Pseudobutyrivibrio xylanivorans adhesion to epithelial cells.

The ruminal bacteria Pseudobutyrivibrio xylanivorans strain 2 (P. xylanivorans 2), that mediates the digestion of plant fiber, is considered an attractive candidate for probiotics. Adherence to the epithelium of the digestive tract of the host is one of the major requirements for probiotics. In this study, we assessed the adhesion of P. xylanivorans 2 to SW480 cells and characterized this process utilizing multiple microscopy approaches. Our results indicate that a multiplicity of infection of 200 CFU/cell allows the highest bacteria to cell binding ratio, with a lower percentage of auto-agglutination events. The comparison of the adherence capacity subjected heat-shock treatment (100 °C, 1 min), which produces the denaturalization of proteins at the bacterial surface, as opposed untreated P. xylanivorans, suggested that this bacteria may attach to SW480 cells utilizing a proteinaceous structure. Confocal microscopy analyses indicate that P. xylanivorans 2 attachment induces the formation of F-actin-enriched areas on the surface of SW480 cells. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the formation of a structure similar to a pedestal in the area of the epithelial cell surface, where the bacterium rests. Finally, a casual finding of TEM analysis of transverse and longitudinal thin-sections of P. xylanivorans 2, revealed irregular intra-cytoplasmic structures compatibles with the so-called bacterial microcompartments. This is the first ultrastructural description of bacterial microcompartments-like structures in the genus Pseudobutyrivibrio.

The True Identity of the New World Iguanid Lizard Liolaemus chillanensis Müller and Hellmich 1932 (Iguania: Liolaemidae) and Description of a New Species in the Liolaemus elongatus Group.

Jaime Troncoso-Palacios, Damien Esquerré, Félix A. Urra, Hugo A. Díaz, Carlos Castro-Pastene, and María Soledad Ruiz (2018) Liolaemus is a particularly species-rich radiation of New World iguanid lizards from southern South America. Thanks to intense systematic and taxonomic research, the knowledge on its species- level diversity has increased rapidly over the past several years. The L. elongatus species-complex has received considerable attention and a remarkable case is Liolaemus chillanensis, a name that has been used for two different species that are sympatric in Termas de Chillán, central Chile. Since the holotype is lost, we propose that the first step to identify the true L. chillanensis is through the analysis of the original description. Then we provide a morphological and molecular characterization of L. chillanensis based on topotypes and a description of the taxon previously confused with it.

[Treatment satisfaction in primary care patients with osteoarthrosis.] / Satisfacción con el tratamiento en pacientes de atención primaria con artrosis.

OBJECTIVE: As in other chronic problems, the approach of the patient with osteoarthritis tends to a shared decision-making model, in which the patient's point of view must be considered in the choice of treatment. The objetive was to evaluate treatment satisfaction in patients with osteoarthritis and to verify if there are differences between different pharmacological options, as well as to determine if there is any association with functional status and clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a sample of 487 patients selected by consecutive sampling. The main variable was the level of satisfaction with the treatment (ARTS questionnaire). The functional status of the patients was assessed using the WOMAC scale. Other variables considered were: treatment characteristics, therapeutic adherence, adverse events, and clinical and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: In the ARTS questionnaire the patients, in a range between 28 and 87, obtained an average score of 65.3 (SD: 9.9). The score was not significantly different in consumers of 1, 2 or more drugs. Among those who consumed only one drug, there were no differences between the different drug types. In the functional state, an average score of 30.2 points (SD: 20.8) was obtained and a weak negative correlation was observed with the level of satisfaction (r = -0.252; p=0.001). Multiple linear regression showed a higher score on the ARTS scale (p=0.05) in patients with lower WOMAC score, older age and absence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with osteoarthritis, a moderate level of satisfaction with pharmacological treatment is observed, conditioned by their functional status, their sociodemographic characteristics and the presence of adverse events. In general, satisfaction does not depend on either the characteristics of the treatment or the number of drugs consumed.

OBJETIVO: Al igual que en otros problemas crónicos, en el abordaje del paciente con artrosis se tiende a un modelo de toma de decisiones compartidas, en el que el punto de vista del paciente debe ser considerado en la elección del tratamiento. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la satisfacción con el tratamiento en pacientes diagnosticados de osteoartrosis y comprobar si existen diferencias entre diferentes opciones farmacológicas, así como determinar si existe asociación con el estado funcional y las características clínicas y sociodemográficas. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal en una muestra de 487 pacientes seleccionados mediante muestreo consecutivo. La variable principal fue el nivel de satisfacción con el tratamiento (cuestionario ARTS). El estado funcional de los pacientes fue evaluado mediante la escala WOMAC. Otras variables fueron: características del tratamiento, adherencia terapéutica, eventos adversos, y variables clínicas y sociodemográficas. RESULTADOS: En el cuestionario ARTS los pacientes, en un rango entre 28 y 87, obtuvieron una puntuación media de 65,3 (DE: 9,9). La puntuación no fue significativamente diferente en consumidores de 1, 2 o más fármacos. Entre quienes consumían un solo fármaco, no hubo diferencias entre los diferentes tipos de fármacos. En el estado funcional se obtuvo una puntuación media de 30,2 puntos (DE: 20,8) y se observó una débil correlación negativa con el nivel de satisfacción (r= - 0,252; p=0,001). Mediante regresión lineal múltiple, se observó mayor puntuación en la escala ARTS (p=0,05) en pacientes con menor puntuación en la escala WOMAC, mayor edad y ausencia de eventos adversos. CONCLUSIONES: En pacientes con osteoartritis se observa un nivel moderado de satisfacción con el tratamiento farmacológico, condicionado por su situación funcional, sus características sociodemográficas y por la presencia de eventos adversos. En general, la satisfacción no depende ni de las características del tratamiento ni del número de fármacos consumidos.

Situación funcional, autopercepción de salud y nivel de actividad física en pacientes con artrosis / Functional status, self-rated health and level of physical activity of patients with osteoarthritis

OBJETIVO: Describir la situación funcional y la autopercepción de salud de los pacientes con osteoartritis (OA) en atención primaria, comprobando su relación con el nivel de actividad física y las características sociodemográficas. DISEÑO: Estudio de prevalencia y asociación cruzada. Emplazamiento: Consultas de medicina de familia. PARTICIPANTES: Pacientes adultos diagnosticados en su historia clínica de OA de cualquier localización articular. De un total de 487, participaron 346 (71,0%). Mediciones principales: Capacidad funcional (escala WOMAC), nivel de autopercepción de salud (cuestionario EuroQoL-5D), nivel de actividad física (cuestionario IPAQ), número de articulaciones afectadas, nivel de dolor (EVA) y características sociodemográficas. RESULTADOS: En la escala WOMAC se obtuvo una puntuación media de 30,2 (DE: 20,8; IC 95%: 28,0-32,4), correspondiendo a dolor, rigidez y capacidad funcional puntuaciones de 6,5 (DE: 4,8), 1,9 (DE: 2,0) y 21,7 (DE: 15,7), respectivamente. La puntuación presentó una tendencia lineal (p < 0,001) respecto al nivel de actividad física, siendo de 41,1 (DE: 19,9) en sujetos inactivos, de 24,3 (DE: 18,7) en sujetos con actividad moderada y de 22,3 (DE: 19,8) en sujetos con actividad intensa. Mediante regresión lineal múltiple, tanto la puntuación de la escala WOMAC como la obtenida en el estado de salud autopercibido mantuvieron su asociación con el nivel de actividad física tras ajustar por variables sociodemográficas y número de articulaciones afectadas CONCLUSIONES: En los pacientes con OA el dolor y la capacidad funcional son las dimensiones más afectadas. La situación funcional y la salud autopercibida son superiores en los pacientes activos, independientemente del número de articulaciones afectadas y de sus características sociodemográficas

OBJECTIVE: To describe the functional status and self-rated health of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) in Primary Care, and checking their relationship with the level of physical activity and sociodemographic characteristics. DESIGN: Study of prevalence and cross association. SETTING: Primary Care Clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients with a diagnosis of OA in any joint in their clinical records. Out of a total of 487 selected, 346 (71.0%) took part in the study. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Functional capacity (WOMAC scale), self-rated quality of life (EuroQol-5D questionnaire), physical activity (IPAQ questionnaire), number of affected joints, pain level, and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: A mean score of 30.2 (SD: 20.8; CI 95% CI: 28.0 to 32.4) was obtained on the WOMAC scale, with pain, stiffness, and functional capacity scores of 6.5 (SD: 4.8), 1.9 (SD: 2.0), and 21.7 (SD: 15.7), respectively. The score showed a linear trend (P < .001) compared to the level of physical activity, being 41.1 (SD: 19.9) in inactive subjects, 24.3 (SD: 18.7) in subjects with moderate activity, and 22.3 (SD: 19.8) in subjects with intense activity. In the multiple linear regression, the score on the WOMAC scale, as well as that obtained in self-rated health status, maintained their association with physical activity level after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and the number of affected joints. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with OA, pain and functional capacity are the most affected dimensions. Functional status and self-rated health status are higher in active patients, regardless of the number of joints affected and their demographic characteristics

[Functional status, self-rated health and level of physical activity of patients with osteoarthritis]. / Situación funcional, autopercepción de salud y nivel de actividad física en pacientes con artrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the functional status and self-rated health of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) in Primary Care, and checking their relationship with the level of physical activity and sociodemographic characteristics. DESIGN: Study of prevalence and cross association. SETTING: Primary Care Clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients with a diagnosis of OA in any joint in their clinical records. Out of a total of 487 selected, 346 (71.0%) took part in the study. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Functional capacity (WOMAC scale), self-rated quality of life (EuroQol- 5D questionnaire), physical activity (IPAQ questionnaire), number of affected joints, pain level, and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: A mean score of 30.2 (SD: 20.8; CI 95% CI: 28.0 to 32.4) was obtained on the WOMAC scale, with pain, stiffness, and functional capacity scores of 6.5 (SD: 4.8), 1.9 (SD: 2.0), and 21.7 (SD: 15.7), respectively. The score showed a linear trend (P<.001) compared to the level of physical activity, being 41.1 (SD: 19.9) in inactive subjects, 24.3 (SD: 18.7) in subjects with moderate activity, and 22.3 (SD: 19.8) in subjects with intense activity. In the multiple linear regression, the score on the WOMAC scale, as well as that obtained in self-rated health status, maintained their association with physical activity level after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and the number of affected joints. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with OA, pain and functional capacity are the most affected dimensions. Functional status and self-rated health status are higher in active patients, regardless of the number of joints affected and their demographic characteristics.

Satisfacción con el tratamiento en pacientes de Atención Primaria con Artrosis / Treatment satisfaction in primary care patients with osteoarthrosis

Fundamentos: Al igual que en otros problemas crónicos, en el abordaje del paciente con artrosis se tiende a un modelo de toma de decisiones compartidas, en el que el punto de vista del paciente debe ser considerado en la elección del tratamiento. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la satisfacción con el tratamiento en pacientes diagnosticados de osteoartrosis y comprobar si existen diferencias entre diferentes opciones farmacológicas, así como determinar si existe asociación con el estado funcional y las características clínicas y sociodemográficas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal en una muestra de 487 pacientes seleccionados mediante muestreo consecutivo. La variable principal fue el nivel de satisfacción con el tratamiento (cuestionario ARTS). El estado funcional de los pacientes fue evaluado mediante la escala WOMAC. Otras variables fueron: características del tratamiento, adherencia terapéutica, eventos adversos, y variables clínicas y sociodemográficas. Resultados: En el cuestionario ARTS los pacientes, en un rango entre 28 y 87, obtuvieron una puntuación media de 65,3 (DE: 9,9). La puntuación no fue significativamente diferente en consumidores de 1, 2 o más fármacos. Entre quienes consumían un solo fármaco, no hubo diferencias entre los diferentes tipos de fármacos. En el estado funcional se obtuvo una puntuación media de 30,2 puntos (DE: 20,8) y se observó una débil correlación negativa con el nivel de satisfacción (r= - 0,252; p<0,001). Mediante regresión lineal múltiple, se observó mayor puntuación en la escala ARTS (p<0,05) en pacientes con menor puntuación en la escala WOMAC, mayor edad y ausencia de eventos adversos. Conclusión: En pacientes con osteoartritis se observa un nivel moderado de satisfacción con el tratamiento farmacológico, condicionado por su situación funcional, sus características sociodemográficas y por la presencia de eventos adversos. En general, la satisfacción no depende ni de las características del tratamiento ni del número de fármacos consumidos (AU)

Background: As in other chronic problems, the approach of the patient with osteoarthritis tends to a shared decision-making model, in which the patient’s point of view must be considered in the choice of treatment. The objetive was to evaluate treatment satisfaction in patients with osteoarthritis and to verify if there are differences between different pharmacological options, as well as to determine if there is any association with functional status and clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a sample of 487 patients selected by consecutive sampling. The main variable was the level of satisfaction with the treatment (ARTS questionnaire). The functional status of the patients was assessed using the WOMAC scale. Other variables considered were: treatment characteristics, therapeutic adherence, adverse events, and clinical and sociodemographic variables. Results: In the ARTS questionnaire the patients, in a range between 28 and 87, obtained an average score of 65.3 (SD: 9.9). The score was not significantly different in consumers of 1, 2 or more drugs. Among those who consumed only one drug, there were no differences between the different drug types. In the functional state, an average score of 30.2 points (SD: 20.8) was obtained and a weak negative correlation was observed with the level of satisfaction (r = -0.252; p <0.001). Multiple linear regression showed a higher score on the ARTS scale (p <0.05) in patients with lower WOMAC score, older age and absence of adverse events. Conclusion: In patients with osteoarthritis, a moderate level of satisfaction with pharmacological treatment is observed, conditioned by their functional status, their sociodemographic characteristics and the presence of adverse events. In general, satisfaction does not depend on either the characteristics of the treatment or the number of drugs consumed (AU)

Analysis of the rumen bacterial diversity of goats during shift from forage to concentrate diet.

High-grain feeding used in the animal production is known to affect the host rumen bacterial community, but our understanding of consequent changes in goats is limited. This study was therefore aimed to evaluate bacterial population dynamics during 20 days adaptation of 4 ruminally cannulated goats to the high-grain diet (grain: hay - ratio of 40:60). The dietary transition of goats from the forage to the high-grain-diet resulted in the significant decrease of rumen fluid pH, which was however still higher than value established for acute or subacute ruminal acidosis was not diagnosed in studied animals. DGGE analysis demonstrated distinct ruminal microbial populations in hay-fed and grain-fed animals, but the substantial animal-to-animal variation were detected. Quantitative PCR showed for grain-fed animals significantly higher number of bacteria belonging to Clostridium leptum group at 10 days after the incorporation of corn into the diet and significantly lower concentration of bacteria belonging to Actinobacteria phylum at the day 20 after dietary change. Taxonomic distribution analysed by NGS at day 20 revealed the similar prevalence of the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in all goats, significantly higher presence of the unclassified genus of groups of Bacteroidales and Ruminococcaceae in grain-fed animals and significantly higher presence the genus Prevotella and Butyrivibrio in the forage-fed animals. The three different culture-independent methods used in this study show that high proportion of concentrate in goat diet does not induce any serious disturbance of their rumen ecosystem and indicate the good adaptive response of caprine ruminal bacteria to incorporation of corn into the diet.

Sentinel node biopsy in patients with primary cutaneous melanoma of any thickness: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness of the sentinel node biopsy with lymphadenectomy for nodal metastases (SNB) in patients with primary cutaneous melanoma (CM) of different Breslow thickness (intermediate, thick, thin). METHODS: Decision tree models were constructed to compare two different strategies of management of patients with CM, wide excision of the primary lesion and SNB and wide excision only (WE). Tree models were created for every Breslow thickness over 1-, 5- and 10-year time horizons. Mean and total direct healthcare costs, life years saved (LYSs), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), cost effectiveness ratio (CER), and incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) were estimated. Every model was considered as a base case, and its results tested with sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Base case analyses showed that the best results were obtained for intermediate CM over 10-year time horizon. In this case, ICER for SNB was 130,508€/QALY, well over the threshold of acceptance (30,000€/QALY). In patients with intermediate CM over 1 and 5 years, and for those with thick and thin CM at any time horizon, negative ICER values were estimated since SNB was proved to be more expensive and less effective than WE. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of our results. CONCLUSIONS: SNB caused no improvement in health outcomes in terms of LYSs and QALYs in patients with thick and thin CM, and only a slight benefit in those with intermediate CM. WE was more cost-effective compared with SNB for any CM thickness over any time horizon up to 10 years.

Spontaneous regeneration of the serotonergic descending innervation in the sea lamprey after spinal cord injury.

In contrast to mammals, lampreys are capable of recovering apparently normal locomotion after complete spinal cord transection, and the spinal axons regenerate selectively in their correct paths. Descending serotonergic projections to the spinal cord play a role in the modulation of locomotion at spinal levels in both mammals and lampreys. In this study, we used combined immunofluorescence and tract-tracing techniques to show that in the sea lamprey, serotonergic descending neurons of the caudal rhombencephalon (vagal nucleus) regenerate their axons across the lesion site after complete spinal cord transection. The spinal cord of mature larval sea lampreys was transected at the level of the fifth gill, then after a recovery period of 5 months, the spinal cord was exposed again, 1 mm caudal to the injury site, and the tracer Neurobiotin(™) was applied. Double-labeled cells were observed in the caudal portion of the serotonin-immunoreactive vagal nucleus of the caudal rhombencephalon. In order to investigate whether the reinnervation was due to sprouting from axons above the injury site or to regeneration of axotomized axons, the experiments were performed again, but the tracer Fluoro-Gold(™) was applied at the time of transection. Triple-labeled cells were observed in the vagal nucleus, indicating that at least part of the reinnervation corresponds to true regeneration. This study provides a new and interesting model for investigating the intrinsic molecular mechanisms involved in regeneration of the serotonergic descending axons in vertebrates. Use of this model may provide valuable information for proposing new therapies for patients with spinal cord injury.

Diferentes complicaciones de los sistemas de derivación ventriculoperitoneal / Various complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunt systems

Propósito: Realizar una revisión imagenológica de las diferentes complicaciones de los Sistemas de Derivación Ventriculoperitoneal a partir de nuestra experiencia. Material y Métodos: Se evaluaron retrospectivamente pacientes con hidrocefalia de diferentes causas, cuyo tratamiento consistió en una derivación dentriculoperitoneal. Se seleccionaron solo aquellos casos que presentaron disfunciones valvulares objetivados mediante Rx, Ecografía y TC. Resultados: Los hallazgos se clasificaron como complicaciones a nivel del extremo ventricular del catéter: bloqueo por desconexión, detritus y mala posición, migración del cateter, hemorragia por descompresión, infección, engrosamiento de la calota craneana; y complicaciones a nivel del extremo distal (abdominal): bloqueo por crecimiento o mala posición, infección (peritonitis) y quiste de LCR entre otras. Conclusión: A través de esta presentación se confirma el aporte de los métodos de diagnóstico por Imágenes en las complicaciones de los sistemas de derivación ventriculoperitoneal, aún en pacientes con insuficiente clínica neurológica. Los métodos imagenológicos son útiles para la evaluación de las hidrocefalias valvuladas por su capacidad de demostrar las posibles complicaciones que éstas generan. Proveen al médico especialista una visión real de la situación, permitiendole planear medidas terapéuticas adordes al cuadro clínico del paciente.

Determination of piroxicam by solid-phase spectrophotometry in a continuous flow system.

A simple flow injection UV spectrophotometric method was developed for the determination of piroxicam. The method is based on its transient retention and concentration on Sephadex DEAE-A-25 anion-exchange gel beads packed in the flow cell and the continuous monitoring of its native absorbance on the solid phase at 354 nm. The sample was injected into a 0.1 M NaCl carrier stream at pH 9.5 by using a simple monochannel FIA manifold. When the analytical signal reached a maximum value, piroxicam was eluted from the solid support by means of a desorbing solution (0.2 M, pH 4.5). The response of the sensor was linear in the concentration range 0.5-10 microg ml(-1) with a R.S.D. (%) of 1.8, a detection limit (3 sigma criterion) of 0.1 microg ml(-1) and a sampling rate of 13 h(-1). Application to the analysis of pharmaceutical samples testifies to the utility of this sensor. The accuracy of the proposed method was better than 5%.