To what extent do water reuse treatments reduce antibiotic resistance indicators? A comparison of two full-scale systems.

Water reuse is an essential strategy for reducing water demand from conventional sources, alleviating water stress, and promoting sustainability, but understanding the effectiveness of associated treatment processes as barriers to the spread of antibiotic resistance is an important consideration to protecting human health. We comprehensively evaluated the reduction of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in two field-operational water reuse systems with distinct treatment trains, one producing water for indirect potable reuse (ozone/biologically-active carbon/granular activated carbon) and the other for non-potable reuse (denitrification-filtration/chlorination) using metagenomic sequencing and culture. Relative abundances of total ARGs/clinically-relevant ARGs and cultured ARB were reduced by several logs during primary and secondary stages of wastewater treatment, but to a lesser extent during the tertiary water reuse treatments. In particular, ozonation tended to enrich multi-drug ARGs. The effect of chlorination was facility-dependent, increasing the relative abundance of ARGs when following biologically-active carbon filters, but generally providing a benefit in reduced bacterial numbers and ecological and human health resistome risk scores. Relative abundances of total ARGs and resistome risk scores were lowest in aquifer samples, although resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were occasionally detected in the monitoring well 3-days downgradient from injection, but not 6-months downgradient. Resistant E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were occasionally detected in the nonpotable reuse distribution system, along with increased levels of multidrug, sulfonamide, phenicol, and aminoglycoside ARGs. This study illuminates specific vulnerabilities of water reuse systems to persistence, selection, and growth of ARGs and ARB and emphasizes the role of multiple treatment barriers, including aquifers and distribution systems.

CD8 + T cell response promotes viral clearance and reduces chances of severe testicular damage in mouse models of long-term Zika virus infection of the testes.

Zika virus (ZIKV) causes human testicular inflammation and alterations in sperm parameters and causes testicular damage in mouse models. The involvement of individual immune cells in testicular damage is not fully understood. We detected virus in the testes of the interferon (IFN) α/ß receptor -/- A129 mice three weeks post-infection and found elevated chemokines in the testes, suggesting chronic inflammation and long-term infection play a role in testicular damage. In the testes, myeloid cells and CD4 + T cells were absent at 7 dpi but were present at 23 days post-infection (dpi), and CD8 + T cell infiltration started at 7 dpi. CD8 -/- mice with an antibody-depleted IFN response had a significant reduction in spermatogenesis, indicating that CD8 + T cells are essential to prevent testicular damage during long-term ZIKV infections. Our findings on the dynamics of testicular immune cells and importance of CD8 + T cells functions as a framework to understand mechanisms underlying observed inflammation and sperm alterations in humans.

Hypocobalaminaemia in dogs with acute gastrointestinal diseases.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of hypocobalaminaemia in dogs with acute gastrointestinal diseases and to evaluate its relationship with disease severity and outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs presented for acute gastrointestinal signs that a serum cobalamin concentration measured between September 2019 and 2021 were included in this study. Hypocobalaminaemia was defined as serum cobalamin concentration <200 pmol/L, and low-normal cobalamin was defined as serum cobalamin concentration of 200 to 295 pmol/L. Duration of clinical signs prior to presentation, Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLE) fast score, length of hospitalisation and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-three dogs were included. Seventeen dogs were diagnosed with acute gastrointestinal disease of unknown aetiology, seven dogs with parvoviral enteritis, three dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome and six dogs with miscellaneous diseases. The prevalence of hypocobalaminaemia in this population was 30.3% and low-normal cobalamin concentration was detected in 18.2% of dogs. There was no statistically significant relationship between the detection of hypocobalaminaemia or low-normal cobalamin and the duration of clinical signs before presentation, length of hospitalisation or Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation fast score on admission. Mortality rate was 3%. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Hypocobalaminaemia and low-normal cobalamin are common findings in dogs with acute gastrointestinal diseases. The therapeutic significance and potential implications for prognosis of hypocobalaminaemia in these patients requires further investigation.

Testicular pathological alterations associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiologic agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which caused one of the pandemics with the highest mortalities with millions of deaths and hundreds of millions of cases to date. Due to its potential for airborne transmission, many studies have focused on SARS-CoV-2 primarily as a respiratory disease. However, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to non-respiratory organs has been experimentally demonstrated and clinically observed. During autopsy studies, histopathological lesions, and disruption of the blood-testes barrier (BTB) have been observed in the male reproductive tract. Here, we review findings from both autopsy cases and animal models that demonstrate testicular disease due to COVID-19 and present an overview of the pathological alterations that occur in the testes resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection and explore its potential mechanisms.

Prolactin reduces the kainic acid-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, leading to neuroprotection of hippocampal neurons.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prolactin (PRL) on intracellular calcium (Ca2+) concentration and its neuroprotective role in a model of kainic acid (KA) excitotoxicity in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons. Cell viability and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations were determined by MTT and Fura-2 assays, respectively, either after induction by KA as an agonist or after treatment with NBQX antagonist alone or in combination with PRL administration. Expression of ionotropic glutamatergic receptors (iGluRs) subunits in neuronal cells was determined by RT-qPCR. Dose-response treatments with KA or glutamate (Glu), the latter used as endogenous agonist control, induced a significant increase in neuronal intracellular Ca2+ concentration followed by a significant decrease in hippocampal neuronal viability. Administration of PRL induced a significant increase in neuronal viability after treatment with KA. Furthermore, administration of PRL decreased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations induced by KA treatment. Independent administration of the AMPAR-KAR antagonist reversed cell death and reduced intracellular Ca2+ concentration in a similar manner as PRL. Additionally, mRNA expression of AMPAR, KAR and NMDAR subtypes were detected in hippocampal neurons; however, no significant changes in iGluRs subunit expression were observed due to excitotoxicity or PRL treatment. The results suggest that PRL inhibits the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced by KA, leading to neuroprotection.

Factor 1 inducible por hipoxia y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica: respuestas epigenéticas al ejercicio físico. Revisión sistemática / Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Epigenetic responses to physical exercise. Systematic review

Antecedentes: El ejercicio físico es una de las principales recomendaciones para la mejora de la calidad de vida de las personas con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC). El ejercicio genera múltiples reacciones moleculares que favorecen el ciclo y funcionamiento celular a partir de estímulos que modulan la transcripción y traducción de genes mediados por el factor 1 inducible por hipoxia (HIF-1). Objetivo: Determinar el conocimiento actual sobre las respuestas epigenéticas mediadas por HIF-1 y su comportamiento posterior a la práctica del ejercicio físico en personas con EPOC. Métodos: Búsqueda de artículos en las bases de datos Science Direct, PubMed, Scielo y PEDro. Se emplearon los términos de búsqueda Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Hypoxia; Hypoxia-inducible factor 1; Epigenomics; Exercise. Criterios de inclusión: publicaciones que presentaran las respuestas biomoleculares reguladas por HIF-1 en personas con EPOC. Criterios de exclusión: publicaciones de personas con diagnóstico de anemia, enfermedad hepática, enfermedad renal o antecedentes de hemorragia digestiva. Resultados: Se identificaron 75 estudios, de los cuales se seleccionaron 40 con posterioridad al cumplimiento de criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se encontraron diferencias sobre las modificaciones postranscripcionales para la expresión de genes que favorecen al transporte hematológico de O2, el incremento del metabolismo oxidativo y el favorecimiento de la angiogénesis en el tejido muscular en personas con EPOC posterior a la práctica de ejercicio físico. Conclusiones: Las investigaciones en torno a las respuestas del HIF-1 en personas con EPOC son contradictorias. Se encuentran estudios que estipulan una retroalimentación positiva del HIF-1 para la expresión o silenciamiento de genes susceptibles al O2 y otros que plantean retroalimentación negativa. Es necesario realizar más estudios sobre las respuestas mediadas por HIF-1 en personas con EPOC y que realizan ejercicio físico.

Background: Physical exercise is one of the main recommendations for improving the quality of life of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exercise generates multiple molecular reactions that promote cell cycle and function from stimuli that modulate the transcription and translation of genes mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Objective: To determine the current knowledge about the epigenetic responses mediated by HIF-1 and their behavior after the practice of physical exercise in people with COPD. Methods: Search for articles in the Science Direct, PubMed, Scielo and PEDro databases. Se search terms Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Hypoxia; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1; Epigenomics; Exercise. Inclusion criteria: publications presenting the biomolecular responses regulated by HIF-1 in people with COPD. Exclusion criteria: publications of people with a diagnosis of anemia, liver disease, kidney disease or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding. Results: Seventy-five studies were identified, of which 40 were selected after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Differences were found on the post-transcriptional modifications for the expression of genes that favor the hematological transport of O2, the increase in oxidative metabolism and the favoring of angiogenesis in muscle tissue in people with COPD after practicing physical exercise. Conclusions: Research on HIF-1 responses in people with COPD is conflicting. There are studies that stipulate a positive feedback of HIF-1 for the expression or silencing of genes susceptible to O2 and others that pose negative feedback. More studies are needed on HIF-1-mediated responses in people with COPD and those who engage in physical exercise.

Revisión sistemática de los indicadores utilizados en el diagnóstico del síndrome de sobreentrenamiento en atletas / Systematic review of the indicators used in the diagnosis of Overtraining Syndrome in athletes

Introducción El éxito de un proceso de entrenamiento deportivo radica en la adaptación satisfactoria del atleta al aumento progresivo de la carga, que incluye respetar los tiempos de recuperación. Sin embargo, cuando esto no ocurre puede aparecer el Síndrome de Sobreentrenamiento (SSE). Objetivo Establecer a través de la revisión de evidencia sistemática, los indicadores utilizados para el diagnóstico del SSE en atletas de resistencia de alto rendimiento. Método Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de los indicadores utilizados en el diagnóstico del SSE en las bases de datos PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Science Direct, Biomed Central y Scielo. Se evaluó calidad, sesgo y heterogeneidad de cada publicación, para un posterior análisis cualitativo o cuantitativo de acuerdo con la información encontrada para cada variable. Resultados Once artículos (con 7 estudios) fueron seleccionados para análisis completo. Cinco variables (lactato, creatin quinasa, cortisol, VO2 máx y FC máx) fueron incluidas para análisis cuantitativo. Tres de las variables presentaron heterogeneidad baja y dos heterogeneidad moderada. El lactato demostró una disminución consistente en el grupo experimental (DM -1,86 IC 95% -2,66 a -1,07). La FC máx también se vio disminuida en el grupo experimental (DM -4,08 IC 95% -8,41 a 0,24). Conclusiones Se encontró que la monitorización del lactato y de la FC máxima podrían ser indicadores cercanos al diagnóstico del SSE (AU)

Introduction The success of a sports training process lies in the satisfactory adaptation of the athlete to the progressive increase of load, respecting recovery times. However, when this does not occur, overtraining syndrome (OTS) may appear. Objective To establish through the review of systematic evidence, the indicators used for the diagnosis of OTS in high performance endurance athletes. Method A systematic search was carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Science Direct, Biomed Central and Scielo databases. Quality, bias, and heterogeneity of each publication were evaluated, for a subsequent qualitative or quantitative analysis according to the information found for each variable. Results Eleven articles (with 7 studies) were selected for complete analysis. 5 variables (lactate, creatin kinase, cortisol, VO2 max and HR max) were included for quantitative analysis. Three of the variables presented low heterogeneity and 2 moderate heterogeneity. Lactate showed a consistent decrease in the experimental group (SD -1.86 95% CI -2.66 to -1.07). HR max also decreased in the experimental group (DM -4.08 95% CI -8.41 to 0.24). Conclusions It was found that lactate and maximal HR monitoring could be indicators close to diagnosis of OTS (AU)

How does the beach ecosystem change without tourists during COVID-19 lockdown?

Urban tourist beach ecosystems provide the essential service of recreation. These ecosystems also support critical ecological functions where biodiversity conservation is not usually a priority. The sudden lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic created a unique opportunity to evaluate the effects of human absence in these urban-coastal ecosystems. This study examined bioindicators from 29 urban tourist beaches in seven Latin-American countries and assesses their response to lockdown about some relevant anthropogenic stressors such as pollution, noise, human activities, and user density. The presence of animals and plants, as well as the intensity of stressors, were assessed through a standardized protocol during lockdown conditions. Additionally, the environmental conditions of the beaches before and during lockdown were qualitatively compared using multivariate non-parametric statistics. We found notable positive changes in biological components and a clear decrease in human stressors on almost all the beaches. Dune vegetation increased on most sites. Similarly, high burrow densities of ghost crabs were observed on beaches, except those where cleaning activity persisted. Because of the lockdown, there was an exceptionally low frequency of beach users, which in turn reduced litter, noise and unnatural odors. The observed patterns suggest that tourist beaches can be restored to natural settings relatively quickly. We propose several indicators to measure changes in beaches once lockdown is relaxed. Adequate conservation strategies will render the recreational service of tourist beaches more environmental-friendly.

Epigenetic control of ion channel expression and cell-specific splicing in nociceptors: Chronic pain mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

Ion channels underlie all forms for electrical signaling including the transmission of information about harmful events. Voltage-gated calcium ion channels have dual function, they support electrical signaling as well as intracellular calcium signaling through excitation-dependent calcium entry across the plasma membrane. Mechanisms that regulate ion channel forms and actions are essential for myriad cell functions and these are targeted by drugs and therapeutics. When disrupted, the cellular mechanisms that control ion channel activity can contribute to disease pathophysiology. For example, alternative pre-mRNA splicing is a major step in defining the precise composition of the transcriptome across different cell types from early cellular differentiation to programmed apoptosis. An estimated 30% of disease-causing mutations are associated with altered alternative splicing, and mis-splicing is a feature of numerous highly prevalent diseases including neurodegenerative, cancer, and chronic pain. Here we discuss the important role of epigenetic regulation of gene expression and cell-specific alternative splicing of calcium ion channels in nociceptors, with emphasis on how these processes are disrupted in chronic pain, the potential therapeutic benefit of correcting or compensating for aberrant ion channel splicing in chronic pain.

Nutrición en la prevención y el control de la osteoporosis / Nutrition in the prevention and control of osteoporosis

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: la osteoporosis, aunque se manifiesta en etapas avanzadas de la vida, se debe prevenir y frenar desde la edad pediátrica, actuando sobre los factores modificables, especialmente la alimentación y el estilo de vida. El objetivo del presente trabajo es revisar las últimas evidencias sobre las mejoras nutricionales que pueden ayudar en la prevención y el control de la enfermedad. MÉTODOS: búsqueda bibliográfica en relación con el tema. RESULTADOS: conviene evitar las restricciones energéticas, especialmente en mujeres posmenopáusicas, sobre todo si tienen osteopenia/osteoporosis dado que, en relación con estas patologías, puede ser preferible un exceso de peso frente a un peso insuficiente. Una ingesta proteica superior a la recomendada es beneficiosa para el hueso siempre que la ingesta de calcio sea adecuada. Se debe evitar una ingesta excesiva de azúcar y de grasa saturada, pero se deben intentar alcanzar los objetivos nutricionales marcados para los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados ω-3 y la fibra. Es importante vigilar la situación en vitamina D y la ingesta de calcio, que es inadecuada en elevados porcentajes de individuos. También conviene mejorar el aporte de vitaminas K, C y del grupo B, así como de magnesio, potasio, hierro, zinc, cobre, flúor, manganeso, silicio y boro, y evitar el aporte excesivo de fósforo y sodio. CONCLUSIONES: la osteoporosis es una patología infradiagnosticada y de prevalencia creciente. Por su elevada morbilidad y mortalidad es importante la prevención y desde el punto de vista nutricional conviene aproximar la dieta al ideal teórico. En general, el incremento en el consumo de lácteos, pescado, verduras, hortalizas y frutas, así como la reducción del consumo de sal, durante la infancia y a lo largo de la vida parecen convenientes para la mejora ósea de la mayor parte de la población

OBJECTIVE: although osteoporosis develops in advanced stages of life, it must be prevented and stopped from the pediatric age, acting on modifiable factors, especially diet and lifestyle. The objective of this work is to review the latest evidence on nutritional improvements that can help in the prevention and control of the disease. METHODS: bibliographic search related to the topic. RESULTS: it is advisable to avoid energy restrictions, especially in postmenopausal women and particularly if they have osteopenia/osteoporosis since, in relation to these pathologies, excess weight may be preferable, rather than underweight. Protein intake higher than the recommended one is beneficial for the bone, provided that the calcium intake is adequate. Excessive intake of sugar and saturated fat should be avoided, but attempts should be made to achieve the nutritional goals set for ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and fiber. It is important to monitor vitamin D status and calcium intake, which is inadequate in high percentages of individuals, as well as improving the contribution of vitamins K, C and group B, and also magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, fluorine, manganese, silicon and boron, and avoiding the excessive contribution of phosphorus and sodium. CONCLUSIONS: osteoporosis is an underdiagnosed pathology and of increasing prevalence. Due to its high morbidity and mortality, prevention is important and, from a nutritional point of view, it is convenient to bring the diet closer to the theoretical ideal. In general, increasing the consumption of dairy products, fish, vegetables and fruits, as well as reducing the consumption of salt, during childhood and throughout life, seems convenient for the bone improvement of most of the population

Nutrición y microbiota en población pediátrica. Implicaciones sanitarias / Nutrition and microbiota in pediatric population. Health implications

La microbiota que existe en todo nuestro organismo es un tema de actualidad sobre el que cada vez se estudia e investiga más. La adquisición y modificación de la microbiota a lo largo de la vida, y especialmente la alteración de su equilibrio, está relacionada con diferentes enfermedades. Una manera de modificar esta microbiota, y que puede ser útil en situaciones de enfermedad, para restablecer el adecuado equilibrio es a través del consumo de probióticos comercializados. Existen muy diferentes tipos de probióticos y no todos han demostrado efectividad en todas las indicaciones ni situaciones, por lo tanto, el objetivo de este artículo es explicar aquellas indicaciones de los probióticos para las que se ha descrito evidencia según diferentes guías y estudios científicos

The microbiota of our body is a rising issue on which more and more research is being studied and investigated. The acquisition and modification of the microbiota throughout life, and especially the alteration of its balance, is related to different diseases. One way to modify this microbiota, which can also be useful in disease situations, to restore the proper balance is through the consumption of marketed probiotics. There are very different types of probiotics and not all of them have demonstrated effectiveness in all indications or situations. Therefore, the objective of this article is to explain those indications of probiotics for which evidence has been described according to different guides and scientific studies

Neurocognition and the Suicidal Process.

Early thinking about cognitive process and suicidal behaviors tended to focus on the immediate situation surrounding the individual - typically the underlying psychiatric condition that was seen as leading to his or her distress. However, we now know that the cognitive processes involved in a range of suicidal thoughts and behaviors can exert a significant impact on the expression or development of these behaviors, even without an environmental stressor or psychiatric condition. In this chapter, we summarize theoretical perspectives that led to this realization and explore the current understanding of the link between cognition and suicide from recent research and clinical findings. We present these findings first by psychiatric disorder, then by cognitive domains, and finally by specific suicidal construct in order to highlight the importance of these factors in determining the role of cognition in the suicidal process.Within and across psychiatric disorders, certain cognitive processes - negativistic thinking, impulsivity, cognitive rigidity, and altered emotional processing - are frequently found to be linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Overall cognitive performance, decreased processing speed, executive dysfunction, and negative biases in memory and attention have also been linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. However, these findings do not hold true for all populations. There seems to be a role both for cognitive distortions (such as hopelessness) and neurocognitive deficits (such as poor overall cognitive performance, slower processing speed, and executive dysfunction) in the suicidal process, which warrant further exploration both separately and together.

Analysis of milk leukocyte differential measures for use in management practices for decreased mastitis incidence.

The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of measures derived from milk leukocyte differential (MLD) in practices that improve fresh cow mastitis monitoring and decrease mastitis incidence. Quarter milk samples were collected from Holstein and Jersey cows on d 4 and 11 postcalving. Samples were analyzed using MLD, whereby cell counts and quarter infection diagnosis were obtained. Measures derived from MLD included cell scores (total leukocyte, neutrophil, macrophage, and lymphocyte scores), cell proportions (neutrophil, macrophage, and lymphocyte percentages), cell thresholds (total leukocyte, neutrophil, macrophage, and lymphocyte thresholds), and MLD diagnosis at different threshold settings (A, B, and C). Microbiological culturing of milk samples was used to determine infection status to compare the MLD diagnosis and serve as an indicator of infection. Measures derived from the microbiological analysis included occurrence of major pathogens, minor pathogens, and infection. Data analysis was based on a linear mixed model, which was used on all measures for the estimation of the fixed effects of breed, lactation number, day of sample collection, time of sampling, and quarter location, and the random effects of animal and week of sampling. All the fixed effects studied were significant for one or more of the analyzed measures. The results of this study showed that MLD-derived measures justify further study on their use for management practices for mastitis screening and prevention in early lactation.

Mercury levels in blood, urine and hair in a nation-wide sample of Spanish adults.

Mercury (Hg) is among the top 10 environmental chemicals of major public health concern (WHO). The Minamata Convention on Mercury (United Nations Environment Program, 2017), commits signing countries to control anthropogenic mercury emissions and reduce human exposure. Human biomonitoring (HBM) programs, are the most straight-forward approaches to get information on the actual exposure levels in the population and assess over time. We report here the results of a HBM study in a nationwide cross-section of Spanish adults (18-65y) as baseline values obtained before the Minamata Convention entered into force. Subsequent follow-ups will show if the Convention has been successful. The study includes 1880 blood samples, 1704 urine samples and 577 hair samples from all Spanish regions collected and analysed under a strictly quality controlled and quality assured protocol. The EU-DEMOCOPHES project demonstrated that fish and seafood are the major sources of mercury exposure and that the Spanish as well as the Portuguese populations have higher levels than other European countries. The data from the present study confirms this pattern at national level and that inhabitants in coastal regions have higher values than from inland regions. The geometric mean (GM) for blood is 6.35 µg Hg/l, in urine is 1.11 µg Hg/l and for hair is 1.91 µg Hg/g. In an international comparison these values are not exceptional. Spanish concentrations fall into the group of Easter Mediterranean populations. Although information on gender, age, occupational sector, geographical area, sampling period and frequency of fish consumption is reported in the tables, the purpose of this paper has not been to analyse the determinants of exposure in detail but to provide baseline data for future assessments and for regional authorities.

Characterization of spaC-type Erysipelothrix sp. isolates causing systemic disease in ornamental fish.

Since 2012, low-to-moderate mortality associated with an Erysipelothrix sp. bacterium has been reported in ornamental fish. Histological findings have included facial cellulitis, necrotizing dermatitis and myositis, and disseminated coelomitis with abundant intralesional Gram-positive bacterial colonies. Sixteen Erysipelothrix sp. isolates identified phenotypically as E. rhusiopathiae were recovered from diseased cyprinid and characid fish. Similar clinical and histological changes were also observed in zebrafish, Danio rerio, challenged by intracoelomic injection. The Erysipelothrix sp. isolates from ornamental fish were compared phenotypically and genetically to E. rhusiopathiae and E. tonsillarum isolates recovered from aquatic and terrestrial animals from multiple facilities. Results demonstrated that isolates from diseased fish were largely clonal and divergent from E. rhusiopathiae and E. tonsillarum isolates from normal fish skin, marine mammals and terrestrial animals. All ornamental fish isolates were PCR positive for spaC, with marked genetic divergence (<92% similarity at gyrB, <60% similarity by rep-PCR) between the ornamental fish isolates and other Erysipelothrix spp. isolates. This study supports previous work citing the genetic variability of Erysipelothrix spp. spa types and suggests isolates from diseased ornamental fish may represent a genetically distinct species.

La consulta médica, su tiempo y duración / Medical consultation, time and duration

Resumen: Este es un ensayo en el cual se hace la reflexión sobre el tiempo y la duración de la consulta médica, vistos como procesos sociales que están determinados por macro estructuras, siguiendo la lógica productiva y las demandas del tiempo moderno. La duración de la consulta médica es heterogénea a nivel mundial. Por el contrario, si hay algo en común es la percepción tanto de los profesionales como de los pacientes que el tiempo de interacción es breve, lo cual permea en la relación médico-paciente, perpetuando un ciclo de insatisfacción-tensión-ansiedad en ambos actores. Bajo la premisa de una sociología del tiempo y apelando a los principios éticos de la medicina, proponemos que la estimación en la duración de una consulta considere este recurso como indispensable para una adecuada interacción, teniendo presente las opiniones tanto de los pacientes como de los profesionales en cuanto a sus necesidades de dignidad para la atención y para la prestación de un servicio profesional, ya que ambos tienen derechos y obligaciones a respetarse. Además, las instituciones deberán garantizarlas a fin de preservar una adecuada relación médico-paciente-institución. La organización en los horarios de las jornadas laborales no basta. Es necesario realizar las asignaciones de consulta y tareas correlativas con los tiempos de dedicación necesarios con el objeto de humanizar los procesos, considerando las lógicas sociales y económicas sin ignorar la otredad y la alteridad de los sujetos involucrados.

Abstract: This essay is a reflection of the time and duration of the medical consultation, seen as a social process that is determined by macro structures following the productive logic and the demands of modern time. The length of the medical discussion is heterogeneous worldwide; in contrast, what is standard is the perception of the professionals and the patients that the time for interaction is short. Such a perception pervades the doctor-patient relationship, perpetuating a cycle of dissatisfaction-tension-anxiety in these actors. Under the premise of the sociology of time and appealing to the ethical principles of medicine, we propose that the estimation in the length of a medical consultation must be considered. Time is indispensable for an adequate interaction to account for the needs of patients and professionals in a dignified manner since both have rights and obligations to be respected.

Ocular localization of mycobacterial lesions in tank-reared juvenile cobia, Rachycentron canadum.

Severe clinical mycobacteriosis with consistent ocular lesion localization was diagnosed in a population of 800 juvenile tank-reared Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) which experienced a sudden increase in mortality approximately 5 months after arriving into Trinidad and Tobago from Florida, USA. Moderate daily mortality (15-20 animals per day) persisted for just over 1 month. Moribund fish displayed circling behaviour and had an open-mouth gape upon death. Fish consistently presented with bilateral exophthalmia, corneal cloudiness and hyphema. Non-branching acid-fast rods were detected in aqueous humour touch preparations. Histological analysis revealed severe bilateral intra-ocular granulomatous responses in all specimens. Mycobacterium sp. was identified using a real-time PCR assay detecting the RNA polymerase ß-subunit (rpoB) gene in different tissue samples. Specimens did not present with characteristic granulomatous responses usually seen in viscera. To the best of our knowledge, this represents only the third documentation of piscine mycobacterial infection presenting with only localized ocular lesions, and the second documented case of mycobacteriosis in cobia. It is, however, the first documentation of an ocular presentation of mycobacteriosis in a marine species and is the first documentation of such a presentation in cobia.

Detection of Salmonella enterica Serovar Montevideo and Newport in Free-ranging Sea Turtles and Beach Sand in the Caribbean and Persistence in Sand and Seawater Microcosms.

Salmonellae are Gram-negative zoonotic bacteria that are frequently part of the normal reptilian gastrointestinal flora. The main objective of this project was to estimate the prevalence of non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica in the nesting and foraging populations of sea turtles on St. Kitts and in sand from known nesting beaches. Results suggest a higher prevalence of Salmonella in nesting leatherback sea turtles compared with foraging green and hawksbill sea turtles. Salmonella was cultured from 2/9 and identified by molecular diagnostic methods in 3/9 leatherback sea turtle samples. Salmonella DNA was detected in one hawksbill turtle, but viable isolates were not recovered from any hawksbill sea turtles. No Salmonella was detected in green sea turtles. In samples collected from nesting beaches, Salmonella was only recovered from a single dry sand sample. All recovered isolates were positive for the wzx gene, consistent with the O:7 serogroup. Further serotyping characterized serovars Montevideo and Newport present in cloacal and sand samples. Repetitive-element palindromic PCR (rep-PCR) fingerprint analysis and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of the 2014 isolates from turtles and sand as well as archived Salmonella isolates recovered from leatherback sea turtles in 2012 and 2013, identified two distinct genotypes and four different pulsotypes, respectively. The genotyping and serotyping were directly correlated. To determine the persistence of representative strains of each serotype/genotype in these environments, laboratory-controlled microcosm studies were performed in water and sand (dry and wet) incubated at 25 or 35°C. Isolates persisted for at least 32 days in most microcosms, although there were significant decreases in culturable bacteria in several microcosms, with the greatest reduction in dry sand incubated at 35°C. This information provides a better understanding of the epizootiology of Salmonella in free-ranging marine reptiles and the potential public health risks associated with human interactions with these animals in the Caribbean.