Impact of Dyslipidemia on Tear Film and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Interplay between Serum Lipid Profile and Ocular Surface Health.

Purpose: To determine the relationship between dyslipidemia and dry eye disease (DED), as well as its influence on tear film and meibomian glands. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 40 patients with a mean age of 35.2 ± 13.9 years without any history of dyslipidemia. DED and serum lipid profile were evaluated after 8 hours of fasting. Patients were classified according to serum lipid levels with the following cut-off values: total cholesterol (TC) (200 mg/dl), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (40 mg/dl), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (130 mg/dl), and triglycerides (TG) (150 mg/dl). The relationship between serum lipid levels and DED was analyzed with the following variables: dry eye questionnaire-5 (DEQ-5), first (F-NIBUT) and average (A-NIBUT) noninvasive breakup time, tear meniscus height (TMH), lipid layer grade (LLG), conjunctival bulbar redness (CBR), and upper (U-LAMG) and lower (L-LAMG) loss area of meibomian glands. Results: Regarding tear film, patients with elevated TC and LDL levels reported significantly higher DEQ-5 scores and TMH (P < 0.05), while those with lower HDL levels showed significantly higher LLG (p < 0.05). Regarding MGD, patients with elevated TC, LDL, and TG, as well as lower HDL levels showed significantly higher L-LAMG (p < 0.05). HDL was correlated with LLG (p < 0.05), while TC was correlated with TMH (p < 0.05) and L-LAMG (p < 0.05), respectively. Conclusions: Disorders in TC, HDL, LDL, and TG levels were associated with DED, having an impact on the tear film and meibomian glands, specifically in DEQ-5 scores, LLG, and L-LAMG.

Simulating the cellular context in synthetic datasets for cryo-electron tomography.

Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) allows to visualize the cellular context at macromolecular level. To date, the impossibility of obtaining a reliable ground truth is limiting the application of deep learning-based image processing algorithms in this field. As a consequence, there is a growing demand of realistic synthetic datasets for training deep learning algorithms. In addition, besides assisting the acquisition and interpretation of experimental data, synthetic tomograms are used as reference models for cellular organization analysis from cellular tomograms. Current simulators in cryo-ET focus on reproducing distortions from image acquisition and tomogram reconstruction, however, they can not generate many of the low order features present in cellular tomograms. Here we propose several geometric and organization models to simulate low order cellular structures imaged by cryo-ET. Specifically, clusters of any known cytosolic or membrane bound macromolecules, membranes with different geometries as well as different filamentous structures such as microtubules or actin-like networks. Moreover, we use parametrizable stochastic models to generate a high diversity of geometries and organizations to simulate representative and generalized datasets, including very crowded environments like those observed in native cells. These models have been implemented in a multiplatform open-source Python package, including scripts to generate cryo-tomograms with adjustable sizes and resolutions. In addition, these scripts provide also distortion-free density maps besides the ground truth in different file formats for efficient access and advanced visualization. We show that such a realistic synthetic dataset can be readily used to train generalizable deep learning algorithms.

Active but not quiescent lupus nephritis during pregnancy is associated with a higher rate of adverse obstetric outcomes: Analysis of a prospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the maternal-fetal/neonatal outcome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with and without lupus nephritis (LN) in remission or with active disease. METHODS: A prospective cohort of pregnant patients with SLE (ACR 1997 criteria) was studied from January 2009 to December 2021. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, and immunological variables as well as the usual maternal-fetal/neonatal complications were recorded. We compared four groups according to the status of SLE during pregnancy: patients with quiescent SLE without lupus nephritis, patients with active SLE without lupus nephritis, patients with quiescent lupus nephritis, and patients with active lupus nephritis. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 439 pregnancies were studied, with a median age of 28 ± 6, SLE duration of 60 months (interquartile range 36-120). A higher frequency of maternal and fetal/neonatal complications was observed in patients with active SLE with or without lupus nephritis. Multivariate analysis showed that active LN was a risk factor for gestational hypertension (hazard ratios [HR] 1.95; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.01-6.39), premature rupture of membranes (HR 3.56; 95% CI: 1.79-16.05) and more frequent cesarean section (HR 1.82; 95% CI: 1.13-2.94). CONCLUSION: LN is associated with a higher frequency of maternal complications, especially in those patients with active disease during pregnancy, and those maternal complications had an impact on poor fetal/neonatal outcomes. Strict control and timely care of LN could improve the obstetric prognosis.

A Set of Multiresistant Isolates of Mycoplasma bovis Subtype ST-1 with a Variable Susceptibility to Quinolones Are Also Circulating in Spain.

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is one of the worldwide most important infectious agents involved in respiratory complex diseases (RCD). In Spain, the endemic presence of subtypes ST-2 and ST-3 with phenotypic differences linked to their susceptibility to fluoroquinolones opened the way to develop control strategies focused on previous diagnosis of the subtype and the use of directed therapies when M. bovis were involved in RCD. Surprisingly, microbiological studies conducted during 2023 evidenced for the first time the presence of Spanish isolates of a new polC-subtype, previously classified as ST-1, recovered from calves with respiratory symptoms and pneumonia in different areas of the country (n = 16). Curiously, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to a panel of antimicrobials revealed phenotypic differences between these ST-1 isolates when using fluoroquinolones (FLQ). There is no geographical correlation between MIC profiles even for a set of 8 isolates recovered from different animals in the same flock. Sequencing of 4 genes (gyrA, gyrB, parC and parE) encoding quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDR) evidenced the presence of accumulate mutations in 2 ST-1 isolates with high FLQ MICs, but not in all them (n = 3), thus suggesting that, as previously recorded for ST-2 isolates, other mechanisms should be involved in the acquisition of resistence to these antimicrobials. Additionally, as previously detected in the Spanish ST-2 and ST-3, subtype ST-1 isolates are also resistant to macrolides or lincosamides.

Infectious Keratitis: Characterization of Microbial Diversity through Species Richness and Shannon Diversity Index.

Purpose: To characterize microbial keratitis diversity utilizing species richness and Shannon Diversity Index. Methods: Corneal impression membrane was used to collect samples. All swabs were processed and analyzed by Biolab Laboratory (level V-SSN Excellence: ISO 9001:2015), Biolab Srl (Ascoli Piceno, Italy). DNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing were performed in all samples. After sequencing, low-quality and polyclonal sequences were filtered out by the Ion software. At this point, we employed Kraken2 for microbial community analysis in keratitis samples. Nuclease-free water and all the reagents included in the experiment were used as a negative control. The primary outcome was the reduction in bacterial DNA (microbial load) at T1, expressed as a percentage of the baseline value (T0). Richness and Shannon alpha diversity metrics, along with Bray-Curtis beta diversity values, were calculated using the phyloseq package in R. Principal coordinate analysis was also conducted to interpret these metrics. Results: 19 samples were included in the study. The results exhibited a motley species richness, with the highest recorded value surpassing 800 species. Most of the samples displayed richness values ranging broadly from under 200 to around 600, indicating considerable variability in species count among the keratitis samples. Conclusions: A significant presence of both typical and atypical bacterial phyla in keratitis infections, underlining the complexity of the disease's microbial etiology.

Resilience and psychological factors among dentistry students who received face-to-face lectures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: This research evaluated whether the relationships between factors of resilience, self-esteem, depression, and anxiety in dental students with changes in teaching and learning methods. We also studied the psychological impact of face-to-face lectures during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study used Google Forms to collect data with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), Connor-Davidson Risk Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI and BDI-II). An open-ended question was also asked about important learning difficulties. RESULTS: The analysis revealed very high levels of resilience (30.23 ± 5.84), self-esteem in the normal range (29.08 ± 4.03), minimal depression levels (12.32 ± 8.05), and low anxiety levels (17.20 ± 12.41). There were no significant differences between sociodemographic variables ranges in regard to all psychological questionnaires. No high levels of depression and anxiety were found. CONCLUSIONS: The levels were low compared to other studies in which online teaching was used, which is explained by the fact that the students retained adequate resilience and self-esteem thanks to being able to contact teachers and, above all, their own peers.

A Biomimetic Approach to Premyrsinane-Type Diterpenoids: Exploring Microbial Transformation to Enhance Their Chemical Diversity.

Premyrsinane-type diterpenoids have been considered to originate from the cyclization of a suitable 5,6- or 6,17-epoxylathyrane precursor. Their biological activities have not been sufficiently explored to date, so the development of synthetic or microbial approaches for the preparation of new derivatives would be desirable. Epoxyboetirane A (4) is an 6,17-epoxylathyrane isolated from Euphorbia boetica in a large enough amount to be used in semi-synthesis. Transannular cyclization of 4 mediated by Cp2TiIIICl afforded premyrsinane 5 in good yield as an only diasteroisomer. To enhance the structural diversity of premyrsinanes so their potential use in neurodegenerative disorders could be explored, compound 5 was biotransformed by Mucor circinelloides NRRL3631 to give rise to hydroxylated derivatives at non-activated carbons (6-7), all of which were reported here for the first time. The structures and absolute configurations of all compounds were determined through extensive NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic studies.

Diamond Bur Microblepharoexfoliation Combined with Intense Pulse Light and Meibomian Gland Expression for Evaporative Dry Eye: A Short-term Controlled Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the efficacy and safety of the combination of microblepharoexfoliation (MBE), intense pulse light (IPL) and meibomian gland expression (MGX) for treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). METHODS: This was a prospective, parallel-control trial conducted from April 2022 to January 2023. Participants were assigned to receive either three sessions of MBE-IPL-MGX treatment and home-based therapy (treatment group) or home-based therapy alone (control group). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 2-month follow-up. RESULTS: Seventy eyes of 70 patients were enrolled. MBE-IPL-MGX treatment achieved better improvements than home-based therapy in ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and symptom assessment in dry eye (SANDE) scores, noninvasive tear film break-up time (NIBUT), lipid layer grade (LLG), loss area meibomian gland (LAMG) and meibomian gland yielding secretion score (MGYSS). The mean differences between the two groups were as follows: OSDI (- 11.23 ± 4.68 points, P < 0.001), SANDE (- 24.63 ± 13.41 points, P < 0.001), NIBUT (1.3 ± 1.57 s, P = 0.033), LLG (0.4 ± 0.04 points, P = 0.003), LAMG (- 2.85 ± 1.69%, P = 0.023) and MGYSS (7.5 ± 2.32 points, P < 0.001). In addition, the increment (Δ) of MGYSS after MBE-IPL-MGX treatment was significantly higher in MGD grades 2 and 3 (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MBE-IPL-MGX treatment is an effective and well-tolerated procedure that improves dry eye symptoms and signs as well as meibomian gland secretions in patients with MGD. In addition, this treatment is recommended for MGD grades 2 and 3.

Factor H-related protein 1 promotes complement-mediated opsonization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important human opportunistic pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections. The complement system is the main early host defense mechanism to control these infections. P. aeruginosa counteracts complement attack by binding Factor H (FH), a complement regulator that inactivates C3b, preventing the formation of the C3-convertase and complement amplification on the bacterial surface. Factor H-related proteins (FHRs) are a group of plasma proteins evolutionarily related to FH that have been postulated to interfere in this bacterial mechanism of resisting complement. Here, we show that FHR-1 binds to P. aeruginosa via the outer membrane protein OprG in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O antigen-dependent manner. Binding assays with purified components or with FHR-1-deficient serum supplemented with FHR-1 show that FHR-1 competes with FH for binding to P. aeruginosa. Blockage of FH binding to C3b deposited on the bacteria reduces FH-mediated cofactor activity of C3b degradation, increasing the opsonization of the bacteria and the formation of the potent chemoattractant C5a. Overall, our findings indicate that FHR-1 is a host factor that promotes complement activation, facilitating clearance of P. aeruginosa by opsonophagocytosis.

An Integrated Process Analysis for Producing Glycerol Carbonate from CO2 and Glycerol.

Glycerol carbonate (GC) is one of the most attractive green chemicals involved in several applications such as polymer synthesis, e. g., the production of polyurethanes and polycarbonates. This relevant chemical can be produced, in a green way, using CO2 (from carbon capture) and glycerol (a byproduct from biodiesel manufacturing). Therefore, in this work, a comprehensive analysis of the GC production process is conducted based on the following synthesis route: urea-dimethyl carbonate-GC using carbon dioxide and glycerol as the main raw materials where the synthesis pathway was efficiently integrated using Aspen Plus. A techno-economic analysis was performed in order to estimate the required capital investment and operating cost for the whole GC process, providing insights on individual capital cost requirements for the urea, dimethyl carbonate, and GC production sections. A total capital cost of $192.1 MM, and a total operating cost of $225.7 MM/y were estimated for the process. The total annualized cost was estimated as $1,558 USD/t of GC produced, competitive with current market price.

Paradoxical activation of oncogenic signaling as a cancer treatment strategy.

Cancer homeostasis depends on a balance between activated oncogenic pathways driving tumorigenesis and engagement of stress-response programs that counteract the inherent toxicity of such aberrant signaling. While inhibition of oncogenic signaling pathways has been explored extensively, there is increasing evidence that overactivation of the same pathways can also disrupt cancer homeostasis and cause lethality. We show here that inhibition of Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) hyperactivates multiple oncogenic pathways and engages stress responses in colon cancer cells. Genetic and compound screens identify combined inhibition of PP2A and WEE1 as synergistic in multiple cancer models by collapsing DNA replication and triggering premature mitosis followed by cell death. This combination also suppressed the growth of patient-derived tumors in vivo. Remarkably, acquired resistance to this drug combination suppressed the ability of colon cancer cells to form tumors in vivo. Our data suggest that paradoxical activation of oncogenic signaling can result in tumor suppressive resistance.

Improvements in Jump Height, Speed, and Quality of Life through an 8-Week Strength Program in Male Adolescents Soccer Players.

This study aimed to assess the enhancement of physical fitness and quality of life through an 8-week strength training program in male adolescent soccer players aged between 12 and 13 years. A lower body muscle group intervention was performed, with 17 players in the experimental group (EG) and 15 players in the control group (CG). The EG carried out soccer training complemented by specific strength work. Pre- and post- intervention assessments included body composition, jump height, speed with change of direction, maximum speed in 20 m, movement velocity in back-squat, perceived fatigue effort, academic performance, and quality of life. A general linear repeated measures model analysis was used considering each variable, the interaction between groups (EG, CG) and time (basal, 8-week), to analyze the differences between and within groups. The results showed a reduction in fat in the upper limbs and trunk, improvements in jump height, maximum speed of 20 m, and changes of direction, and increased quality of life (p < 0.05) in the EG. It was concluded that a strength program could improve some components of physical performance in male adolescent soccer players.

Evaluating GlicoPro Tear Substitute Derived from Helix aspersa Snail Mucus in Alleviating Severe Dry Eye Disease: A First-in-Human Study on Corneal Esthesiometry Recovery and Ocular Pain Relief.

Background: To evaluate the effects of 10% GlicoPro tear substitute therapy in patients with severe dry eye disease (DED). Methods: In this prospective longitudinal study, 30 individuals receiving 10% GlicoPro four times daily for DED were evaluated. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, average non-invasive break-up time (A-NIBUT), non-anesthetic and anesthetic corneal esthesiometry (CE), ocular pain, and the presence of conjunctivochalasis (CCH) were used as clinical endpoints. Treatment compliance using dosing diaries and AEs was assessed. Results: A significant improvement was observed in the clinical endpoints: the ΔOSDI questionnaire was -39.27 ± 13.22 [-65 to -15] points, ΔA-NIBUT was 3.10 ± 1.31 [1 to 5] s, Δnon-anesthetic CE was 14 ± 6.35 [5 to 25] mm, and Δanesthetic CE was 13 ± 5.35 [5 to 20] mm (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Ocular pain was reduced in 92.5% of the patients at the end of the follow-up. However, there was no change in the presence of CCH. In addition, all the patients were fully compliant with the dosing and no AEs related to the use of the 10% GlicoPro tear substitute were reported. Conclusions: The 10% GlicoPro tear substitute has the potential to achieve beneficial effects in ocular surface treatments.

Hepatic Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature of Primary Liver Tumors.

Liver tumors rank as the fourth most common cause of cancer. This case report highlights a 45-year-old female patient who presented persistent abdominal pain and no other symptoms. Initially, she was approached with a probable hepatitis of unknown origin, but her condition worsened rapidly. An endoscopic ultrasound was used to characterize the lesion, and a fine needle biopsy of the lesion was performed which revealed a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that is CD20+ and Ki67+. Hepatic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, as diagnosed in the patient, is a rare type of lymphoma that arises in the liver. The treatment usually involves chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, the prognosis depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. This case reinforces the importance of considering hepatic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in differential diagnosis for primary liver neoplasia.

Controlling Coxiella burnetii in naturally infected sheep, goats and cows, and public health implications: a scoping review.

Q fever is a worldwide zoonotic disease which domestic ruminants are the main source of infection for humans. This scoping review summarizes the control measures currently available to reduce Coxiella burnetii (Cb) infection in naturally infected sheep, goat and cattle herds. A total of 28 articles were included in the review. A lack of methodological standardization was noted in the articles analyzed. The results indicated that long-term vaccination in cows reduces bacterial excretion in milk and environmental contamination. In small ruminants, the results of vaccination in terms of efficacy are variable. In goats, there is a reduction in bacterial excretion, unlike in sheep, where a long-term vaccination program is necessary to reduce bacterial excretion. Moreover, the high persistence of viable Cb in the environment means that control measures for sheep are needed for several years. The use of antibiotics as a control measure in cows and sheep was not found to reduce excretion. However, the combination of vaccination with antibiotic therapy appears to have positive effects in small ruminants in terms of controlling outbreaks of Q fever. Hygiene and biosecurity measures are the basic means for controlling Cb infection on ruminant farms and ensuring public health.

Psychosocial risks and their consequences on health and job satisfaction among Spanish police officers / Riesgos psicosociales y sus consecuencias sobre la salud y la satisfacción laboral en policías españoles

Fundamento. La vida laboral del policía es estresante dada la exposición al riesgo y a la violencia en el trabajo. Según el Modelo de Demandas y Recursos laborales (DRL), las condiciones de trabajo de los policías pueden influir en la salud y la satisfacción laboral. Los objetivos de esta investigación fueron evaluar los factores psicosociales en el trabajo en una muestra de policías municipales de la Comunidad Valenciana (España), identificar la prevalencia de riesgos psicosociales y sus consecuencias, y analizar la influencia de los factores psicosociales (recursos y demandas) en el trabajo sobre la satisfacción laboral y la salud. Material y método. Se utilizó la Batería UNIPSICO para evaluar la prevalencia y la distribución de policías (n=103) en los diferentes niveles de riesgo y consecuencias. La influencia de los factores psicosociales (recursos y demandas) en el trabajo sobre los trastornos psicosomáticos y la satisfacción laboral se examinó mediante un análisis de regresión por pasos. Resultados. Se obtuvieron valores moderados de riesgo psicosocial en todas las variables para toda la muestra. Para las consecuencias de los riesgos psicosociales también se obtuvieron niveles moderados de trastornos psicosomáticos y satisfacción laboral. Los niveles de estrés percibidos y los estresores organizacionales tienen un efecto negativo sobre la salud y la satisfacción laboral. Conclusión. Para facilitar condiciones positivas para la salud y el bienestar de los policías, se requiere un compromiso real para la evaluación de riesgos psicosociales en las organizaciones policiales locales y para la adopción de medidas de prevención e intervención, donde se detecten factores de riesgo psicosocial. (AU)

Background. Police officers are exposed to risk and violence, which makes their work highly stressful. According to the Job Demand-Resource model, the working conditions of police officers may affect their health and job satisfaction. The aims of this research were to evaluate the psychosocial factors at work in a sample of municipal police officers from the Valencian Community (Spain) to identify the prevalence of psychosocial risks and their consequences and analyse the influence of psychosocial factors (resource and demands) at work on job satisfaction and health. Methods. The Unidad de Investigación Psicosocial de la Conducta Organizacional (UNIPSICO) battery was used to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of different levels of risk and their consequences in police officers (n=103). The influence of psychosocial factors (resource and demands) at work on psychosomatic disorders and job satisfaction was examined using stepwise regression analysis. Results. All considered variables showed moderate levels of psychosocial risk for the whole sample. As for the consequences of psychosocial risks, moderate levels of psychosomatic disorders and job satisfaction were also observed. Perceived stress levels and organizational stressors have a negative effect on health and job satisfaction. Conclusions. To create positive conditions for the health and well-being of police officers, real commitment is required when evaluating psychosocial risks in local police organizations and the establishment of prevention and intervention measures where psychosocial risk factors are detected. (AU)

ShetlandsUAVmetry: unmanned aerial vehicle-based photogrammetric dataset for Antarctic environmental research.

The study of the functioning and responses of Antarctica to the current climate change scenario is a priority and a challenge for the scientific community aiming to predict and mitigate impacts at a regional and global scale. Due to the difficulty of obtaining aerial data in such extreme, remote, and difficult-to-reach region of the planet, the development of remote sensing techniques with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has revolutionized polar research. ShetlandsUAVmetry comprises original datasets collected by UAVs during the Spanish Antarctic Campaign 2021-2022 (January to March 2022), along with the photogrammetric products resulting from their processing. It includes data recorded during twenty-eight distinct UAV flights at various study sites on Deception and Livingston islands (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica) and consists of a total of 15,691 high-resolution optical RGB captures. In addition, this dataset is accompanied by additional associated files that facilitate its use and accessibility. It is publicly accessible and can be downloaded from the figshare data repository.

25% Human Serum Albumin Improves Hemodynamics and Prevents the Need for Nearly All Pre-Hospital Resuscitation in a Rat (Rattus Norvegicus) Model of Trauma and Hemorrhage.

ABSTRACT: Combat casualty care can be complicated by transport times exceeding the "golden hour," with intervention and resuscitation limited to what the medic can carry. Pharmaceutical albumin comes highly saturated with non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). We recently showed that treatment with 25% bovine serum albumin (BSA) loaded with oleic acid (OA), but not NEFA-free BSA, improved survival for hours after severe hemorrhage and often eliminated the need for resuscitation in rats. However, it was unknown if pharmaceutical albumin, derived from human sources and loaded with caprylic acid (CA), would have the same benefits. We compared adjunct treatment with OA-saturated BSA, CA-saturated BSA, pharmaceutical human serum albumin (HSA), or a no-albumin control in a similar rat hemorrhagic shock model to determine if the three NEFA-albumin groups provided the same benefits relative to control. We found almost no significant differences among the NEFA-albumin groups in any measure. Mortality in controls was too low to allow for detection of improvement in survival, but NEFA-albumin groups had significantly improved hemodynamics, lactate clearance, and greatly reduced fluid requirements compared to controls. Contrary to expectations of "dehydration", 25% albumins shifted little additional fluid into the vasculature. Rather, they restored protein to the auto-transfusion fluid. NEFA-albumin did not worsen lung permeability, but we observed a loss of circulating protein suggesting it may have increased overall vascular permeability. Our findings suggest that, though imperfect, 25% HSA could be a solution for resuscitation in austere conditions requiring prolonged field care.

Enhancing Structural Diversity of Lathyrane Derivatives through Biotransformation by the Marine-Derived Actinomycete Streptomyces puniceus BC-5GB.11.

Lathyrane-type diterpenes have a wide range of biological activities. Among them, euphoboetirane A (1) exerts neurogenesis-promoting activity. In order to increase the structural diversity of this type of lathyrane and explore its potential use in neurodegenerative disorders, the biotransformation of 1 by Streptomyces puniceus BC-5GB.11 has been investigated. The strain BC-5GB.11, isolated from surface sediments collected from the intertidal zone of the inner Bay of Cadiz, was identified as Streptomyces puniceus, as determined by phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequence. Biotransformation of 1 by BC-5GB.11 afforded five products (3-7), all of which were reported here for the first time. The main biotransformation pathways involved regioselective oxidation at non-activated carbons (3-5) and isomerization of the ∆12,13 double bond (6). In addition, a cyclopropane-rearranged compound was found (7). The structures of all compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic studies.

In Vitro Interaction between Mycoplasma agalactiae and Small Ruminants' Endogenous Bacterial Strains of Enterococcus spp. and Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus.

Recently, an antimicrobial effect on Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma), the main etiological agent of contagious agalactia (CA), was reported in vitro with strains of Enterococcus spp. from ovine and caprine milk. The aim of this work was to evaluate the interaction of Ma with the same Enterococcus spp. isolated from other anatomical locations (vagina) and other bacterial populations present in milk, such as coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). The vaginal Enterococcus strains and the raw milk CNS were isolated from sheep and goats. Experimental in vitro conditions were prepared to assess the growth of Ma with and without the presence of these strains. The selected vaginal strains were identified as Enterococcus (E.) hirae and E. mundtii, and the strains of CNS were identified as Staphylococcus petrasii. Different interactions of Ma with ovine and caprine wild vaginal strains of Enterococcus and dairy strains of CNS are described for the first time: Ma can grow exponentially during 15 h with the selected strains, although with certain strains, its optimal growth can be negatively affected (p < 0.05). The colonization and/or excretion of Ma could, therefore, be influenced by certain endogenous bacterial strains. Our results increase the knowledge about possible bacterial ecology dynamics surrounding CA.