Selection and Characterization of Phosphate-Solubilizing Fungi and Their Effects on Coffee Plantations.

The use of phosphate-solubilizing fungi in coffee cultivation is an alternative to the use of traditional fertilizers. The objective of this study was to analyze the mechanisms involved in the phosphorus solubilization of fungal strains and to evaluate the effect of a phosphate-solubilizing strain on coffee plants. For this, phosphorus-solubilizing fungal strains were selected for evaluation of their solubilization potential and phosphatase activity. Coffee plants were inoculated in the field with a phosphate-solubilizing strain, and the soil and foliar soluble phosphorus contents, as well as coffee bean yield, were quantified. Of the 151 strains analyzed, Sagenomella diversispora, Penicillium waksmanii, and Penicillium brevicompactum showed the highest solubilization. Aspergillus niger and P. waksmanii presented the highest soluble phosphorus values; however, P. brevicompactum showed the highest phosphatase activity. The P. brevicompactum strain inoculated on the coffee plants did not favor the foliar phosphorus content but increased the soil soluble phosphorus content in two of the coffee plantations. The plants inoculated with the phosphate-solubilizing strain showed an increase in coffee bean weight on all plantations, although this increase was only significant in two of the three selected coffee plantations.

'She showed me a new path, a way forward': exploring how navigation influences mental health among Guatemalan gay and bisexual men living with HIV.

Mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, are a common comorbidity among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) living with HIV. Informed by social support theory, health navigation is a strengths-based intervention that has been demonstrated to improve HIV care outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore how health navigation influences the mental health of GBMSM living with HIV. We analyzed longitudinal qualitative in-depth interviews conducted with GBMSM (n = 29) in a 12-month multi-component intervention to improve HIV care outcomes, including health navigation. We used narrative and thematic analytic approaches to identify salient themes, including if and how themes changed over time. Participants described that navigator support helped them maintain good mental health, prevent crises and respond to crises. Navigator support included providing motivational messaging, facilitating participants' control over their health and improving access to care, which aided with supporting mental health. Navigators also responded to acute crises by providing guidance for those newly diagnosed with HIV and support for those experiencing critical life events. Participants emphasized the importance of feeling heard and valued by their navigators and gaining hope for the future as key to their wellbeing. In conclusion, health navigation may be an effective intervention for promoting mental health among GBMSM living with HIV. Additional research is needed to examine mediating pathways between navigation and mental health, including informational support, or if navigator support moderates the relationship between stressors and mental health outcomes for GBMSM.

[Native and non-native antigen to determine the seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi in pregnant women from the state of Morelos, Mexico]. / Antígeno nativo y no nativo para determinar la seroprevalencia de Trypanosoma cruzi en mujeres embarazadas en el estado de Morelos, México.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease is a globally important chronic systemic parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. AIM: To determine the prevalence of antibodies against T cruzi in pregnant women from the state of Morelos, México. METHODS: 1,620 sera from pregnant women were analyzed using two serological tests: ELISAc (native crude antigen) and ELISAr (recombinant, non-native antigen). Reactive samples were subsequently analyzed by indirect hemagglutination (IHA). Two detection approaches were used, in parallel (reactive samples by any method are positive) and serial (samples confirmed by IHA are positive). Sociodemographic and health factors associated with the presence of antibodies against T cruzi were evaluated using 95% odds ratios. RESULTS: A seroprevalence of 4.87% was obtained with parallel diagnosis and 0.43% in series. From the parallel results, the women who were attended at the general hospitals of Tetecala and Jojutla had respectively 2.2 and 2.0 times greater chance of presenting antibodies against T cruzi compared to the women who were attended at the General Hospital of Cuautla. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of antibodies against T cruzi in pregnant women from the state of Morelos fluctuated between 0.43 and 4.87%, depending on the antigen and the approach used. It is necessary to continue with the surveillance of the seroprevalence of antibodies against T cruzi in pregnant women from the state of Morelos, Mexico, using the techniques with the highest sensitivity and specificity available.

Antígeno nativo y no nativo para determinar la seroprevalencia de Trypanosoma cruzi en mujeres embarazadas en el estado de Morelos, México / Native and non-native antigen to determine the seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi in pregnant women from the state of Morelos, Mexico

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad de Chagas es una infección parasitaria crónica sistémica, de importancia global, causada por Trypanosoma cruzi. OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de anticuerpos contra T cruzi en mujeres embarazadas en el estado de Morelos, México. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se analizaron 1.620 sueros de mujeres embarazadas mediante dos pruebas serológicas: ELISAc (antígeno crudo nativo) y ELISAr (antígeno recombinante, no nativo). Las muestras reactivas se analizaron posteriormente mediante hemaglutinación indirecta (HAI). Se utilizaron dos enfoques de detección, en paralelo (son positivas las muestras reactivas por cualquier método) y en serie (son positivas las muestras confirmadas por HAI). Se evaluaron factores sociodemográficos y de salud asociados a la presencia de anticuerpos contra T. cruzi mediante razones de momios al 95%. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo una seroprevalencia de 4,87% con el diagnóstico en paralelo y de 0,43% en serie. A partir de los resultados en paralelo las mujeres que fueron atendidas en los hospitales generales de Tetecala y Jojutla tuvieron, respectivamente, 2,2 y 2,0 veces mayor posibilidad de presentar anticuerpos contra T cruzi con respecto a las mujeres que fueron atendidas en el Hospital General de Cuautla. CONCLUSIÓN: La prevalencia de anticuerpos contra T cruzi en mujeres embarazadas en el estado de Morelos fluctuó entre 0,43 y 4,87%, según el antígeno y el abordaje utilizado. Es necesario continuar con la vigilancia de la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos contra T cruzi en mujeres embarazadas en el estado de Morelos, México, con las técnicas de mayor sensibilidad y especificidad disponibles.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease is a globally important chronic systemic parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. AIM: To determine the prevalence of antibodies against T cruzi in pregnant women from the state of Morelos, México. METHODS: 1,620 sera from pregnant women were analyzed using two serological tests: ELISAc (native crude antigen) and ELISAr (recombinant, non-native antigen). Reactive samples were subsequently analyzed by indirect hemagglutination (IHA). Two detection approaches were used, in parallel (reactive samples by any method are positive) and serial (samples confirmed by IHA are positive). Sociodemographic and health factors associated with the presence of antibodies against T cruzi were evaluated using 95% odds ratios. RESULTS: A seroprevalence of 4.87% was obtained with parallel diagnosis and 0.43% in series. From the parallel results, the women who were attended at the general hospitals of Tetecala and Jojutla had respectively 2.2 and 2.0 times greater chance of presenting antibodies against T cruzi compared to the women who were attended at the General Hospital of Cuautla. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of antibodies against T cruzi in pregnant women from the state of Morelos fluctuated between 0.43 and 4.87%, depending on the antigen and the approach used. It is necessary to continue with the surveillance of the seroprevalence of antibodies against T cruzi in pregnant women from the state of Morelos, Mexico, using the techniques with the highest sensitivity and specificity available.

Éxito de la ortopedia prequirúrgica en pacientes con labio fisurado y paladar hendido ­ Revisión de alcance / Sucesso pré-cirúrgico em ortopedia em pacientes com fissura de labio e palato - Revisão da abordagem / Pre-surgical orthopedics success in patients with cleft lip and cleft palate - Scoping review

Resumen: Kerr McNeil, protesista escocés introdujo la ortopedia maxilar neonatal hace más de dos siglos, fue así que sugirió inicialmente que la reposición de los segmentos maxilares mediante aparatos ortopédicos producía una maxila aparentemente normal. Se han descrito distintos tipos de aparatología ortopédica prequirúgica, divididos en tres categorías: activos, semiactivos y pasivos. Objetivo: Realizar una búsqueda de la literatura en bases de datos indexadas sobre el éxito de la ortopedia prequirúrgica en pacientes con labio fisurado y paladar hendido. Metodología: Se realizó una búsqueda computarizada en las siguientes bases de datos electrónicas: PUBMED, SCIENCEDIRECT, PROQUEST, COCHRANE, OVIDSP SCOPUS, Y MEDLINE. Los buscadores booleanos utilizados en las diferentes bases de datos fueron OR, AND, NOT. Resultados: Trece artículos cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad y se incluyeron en esta revisión, 4 son estudios observacionales descriptivos longitudinales y prospectivos, 5 son reportes de casos clínicos, 1 es en estudio retrospectivo, 1 es una revisión Cochrane, 2 son casos y controles; el uso de la ortopedia dependía del caso de extensión y severidad según la fisura labiopalatina y el tiempo de uso debía ser desde el momento del nacimiento del bebé hasta los 3 meses de vida. Conclusión:La ortopedia prequirúrgica es exitosa si se usa desde el momento del nacimiento y hasta los tres meses de vida, ofreciendo resultados satisfactorios y de manera eficaz disminuyendo la hendidura palatina, la deformidad nasal y la fisura labial antes de practicar la queilorrafia y la palatorrafia.

Resumo: Kerr McNeil, um protesista escocês introduziu a ortopedia maxilar neonatal há dois séculos, estabelecendo o conceito de uso de peças ortopédicas para produzir uma maxila mais natural. Três tipos diferentes de ortopedia pré-cirúrgica foram descritos. São eles: ativo, semi-ativo e passivo. Objetivo: Realizar uma pesquisa em dados indexados sobre o sucesso do tratamento ortopédico pré-cirúrgico em pacientes com quadro de fissura labiopalatina. Metodologia: Foi realizada pesquisa informatizada em bancos de dados eletrônicos como: PUBMED, SCIENCEDIRECT, PROQUEST, COCHRANE, OVIDSP SCOPUS e MEDLINE. As pesquisas booleanas utilizadas nas bases de dados múltiplas foram OR, AND, NOT. Resultados: Treze artigos atenderam aos padrões de elegibilidade e foram incluídos nesta revisão. 4 (quatro) deles são estudos observacionais descritivos, longitudinais e prospectivos. 5 (cinco) são relatórios clínicos, 1 (um) é um estudo retrospectivo, 1 (um) é uma revisão Cochrane e 2 (dois) são casos clínicos e check ups. A implantação do tratamento ortopédico dependeu do tipo de extensão dos casos e da gravidade da fenda palatina. Conclusão: a ortopedia pré-cirúrgica tem sucesso se implementada ao nascimento até os 3 meses de idade. Assegura resultados satisfatórios diminuindo consideravelmente a fenda palatina, a malformação nasal e a fenda labial antes da realização dos procedimentos de Queilorrafia e Palatorrafia

Kerr McNeil, Scottish prosthetic introduced the Neonatal maxillary orthopedics two centuries ago setting the concept of using orthopedic parts to. Three different types of pre-surgical orthopedics have been described. These are: active, semi-active and passive. Objective: Perform a research in indexed data regarding the success of pre-surgical orthopedics treatment in patients with a condition of cleft lip and cleft palate. Methodology: A computer based research was performed at electronic data bases such as: PUBMED, SCIENCEDIRECT, PROQUEST, COCHRANE, OVIDSP SCOPUS, and MEDLINE. The Booleans researches used in the multiples data bases were OR, AND, NOT. Findings: Thirteen papers met the eligibility standards and were included in this review. 4 (four) of them are descriptive, longitudinal and prospective observational studies. 5 (five) are clinic reports, 1 (one) is a retrospective study, 1 (one) is a Cochrane review, and 2 (two) are clinic cases and check ups. The orthopedics treatment implementation depended on the kind of extension cases and severity of the cleft palate. Conclusion: the pre-surgical orthopedics is successful if it is implemented at birth up to 3 months of age. It assures satisfactory results decreasing considerably cleft palate, nasal malformation, and cleft lip before performing Cheilorrhaphy and Palatorrhaphy procedures. Key words: Cleft lip, cleft palate, orthopedic surgery, palatal obturators, nose deformities

Strengthening the "Reach-Test-Treat-Retain" cascade for men who have sex with men in Guatemala: A pilot intervention. EIR-HIV KPIS

In a qualitative study with both MSM and TW living with HIV in Guatemala City, Barrington et al (2016) again found that intersecting stigma and discrimination created fear of HIV testing and linkage to HIV care and barriers to knowledge about HIV. Retention-specific determinants included HIV clinic dynamics and limited employment opportunities, which affected economic stability. These multiple levels of factors driving linkage and retention in care and treatment require multi-level, integrated responses (AU)

Characterization of the gene cluster involved in allantoate catabolism and its transcriptional regulation by the RpiR-type repressor HpxUin Klebsiella pneumoniae

Bacteria, fungi, and plants have metabolic pathways for the utilization of nitrogen present in purine bases. In Klebsiella pneumoniae, the genes responsible for the assimilation of purine ring nitrogen are distributed in three separated clusters. We characterized the gene cluster involved in the metabolism of allantoate (genes KPN_01761 to KPN_01771). The functional assignments of HpxK, as an allantoate amidohydrolase, and of HpxU, as a regulator involved in the control of allantoate metabolism, were assessed experimentally. Gene hpxU encodes a repressor of the RpiR family that mediates the regulation of this system by allantoate. In this study, the binding of HpxU to the hpxF promoter and to the hpxU-hpxW intergenic region containing the divergent promoter for these genes was evidenced by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Allantoate released the HpxU repressor from its target operators whereas other purine intermediate metabolites, such as allantoin and oxamate, failed to induce complex dissociation. Sequence alignment of the four HpxU identified operators identified TGAA-N8-TTCA as the consensus motif recognized by the HpxU repressor (AU)

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Characterization of the gene cluster involved in allantoate catabolism and its transcriptional regulation by the RpiR-type repressor HpxU in Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Bacteria, fungi, and plants have metabolic pathways for the utilization of nitrogen present in purine bases. In Klebsiella pneumoniae, the genes responsible for the assimilation of purine ring nitrogen are distributed in three separated clusters. We characterized the gene cluster involved in the metabolism of allantoate (genes KPN_01761 to KPN_01771). The functional assignments of HpxK, as an allantoate amidohydrolase, and of HpxU, as a regulator involved in the control of allantoate metabolism, were assessed experimentally. Gene hpxU encodes a repressor of the RpiR family that mediates the regulation of this system by allantoate. In this study, the binding of HpxU to the hpxF promoter and to the hpxU-hpxW intergenic region containing the divergent promoter for these genes was evidenced by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Allantoate released the HpxU repressor from its target operators whereas other purine intermediate metabolites, such as allantoin and oxamate, failed to induce complex dissociation. Sequence alignment of the four HpxU identified operators identified TGAA-N8-TTCA as the consensus motif recognized by the HpxU repressor.

Protein interaction studies point to new functions for Escherichia coli glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is considered a multifunctional protein with defined functions in numerous mammalian cellular processes. GAPDH functional diversity depends on various factors such as covalent modifications, subcellular localization, oligomeric state and intracellular concentration of substrates or ligands, as well as protein-protein interactions. In bacteria, alternative GAPDH functions have been associated with its extracellular location in pathogens or probiotics. In this study, new intracellular functions of Escherichia coli GAPDH were investigated following a proteomic approach aimed at identifying interacting partners using in vivo formaldehyde cross-linking followed by mass spectrometry. The identified proteins were involved in metabolic processes, protein synthesis and folding or DNA repair. Some interacting proteins were also identified in immunopurification experiments in the absence of cross-linking. Pull-down experiments and overlay immunoblotting were performed to further characterize the interaction with phosphoglycolate phosphatase (Gph). This enzyme is involved in the metabolism of 2-phosphoglycolate formed in the DNA repair of 3'-phosphoglycolate ends generated by bleomycin damage. We show that interaction between Gph and GAPDH increases in cells challenged with bleomycin, suggesting involvement of GAPDH in cellular processes linked to DNA repair mechanisms.

Proyecto de atención integral a víctimas de violencia sexual en el departamento de Escuintla, Guatemala / Comprehensive care program for sexual violence victims in Escuintla, Guatemala

Se implementó un proyecto de atención integral a las víctimas de violencia sexual en seis municipios del departamento de Escuintla, Guatemala. Estas víctimas recibieron atención médica y psicológica. Se recogió información clínico-epidemiológica y del suceso de violencia sexual. Se tomaron muestras para determinar infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS), virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y prueba de embarazo. En 2 años se atendieron 164 víctimas de violencia sexual, 111 (67,6%) menores de edad, entre ellos 91 (64,5%) mujeres y 20 (86,9%) hombres, con medias de edad de 12 años y 8,3 años, respectivamente. El tipo de violencia más reportado fue el acto sexual con penetración vaginal, anal o ambas, en el 69,6% de los casos. En el 30,5% de los casos el agresor era un desconocido. Se detectaron 11 casos de ITS. El proyecto tuvo un efecto dinamizador a nivel nacional. Deben intensificarse las actividades dirigidas a promover cambios en la sociedad, hacia valores de equidad de género y protección de la infancia (AU)

We implemented a comprehensive care program for sexual violence victims in six municipalities of Escuintla. Sexual violence victims received both medical and psychological care. Clinical and epidemiological information relevant to the sexual violence event was collected. Samples were taken for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and pregnancy testing. In two years, 164 sexual violence victims were attended: 111 (67.6%) were under 18 years old, 91 (64.5%) were females and 20 (86.9%) were males, and the mean age was 12 and 8.3 years, respectively. The most frequently reported type of sexual violence was vaginal and/or anal penetration in 69.9% of cases. In 30.5% of cases the assailant was a stranger. We identified 11 cases of STIs. The project was able to influence national policy through active participation in the development of a national protocol for the care of sexual violence victims. Activities to promote gender equity and child protection should be intensified (AU)

[Comprehensive care program for sexual violence victims in Escuintla, Guatemala]. / Proyecto de atención integral a víctimas de violencia sexual en el departamento de Escuintla, Guatemala.

We implemented a comprehensive care program for sexual violence victims in six municipalities of Escuintla. Sexual violence victims received both medical and psychological care. Clinical and epidemiological information relevant to the sexual violence event was collected. Samples were taken for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and pregnancy testing. In two years, 164 sexual violence victims were attended: 111 (67.6%) were under 18 years old, 91 (64.5%) were females and 20 (86.9%) were males, and the mean age was 12 and 8.3 years, respectively. The most frequently reported type of sexual violence was vaginal and/or anal penetration in 69.9% of cases. In 30.5% of cases the assailant was a stranger. We identified 11 cases of STIs. The project was able to influence national policy through active participation in the development of a national protocol for the care of sexual violence victims. Activities to promote gender equity and child protection should be intensified.

Transcriptional regulation of the gene cluster encoding allantoinase and guanine deaminase in Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Purines can be used as the sole source of nitrogen by several strains of K. pneumoniae under aerobic conditions. The genes responsible for the assimilation of purine nitrogens are distributed in three separated clusters in the K. pneumoniae genome. Here, we characterize the cluster encompassing genes KPN_01787 to KPN_01791, which is involved in the conversion of allantoin into allantoate and in the deamination of guanine to xanthine. These genes are organized in three transcriptional units, hpxSAB, hpxC, and guaD. Gene hpxS encodes a regulatory protein of the GntR family that mediates regulation of this system by growth on allantoin. Proteins encoded by hpxB and guaD display allantoinase and guanine deaminase activity, respectively. In this cluster, hpxSAB is the most tightly regulated unit. This operon was activated by growth on allantoin as a nitrogen source; however, addition of allantoin to nitrogen excess cultures did not result in hpxSAB induction. Neither guaD nor hpxC was induced by allantoin. Expression of guaD is mainly regulated by nitrogen availability through the action of NtrC. Full induction of hpxSAB by allantoin requires both HpxS and NAC. HpxS may have a dual role, acting as a repressor in the absence of allantoin and as an activator in its presence. HpxS binds to tandem sites, S1 and S2, overlapping the -10 and -35 sequences of the hpxSAB promoter, respectively. The NAC binding site is located between S1 and S2 and partially overlaps S2. In the presence of allantoin, interplay between NAC and HpxS is proposed.