Lifestyle of sponge symbiont phages by host prediction and correlative microscopy.

Bacteriophages (phages) are ubiquitous elements in nature, but their ecology and role in animals remains little understood. Sponges represent the oldest known extant animal-microbe symbiosis and are associated with dense and diverse microbial consortia. Here we investigate the tripartite interaction between phages, bacterial symbionts, and the sponge host. We combined imaging and bioinformatics to tackle important questions on who the phage hosts are and what the replication mode and spatial distribution within the animal is. This approach led to the discovery of distinct phage-microbe infection networks in sponge versus seawater microbiomes. A new correlative in situ imaging approach ('PhageFISH-CLEM') localised phages within bacterial symbiont cells, but also within phagocytotically active sponge cells. We postulate that the phagocytosis of free virions by sponge cells modulates phage-bacteria ratios and ultimately controls infection dynamics. Prediction of phage replication strategies indicated a distinct pattern, where lysogeny dominates the sponge microbiome, likely fostered by sponge host-mediated virion clearance, while lysis dominates in seawater. Collectively, this work provides new insights into phage ecology within sponges, highlighting the importance of tripartite animal-phage-bacterium interplay in holobiont functioning. We anticipate that our imaging approach will be instrumental to further understanding of viral distribution and cellular association in animal hosts.

Repercussions of adjuvant-induced arthritis on body composition, soleus muscle, and heart muscle of rats.

This study investigated the repercussions of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) on body composition and the structural organization of the soleus and cardiac muscles, including their vascularization, at different times of disease manifestation. Male rats were submitted to AIA induction by intradermal administration of 100 µL of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (50 mg/mL), in the right hind paw. Animals submitted to AIA were studied 4 (AIA4), 15 (AIA15), and 40 (AIA40) days after AIA induction as well as a control group of animals not submitted to AIA. Unlike the control animals, AIA animals did not gain body mass throughout the evolution of the disease. AIA reduced food consumption, but only on the 40th day after induction. In the soleus muscle, AIA reduced the wet mass in a time-dependent manner but increased the capillary density by the 15th day and the fiber density by both 15 and 40 days after induction. The diameter of the soleus fiber decreased from the 4th day after AIA induction as well as the capillary/fiber ratio, which was most evident on the 40th day. Moreover, AIA induced slight histopathological changes in the cardiac muscle that were more evident on the 15th day after induction. In conclusion, AIA-induced changes in body composition as well as in the soleus muscle fibers and vasculature have early onset but are more evident by the 15th day after induction. Moreover, the heart may be a target organ of AIA, although less sensitive than skeletal muscles.

Repercussions of adjuvant-induced arthritis on body composition, soleus muscle, and heart muscle of rats

This study investigated the repercussions of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) on body composition and the structural organization of the soleus and cardiac muscles, including their vascularization, at different times of disease manifestation. Male rats were submitted to AIA induction by intradermal administration of 100 μL of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (50 mg/mL), in the right hind paw. Animals submitted to AIA were studied 4 (AIA4), 15 (AIA15), and 40 (AIA40) days after AIA induction as well as a control group of animals not submitted to AIA. Unlike the control animals, AIA animals did not gain body mass throughout the evolution of the disease. AIA reduced food consumption, but only on the 40th day after induction. In the soleus muscle, AIA reduced the wet mass in a time-dependent manner but increased the capillary density by the 15th day and the fiber density by both 15 and 40 days after induction. The diameter of the soleus fiber decreased from the 4th day after AIA induction as well as the capillary/fiber ratio, which was most evident on the 40th day. Moreover, AIA induced slight histopathological changes in the cardiac muscle that were more evident on the 15th day after induction. In conclusion, AIA-induced changes in body composition as well as in the soleus muscle fibers and vasculature have early onset but are more evident by the 15th day after induction. Moreover, the heart may be a target organ of AIA, although less sensitive than skeletal muscles.

The sponge holobiont in a changing ocean: from microbes to ecosystems.

The recognition that all macroorganisms live in symbiotic association with microbial communities has opened up a new field in biology. Animals, plants, and algae are now considered holobionts, complex ecosystems consisting of the host, the microbiota, and the interactions among them. Accordingly, ecological concepts can be applied to understand the host-derived and microbial processes that govern the dynamics of the interactive networks within the holobiont. In marine systems, holobionts are further integrated into larger and more complex communities and ecosystems, a concept referred to as "nested ecosystems." In this review, we discuss the concept of holobionts as dynamic ecosystems that interact at multiple scales and respond to environmental change. We focus on the symbiosis of sponges with their microbial communities-a symbiosis that has resulted in one of the most diverse and complex holobionts in the marine environment. In recent years, the field of sponge microbiology has remarkably advanced in terms of curated databases, standardized protocols, and information on the functions of the microbiota. Like a Russian doll, these microbial processes are translated into sponge holobiont functions that impact the surrounding ecosystem. For example, the sponge-associated microbial metabolisms, fueled by the high filtering capacity of the sponge host, substantially affect the biogeochemical cycling of key nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous. Since sponge holobionts are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic stressors that jeopardize the stability of the holobiont ecosystem, we discuss the link between environmental perturbations, dysbiosis, and sponge diseases. Experimental studies suggest that the microbial community composition is tightly linked to holobiont health, but whether dysbiosis is a cause or a consequence of holobiont collapse remains unresolved. Moreover, the potential role of the microbiome in mediating the capacity for holobionts to acclimate and adapt to environmental change is unknown. Future studies should aim to identify the mechanisms underlying holobiont dynamics at multiple scales, from the microbiome to the ecosystem, and develop management strategies to preserve the key functions provided by the sponge holobiont in our present and future oceans.

Constipación en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Un trastorno de motilidad inadvertido / GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CONSTIPATION IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS. AN UNNOTICIED DISORDER OF MOTILITY

This article discusses the incidence of constipation in an intensive care unit. Disorders of the gastrointestinal motility are frequent among critically ill patients. Nevertheless, constipation has received less importance in this matter. Several alimentary factors and of the clinical treatment have been associated to this event. Constipation is the condition in which bowel movements are infrequent or incomplete during three, six or nine consecutive days, or otherwise because of the necessity to assist to the treatment with evacuating measures. The authors conducted a descriptive, quali-quantitative, transversal and prospective design of the incidence of constipation and its implications on the progress of critically ill patients, in patients 18 years old or older, assisted at the Intensive Care Unit from the Hospital "Juan Fernandez", from Buenos Aires. It is concluded that constipation is a frequent complication among critically ill patients and thus the administration of early enteral nutrition with insoluble fiber should be considered, as a protector support against constipation. Accelerating gastrointestinal recovery during intensive care stay could increase patient comfort, decrease the average hospital stay and reduce costs and readmission rates.

Population structure and connectivity in the Mediterranean sponge Ircinia fasciculata are affected by mass mortalities and hybridization.

Recent episodes of mass mortalities in the Mediterranean Sea have been reported for the closely related marine sponges Ircinia fasciculata and Ircinia variabilis that live in sympatry. In this context, the assessment of the genetic diversity, bottlenecks and connectivity of these sponges has become urgent in order to evaluate the potential effects of mass mortalities on their latitudinal range. Our study aims to establish (1) the genetic structure, connectivity and signs of bottlenecks across the populations of I. fasciculata and (2) the hybridization levels between I. fasciculata and I. variabilis. To accomplish the first objective, 194 individuals of I. fasciculata from 12 locations across the Mediterranean were genotyped at 14 microsatellite loci. For the second objective, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences of 16 individuals from both species were analyzed along with genotypes at 12 microsatellite loci of 40 individuals coexisting in 3 Mediterranean populations. We detected strong genetic structure along the Mediterranean for I. fasciculata, with high levels of inbreeding in all locations and bottleneck signs in most locations. Oceanographic barriers like the Almeria-Oran front, North-Balearic front and the Ligurian-Thyrrenian barrier seem to be impeding gene flow for I. fasciculata, adding population divergence to the pattern of isolation by distance derived from the low dispersal abilities of sponge larvae. Hybridization between both species occurred in some populations that might be increasing genetic diversity and somewhat palliating the genetic loss caused by population decimation in I. fasciculata.

Quiste sinovial como causa de lumbociática. Revisión y presentación de un caso / Synovial cyst as cause of lumbar sciatic picture. Review and presentation of one case

La lumbociática representa un síntoma muy frecuente en una consulta de Rehabilitación y puede ser atribuida a diferentes etiologías. Los quistes sinoviales lumbares son una etiología poco frecuente, pero que no debemos olvidaren el diagnóstico diferencial. Estas lesiones están íntimamente relacionadas con las articulaciones facetarias y sudegeneración; su localización preferente es a nivel de L4-L5 y la técnica diagnóstica de elección será la resonancia magnética. La cirugía es la mejor alternativa si existe dolor persistente y sintomatología neurológica. Se presenta un caso de una mujer de 52 años de edad, sin antecedentes de interés, que acudió a la consulta de Rehabilitación por un cuadro de lumbociática de 3 meses de evolución que no respondía al tratamiento farmacológico pautado. Se prescribe tratamiento rehabilitador ante sospecha de protrusión discal. Se objetiva un quiste sinovial lumbar en la resonancia magnética. Debido a la persistencia de la sintomatología, la paciente fue subsidiaria de cirugía y presentó muy buena evolución

Lumbar sciatic picture represents a very frequent symptom in a Rehabilitation out-patient clinic and maybe attributed to different etiologies. Lumbar synovial cysts(LSC) are a rare etiology, but we must not forget it in the differential diagnosis. These lesions are closely related with facet articulations and their degeneration; its preferential site isL4-L5 level and the diagnostic technique of choice would be Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Surgery is the best alternative if there is persistent pain and neurological symptoms. We present a case of a 52 year old woman, without background of interest, who came to the Rehabilitation out-patient clinic due to a lumbal-sciatic picture of three months evolution that did not respond to the drug treatment prescribed. Rehabilitation treatment was prescribed due to the suspicion of disc protrusion. A lumbar synovial cyst was seen in the MRI. Due to the persistence of the symptoms, the patients underwent surgery, presenting good evolution

Climatic effects on Salmonella survival in plant and soil irrigated with artificially inoculated wastewater: preliminary results.

The use of wastewater to replace other water resources for irrigation is highly dependent on whether the health risk and environmental impacts entailed are acceptable or not. Total count and species of microorganisms found in wastewater vary widely because of climatic conditions, season, population sanitary habits and disease incidence. Salmonella, one of the genera associated with waterborne diseases, lives in the intestine. Thus, it is widely accepted that they have a limited survival period under environmental conditions. Wastewater management practices and the ability of Salmonella to survival under field conditions would determine the health risk associated with its presence in wastewater. Although chlorination is widely used, there are situations in which Salmonella is able to survive the sudden stress imposed by this technique. The aim of this experiment was to contribute to the study of the climatic and soil effects on pathogen survival under agricultural field conditions in order to assess which were the best wastewater management practices from both health and economic points of view. Five pots filled with soil seeded with Medicago sativa and an automatic weather station were used. A secondary effluent was artificially inoculated with Salmonella. In addition, open plates (filled with sterilised soil) and ultraviolet radiation isolated plates (filled with non-sterilised soil) were used. As soil heat emission contributes to the environmental conditions around the bacteria, standardised meteorological temperature data had to be carefully used in the bacterial survival studies under agricultural conditions. Radiation was the main cause of Salmonella mortality as its effect was more important than natural soil bacteria competence. Higher reduction of Salmonella counts could have been associated with longer spring days. Soil was able to effectively remove Salmonella. Subsurface drip irrigation methods could provide an effective tool to prevent health risk associated with wastewater irrigation.

Helicobacter pylori, efficacy of the new triple therapy in six and twelve-day schedules.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of four eradicating patterns of 6 and 12 days duration with new triple therapies adapted to our environment. PATIENTS: After an endoscopic diagnosis of Duodenal or Gastric Ulcer, and the confirmation of the presence of Helicobacter pylori using a rapid urease test in antral biopsies, 274 patients were treated with one of four eradicating therapies, verifying its efficacy with the C-13 urea breath test, at least one month after the end of the treatment and 10 days after withdrawal of proton pump inhibitors. RESULTS: Maximum eradicating efficacy was achieved with Omeprazole (20 mg/12 hours), Clarithromycin (500 mg/12 hours) and Amoxycillin (1 g/12 hours), given for 12 days (96.6%), and Omeprazole (20 mg/12 hours), Tinidazole (500 mg/12 hours) and Clarithromycin (500 mg/12 hours), also given for 12 days (95.2%). The same drugs and doses, when given during six days, achieved percentages of 78.3% and 82.2% respectively. Results with Tinidazole suggest lack of resistance to this drug in the Community of Madrid.

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind study comparing once-daily bedtime administration of famotidine and ranitidine in the short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer.

The efficacy and safety of famotidine and ranitidine in the treatment of active duodenal ulcer were compared in a multicenter, randomized double-blind study. The study was carried out at 5 centers and involved a total of 143 patients with endoscopically documented active duodenal ulcer. The patients received either famotidine (1 40 mg tablet at night) or ranitidine 2 150 mg tablets at night). Endoscopic examinations were performed at 4 and 6 weeks of active treatment. Day and nocturnal pain were also monitored, and the laboratory and clinical profiles evaluated. One hundred and thirty-three patients fulfilled the evaluation criteria (66 patients in the famotidine group and 67 in the ranitidine group). Healing rates at weeks 4 or 6 of treatment showed no significant differences between the famotidine group and the ranitidine group. The healing rates were 78% at week 4 and 96% at week 6 in the famotidine group, and 76% at week 4 and 95% at week 6 in the ranitidine group. Similar results were observed in both treatment groups with regard to pain resolution, decrease in antacid intake and safety profile.

A multicentre, randomized, double-blind study comparing nocte famotidine or ranitidine for the treatment of active duodenal ulceration.

The efficacy and safety of famotidine and ranitidine in the treatment of active duodenal ulcer were compared in a multicentre, randomized, double-blind study. The study was carried out in five centres which included a total of 143 patients with endoscopically documented active duodenal ulcer. The patients received either famotidine (one tablet of 40 mg at night) or ranitidine (two tablets of 150 mg at night). Endoscopic examinations were performed at 4 and 6 weeks of active treatment. Daytime and nocturnal pain were also monitored, and the laboratory and clinical profiles evaluated. One hundred and thirty-three patients fulfilled the evaluation criteria (66 patients in the famotidine group and 67 in the ranitidine group). Healing rates at 4 or 6 weeks of treatment showed no significant differences between the famotidine and ranitidine groups. The healing rates were 80% at week 4 and 97% at week 6 in the famotidine group, and 77% at week 4 and 96% at week 6 in the ranitidine group. Similar results were observed in both treatment groups with regard to pain resolution, decrease in antacid intake and safety profile.

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind study comparing a daily bedtime administration of famotidine and ranitidine in short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer.

The efficacy and safety of famotidine and ranitidine in the treatment of active duodenal ulcer were compared in a multicenter, randomized double-blind study. The study was carried out in 5 centers which included a total of 143 patients with endoscopically documented active duodenal ulcer. The patients received either famotidine (1 tablet of 40 mg at night) or ranitidine (2 tablets of 150 mg at night). Endoscopic examinations were performed at 4 and 6 weeks of active treatment. Day and nocturnal pain were also monitored and the laboratory and clinical profiles evaluated. One hundred and thirty-three patients fulfilled the evaluation criteria (66 patients in the famotidine group and 67 in the ranitidine group). Healing rates at weeks 4 or 6 of treatment showed no significant differences between the famotidine and the ranitidine groups. The healing rates were 79% at week 4 and 96% at week 6 in the famotidine group, and 77% at week 4 and 95% at week 6 in the ranitidine group. Similar results were observed in both treatment groups with regard to pain resolution, decrease in antacid intake and safety profile.