DBD-FISH Using Specific Chromosomal Region Probes for the Study of Cervical Carcinoma Progression.

Genomic instability is an important biomarker in the progression of cervical carcinoma. DBD-FISH (DNA breakage detection-fluorescence in situ hybridization) is a sensitive method that detects strand breaks, alkali-labile sites, and incomplete DNA excision repair in cells of the cervical epithelium. This technique integrates the microgel immersion of cells from a vaginal lesion scraping and the DNA unwinding treatment with the capacity of FISH integrated into digital image analysis. Cells captured within an agarose matrix are lysed and submerged in an alkaline unwinding solution that generates single-stranded DNA motifs at the ends of internal DNA strand breaks. After neutralization, the microgel is dehydrated and the cells are incubated with DNA-labeled probes. The quantity of a hybridized probe at a target sequence corresponds to the measure of the single-stranded DNA produced during the unwinding step, which is equivalent to the degree of local DNA breakage. DNA damage does not show uniformly throughout the entire DNA of a cell; rather, it is confined to specific chromosomal sites. In this chapter, an overview of the technique is supplied, focusing on its ability for assessing the association between DNA damage in specific sequences and in the progressive stages of cervical carcinoma.

Development, characterization, and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of nanocarriers based on surfactant swollen micelles that encapsulate essential oils.

This work aimed to compare the performance of two relatively underexplored methods for the swollen micelles (SMs) production as nanocarriers for essential oils (EOs). Origanum vulgare and Thymus vulgaris EOs were examined. The first method (SMs-1), involved a self-assembly process, while the second one (SMs-2), employed titration operation of an emulsion into a surfactant solution for SMs formation. Tween 80 and ethanol were used as surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively. The solubilization kinetics and the saturation concentration of EOs were determined. Particle size (measured by DLS) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were the control parameters assessed, along with the EOs-loaded SMs' stability during 30 days of storage. Additionally, the EOs-loaded SMs' morphology was analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Finally, the antioxidant activity through the ABTS+ radical scavenging and the reducing power of EOs encapsulated in SMs was determined. The results showed that the solubilization of EOs in SMs was a rapid process with high EE. EOs-loaded SMs-2 systems exhibited greater colloidal stability and higher EE compared to EOs-loaded SMs-1 systems, showing smaller and more homogeneous particle sizes. Moreover, EOs-loaded SMs-2 systems maintained constant EE throughout the storage period. AFM imaging confirmed the rounded and heterogeneous morphology of EOs-loaded SMs-1 and the smaller, more homogeneous, and spherical morphology of EOs-loaded SMs-2. EOs-loaded SMs-2 showed high ABTS+ radical scavenging and reducing power when encapsulated in SMs. In conclusion, the SMs-2 method emerged as an effective approach for producing efficient nanocarriers for EOs, signifying a promising path for future developments in antioxidant delivery systems.

Khinchin Families, Set Constructions, Partitions and Exponentials.

In this paper, we give a simple criterion to verify that functions of the form eg are in the Hayman class when g is a power series with nonnegative coefficients. Thus, using the Hayman and Báez-Duarte formulas, we obtain asymptotics for the coefficients of generating functions that arise in many examples of set construction in analytic combinatorics. This new criterion greatly simplifies the one obtained previously by the authors.

Norfloxacin prophylaxis effect on multidrug resistance in patients with cirrhosis and bacterial infections.

It is unclear whether norfloxacin predisposes to infections by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). We aimed to evaluate if patients with cirrhosis receiving norfloxacin prophylaxis at the time of the diagnosis of bacterial infections were more likely to present a multidrug-resistant isolate than those without prophylaxis. This is a cross-sectional study of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and bacterial infections from Argentina and Uruguay (NCT03919032) from September 2018 to December 2020. The outcome variable was a multidrug-resistant bacterial infection. We used inverse probability of treatment weighting to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of norfloxacin on infection caused by MDROs considering potential confounders. Among the 472 patients from 28 centers, 53 (11%) were receiving norfloxacin at the time of the bacterial infection. Patients receiving norfloxacin had higher MELD-sodium, were more likely to have ascites or encephalopathy, to receive rifaximin, beta-blockers, and proton-pump inhibitors, to have a nosocomial or health-care-associated infection, prior bacterial infections, admissions to critical care units or invasive procedures, and to be admitted in a liver transplant center. In addition, we found that 13 (24.5%) patients with norfloxacin and 90 (21.5%) of those not receiving it presented infections caused by MDROs (adjusted OR 1.55; 95% CI: 0.60-4.03; p = 0.360). The use of norfloxacin prophylaxis at the time of the diagnosis of bacterial infections was not associated with multidrug resistance. These results help empiric antibiotic selection and reassure the current indication of norfloxacin prophylaxis in well-selected patients.Study registration number: NCT03919032.

The Impact of Clinical Training Seminars on Stress and Perception of Clinical Placement Stressors among Spanish Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Two-Phase Mixed-Methods Study.

Stress and stressors related to clinical practice are some of the main reasons for the discomfort reported by nursing students. It is important to identify the causes of stress and seek strategies to reduce the stress levels in nursing students. Clinical training seminars have proven to be a useful tool to reduce stress levels. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a series of clinical training seminars on the levels of stress and perception of stress factors before the start of clinical practice among undergraduate Spanish nursing students. A two-phase, sequential mixed-methods design was used. For the quantitative phase, data were collected using Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale and the KEZKAK questionnaire before and after the clinical training seminars. Qualitative data were collected through a focus group session held after the clinical training period. The results show a significant reduction (p = 0.002) in perceived stress levels after the clinical training seminars, and also a change in students' perception of stressors in the clinical placement. This study provides valuable information for the development of content for clinical training seminars. Universities should develop strategies to reduce stress in their students caused by the clinical placement.

Chromatin Dispersion Test to Asses DNA Damage in Cervical Epithelial Cells.

The chromatin dispersion test (CDT) is based on the removal of nuclear proteins under the assumption that cells with fragmented DNA produce a typical halo of circular DNA loops, which is absent in cells with non-fragmented DNA. This method represents a simple, rapid, accurate, highly reproducible, and inexpensive technique to assess nuclear DNA damage in somatic cells. The visualization of DNA damage and the capacity of the test to provide a threshold value to discriminate between high and low levels of cervical lesions would aid in determining the malignant transformation. All of these advantages associated with the CDT protocol could promote this technique as a tool for the quick and reliable diagnosis of cervical epithelial disorders, even at primary-care centers.

Randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial of the effect of captopril, telmisartan and their combination on systemic inflammation of patients on hemodialysis.

To evaluate individual and combined effect of captopril and telmisartan on systemic inflammation markers of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial. Patients on HD at least 2 months, with arteriovenous fistula, were randomly allocated to groups: (1) captopril/placebo (N 13); (2) telmisartan/placebo (N 13); (3) captopril + telmisartan (N 12); or (4) placebo/placebo (N 12). During 3 months, patients received oral drugs as follows: captopril 50 mg/day, telmisartan 80 mg/day or placebo. Patients excluded if they had conditions or were on drugs potentially influencing on inflammation. Clinical and biochemical evaluations were performed monthly. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at 0, 1 and 3 months. Baseline, demographic, clinical and biochemical variables were comparable between groups. Baseline versus final inflammatory markers were: captopril/placebo TNFα, 2.47 (0.1-4.5) versus 1.73 (0.3-3.8) pg/ml; IL-6, 17.03 (7.2-23) versus 7.90 (0.7-19) pg/ml; CRP, 4.21 (1.6-18) versus 5.9 (3.0-28) mg/l; telmisartan/placebo TNFα, 3.03 (2.3-4.6) versus 1.70 (1.2-2.0) pg/ml; IL-6, 14.10 (5.5-23) versus 9.85 (6.2-13) pg/ml; CRP, 5.74 (2.1-13) versus 10.60 (1.5-27) mg/l; captopril + telmisartan TNFα, 1.43 (0.7-5.4) versus 0.40 (0.1-2.1) pg/ml; IL-6, 10.05 (4.9-23) versus 4.00 (0.7-7.7) pg/ml (p < 0.05); CRP, 3.26 (0.7-12) versus 2.83 (0.6-6.5) mg/l; placebo/placebo TNFα, 3.13 (1.6-5.6) versus 1.64 (1.6-2.3) pg/ml; IL-6, 8.12 (5.4-16) versus 7.60 (2.4-15) pg/ml; CRP, 5.23 (1.9-16) versus 3.13 (1.5-18) mg/l. Monotherapy with captopril or telmisartan display a trend, but their combined treatment significantly decreased serum levels of IL-6. No remarkable changes on TNFα and CRP were observed.

Resilience and entrepreneurial intentions of people with disabilities: in search of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Background: There is a significant gap in employment between people with and without disabilities, despite the importance of work in achieving their independence, autonomy, and integration into society. There are several reasons that cause this gap to exist, such as: people with disabilities feel less prepared, there is a stigma or discrimination to hire people with disabilities and the incompatibility of schedules due to medical issues, among others. That is why entrepreneurship emerges as a good option for the integration of people with disabilities in our society, improves their confidence and promotes some of the Sustainable Development Goals set out in the 2030 Agenda. According to existing literature, people with disabilities have certain virtues such as resilience and motivation that favor entrepreneurship. Thus, the purpose of this study is to provide new insights into the variables that determine the entrepreneurial intention of people with disabilities. Methods: In order to respond to this objective, an online questionnaire was given to people with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 65 years, residing in diverse regions of Spain. To analyze the results, this study uses Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in a sample of 235 people with disabilities in Spain using as a framework Krueger´s improved model, adding resilience as a new variable. Results: The results reflect the importance of resilience, the subjective norm, and perceived collective efficacy in the entrepreneurial processes of people with disabilities. Conclusions: This study contributes to the underdeveloped literature on entrepreneurship in people with disabilities; it provides insights that can have a practical effect on the reduction of the inequality gap between people with and without disabilities making recommendations to clinicians, vocational psychologists, and policymakers; also, this study would advance the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 10.

Fibrosis quística: patogenia bacteriana y moduladores del CFTR (regulador de conductancia transmembranal de la fibrosis quística).

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive inherited disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR). CFTR is a protein that transports ions across the membrane of lung epithelial cells. Loss of its function leads to the production of thick sticky mucus, where various bacterial pathogens can establish and adapt, contributing to the gradual loss of lung function. In this review, evidence of the molecular mechanisms used by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cenocepacia to survive and persist in the pulmonary environment will be provided. Additionally, new therapeutic strategies based on CFTR function modulators will be described.

La fibrosis quística es una enfermedad hereditaria autosómica recesiva que se origina por mutaciones en el gen regulador de conductancia transmembranal de la fibrosis quística (CFTR, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator). El CFTR es una proteína que transporta iones a través de la membrana de las células epiteliales pulmonares. La pérdida de su función conlleva la producción de un moco pegajoso y espeso, donde se pueden establecer y adaptar diversos patógenos bacterianos que contribuyen a la pérdida gradual de la función pulmonar. En este artículo de revisión se dará evidencia de los mecanismos moleculares que utilizan Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Burkholderia cenocepacia para sobrevivir y persistir en el ambiente pulmonar. Adicionalmente, se describirán las nuevas estrategias de terapia a base de moduladores de la función del CFTR.

Fibrosis quística: patogenia bacteriana y moduladores del CFTR (regulador de conductancia transmembranal de la fibrosis quística) / Cystic fibrosis: bacterial pathogenesis and CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) modulators

Resumen La fibrosis quística es una enfermedad hereditaria autosómica recesiva que se origina por mutaciones en el gen regulador de conductancia transmembranal de la fibrosis quística (CFTR, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator). El CFTR es una proteína que transporta iones a través de la membrana de las células epiteliales pulmonares. La pérdida de su función conlleva la producción de un moco pegajoso y espeso, donde se pueden establecer y adaptar diversos patógenos bacterianos que contribuyen a la pérdida gradual de la función pulmonar. En este artículo de revisión se dará evidencia de los mecanismos moleculares que utilizan Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Burkholderia cenocepacia para sobrevivir y persistir en el ambiente pulmonar. Adicionalmente, se describirán las nuevas estrategias de terapia a base de moduladores de la función del CFTR.

Abstract Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive inherited disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR). CFTR is a protein that transports ions across the membrane of lung epithelial cells. Loss of its function leads to the production of thick sticky mucus, where various bacterial pathogens can establish and adapt, contributing to the gradual loss of lung function. In this review, evidence of the molecular mechanisms used by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cenocepacia to survive and persist in the pulmonary environment will be provided. Additionally, new therapeutic strategies based on CFTR function modulators will be described.

Cytotoxic activity of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from a cohort of Mexican children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease in which thick, sticky mucus is produced in the lungs (and other organs) that impairs ciliary clearance, leading to respiratory problems, increased chronic bacterial infections, and decreased lung function. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the primary bacterial pathogens colonizing the lungs of CF patients. This study aimed to characterize the genetic relatedness of S. aureus, its presence in children with CF, and its cytotoxic activity in THP1 cell-derived macrophages (THP1m). METHODS: Genetic relatedness of S. aureus isolates from a cohort of 50 children with CF was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The VITEK 2 automated system was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility, and methicillin-resistance S. aureus (MRSA) was determined by diffusion testing using cefoxitin disk. The presence of mecA and lukPV genes was determined by the polymerase chain reaction and cytotoxic activity of S.aureus on THP1m by CytoTox 96® assay. RESULTS: From 51 S. aureus isolates from 50 children with CF, we identified 34pulsotypes by PFGE. Of the 50 children, 12 (24%) were colonized by more than one pulsotype, and 5/34 identified pulsotypes(14.7%) were shared between unrelated children. In addition, 3/34 pulsotypes (8.8%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR), and2/34 (5.9%) were MRSA. Notably, 30/34 pulsotypes (88.2%) exhibited cytotoxicity on THP1m cells and 14/34 (41.2%) alteredTHP1m monolayers. No isolate carried the lukPV gene. CONCLUSIONS: Although a low frequency of MRSA and MDR wasfound among clinical isolates, most of the S. aureus pulsotypes identified were cytotoxic on THP1m.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La fibrosis quística (FQ) es una enfermedad genética en la que se produce moco espeso y pegajoso en los pulmones (y otros órganos), lo que conduce a problemas respiratorios, incremento de las infecciones bacterianas crónicas y disminución de la función pulmonar. Staphylococcus aureus es uno de los principales patógenos que colonizan los pul-mones de los pacientes con FQ. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar la relación genética de S. aureus, su presencia en niños con FQ y su actividad citotóxica en macrófagos derivados de células THP1 (THP1m). MÉTODOS: La relación gené-tica de los aislados de S. aureus provenientes de una cohorte de 50 pacientes con FQ fue determinada por electroforesis en gel de campo pulsado (PFGE). La sensibilidad a los antimicrobianos se determinó mediante el sistema automatizado VITEK 2, y la resistencia a la meticilina (SARM) mediante la prueba de difusión utilizando discos de cefoxitina. La presen-cia de los genes mecA y lukPV se determinó mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, y la actividad citotóxica de S. aureus sobre células THP1m mediante el ensayo CytoTox96®. RESULTADOS: A partir de 51 aislados de S. aureus provenientes de 50 niños con FQ se identificaron 34 pulsotipos por PFGE. De los 50 niños, 12 (24%) estaban colonizados por más de un pulsotipo y 5 de los 34 pulsotipos (14.7%) los compartían niños que no estaban relacionados. De los 34 pulsotipos, 3 (8.8%) presentaron multirresistencia (MDR) y 2 (5.9%) fueron SARM. Además, 30 pulsotipos (88.2%) fueron citotóxicos sobre células THP1m y 14 (41.2%) alteraron su monocapa. Ninguno de los pulsotipos presentó el gen lukPV. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque se encontró una baja frecuencia de SARM y MDR en los aislados, la mayoría de los pulsotipos de S. aureus identificados fueron citotóxicos para células THP1m.

Soluble Triggering Receptor on Myeloid Cell-1 and its Predictive Factors in Patients With End-Stage Kidney Disease on Hemodialysis.

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-1 is a potent and early amplifier of the inflammatory response expressed on neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages. TREM-1, and its soluble form (sTREM-1), are increased in sepsis and other noninfectious inflammatory conditions. However, virtually no data are available in kidney disease. To determine serum sTREM-1 and its associated variables in patients on hemodialysis (HD), cross-sectional study including 264 HD patients and 148 controls. sTREM-1 was measured by quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay; soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (sTNF-R1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also measured. All inflammation markers were significantly higher in HD patients than controls. Median (IQR) sTREM-1 was 1,006 (613-1,650) pg/mL but undetectable in controls. Considering only HD patients, sTREM-1 was positively correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.19, p = 0.008), and its levels were significantly higher in patients with arteriovenous fistula than in those with temporary catheter (1,226 vs. 743 pg/mL), in patients with 3 HD sessions/week than in those with 2 sessions/week (1,150 vs. 646 pg/mL), and in patients with >1 year on HD than in those with ≤1 year (1,100 vs. 948 pg/mL), whereas they were not different regarding age or presence of infection. Serum sTREM-1, sTNF-R1, IL-6, and CRP were higher in HD patients compared to controls. In HD patients, sTREM-1 displayed higher levels in individuals with arteriovenous fistula, 3 sessions/week and longer vintage, but not in those with infection or older age; in multivariate analysis, only the first two variables significantly predicted higher sTREM-1 levels.

Model-Based Systems Engineering Applied to Trade-Off Analysis of Wireless Power Transfer Technologies for Implanted Biomedical Microdevices.

Decision-making is an important part of human life and particularly in any engineering process related to a complex product. New sensors and actuators based on MEMS technologies are increasingly complex and quickly evolving into products. New biomedical implanted devices may benefit from system engineering approaches, previously reserved to very large projects, and it is expected that this need will increase in the future. Here, we propose the application of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to systematize and optimize the trade-off analysis process. The criteria, their utility functions and the weighting factors are applied in a systematic way for the selection of the best alternative. Combining trade-off with MBSE allow us to identify the more suitable technology to be implemented to transfer energy to an implanted biomedical micro device.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in a pediatric patient with cystic fibrosis.

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a potentially mortal disease characterized by a chronic pulmonary disease with persistent airway infection. Children with this disease are more susceptible to respiratory infections due to the limitation in mucociliary transport and anatomical disruption of the bronchial tree. SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19, a respiratory illness related to exacerbations of chronic pulmonary pathologies in children, such as CF and asthma. There are not enough case reports on pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and CF, for which we share our experience. Case report: A 22-month-old male patient diagnosed with CF presented in the hospital with cough, fever, and increased respiratory work. The patient received supplemental oxygen and antibiotic and antiviral therapy. Positive results for type B influenza and RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) for SARS-CoV-2 were obtained. Due to the persistence of respiratory difficulty, high-flow therapy was initiated, with a good response. After an episode of hypoxemia, bradycardia, and increased respiratory work secondary to accumulated secretions, orotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation were performed. The patient evolved with clinical and gasometric improvement. After 10 days of in-hospital antibiotic management with adequate clinical evolution, the patient was discharged to complete oral treatment and home isolation. Conclusions: We present a case of chronic respiratory disease and SARS-CoV-2 infection with severity criteria in a pediatric patient. The evolution was favorable with timely support management and antibiotic therapy in a third-level hospital.

Introducción: La fibrosis quística es una afección potencialmente mortal caracterizada por enfermedad pulmonar crónica con infección persistente de las vías aéreas. Los niños con esta enfermedad son más susceptibles a infecciones respiratorias debido a la limitación en el transporte mucociliar y la distorsión anatómica del árbol bronquial. El SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus tipo 2 del síndrome agudo respiratorio grave) es el virus causante de la COVID-19, enfermedad respiratoria que puede estar relacionada con exacerbaciones de patologías pulmonares crónicas en niños, como la fibrosis quística y el asma. No hay suficientes reportes de casos de pacientes pediátricos con infección por SARS-CoV-2 y fibrosis quística, por lo cual se comparte la presente experiencia. Caso clínico: Paciente de sexo masculino de 22 meses de edad con diagnóstico de fibrosis quística que presentó tos, fiebre y aumento en el trabajo respiratorio. A su ingreso se inició manejo con oxígeno suplementario y tratamiento antibiótico y antiviral. Se obtuvo prueba positiva para influenza tipo B y para SARS-CoV-2 por RT-PCR (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa de transcriptasa inversa). Ante un episodio de hipoxemia, bradicardia y mayor trabajo respiratorio, requirió intubación orotraqueal y ventilación mecánica invasiva. El paciente evolucionó con mejoría clínica y gasométrica. Después de 10 días de manejo antibiótico intrahospitalario, con adecuada evolución clínica, egresó para completar tratamiento por vía oral y aislamiento en casa. Conclusiones: Se presenta el caso de un paciente pediátrico con enfermedad respiratoria crónica de base e infección por SARS-CoV-2 con criterios de gravedad. El paciente evolucionó favorablemente con el manejo de soporte oportuno y terapia de antibióticos en un hospital de tercer nivel.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in a pediatric patient with cystic fibrosis / Infección por SARS-CoV-2 en un paciente pediátrico con fibrosis quística

Abstract Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a potentially mortal disease characterized by a chronic pulmonary disease with persistent airway infection. Children with this disease are more susceptible to respiratory infections due to the limitation in mucociliary transport and anatomical disruption of the bronchial tree. SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19, a respiratory illness related to exacerbations of chronic pulmonary pathologies in children, such as CF and asthma. There are not enough case reports on pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and CF, for which we share our experience. Case report: A 22-month-old male patient diagnosed with CF presented in the hospital with cough, fever, and increased respiratory work. The patient received supplemental oxygen and antibiotic and antiviral therapy. Positive results for type B influenza and RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) for SARS-CoV-2 were obtained. Due to the persistence of respiratory difficulty, high-flow therapy was initiated, with a good response. After an episode of hypoxemia, bradycardia, and increased respiratory work secondary to accumulated secretions, orotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation were performed. The patient evolved with clinical and gasometric improvement. After 10 days of in-hospital antibiotic management with adequate clinical evolution, the patient was discharged to complete oral treatment and home isolation. Conclusions: We present a case of chronic respiratory disease and SARS-CoV-2 infection with severity criteria in a pediatric patient. The evolution was favorable with timely support management and antibiotic therapy in a third-level hospital.

Resumen Introducción: La fibrosis quística es una afección potencialmente mortal caracterizada por enfermedad pulmonar crónica con infección persistente de las vías aéreas. Los niños con esta enfermedad son más susceptibles a infecciones respiratorias debido a la limitación en el transporte mucociliar y la distorsión anatómica del árbol bronquial. El SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus tipo 2 del síndrome agudo respiratorio grave) es el virus causante de la COVID-19, enfermedad respiratoria que puede estar relacionada con exacerbaciones de patologías pulmonares crónicas en niños, como la fibrosis quística y el asma. No hay suficientes reportes de casos de pacientes pediátricos con infección por SARS-CoV-2 y fibrosis quística, por lo cual se comparte la presente experiencia. Caso clínico: Paciente de sexo masculino de 22 meses de edad con diagnóstico de fibrosis quística que presentó tos, fiebre y aumento en el trabajo respiratorio. A su ingreso se inició manejo con oxígeno suplementario y tratamiento antibiótico y antiviral. Se obtuvo prueba positiva para influenza tipo B y para SARS-CoV-2 por RT-PCR (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa de transcriptasa inversa). Ante un episodio de hipoxemia, bradicardia y mayor trabajo respiratorio, requirió intubación orotraqueal y ventilación mecánica invasiva. El paciente evolucionó con mejoría clínica y gasométrica. Después de 10 días de manejo antibiótico intrahospitalario, con adecuada evolución clínica, egresó para completar tratamiento por vía oral y aislamiento en casa. Conclusiones: Se presenta el caso de un paciente pediátrico con enfermedad respiratoria crónica de base e infección por SARS-CoV-2 con criterios de gravedad. El paciente evolucionó favorablemente con el manejo de soporte oportuno y terapia de antibióticos en un hospital de tercer nivel.

Insights on the catalytic behaviour of sulfonic acid-functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) in transesterification reactions - voltammetric characterization of sulfonic task-specific ILs with bisulfate anions.

This work shows for the first time the link between the amount of free sulfuric acid (as detected by cyclic voltammetry) and the activity of sulfonic-acid-functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) as acid catalysts for a transesterification reaction, and demonstrates that sulfonic acid groups, while are not directly involved in the catalysis, release the free acid during the reaction. Two imidazolic ILs with bisulfate as the counterion and their corresponding task-specific ILs (TSILs) that resulted from the addition of a sulfonic acid group inside the imidazolic-base structure were studied. The outstanding catalytic activity at room temperature of the TSILs 1-(4-sulfonic acid)-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bisulfate ([bsmim]HSO4) and 1-(4-sulfonic acid)-butyl-imidazolium bisulfate ([bsHim]HSO4) for the transesterification of p-nitrophenyl acetate with methanol was associated to the significant amounts of free sulfuric acid in equilibria with the ionic pairs. It was concluded that these TSILs function as reservoirs for releasing the free acid, which is the actual acid catalyst. In contrast, the corresponding non-sulfonic ILs supply very little amounts of free acid and consequently present low catalytic activities at room temperature, which in fact can be improved by increasing the reaction temperature up to 100 °C.

SILVOLIVE, a Germplasm Collection of Wild Subspecies With High Genetic Variability as a Source of Rootstocks and Resistance Genes for Olive Breeding.

Wild subspecies of Olea europaea constitute a source of genetic variability with huge potential for olive breeding to face global changes in Mediterranean-climate regions. We intend to identify wild olive genotypes with optimal adaptability to different environmental conditions to serve as a source of rootstocks and resistance genes for olive breeding. The SILVOLIVE collection includes 146 wild genotypes representative of the six O. europaea subspecies and early-generations hybrids. These genotypes came either from olive germplasm collections or from direct prospection in Spain, continental Africa and the Macaronesian archipelago. The collection was genotyped with plastid and nuclear markers, confirming the origin of the genotypes and their high genetic variability. Morphological and architectural parameters were quantified in 103 genotypes allowing the identification of three major groups of correlative traits including vigor, branching habits and the belowground-to-aboveground ratio. The occurrence of strong phenotypic variability in these traits within the germplasm collection has been shown. Furthermore, wild olive relatives are of great significance to be used as rootstocks for olive cultivation. Thus, as a proof of concept, different wild genotypes used as rootstocks were shown to regulate vigor parameters of the grafted cultivar "Picual" scion, which could improve the productivity of high-density hedgerow orchards.

Draft Genome Sequence of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sequence Type 3351 Strain Exhibiting High-Level Resistance to Polymyxins in a Pediatric Patient with Cystic Fibrosis in Mexico.

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate (strain CF16053) belonging to a novel sequence type (ST), ST3351, isolated from a pediatric patient with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF16053 shows high-level resistance to polymyxins associated with mutations in the pmrB gene. Biofilm, pyoverdine, exotoxin A, and type III secretion system (T3SS) genes were identified.

Detection of DNA damage in pigeon erythrocytes using a chromatin dispersion assay.

The monitoring of environmental genotoxicity requires the selection of model organisms as 'sentinels' as well as the development of sensitive and reliable tests for the assessment of DNA damage. The aims of this study were to quantify genomic DNA strand breakage in the erythrocytes of Columba livia induced by thermal stress using the modified chromatin dispersion test and to validate the results by alkaline comet assay and DNA breakage detection-fluorescence in situ hybridization (DBD-FISH). The chromatin dispersion test allowed for clear visualization of erythrocyte cells with DNA damage and of cells with no DNA damage. DNA damage increased significantly with increase in temperature. Additionally, we observed nuclear abnormalities associated with apoptosis, such as karyorrhexis (nuclear disintegration) and karyolysis (nuclear dissolution). These results were validated by alkaline comet assay and DBD-FISH. In conclusion, this procedure is a reliable, precise, and inexpensive morphological bioassay for routine quantitative analysis of DNA breakage in pigeon erythrocytes induced by thermal stress. This method could also be useful as a practical screening tool for genotoxicity testing in environmental care.

Compact and efficient gas diffusion electrodes based on nanoporous alumina membranes for microfuel cells and gas sensors.

This work describes the fabrication, characterization and evaluation of thin gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) that are capable of electrocatalyzing the reaction of dissolved gases operating at high diffusion limiting current densities and with fast response times. Nanoporous alumina membranes (NAMs) were used as supports of metal electrocatalysts. NAMs were hydrophobized by silanization and coated on one side with Pt, either over the whole alumina surface by sputtering or just onto the pore openings by local chemical deposition. The Pt-modified NAM-based GDEs were evaluated for hydrogen oxidation. They operated by exposing their coated side to the electrolyte solution and the hydrophobic uncoated side to the flowing gas. Due to the NAM hydrophobicity, flooding of the pores by the electrolyte was diminished, so they were quickly filled by the circulating gas. Simulations of the process on single-pore GDEs showed that the dissolved gas diffused into the solution both radially (ideal pore) and linearly (partially flooded pore), reaching the electrocatalyst film placed right around the pore, which guaranteed a fast mass transport. Hydrogen oxidation operated on these NAM-based GDEs at a steady state with limiting current densities as high as 0.5 A cm-2, which were attained in less than 5 s and were proportional to H2 concentrations over a wide range. Thus, their potential use in microfuel cells and gas sensors was demonstrated.