.1-94.7). Discrepancy analysis obtained a significant overestimation of good adherence (p < 0.001). The factors associated with overestimating good adherence were performing a mnemonic trick (p < 0.001), not self-medicating (p < 0.001), a high level of physical activity (p < 0.001), and an older age (p = 0.014). Factors associated with underestimation were self-medication (p < 0.001), desiring more information (p < 0.001), smoking (p = 0.014), not engaging in physical activity in the low (p = 0.006) or high (p < 0.001) categories, having a younger mean age (p = 0.007), and taking two to three (p = 0.029) or four or more (p < 0.001) chronic treatments. CONCLUSION: Self-reported adherence has good specificity but poor sensitivity. The associated profiles of the discrepancies were obtained to identify both good and poor adherence.

Elemental sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification in stoichiometric S0/N ratio: Calibration and validation of a kinetic model.

The inclusion of S0 hydrolysis in a kinetic model of autotrophic denitrification has been recently proposed; however the model has not been calibrated or validated yet. Thus, a new methodology was developed and applied to calibrate and validate this kinetic model for the first time. An inoculum adapted from a poultry wastewater treatment plant at stoichiometric S0/NO3- ratio was used. The model was calibrated with batch data (initial nitrate concentrations of 50 and 6.25 mg NO3--N/L) at an S0/N ratio = 2.29 mg S/mg N and validated with seven different batch data. The sensitivity analysis showed that the most sensitive parameters are related to S0 hydrolysis. The kinetic model was successfully calibrated with the new methodology and validated, with Theil inequality coefficient values lower than 0.21. Thus, the proposed model and methodology were proved to be well suited for the simulation of elemental sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification in batch systems.

Análisis del impacto económico, de consumo y de calidad en el uso de los medicamentos, tras la implantación de la prescripción electrónica y de un sistema automatizado de dispensación / Economic impact and acceptance of electronic prescription and dispensing automation

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto en el gasto, consumo y aceptabilidad tras la implantación de prescripción electrónica y un sistema de dispensación automático en una unidad de hospitalización. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo pre-post implantación, comparativo en consumo (unidades) y gasto (euros) de medicamentos durante los periodos enero-noviembre 2017 y enero-noviembre 2018. Se midió impacto económico de la implantación aplicando costes de 2017 a la actividad 2018. Se realizó una encuesta de valoración de la seguridad, calidad asistencial y aceptación al personal de enfermería. RESULTADOS: El consumo en medicamentos tras la implantación fue un 5,76% inferior con respecto al periodo anterior. La distribución porcentual del consumo de unidades según vía de administración fue similar entre ambos periodos. Durante el periodo 2018, el gasto fue un 2,76% superior, asociado a un aumento en la actividad y al incremento del coste por unidad de medicamento. Sin embargo, el gasto y consumo ponderados por ingreso, fueron un 10% y 16,5% inferiores, respectivamente. El impacto económico de la implantación supuso una disminución del gasto en medicamentos de 15.656 euros. El resultado de las encuestas arrojó una valoración positiva en seguridad, más del 70% de los encuestados consideraron que los armarios previenen administraciones innecesarias, alergias y errores en la selección de medicamentos. CONCLUSIÓN: La implantación de la prescripción electrónica y de un sistema automatizado de dispensación disminuye los costes asociados al consumo de medicamentos. Mejora la adaptación de las presentaciones farmacéuticas a la prescripción y la seguridad en el uso de los medicamentos

OBJECTIVE: Impact evaluation of expenditure, consumption and acceptability in the implementation of the electronic prescription and the automatic dispensing cabinet in a hospitalization unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pre-post implantation comparative retrospective study, in which the consumption (units) and expenditure (euros) of drugs were compared during 2 periods, pre-period (January-November 2017) and post-period (January-November 2018). The economic impact of the implementation was measured by applying the costs of 2017 to the activity of 2018. A survey was also carried out to assess the safety, quality of care and acceptability of nursing staff of the unit. RESULTS: Total units of drugs consumed after implementation were 5.76% lower compared to the previous period. The distribution of unit consumption according to the route of administration was similar between both periods. During the period of 2018, spending on medicines was 2.76% higher, associated with an increase in activity, spending and consumption weighted by income, 10% and 16.5% lower, respectively. The economic impact of the implementation meant a decrease in the cost of medicines of 15,656 euros. The result of the surveys yielded a positive evaluation in security, more than 70% of the nurses considered the automated dispensing cabinet prevent administration in case the allergies and the errors in the selection of medicines. CONCLUSIONS: complementation of electronic prescription and automatic dispensing cabinet produce a decrease in the healthcare costs. As well as a better adaptation to the prescription and an increase in the safety use of medicines. The nursing staff recognizes this new system as safer than the manual floor stock system

[«Salt and pepper¼ sign in the onset of a non-vascular pontine pathology]. / Signo de «sal y pimienta¼ como presentacion de una lesion pontina no vascular.

TITLE: Signo de «sal y pimienta¼ como presentacion de una lesion pontina no vascular.

Delonix regia galactomannan hydrolysates: Rheological behavior and physicochemical characterization.

The galactomannan extracted from Delonix regia (DRGM) seeds was hydrolyzed at different enzyme dosages and reaction times. A linear relation between inverse Molecular weight (Mn) and hydrolysis time was obtained, and the Mn reduction was controlled from 4.86 × 105 to 1.95 × 105 Da. The hydrolysis does not affect galactomannan structure as observed by FT-IR and DRX, maintaining an amorphous structure with only a slight increase in galactose:mannose relationship as observed by 1H NMR. A rheological behavior shift was observed below Mn = 4.15 × 105 Da when viscoelastic behavior changes from a weak gel to a macromolecular solution in a 3% (w/v) galactomannan hydrolysate. Shear viscosity of 3% (w/v) galactomannan dispersion in water follows closely a power law equation where the consistency index decreased, and the flow behavior index increased with increasing hydrolysis degree. These results indicate the conditions for obtaining specific viscoelastic properties of DRGM dispersions for specific applications by a careful control of the enzymatic hydrolysis process.

Peroxide Electrochemical Sensor and Biosensor Based on Nanocomposite of TiO2 Nanoparticle/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode.

A hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor and biosensor based on modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanostructures was designed and evaluated. The construction of the sensor was performed using a glassy carbon (GC) modified electrode with a TiO2-CNT film and Prussian blue (PB) as an electrocalatyzer. The same sensor was also employed as the basis for H2O2 biosensor construction through further modification with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) immobilized at the TiO2-fCNT film. Functionalized CNTs (fCNTs) and modified TiO2-fCNTs were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-Ray DifFraction (XRD), confirming the presence of anatase over the fCNTs. Depending on the surface charge, a solvent which optimizes the CNT dispersion was selected: dimethyl formamide (DMF) for fCNTs and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) for TiO2-fCNTs. Calculated values for the electron transfer rate constant (ks) were 0.027 s-1 at the PB-fCNT/GC modified electrode and 4.7 × 10-4 s-1 at the PB-TiO2/fCNT/GC electrode, suggesting that, at the PB-TiO2/fCNT/GC modified electrode, the electronic transfer was improved. According to these results, the PB-fCNT/GC electrode exhibited better Detection Limit (LD) and Quantification Limit (LQ) than the PB-TiO2/fCNT/GC electrode for H2O2. However, the PB film was very unstable at the potentials used. Therefore, the PB-TiO2/fCNT/GC modified electrode was considered the best for H2O2 detection in terms of operability. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) behaviors of the HRP-TiO2/fCNT/GC modified electrodes before and after the chronoamperometric test for H2O2, suggest the high stability of the enzymatic electrode. In comparison with other HRP/fCNT-based electrochemical biosensors previously described in the literature, the HRP-fCNTs/GC modified electrode did not show an electroanalytical response toward H2O2.

Adapting the revised prenatal coping inventory (NuPCI) for use in a Spanish population.

OBJECTIVE: To adapt the Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (NuPCI) for the evaluation of prenatal stress coping strategies utilised by Spanish women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the psychometric properties of NuPCI adapted for a Spanish population. Two hundred and sixty one puerperium women completed the NuPCI at the time of discharge after childbirth. Instrument construct validity was evaluated using subscale item correlations. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's α test. RESULTS: Items from each subscale (Preparation, Avoidance and Spiritual - Positive Coping) were significantly correlated with the global result (p < .001). The internal reliability of the NuPCI demonstrated suitable values for each of the three coping strategies (α > 0.7). The most frequently used coping strategy was Preparation and the least used was Avoidance. Utilisation of the coping strategies with Preparation decreased with increasing parity (p = .002) and greater prenatal stress was associated with increased use of the Avoidance coping strategy (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The NuPCI adapted for Spanish women demonstrates good psychometric properties for evaluating the three types of prenatal stress coping strategies: Preparation, Avoidance and Spiritual - Positive Coping. Results were similar to those presented by the instrument in its English language version.

Eco-friendly isolation of cellulose nanoplatelets through oxidation under mild conditions.

Agave is recognized as a low recalcitrant material, which makes it a potential source to obtain nanocellulose. Aqueous dispersions (in water, H2O2, H2O2/H2SO4) of agave powder were heated at 120°C under vapor pressure (1kg/cm2). The resultant materials were observed with an optical microscope (OM), a laser scanning microscope (LSM) to obtain the thickness measurement and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to observe morphology. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to obtain the chemical structure. Cellulose nanoplatelets (CNPs) from Agave salmiana were successfully isolated under mild conditions. Physicochemical analysis indicates that lignin was removed in a single step oxidation with hydrogen peroxide in presence of sulfuric acid at low concentration (0.17M). The CNPs images revealed the presence of entangled cellulose nanofibrils (Ø≈14nm) along the nanoplatelets (thickness ≈80nm).

Assessment of significant psychological distress at the end of pregnancy and associated factors.

The aim of this study is to study the prevalence of mental distress at the end of pregnancy and after birth and the impact of selected socio-demographic and obstetric factors. This is a cross-sectional study. The sample is consisted of 351 puerperal women at the age of 18 and over. Sociodemographic, obstetric variables were collected to detect significant psychological distress; the instrument used was General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Logistic multivariable regressions were used to investigate associations. The prevalence of significant mental distress amounted to 81.2%, mostly related to social relationship and anxiety. The women who affirmed having more stress during pregnancy had too significantly increased emotional distress before the birth as well as during early puerperium, increasing somatic symptoms (p < 0.001; OR 2.685; CI 95% 1.583-4.553), anxiety (p < 0.001; OR 4.676; CI 95% 2.846-7.684), and depressive symptoms (p < 0.01). Somatic symptoms (p < 0.05; OR 2.466; CI 95% 1.100-5.528) and social dysfunction (p < 0.001; OR 1.672; CI 95% 0.711-3.932) occur most frequently in women who already had children. Regarding socio-demographic data, being an immigrant is the only protective factor reducing the social dysfunction in the last weeks of pregnancy (p < 0.01; OR 0.478; CI 95% 0.274-0.832). Psychological distress at the end of a full-term pregnancy and in the postpartum period occurs frequently and was associated mainly with stress experienced during pregnancy and parity. It is advisable to perform proper assessment of stress and significant psychological distress at the early stage of pregnancy and repeatedly later on until delivery. Information and support from professionals can help to decrease and prevent their negative impact on maternal and fetal health, as observed in the current evidence.

Biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests: Reducing test time by early parameter estimation.

Biochemical methane potential (BMP) test is a key analytical technique to assess the implementation and optimisation of anaerobic biotechnologies. However, this technique is characterised by long testing times (from 20 to >100days), which is not suitable for waste utilities, consulting companies or plants operators whose decision-making processes cannot be held for such a long time. This study develops a statistically robust mathematical strategy using sensitivity functions for early prediction of BMP first-order model parameters, i.e. methane yield (B0) and kinetic constant rate (k). The minimum testing time for early parameter estimation showed a potential correlation with the k value, where (i) slowly biodegradable substrates (k≤0.1d-1) have a minimum testing times of ≥15days, (ii) moderately biodegradable substrates (0.1

Use of solid residue from thermal power plant (fly ash) for enhancing sewage sludge anaerobic digestion: Influence of fly ash particle size.

The influence of fly ash particle size on methane production and anaerobic biodegradability was evaluated. Assays with different fly ash particle sizes (0.8-2.36mm) at a concentration of 50mg/L were ran under mesophilic conditions. In anaerobic processes operating with fly ash, greater removal of both volatile total and suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand (total and soluble) was achieved, with an increase of methane production between 28% and 96% compared to the control reactors. The highest increase occurred at ash particles sizes of 1.0-1.4mm. The metal concentrations in the digestates obtained after anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge are far below those considered as limiting for the use of sludge in soils.

Prevalencia de trastornos temporomandibulares en la población adulta beneficiaria de Atención Primaria en Salud del Servicio de Salud Valparaíso, San Antonio / Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in the beneficiary adult population of Primary Health Care at Servicio de Salud Valparaíso, San Antonio

Los Trastornos Temporomandibulares (TTM) son un conjunto de problemas musculares y articulares que afectan al sistema masticatorio. En Chile, hay pocos estudios epidemiológicos en TTM y no se conoce su distribución, severidad, necesidad de tratamiento y comorbilidad. Estas patologías no están incorporadas a las prestaciones de salud oral de las Garantías Explícitas en Salud (GES) y no existen Guías Clínicas Unificadas a nivel nacional para su diagnóstico y derivación desde la Atención Primaria en Salud (APS). El objetivo general de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de trastornos temporomandibulares en adultos beneficiarios del Servicio de Salud de Valparaíso y San Antonio (SSVSA). Para lo anterior se propuso un estudio observacional de corte transversal (prevalencia) de TTM, cuya población objetivo correspondió a adultos (mayores de 18 años) beneficiarios del Fondo Nacional de Salud (FONASA) del SSVSA inscritos en consultorios de APS de la comuna de Valparaíso (n= 273.449 según los registros per capita de pacientes válidamente inscritos en 2012). Se examinaron 270 pacientes (168 mujeres, 102 hombres), seleccionados al azar, utilizando las categorías diagnósticas del Research Diagnostic Criteria de Dworkin (Dworkin 1992, adscritas a la Asociación Internacional para la investigación Dental). Los resultados arrojaron una prevalencia de TTM de un 49,6% (al menos un diagnóstico) en la muestra estudiada; y un 19,6% de la población padecía de un TTM severo (dolor muscular y/o articular, asociado a limitación funcional), siendo el sexo femenino el más comprometido (AU)

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are a set of muscle and joint problems affecting the masticatory system. In Chile, there are few epidemiological studies on TMD, and no distribution, severity, and comorbidity need for treatment is known. These conditions are not incorporated into oral health benefits of Explicit Health Guarantees (GES) and there are no clinical guidelines for diagnosis and referral from Primary Health Care (PHC). The overall objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders in adults beneficiaries of the Health Service of Valparaiso and San Antonio (SSVSA). For the above observational cross-sectional study (prevalence) TMD, whose target population corresponded to adults (over 18 years) beneficiaries of the National Health Fund (FONASA) of SSVSA enrolled in PHC clinics of the commune of Valparaiso proposed (n= 273,449 according to per capita patients validly registered records in 2012). 270 patients (168 women, 102 men), selected at random, using the diagnostic categories of Research Diagnostic Criteria Dworkin (Dworkin 1992, assigned to the International Association for Dental Research) were examined. The results showed a prevalence of 49.6% TTM (at least one diagnosis) in the sample; and 19.6% of the population suffered from severe TMD (muscle pain and/or joint pain associated with functional limitation), being the most committed female (AU)

Feasibility of common bibliometrics in evaluating translational science.

INTRODUCTION: A pilot study by 6 Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) explored how bibliometrics can be used to assess research influence. METHODS: Evaluators from 6 institutions shared data on publications (4202 total) they supported, and conducted a combined analysis with state-of-the-art tools. This paper presents selected results based on the tools from 2 widely used vendors for bibliometrics: Thomson Reuters and Elsevier. RESULTS: Both vendors located a high percentage of publications within their proprietary databases (>90%) and provided similar but not equivalent bibliometrics for estimating productivity (number of publications) and influence (citation rates, percentage of papers in the top 10% of citations, observed citations relative to expected citations). A recently available bibliometric from the National Institutes of Health Office of Portfolio Analysis, examined after the initial analysis, showed tremendous potential for use in the CTSA context. CONCLUSION: Despite challenges in making cross-CTSA comparisons, bibliometrics can enhance our understanding of the value of CTSA-supported clinical and translational research.