Perchlorate-reducing bacteria from Antarctic marine sediments.

Perchlorate is a contaminant that can persist in groundwater and soil, and is frequently detected in different ecosystems at concentrations relevant to human health. This study isolated and characterised halotolerant bacteria that can potentially perform perchlorate reduction. Bacterial microorganisms were isolated from marine sediments on Deception, Horseshoe and Half Moon Islands of Antarctica. The results of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequence analysis indicated that the isolates were phylogenetically related to Psychrobacter cryohalolentis, Psychrobacter urativorans, Idiomarina loihiensis, Psychrobacter nivimaris, Sporosarcina aquimarina and Pseudomonas lactis. The isolates grew at a sodium chloride concentration of up to 30% and a perchlorate concentration of up to 10,000 mg/L, which showed their ability to survive in saline conditions and high perchlorate concentrations. Between 21.6 and 40% of perchlorate was degraded by the isolated bacteria. P. cryohalolentis and P. urativorans degraded 30.3% and 32.6% of perchlorate, respectively. I. loihiensis degraded 40% of perchlorate, and P. nivimaris, S. aquimarina and P. lactis degraded 22%, 21.8% and 21.6% of perchlorate, respectively. I. loihiensis had the highest reduction in perchlorate, whereas P. lactis had the lowest reduction. This study is significant as it is the first finding of P. cryohalolentis and. P. lactis on the Antarctic continent. In conclusion, these bacteria isolated from marine sediments on Antarctica offer promising resources for the bioremediation of perchlorate contamination due to their ability to degrade perchlorate, showing their potential use as a biological system to reduce perchlorate in high-salinity ecosystems.

Trombastenia de Glanzmann: conceptos clave de la enfermedad / Glanzmann thrombasthenia: key concepts of the disease

La trombastenia de Glanzmann (TG), es un trastorno autosómico recesivo en el cual hay una reducción grave o ausencia de la agregación plaquetaria. Se debe a las alteraciones cualitativas o cuantitativas de la integrina α IIb o de integrina β 3, codificados por los genes ITGA2B e ITGB3 y relacionadas con la glicoproteína IIb/IIIa, que intervienen en la activación plaquetaria. La mayor incidencia de TG ha sido reportada en la población judía-iraquí, pero también se ha presentado en Israel, Jordania, Arabia saudita, Italia y, en menor número, en familias gitanas y pakistaníes. A pesar de ser poco frecuente, este trastorno se debe sospechar en casos de trastornos hemorrágicos graves espontáneos o inducidos por traumatismos, que varían desde hemorragias gastrointestinales y mucocutáneas, como epistaxis y hemorragias gingivales recurrentes de difícil manejo, las cuales son potencialmente mortales y en más del 75 por ciento de los casos requieren transfusión sanguínea o plaquetaria. Para realizar la confirmación del diagnóstico, los hallazgos de laboratorio se caracterizan por tiempos de sangrado prolongados, retracción del coágulo disminuida y respuestas anormales de agregación plaquetaria a estímulos fisiológicos. Aunque, actualmente no existe una cura para la enfermedad, el tratamiento adecuado con transfusiones plaquetarias y en caso de refractariedad, el uso del factor VIIa, permiten un buen pronóstico para los pacientes. Aún queda mucho por estudiar en estos casos debido a esto se están realizando nuevos estudios para la posibilidad de otros tratamientos, entre ellos la terapia génica plaquetaria(AU)

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) is an autosomal recessive disorder in which there is a severe reduction or absence of platelet aggregation. It is due to the qualitative or quantitative alterations of integrin #945; IIb or integrin #946; 3, encoded by the ITGA2B and ITGB3 genes and related to glycoprotein IIb / IIIa, which intervene in platelet activation. The highest incidence of GT has been reported in the Jewish-Iraqi population, but it has also been reported in Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and in smaller numbers in Gypsy and Pakistani families. Despite being uncommon, this disorder should be suspected in cases of severe spontaneous or trauma-induced bleeding disorders, ranging from gastrointestinal and mucocutaneous hemorrhages such as epistaxis and recurrent, difficult to manage gingival hemorrhages, which are potentially fatal and more than 75 percent of cases require blood or platelet transfusion. To confirm the diagnosis, the laboratory findings are characterized by prolonged bleeding times, decreased clot retraction and abnormal platelet aggregation responses to physiological stimuli. Although there is currently no cure for the disease, adequate treatments with platelet transfusions and in case of refractoriness, the use of factor VIIa, allow a good prognosis for patients. There is still much to study in these cases, because of this, new studies are being conducted for the possibility of other treatments, including platelet gene therapy(AU)

Enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica en pacientes con virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, un evento de importancia clínica / Ischemic stroke in patients with human immunodeficiency virus, an event of clinical importance

Resumen La enfermedad cerebrovascular es la segunda y tercera causa de mortalidad y discapacidad en todo el mundo, respectivamente. Su incidencia ha aumentado en países de ingresos bajos y medianos, debido a las enfermedades infecciosas, entre ellas el VIH. La fisiopatología de la enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica en esta población se relaciona directa e indirectamente con la infección; de manera indirecta, a través de cardioembolismo y coagulopatías, como: síndrome antifosfolipídico y púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica. Respecto a la forma directa se manifiesta mediante vasculopatías, como ateroesclerosis acelerada, vasculopatía no aterosclerótica, enfermedad cerebral de pequeños vasos y vasculitis asociada con el VIH; en esta última destacan las causas infecciosas. En el contexto clínico, la manifestación es similar en la población VIH negativa y positiva; generalmente, se evidencia un déficit neurológico focal. Sin embargo, puede manifestarse de manera atípica, con confusión aguda, fiebre y pérdida súbita de la conciencia; este espectro clínico es más común en el contexto del VIH. En el diagnóstico se utilizan, al igual que en la población sana, las escalas de Cincinnati y NIHSS. Además, la tomografía axial computada craneal sin contraste es la primera ayuda diagnóstica, junto con el electrocardiograma y pruebas hematológicas. El tratamiento se basa en eliminar la obstrucción sanguínea, el principal método es la trombólisis mediante el activador de plasminógeno tisular. Esta enfermedad está tomando fuerza en la población con VIH y es importante conocer la relación existente.

Abstract Stroke is the second and third cause of mortality and disability worldwide, respectively. Its incidence has increased in low and middle-income countries, due to infectious diseases, including HIV. The pathophysiology of ischemic stroke in this population is directly and indirectly related to the infection; indirectly, through cardioembolism and coagulopathies, such as: antiphospholipid syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. With respect to the direct form, it is presented through vascular diseases as: accelerated atherosclerosis, non-atherosclerotic vasculopathy, cerebral disease of small vessels and vasculitis associated with HIV; in the latter, infectious causes are highlighted. In the clinical context, the presentation is similar in the HIV negative and positive population; generally, a focal neurological deficit is evidenced. However, they can occur atypically, with acute confusion, fever and sudden loss of consciousness; this clinical spectrum is more common in the context of HIV. In the diagnosis the Cincinnati and NIHSS scales are used in the same way as in the healthy population. In addition, cranial CT without contrast is the first diagnostic aid, together with electrocardiogram and hematological tests. The treatment is based on eliminating blood obstruction; the main method is thrombolysis by the tissue plasminogen activator. This disease is gaining strength in the population with HIV and it is important to know the existing relationship.

Perfil clínico y epidemiológico de pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica hospitalizados en un centro de alta complejidad de la ciudad de medellín, colombia, durante el año 2015

Introducción. La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es una condición que cursa con limitación del flujo aéreo espiratorio e inflamación crónica de las vías aéreas, y que representa un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Objetivo. Determinar el perfil clínico y epidemiológico de pacientes con EPOC en una institución hospitalaria de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia. Metodología. Se realizó un estudio transversal, con una muestra de 50 pacientes, con diagnóstico clínico o espirométrico de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, atendidos de forma intrahospitalaria en una institución privada en Medellín durante el año 2015. A las variables cuantitativas se les calculó el promedio, desviación estándar y valores mínimo y máximo. A las cualitativas, medidas de nivel nominal y ordinal y se les estimaron proporciones. Resultados. La edad promedio fue de 73,5±9,3 años, el 52% fueron mujeres. El promedio de tiempo de diagnóstico fue de 7,8±1,3 años. Las características clínicas más frecuentes fueron las siguientes: el 36% tenía como clasificación estadio D para la enfermedad, el 34% tenía VEF1 <30%, el 88% tenían antecedente de tabaquismo y el 52% utilizaba oxígeno en casa. Conclusiones. La mayoría de nuestra población fue clasificada como GOLD categoría D, con una limitación grave del flujo aéreo espiratorio (VEF1 < 30%) y requerimiento de uso de oxígeno domiciliario. Lo anterior indica un inadecuado control de la enfermedad, debido, probablemente, al contexto intrahospitalario de los pacientes incluidos en el estudio.

Introduction. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition that limits the air flow and produce chronic inflammation of the airways, which represents a public health problem worldwide. Objective. To determine the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with COPD in a hospital of the city of Medellin, Colombia. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was carried out, with a sample of 50 subjects, who had a clinical or spirometric diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, receiving Inpatient care in a private institution in Medellin in 2015. It was calculated on quantitative variables, the average, standard deviation and minimum and maximum values. It was estimated on qualitative variables, measures of nominal and ordinal level and proportions. Results. The average age was 73.5 ) 9,3 years, 52% were women. The average of Diagnostic time was 7.8 ) 1,3 years. The most common clinical characteristics were the following: 36% had a stage D classification for the disease, 34% had FEV1 <30%, 88% had a smoking history and 52% used oxygen at home. Conclusions. The majority of our population was classified as GOLD category D, with a severe limitation to breath (FEV1 <30%) and had to use oxygen at home. The foregoing indicates that there is an inadequate control of the disease, due to the inpatient environment of the subjects involved in the study.

Introdução. A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) é uma condição caracterizada por fluxo respiratório limitado e inflamação crônica das vias aéreas, e representa um problema de saúde pública em todo o mundo. Objetivo. Determinar o perfil clínico e epidemiológico dos pacientes com DPOC em uma instituição hospitalar da cidade de Medellín, Colômbia. Metodologia. Foi realizado um estudo transversal, com uma amostra de 50 pacientes, com diagnóstico clínico e espirométrico da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, que receberam atenção hospitalar em uma instituição privada em Medellín durante o ano de 2015. Para as variáveis quantitativos foram calculados a média, desvio padrão e valores mínimo e máximo. Para medidas qualitativas de nível nominal e ordinal se estimaram proporções. Resultados. A idade média foi de 73,5 ± 9,3 anos, 52% eram mulheres. A média do tempo de diagnóstico foi de 7,8 ± 1,3 anos. As características clínicas mais frequentes foram: 36% tinham classificação no estádio D para a doença, 34% tinham VEF1 <30%, 88% tinham história de tabagismo e 52% usavam oxigênio em casa. Conclusões. A maioria da nossa população foi classificada como GOLD categoria D, com uma limitação severa do fluxo de ar (VEF1 <30%) e exigência de uso de oxigênio domiciliar. O que precede indica um controle inadequado da doença, devido, provavelmente, ao contexto hospitalar dos pacientes incluídos no estudo.

Growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 prevents cutaneous hypertrophic scarring: early mechanistic data from a proteome study.

Hypertrophic scars (HTS) and keloids are forms of aberrant cutaneous healing with excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Current therapies still fall short and cause undesired effects. We aimed to thoroughly evaluate the ability of growth hormone releasing peptide 6 (GHRP6) to both prevent and reverse cutaneous fibrosis and to acquire the earliest proteome data supporting GHRP6's acute impact on aesthetic wound healing. Two independent sets of experiments addressing prevention and reversion effects were conducted on the classic HTS model in rabbits. In the prevention approach, the wounds were assigned to topically receive GHRP6, triamcinolone acetonide (TA), or vehicle (1% sodium carboxy methylcellulose [CMC]) from day 1 to day 30 post-wounding. The reversion scheme was based on the infiltration of either GHRP6 or sterile saline in mature HTS for 4 consecutive weeks. The incidence and appearance of HTS were systematically monitored. The sub-epidermal fibrotic core area of HTS was ultrasonographically determined, and the scar elevation index was calculated on haematoxylin/eosin-stained, microscopic digitised images. Tissue samples were collected for proteomics after 1 hour of HTS induction and treatment with either GHRP6 or vehicle. GHRP6 prevented the onset of HTS without the untoward reactions induced by the first-line treatment triamcinolone acetonide (TA); however, it failed to significantly reverse mature HTS. The preliminary proteomic study suggests that the anti-fibrotic preventing effect exerted by GHRP6 depends on different pathways involved in lipid metabolism, cytoskeleton arrangements, epidermal cells' differentiation, and ECM dynamics. These results enlighten the potential success of GHRP6 as one of the incoming alternatives for HTS prevention.

Malaria, enfermedad tropical de múltiples métodos diagnósticos / Malaria, tropical disease of multiple diagnostic methods

La malaria es una enfermedad causada por el parasito de género Plasmodium, que se transmite mediante la picadura de la hembra del mosquito Anopheles. Entre los años 2000 a 2015 se han reportado 212 millones de casos a nivel mundial. En Colombia, la malaria es considerada un problema de salud pública, se estima que al menos el 70% del territorio cuenta con las condiciones ecológicas necesarias para la transmisión del parasito. Para evitar el aumento en el número de casos de malaria, se utilizan 3 pilares de prevención: evitar la exposición y realizar control del vector, quimioprofilaxis y diagnóstico oportuno. Después de este último, se debe brindar el tratamiento, cuyos objetivos son: curación clínica del paciente, curación radical de la infección y control de la transmisión. Para el diagnóstico, existen diferentes métodos, los cuales se evalúan y diferencian de acuerdo a la sensibilidad y especificidad; con base en esto, se define el Gold Standard, como prueba de referencia. En la actualidad, el Gold Standard para el diagnóstico de malaria es un método microscópico: gota gruesa. Sin embargo, existen otros métodos: extendido de sangre periférica, métodos moleculares y métodos serológicos..(AU)

Malaria is a disease caused by the parasite of the genus Plasmodium, which is transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. Between 2000 and 2015, 212 million cases have been reported worldwide. In Colombia, malaria is considered a public health problem, it is estimated that at least 70% of the territory has the necessary ecological conditions for the transmission of the parasite. To avoid the increase of the number of malaria cases, three pillars of prevention are used: avoiding exposure and performing vector control, chemoprophylaxis and timely diagnosis. After this, the treatment should be provided. The objectives of the treatment are: clinical cure of the patient, radical cure of infection and control of transmission. To diagnosis, there are different methods, which are evaluated and differentiated according to sensitivity and specificity; Based on this, the Gold Standard is defined as the Benchmark test. Nowadays, the Gold Standard for the diagnosis of malaria is a microscopic method call thick gout. However, there are other methods such as: peripheral blood smear, molecular methods and serological methods..(AU)