An outbreak of severe or lethal infections by a multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii ST126 strain carrying a plasmid with blaNDM-1 and blaOXA-58 carbapenemases.

Acinetobacter baumannii poses a significant health threat because of its frequent implications in hospital outbreaks and multidrug resistance (MDR). Here, we studied four A. baumannii isolates recovered during a hospital outbreak of severe or fatal cases to elucidate their diversity and factors contributing to their increased virulence and antibiotic resistance. The isolates were identified using MALDI-ToF and characterized using comparative genomics, PCR, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. They were classified as ST126 and exhibited fewer than five chromosomal single-nucleotide variants and the same extrachromosomal content, indicating that they are a single strain (A. baumannii AB01). A. baumannii AB01 showed an MDR phenotype that could be linked to the carriage of parC and gyrA mutations, efflux transporters, aminoglycoside resistance genes, a class C beta-lactamase, and three carbapenemases, some of which are encoded on a 72 kb plasmid. ST126 is infrequent and has not been reported in Latin America, and our genomic data indicate a plausible origin for A. baumannii AB01 within the Pan Pacific region.

Comparative Genomics of the First Resistant Candida auris Strain Isolated in Mexico: Phylogenomic and Pan-Genomic Analysis and Mutations Associated with Antifungal Resistance.

Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant and opportunistic pathogenic yeast. Whole-genome sequencing analysis has defined five major clades, each from a distinct geographic region. The current study aimed to examine the genome of the C. auris 20-1498 strain, which is the first isolate of this fungus identified in Mexico. Based on whole-genome sequencing, the draft genome was found to contain 70 contigs. It had a total genome size of 12.86 Mbp, an N50 value of 1.6 Mbp, and an average guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 45.5%. Genome annotation revealed a total of 5432 genes encoding 5515 proteins. According to the genomic analysis, the C. auris 20-1498 strain belongs to clade IV (containing strains endemic to South America). Of the two genes (ERG11 and FKS1) associated with drug resistance in C. auris, a mutation was detected in K143R, a gene located in a mutation hotspot of ERG11 (lanosterol 14-α-demethylase), an antifungal drug target. The focus on whole-genome sequencing and the identification of mutations linked to the drug resistance of fungi could lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets and new antifungal compounds.

Portal vein Doppler tracks volume status in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation: a proof-of-concept study.

AIMS: Renal and liver congestion are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Currently, there are no valid sonographic indicators of fluid status in this population. Intra-renal venous Doppler (IRVD) is a novel method for quantifying renal congestion but its interpretation can be challenging in severe TR due to altered haemodynamics. This study explores the potential of portal vein Doppler (PVD) as an alternative marker for decongestion during volume removal in patients with severe TR. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-two patients with severe TR undergoing decongestive therapy were prospectively enrolled. Inferior vena cava diameter, PVD, and IRVD were sequentially assessed during volume removal. Improvement criteria were portal vein pulsatility fraction (PVPF) < 70% and renal venous stasis index (RVSI) < 0.5 for partial improvement, and PVPF < 30% and RVSI < 0.2 for complete improvement. After volume removal, PVPF significantly improved from 130 ± 39% to 47 ± 44% (P < 0.001), while IRVD improved from 0.72 ± 0.08 to 0.54 ± 0.22 (P < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients displayed improvement in PVD compared to IRVD (partial: 38% vs. 29%, complete: 41% vs. 7%) (P < 0.001). Intra-renal venous Doppler only improved in patients with concomitant improvement in severe TR. Portal vein Doppler was the only predictor of achieving ≥5 L of negative fluid balance [area under the ROC curve (AUC) 0.83 P = 0.001]. CONCLUSION: This proof-of-concept study suggests that PVD is the only sonographic marker that can track volume removal in severe TR, offering a potential indicator for decongestion in this population. Further intervention trials are warranted to determine if PVD-guided decongestion improves patient outcomes in severe TR.

Safety profile of trastuzumab deruxtecan in advanced breast cancer: Expert opinion on adverse event management.

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is an antibody-drug conjugate that targets human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and has shown promising results in the treatment of advanced/metastatic breast cancer. The objective of this report is to provide guidance on the prophylaxis, monitoring, and management of adverse events (AEs) in patients with breast cancer treated with T-DXd, and to emphasize that proper management of AEs is needed to optimize the effectiveness of T-DXd treatment and reduce the number of discontinuations. The article covers various aspects of T-DXd treatment, including its clinical efficacy, safety profile, and dosing considerations, and provides practical recommendations for managing AEs, such as nausea/vomiting, interstitial lung disease, and hematologic toxicity. Although there are still many knowledge gaps about the cause and incidence of AEs in real-world patients, this document may serve as a valuable resource for clinicians who are involved in the care of breast cancer patients receiving T-DXd treatment.

Trophic ecology of sympatric sea turtles in the tropical Atlantic coast of Brazil.

The Tropical Atlantic coast of Brazil is a hotspot area for multiple sea turtle species at all life stages. The multiple nearshore reefs and beaches, oceanic islands, and the only atoll in the south Atlantic Ocean, are suitable for year-round foraging, migration corridors, and nesting activities of five sea turtle species. Still, relatively few studies have assessed trophic niche among sympatric sea turtles which can provide a better understanding of how closely related species compete/partition the available resources. Using multiple biogeochemical tracers (i.e., nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) stable isotopes, and mercury (Hg)), we disentangled the trophic niches of four sea turtle species - the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), the loggerhead turtle (Caretta), the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), and the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) - co-occurring in nesting and foraging habitats along the northeastern coast of Brazil. We found interspecific differences in isotopic and contamination niches, as well as intraspecific niche variation associated with life stage. Differences in the estimation niche models associated to life-stage in C. caretta support the notion of ontogenetic shift in habitat and diet composition previously reported for this species. Oceanic habitat signatures were observed in juvenile green turtles and adult olive turtles, while nearshore habitat signatures were observed in adult hawksbill turtles.

Regional differences in Hg contents in the liver and muscle of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) from three foraging grounds in Northeast Brazil.

Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic pollutant that endangers several marine animals, including green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), particularly in their foraging grounds along Brazilian coastal waters. Environmental Hg levels differ along this extensive littoral, rendering mandatory Hg long-term assessments of the different Hg fate in different sectors of the Brazilian coast. This study quantifies total Hg concentrations in the liver and muscle of green sea turtle populations from three foraging coastal regions in northeastern Brazil and analyzes Hg concentration differences given the locality and size of 61 juvenile individuals sampled. The results showed wide variations in Hg concentrations in the liver (81-3135 ng g-1) and muscle (10.1-8569 ng g-1). There was no significant correlation between animal size and Hg concentrations. Also, no difference was found among areas, reflecting the opportunistic feeding habit of juveniles of this species. This suggests that, in the case of green turtles, the ontogenetic change of diet plays an important role in influencing Hg concentrations found in this species.

Inhibitors of 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Decrease the Growth, Ergosterol Synthesis and Generation of petite Mutants in Candida glabrata and Candida albicans.

Candida glabrata and Candida albicans, the most frequently isolated candidiasis species in the world, have developed mechanisms of resistance to treatment with azoles. Among the clinically used antifungal drugs are statins and other compounds that inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), resulting in decreased growth and ergosterol levels in yeasts. Ergosterol is a key element for the formation of the yeast cell membrane. However, statins often cause DNA damage to yeast cells, facilitating mutation and drug resistance. The aim of the current contribution was to synthesize seven series of compounds as inhibitors of the HMGR enzyme of Candida ssp., and to evaluate their effect on cellular growth, ergosterol synthesis and generation of petite mutants of C. glabrata and C. albicans. Compared to the reference drugs (fluconazole and simvastatin), some HMGR inhibitors caused lower growth and ergosterol synthesis in the yeast species and generated fewer petite mutants. Moreover, heterologous expression was achieved in Pichia pastoris, and compounds 1a, 1b, 6g and 7a inhibited the activity of recombinant CgHMGR and showed better binding energy values than for α-asarone and simvastatin. Thus, we believe these are good candidates for future antifungal drug development.

Beneficios del entrenamiento multicomponente en el aprendizaje motor y cognitivo de los adultos mayores / Benefits of multicomponent training on motor and cognitive learning in older adults / Benefícios do treinamento multicomponente para o aprendizado motor e cognitivo em adultos mais velhos

Un problema reiterativo en adultos mayores son las caídas, afectando notablemente su salud y generando morbimortalidad elevada por la lesión y por las secuelas producidas en el aspecto psicológico y social. Objetivo. Analizar los beneficios de los ejercicios multicomponentes en el aprendizaje motor y cognitivo del adulto mayor. Metodología. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de artículos experimentales que se centraron en los ejercicios multicomponentes como intervención o tratamiento publicados en revistas indexadas en las bases de datos Scopus y Scielo entre 2015 y 2020. Como resultado preliminar se obtuvo 183 artículos con la aplicación de la cadena de búsqueda: TITLE-ABS-KEY (multicomponent AND exercises AND older AND adults). Después de la selección, se analizaron 12 artículos relevantes que cumplían con los criterios establecidos. Conclusión. La prueba de condición física multidimensional, mostró su eficacia para predecir cambios en el rendimiento físico; Los ejercicios de resistencia redujeron la ocurrencia de caídas al mejorar la funcionalidad. Asimismo, los ejercicios multicomponentes fueron eficaces para restablecer la función cognitiva de los adultos mayores, la prevención de caídas y la mejoría de sus labores cotidianas. Los programas de intervención con ejercicios multicomponentes, redujeron sustancialmente los riesgos de caídas, comparados con programas de ejercicios únicos, del mismo modo se evidenció mejoras relevantes en la función cognitiva y en labores cotidianas, evidenciando mejor funcionamiento general que a su vez originó mejoras en su productividad.

Falls are a recurrent problem in older adults, notably affecting their health and generating high morbimortality due to the injury and the psychological and social sequelae. Objective. To analyze the benefits of multicomponent exercises in motor and cognitive learning in the elderly. Methodology. A systematic review of experimental articles focusing on multicomponent exercises as an intervention or treatment published in journals indexed in the Scopus and Scielo databases between 2015 and 2020 was performed. As a preliminary result, 183 articles were obtained with the application of the search string: TITLE-ABS-KEY (multicomponent AND exercises AND older AND adults). After selection, 12 relevant articles that met the established criteria were analyzed. Conclusion. The multidimensional physical fitness test showed its efficacy in predicting changes in physical performance; resistance exercises reduced the occurrence of falls by improving functionality. Likewise, multicomponent exercises were effective in restoring the cognitive function of older adults, preventing falls and improving their daily tasks. Intervention programs with multicomponent exercises substantially reduced the risk of falls, compared to single exercise programs, and also showed significant improvements in cognitive function and daily tasks, resulting in better overall functioning, which in turn led to improvements in productivity.

As quedas são um problema recorrente em adultos mais velhos, afetando sua saúde e gerando alta morbimortalidade devido à lesão e às sequelas psicológicas e sociais. Objetivos. Analisar os benefícios dos exercícios multicomponentes na aprendizagem motora e cognitiva em idosos. Metodologia. Realizamos uma revisão sistemática de artigos experimentais que enfocaram os exercícios multicomponentes como intervenção ou tratamento publicados em periódicos indexados nas bases de dados Scopus e Scielo entre 2015 e 2020. Como resultado preliminar, 183 artigos foram obtidos com a aplicação da string de busca: TITLE-ABS-KEY (multicomponent AND exercises AND older AND adults). Após a seleção, foram analisados 12 artigos relevantes que atenderam aos critérios estabelecidos. Conclusões. O teste multidimensional de condicionamento físico demonstrou ser eficaz na previsão de mudanças no desempenho físico; os exercícios de resistência reduziram a ocorrência de quedas, melhorando a funcionalidade. Os exercícios multicomponentes também foram eficazes na restauração da função cognitiva dos idosos, na prevenção de quedas e na melhoria de suas tarefas diárias. Os programas de intervenção de exercícios multicomponentes reduziram substancialmente o risco de quedas em comparação com os programas de exercícios individuais e também apresentaram melhorias significativas na função cognitiva e nas tarefas diárias, resultando em melhor funcionamento geral, o que, por sua vez, levou a melhorias na produtividade.

Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of Streptomyces pakalii sp. nov., a Novel Species with Anti-Biofilm and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activity in ESKAPE Bacteria.

The increasing number of infections caused by antimicrobial multi-resistant microorganisms has led to the search for new microorganisms capable of producing novel antibiotics. This work proposes Streptomyces pakalii sp. nov. as a new member of the Streptomycetaceae family. The strain ENCB-J15 was isolated from the jungle soil in Palenque National Park, Chiapas, Mexico. The strain formed pale brown, dry, tough, and buried colonies in the agar with no diffusible pigment in GAE (glucose-asparagine-yeast extract) medium. Scanning electron micrographs showed typical mycelium with long chains of smooth and oval-shaped spores (3-10 m). The strain grew in all of the International Streptomyces Project (ISP)'s media at 28-37 °C with a pH of 6-9 and 0-10% NaCl. S. pakalii ENCB-J15 assimilated diverse carbon as well as organic and inorganic nitrogen sources. The strain also exhibited significant inhibitory activity against the prodigiosin synthesis of Serratia marcescens and the inhibition of the formation and destruction of biofilms of ESKAPE strains of Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The draft genome sequencing of ENCB-J15 revealed a 7.6 Mb genome with a high G + C content (71.6%), 6833 total genes, and 6746 genes encoding putative proteins. A total of 26 accessory clusters of proteins associated with carbon sources and amino acid catabolism, DNA modification, and the antibiotic biosynthetic process were annotated. The 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, core-proteome phylogenomic tree, and virtual genome fingerprints support that S. pakalii ENCB-J15 is a new species related to Streptomyces badius and Streptomyces globisporus. Similarly, its average nucleotide identity (ANI) (96.4%), average amino acid identity (AAI) (96.06%), and virtual DNA-DNA hybridization (67.3%) provide evidence to recognize it as a new species. Comparative genomics revealed that S. pakalli and its closest related species maintain a well-conserved genomic synteny. This work proposes Streptomyces pakalii sp. nov. as a novel species that expresses anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing activities.

Unlocking the hidden potential of Mexican teosinte seeds: revealing plant growth-promoting bacterial and fungal biocontrol agents.

The bacterial component of plant holobiont maintains valuable interactions that contribute to plants' growth, adaptation, stress tolerance, and antagonism to some phytopathogens. Teosinte is the grass plant recognized as the progenitor of modern maize, domesticated by pre-Hispanic civilizations around 9,000 years ago. Three teosinte species are recognized: Zea diploperennis, Zea perennis, and Zea mays. In this work, the bacterial diversity of three species of Mexican teosinte seeds was explored by massive sequencing of 16S rRNA amplicons. Streptomyces, Acinetobacter, Olivibacter, Erwinia, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Cellvibrio, Achromobacter, Devosia, Lysobacter, Sphingopyxis, Stenotrophomonas, Ochrobactrum, Delftia, Lactobacillus, among others, were the bacterial genera mainly represented. The bacterial alpha diversity in the seeds of Z. diploperennis was the highest, while the alpha diversity in Z. mays subsp. mexicana race was the lowest observed among the species and races. The Mexican teosintes analyzed had a core bacteriome of 38 bacterial genera, including several recognized plant growth promoters or fungal biocontrol agents such as Agrobacterium, Burkholderia, Erwinia, Lactobacillus, Ochrobactrum, Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, Streptomyces, among other. Metabolic inference analysis by PICRUSt2 of bacterial genera showed several pathways related to plant growth promotion (PGP), biological control, and environmental adaptation. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, as they highlight the existence of an exceptional bacterial germplasm reservoir teeming with potential plant growth promotion bacteria (PGPB). This reserve holds the key to cultivating innovative bioinoculants and formidable fungal antagonistic strains, thereby paving the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to agriculture. Embracing these novel NGS-based techniques and understanding the profound impact of the vertical transference of microorganisms from seeds could revolutionize the future of agriculture and develop a new era of symbiotic harmony between plants and microbes.

Factores asociados a complicaciones después de duodenopancreatectomía cefálica (cirugía de Whipple) en un centro especializado / Factors associated with postoperative complications after pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure) in a specialized center

RESUMEN Introducción: La cirugía de Whipple, también conocida como duodenopancreatectomía cefálica (DPC), es un procedimiento muy usado para varios tipos de cáncer peri ampular. Objetivos: Establecer los factores asociados a la evolución con complicaciones post DPC en el Servicio de Cirugía de Páncreas del Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins en Lima, Perú. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, cuantitativo, analítico, transversal y retrospectivo en 81 pacientes durante el período comprendido entre enero de 2017 hasta diciembre de 2019, quienes fueron sometidos a una DPC. La variable dependiente fueron las complicaciones postquirúrgicas y las independientes fueron indicadores preoperatorios, perioperatorios y post operatorios. Se revisaron las historias clínicas. Se realizó regresión logística para hallar los OR crudos y ajustados. Resultados: La media de la edad fue 65,97±10,14 y el sexo más frecuente fue el masculino. La complicación más frecuente fue la fístula pancreática (34,6%). Los factores asociados a complicaciones post DPC fueron el sexo masculino (ORa: 4,46, IC95%: 1,35-14,77), ampuloma (ORa: 6,92, IC95%: 1,75-27,48) y la consistencia blanda del páncreas (ORa: 4,52, IC95%: 0,07-0,58). Conclusiones: Los factores asociados a complicaciones en la evolución post DPC fueron el sexo masculino, el ampuloma, y la consistencia blanda del páncreas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Whipple procedure, also known as pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), is a widely used procedure for several types of peri-ampullary cancer. Objectives: To establish the factors associated with postoperative complications after PD in the Pancreas Surgery Service of the Edgardo Rebagliati Martins National Hospital in Lima, Peru. Methods: An observational, quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional, and retrospective study was carried out on 81 patients during the period from January 2017 to December 2019, who underwent PD. The dependent variable was postoperative complications and the independent variables were preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative variables. The medical records were reviewed. Logistic regression was performed to find the crude and adjusted ORs. Results: The mean age was 65.97±10.14 and the majority of patients were male. The most common postoperative complication was pancreatic fistula (34.6%). Factors associated with postoperative complications after PD were male sex (aOR: 4.46, 95% CI: 1.35-14.77), ampullary cancer (aOR: 6.92, 95% CI: 1.75-27.48), and soft consistency of the pancreas (aOR: 4.52, 95% CI: 0.07-0.58). Conclusions: The factors associated with postoperative complications after PD were male sex, ampulloma, and soft consistency of the pancreas.

Caracterización de la enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica en pacientes diabéticos del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico General Calixto García

Fundamento: las enfermedades cerebrovasculares constituyen una de las principales causas de mortalidad en el mundo. En las Américas constituyen la tercera causa de muerte y su incidencia se ve aumentada en los pacientes diabéticos tipo 2. Objetivo: caracterizar los pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 con enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica aguda. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo en pacientes diabéticos que ingresaron en el Hospital Calixto García con diagnóstico de enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica aguda en el período comprendido entre enero y diciembre 2022. El universo estuvo constituido por la totalidad de pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 que ingresaron en la Institución y la población por 148 pacientes. Las variables analizadas fueron: sexo, color de piel y edad; tensión arterial e índice de masa corporal; colesterol, triacilgliceridos y glicemia; tipo enfermedad cerebrovascular y su gravedad y comorbilidades. Se utilizaron métodos de la estadística descriptiva como frecuencia absoluta y porciento. Los resultados se presentaron en tablas creadas a los efectos. Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino, el color de piel blanca y el grupo etáreo entre los 60 y 69 años con un 58,1 43,9 y 40,5 % respectivamente. Predominaron los pacientes hipertensos y con sobrepeso relacionados con la mayor gravedad de la enfermedad cerebrovascular, los pacientes hiperglicémicos con valores de colesterol y triacilgliceridos altos, en ellos fue más grave el evento isquémico cerebral. La hipertensión arterial y la cardiopatía isquémica prevalecieron en la población estudiada con un 81,8 y 52,7 respectivamente. Conclusiones: la enfermedad cerebrovascular fue más frecuente en el sexo masculino, color de piel blanca y pacientes de edad avanzada. La hipertensión arterial, el sobrepeso, la hiperglucemia así como los valores altos de colesterol y triglicéridos predominaron en la muestra y se relacionaron con la mayor gravedad del evento cerebrovascular isquémico.

Foundation: cerebrovascular diseases are one of the main causes of mortality in the world. In the Americas they constitute the third cause of death and their incidence is increased in type 2 diabetic patients. Objective: to characterize type 2 diabetic patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Method: a descriptive study was carried out in diabetic patients who were admitted to the Calixto García Hospital with a diagnosis of acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease in the period between January and December 2022. The universe consisted of all type 2 diabetic patients who were admitted to the Institution and the population of 148 patients. The variables analyzed were: sex, skin color and age; blood pressure and body mass index; cholesterol, triacylglycerides and glycemia; type of cerebrovascular disease and its severity and comorbidities. Descriptive statistical methods such as absolute frequency and percentage were used. The results were presented in tables created for the purpose. Results: the male sex, the white skin color and the age group between 60 and 69 years predominated with 58.1, 43.9 and 40.5 % respectively. Hypertensive and overweight patients related to the greater severity of cerebrovascular disease, hyperglycemic patients with high cholesterol and triacylglyceride values ​​predominated, and in them the cerebral ischemic event was more severe. Arterial hypertension and ischemic heart disease prevailed in the studied population with 81.8 and 52.7 respectively. Conclusions: cerebrovascular disease was more frequent in males, white skin color and elderly patients. Arterial hypertension, overweight, hyperglycemia as well as high cholesterol and triglyceride values ​​predominated in the sample and were related to the greater severity of the ischemic cerebrovascular event.

Promotion of the growth and yield of Zea mays by synthetic microbial communities from Jala maize.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are a source of nutrient supply, stimulate plant growth, and even act in the biocontrol of phytopathogens. However, these phenotypic traits have rarely been explored in culturable bacteria from native maize landraces. In this study, synthetic microbial communities (SynCom) were assembled with a set of PGPB isolated from the Jala maize landrace, some of them with additional abilities for the biocontrol of phytopathogenic fungi and the stimulation of plant-induced systemic resistance (ISR). Three SynCom were designed considering the phenotypic traits of bacterial strains, including Achromobacter xylosoxidans Z2K8, Burkholderia sp. Z1AL11, Klebsiella variicola R3J3HD7, Kosakonia pseudosacchari Z2WD1, Pantoea ananatis E2HD8, Pantoea sp. E2AD2, Phytobacter diazotrophicus Z2WL1, Pseudomonas protegens E1BL2, and P. protegens E2HL9. Plant growth promotion in gnotobiotic and greenhouse seedlings assays was performed with Conejo landrace; meanwhile, open field tests were carried out on hybrid CPL9105W maize. In all experimental models, a significant promotion of plant growth was observed. In gnotobiotic assays, the roots and shoot length of the maize seedlings increased 4.2 and 3.0 times, respectively, compared to the untreated control. Similarly, the sizes and weights of the roots and shoots of the plants increased significantly in the greenhouse assays. In the open field assay performed with hybrid CPL9105W maize, the yield increased from 11 tons/ha for the control to 16 tons/ha inoculated with SynCom 3. In addition, the incidence of rust fungal infections decreased significantly from 12.5% in the control to 8% in the treatment with SynCom 3. All SynCom designs promoted the growth of maize in all assays. However, SynCom 3 formulated with A. xylosoxidans Z2K8, Burkholderia sp. Z1AL11, K. variicola R3J3HD7, P. ananatis E2HD8, P. diazotrophicus Z2WL1, and P. protegens E1BL2 displayed the best results for promoting plant growth, their yield, and the inhibition of fungal rust. This study demonstrated the biotechnological eco-friendly plant growth-promoting potential of SynCom assemblies with culturable bacteria from native maize landraces for more sustainable and economic agriculture.

Operando DRIFT-MS for studying the oxidative steam reforming of ethanol (OSRE) reaction.

An operando DRIFT-MS system (Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy coupled with Mass Spectrometry) was designed and set up to study the oxidative steam reforming of ethanol reaction (OSRE). This reaction involves the mixture of water, ethanol and oxygen to produce mainly hydrogen, which is a rather attractive energy carrier. Spectroscopic monitoring of the process is a key tool to contribute to the understanding of: i) the dynamics on the catalyst surface, ii) the reaction mechanism and iii) the effect of the solid's properties on the catalytic process. In this sense, this document sets forth the experimental design that allows to carry out the study under operando DRIFT-MS conditions through time for the OSRE reaction. Selection criteria for parameters, materials, configuration, and experimental conditions are included, particularly optimizing the parameters of particle size and the dilution factor with KBr as well as the temperature and flow conditions for carrying out the reaction.•Clear signals of the adsorbed species in IR that do not present interference by water in the reaction atmosphere.•Simple assembly and online product detection by MS that allow to follow the change in the products of the OSRE reaction according to the temperature.•Controlled entry of gases and quantification by loop injection.

A Pilot Study of Mercury Distribution in the Carapace of Four Species of Sea Turtles from Northeastern Brazil.

Scutes present very complex morphologies with different growth rates at different areas of the carapace that can change the accumulation process of essential and non-essential metals. To infer the effects of morphology and growth on Hg concentrations in scutes, we mapped them in the carapace of one individual of four species of sea turtles sampled along the Brazilian coast. The results showed that Hg concentrations were higher in the vertebral scutes of Chelonia mydas and Eretmochelys imbricata suggesting variation in growth rates of different carapace areas since the vertebral area is the first to develop prior to costal areas. Caretta caretta and Lepidochelys olivacea did not show differences between carapace areas. The preliminary data from this pilot study indicate that vertebral scutes may be suitable for monitoring Hg in C. mydas and E. imbricata, since they reflect longer exposure period. A species-to-species comparison of Hg concentrations is not possible due to the small number of sampled individuals, nevertheless, E. imbricata showed remarkably lower Hg concentrations compared to the other three species. Further studies are required for all four species, with a larger number of individuals, preferentially of varying life stages, due to the unknown effects of different diets, Hg exposure, and migration histories.

Validación de Actividades Profesionales Confiables (APROC) para la Certificación de Ginecología y Obstetricia / Validation of Entustable Professional Activities (EPAs) for Gynecology and Obstetrics Certification

Resumen Como parte del diseño de un instrumento para la evaluación de la certificación ante el Consejo Mexicano de Ginecología y Obstetricia en México se llevó a cabo el proceso de validación del constructo a evaluar. De acuerdo con la bibliografía consultada, la educación médica se basa en competencias, por lo que es coherente practicar una evaluación en el mismo tenor. Se decidió utilizar el concepto de Actividades Profesionales Confiables (APROC) porque son un puente entre la competencia y la actividad observable que puede llevar a cabo el sustentante. Se aplicó una metodología de cuatro fases que se inicia con una revisión bibliográfica con la que se definió una lista de APROC para validarla en el contexto mexicano. La fase dos consistió en aplicar la técnica de grupos focales que representarán las regiones médicas definidas por la FEMECOG, después de recabar y analizar la información de los grupos en la fase tres. La última fase consistió en una validación por parte de 10 expertos en Ginecología y Obstetricia para conseguir un nivel de acuerdo mayor al 80% en cada APROC. Como resultados de este proceso de validación de constructo a evaluar se obtuvo una lista de 15 APROC con alcances (definición de las delimitaciones de las APROC, dónde inician y dónde terminan) con un nivel de aceptación superior al 80%. Además, se corroboró la eficacia de la metodología cualitativa para realizar validaciones en donde las partes interesadas que podrían participar para definir áreas o temas no cuenten con disponibilidad debido a sus actividades laborales.

Abstract As part of the design of an instrument to evaluate the certification of the Mexican Council of Gynaecology and Obstetrics in Mexico, the validation process of the construct to be evaluated was carried out. According to the literature consulted, medical education is based on competencies, so it is coherent to carry out an evaluation in the same vein. It was decided to use Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA), as they provide a link between the competence and the observable activity that the supporter can perform. A four-phase methodology was carried out, starting with a bibliographic review that defined a list of EPAs in order to validate them for the Mexican context. The second phase consisted of using the technique of focus groups, representing the medical regions defined by FEMECOG in the country, once the information from the groups had been collected and analysed in the third phase, and the final phase consisted of validation by 10 experts in gynaecology and obstetrics, in order to achieve a level of agreement of more than 80% in each EPA. As a result of this validation process of the construct to be evaluated, a list of 15 EPAs with scopes (definition of the boundaries of the EPAs, where they start and how far they end) was obtained with a level of acceptance greater than 80%, in addition to confirming the effectiveness of the qualitative methodology to carry out validations when the interested parties who could participate in defining areas or topics are not available due to their work activities.

Validación de dominios y competencias por grupos focales y juicio de expertos / Validation of domains and competencies by focus groups and expert judgment

Resumen El Consejo Mexicano de Ginecología y Obstetricia certifica a los especialistas para ejercer su especialidad y brindar una atención de alta calidad a las pacientes. En la actualidad, el Consejo está rediseñando el examen de Certificación en Ginecología y Obstetricia orientado a la evaluación de competencias profesionales a partir de las actividades profesionales confiables que permitan identificar los dominios de la competencia médica en un especialista. La competencia es una variedad de habilidades ejercidas a través de múltiples dominios o aspectos del desempeño profesional; sus descriptores requieren que contengan habilidades relevantes, contexto y la etapa o nivel de evaluación. Por su parte, los dominios son un conjunto de competencias clave. Este informe incluye los resultados de la primera validación en México de dominios y competencias para la evaluación de los ginecoobstetras a partir de una metodología cualitativa que comprende una revisión de la bibliografía, grupos focales, análisis de trabajos colegiados y validación por juicio de expertos. Los resultados se presentan divididos por los ocho dominios en los que se trabajó, se mencionan los comentarios más relevantes a discutir por los cuatro grupos focales. Éstos y la validación por expertos permitió reunir comentarios valiosos, coherentes y funcionales para el sistema de evaluación que quiere llevar a cabo el Consejo. Este ejercicio permitirá el posterior desarrollo de la tabla de especificaciones, reactivos o nuevos instrumentos de evaluación coherentes con un sistema de dominios, competencias y actividades profesionales confiables.

Abstract The Mexican Council of Gynecology and Obstetrics certifies specialists to practice their specialty and provide high-quality healthcare to patients. Currently, the Council is redesigning the Gynecology and Obstetrics Certification exam, oriented to the evaluation of professional competencies based on reliable professional activities that allow the identification of domains of a specialist's medical competencies. Competency can be defined as a variety of skills across multiple domains or aspects of professional performance. Its descriptors require to contain relevant skills, context, and the stage or level of assessment. Domains can be described as a set of competencies that are considered essential. This report includes the results of the first validation done in Mexico. The validation of domains and competencies for the evaluation of physicians in the area of Obstetrics and Gynecology is based on a qualitative methodology that includes a literature review, focus groups, analysis of collegiate works, and validation through expert judgment. The obtained results are divided into eight domains that mention the most relevant observations that were discussed by the four focus groups. The focus groups and the validation through expert judgment made it possible to gather valuable, coherent, and functional feedback for the evaluation system that the Council wants to carry out. This method will allow the subsequent development of the table of specifications, items, or new evaluation instruments congruent with a system of domains, competencies, and reliable professional activities.

A journey from molecule to physiology and in silico tools for drug discovery targeting the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel.

The heat and capsaicin receptor TRPV1 channel is widely expressed in nerve terminals of dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and trigeminal ganglia innervating the body and face, respectively, as well as in other tissues and organs including central nervous system. The TRPV1 channel is a versatile receptor that detects harmful heat, pain, and various internal and external ligands. Hence, it operates as a polymodal sensory channel. Many pathological conditions including neuroinflammation, cancer, psychiatric disorders, and pathological pain, are linked to the abnormal functioning of the TRPV1 in peripheral tissues. Intense biomedical research is underway to discover compounds that can modulate the channel and provide pain relief. The molecular mechanisms underlying temperature sensing remain largely unknown, although they are closely linked to pain transduction. Prolonged exposure to capsaicin generates analgesia, hence numerous capsaicin analogs have been developed to discover efficient analgesics for pain relief. The emergence of in silico tools offered significant techniques for molecular modeling and machine learning algorithms to indentify druggable sites in the channel and for repositioning of current drugs aimed at TRPV1. Here we recapitulate the physiological and pathophysiological functions of the TRPV1 channel, including structural models obtained through cryo-EM, pharmacological compounds tested on TRPV1, and the in silico tools for drug discovery and repositioning.

MES SV40 Cells Are Sensitive to Lipopolysaccharide, Peptidoglycan, and Poly I:C Expressing IL-36 Cytokines.

Mesangial cells (MC) maintain the architecture and cellular communication and indirectly join in the glomerular filtration rate for the correct functioning of the glomerulus. Consequently, these cells are activated constantly in response to changes in the intraglomerular environment due to a metabolic imbalance or infection. IL-36, a member of the IL-1 family, is a cytokine that initiates and maintains inflammation in different tissues in acute and chronic pathologies, including the skin, lungs, and intestines. In the kidney, IL-36 has been described in the development of tubulointerstitial lesions, the production of an inflammatory environment, and is associated with metabolic and mesangioproliferative disorders. The participation of IL-36 in functional dysregulation and the consequent generation of the inflammatory environment by MCs in the presence of microbial stimulation is not yet elucidated. In this work, the MES SV40 cell cultures were stimulated with classical pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), mimicking an infection by negative and positive bacteria as well as a viral infection. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN) microbial wall components, and a viral mimic poly I:C were used, and the mRNA and protein expression of the IL-36 members were assessed. We observed a differential and dose-dependent IL-36 mRNA and protein expression under LPS, PGN, and poly I:C stimulation. IL-36ß was only found when the cells were treated with LPS, while IL-36α and IL-36γ were favored by PGN and poly I:C stimulation. We suggest that the microbial components participate in the activation of MCs, leading them to the production of IL-36, in which a specific member may participate in the origin and maintenance of inflammation in the glomerular environment that is associated with infections.