Assessment of Biolog EcoplateTM method for functional metabolic diversity of aerotolerant pig fecal microbiota.

In the last decades, gut microbiota and its role in mammal host development and health have been increasingly investigated. Metabolites produced by gut microbiota can affect intestinal homeostasis and immune system maturity and activation, and in turn, they can influence the health and growth performance of livestock. Therefore, a better understanding of the functional metabolic capability of the gut microbiota would be appreciated by the scientific community. In this study, the BiologTM Ecoplates technology was applied for studying the metabolic potential of the aerotolerant microbial community of pig fecal samples, evaluating the interference of different storage conditions and cell concentrations. The length of time for which a fecal sample maintained detectable and unchanged microbial metabolic activity was also investigated. Two assays aimed to evaluate differences in the metabolic activities between fresh and snap-frozen fecal samples at different dilutions and at different lengths of times of preservation at -80°C were carried out. The biodiversity and the predicted functionality of the entire bacterial community through a targeted metagenomic approach were also explored. The results highlighted that snap freezing of fecal samples preserved the metabolic activity of the microbial community when compared to fresh feces. Sample storage at -80 °C did not significantly affect the metabolic activity of the microbial community, which was stable for 150 days. Furthermore, the highest metabolic activity was detected with 1:2 to 1:5 dilutions of the stock suspension. BiologTM Ecoplates technology is a rapid and useful method to explore microbial communities' metabolism in animal fecal samples contributing to investigate host animal physiology. KEY POINTS: • Freezing of samples can preserve the functional activity of the aerotolerant microbial community for 150 days. • The concentration of microbial cells strongly influences metabolic activity detection. • Sequencing coupled with the BiologTM Ecoplates could be a strategy to evaluate the metabolic potential of the microbiota of the fecal sample.

Novel bifidobacteria strains isolated from nonconventional sources. Technological, antimicrobial and biological characterization for their use as probiotics.

AIM: To characterize four novel autochthonous bifidobacteria isolated from monkey faeces and a Bifidobacterium lactis strain isolated from chicken faeces by evaluating their technological and biological/functional potential to be used as probiotics. Different stressors, including food process parameters and storage, can affect their viability and functionality. METHODS AND RESULTS: The resistance to frozen storage, tolerance to lyophilization and viability during storage, thermal, acidic and simulated gastric resistance, surface hydrophobicity and antimicrobial activity against pathogens were studied. Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 and INL1 were used as reference strains. The results obtained demonstrated that the new isolates presented strain-dependent behaviour. Good results were obtained for thermal resistance, frozen storage at -80°C and lyophilized powders maintained at 5°C. Cell viability during refrigerated storage was higher when the strains were resuspended in milk at pH 5·0 than at 4·5. The surface hydrophobicity ranged between 7 and 98% depending on the strain. The simulated gastric resistance was improved for the strains incorporated in cheese. Regarding antimicrobial activity, bifidobacteria isolated from monkey presented higher inhibitory capacity than the reference strains. CONCLUSION: This research provides a deeper insight into new strains of bifidobacteria isolated from primates and chicken that have not been previously characterized for their potential use in dairy products and confirm the most robust stress tolerance of B. lactis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The possibility of expanding the available bifidobacteria with the potential to be added to a probiotic food necessarily implies characterizing them from different points of view, especially when considering unknown species. For monkey isolates (which showed higher antimicrobial activity against pathogens), more in-depth knowledge is needed before applying strategies to improve their performance. On the contrary, the chicken isolate B. lactis P32/1 showed similar behaviour to the references B. lactis strains; therefore, it could be considered as a potential probiotic candidate.

Bifidobacterium aesculapii sp. nov., from the faeces of the baby common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Six Gram-positive-staining, microaerophilic, non-spore-forming, fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase-positive bacterial strains with a peculiar morphology were isolated from faecal samples of baby common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Cells of these strains showed a morphology not reported previously for a bifidobacterial species, which resembled a coiled snake, always coiled or ring shaped or forming a 'Y' shape. Strains MRM 3/1(T) and MRM 4/2 were chosen as representative strains and characterized further. The bacteria utilized a wide range of carbohydrates and produced urease. Glucose was fermented to acetate and lactate. Strain MRM 3/1(T) showed a peptidoglycan type unique among members of the genus Bifidobacterium. The DNA base composition was 64.7 mol% G+C. Almost-complete 16S rRNA, hsp60, clpC and rpoB gene sequences were obtained and phylogenetic relationships were determined. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains MRM 3/1(T) and MRM 4/2 had the highest similarities to Bifidobacterium scardovii DSM 13734(T) (94.6%) and Bifidobacterium stellenboschense DSM 23968(T) (94.5%). Analysis of hsp60 showed that both strains were closely related to B. stellenboschense DSM 23968(T) (97.5% similarity); however, despite this high degree of similarity, our isolates could be distinguished from B. stellenboschense DSM 23968(T) by low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness (30.4% with MRM 3/1(T)). Strains MRM 3/1(T) and MRM 4/2 were located in an actinobacterial cluster and were more closely related to the genus Bifidobacterium than to other genera in the family Bifidobacteriaceae. On the basis of these results, strains MRM 3/1(T) and MRM 4/2 represent a novel species within the genus Bifidobacterium, for which the name Bifidobacterium aesculapii sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is MRM 3/1(T) ( = DSM 26737(T) = JCM 18761(T)).

Predicting In-Hospital Mortality in Severe COVID-19: A Systematic Review and External Validation of Clinical Prediction Rules.

Multiple prediction models for risk of in-hospital mortality from COVID-19 have been developed, but not applied, to patient cohorts different to those from which they were derived. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science (WOS) databases were searched. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed with PROBAST. Nomograms, whose variables were available in a well-defined cohort of 444 patients from our site, were externally validated. Overall, 71 studies, which derived a clinical prediction rule for mortality outcome from COVID-19, were identified. Predictive variables consisted of combinations of patients' age, chronic conditions, dyspnea/taquipnea, radiographic chest alteration, and analytical values (LDH, CRP, lymphocytes, D-dimer); and markers of respiratory, renal, liver, and myocardial damage, which were mayor predictors in several nomograms. Twenty-five models could be externally validated. Areas under receiver operator curve (AUROC) in predicting mortality ranged from 0.71 to 1 in derivation cohorts; C-index values ranged from 0.823 to 0.970. Overall, 37/71 models provided very-good-to-outstanding test performance. Externally validated nomograms provided lower predictive performances for mortality in their respective derivation cohorts, with the AUROC being 0.654 to 0.806 (poor to acceptable performance). We can conclude that available nomograms were limited in predicting mortality when applied to different populations from which they were derived.

Prognostic Factors at Admission for In-Hospital Mortality from COVID-19 Infection in an Older Rural Population in Central Spain.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for in-hospital mortality from severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection have been identified in studies mainly carried out in urban-based teaching hospitals. However, there is little data for rural populations attending community hospitals during the first wave of the pandemic. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center cohort study was undertaken among inpatients at a rural community hospital in Spain. Electronic medical records of the 444 patients (56.5% males) admitted due to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection during 26 February 2020-31 May 2020 were reviewed. RESULTS: Mean age was 71.2 ± 14.6 years (rank 22-98), with 69.8% over 65. At least one comorbidity was present in 410 patients (92.3%), with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present in 21.7%. Overall in-hospital mortality was 32%. Multivariate analysis of factors associated with death identified patients' age (with a cumulative effect per decade), COPD as a comorbidity, and respiratory insufficiency at the point of admission. No additional comorbid conditions proved significant. Among analytical values, increased serum creatinine, LDH > 500 mg/dL, thrombocytopenia (<150 × 109/per L), and lymphopenia (<1000 cells/µL) were all independently associated with mortality during admission. CONCLUSIONS: Age remained the major determinant for COVID-19-caused mortality; COPD was the only comorbidity independently associated with in-hospital death, together with respiratory insufficiency and analytical markers at admission.

Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 at One Year after Hospital Discharge.

BACKGROUND: The long-term effects of COVID-19 remain largely unclear. This study aims to investigate post-acute health consequences and mortality one year after hospital discharge. METHODS: All surviving adult patients who were discharged after hospital admission due to acute COVID-19 in the first wave of the pandemic underwent a comprehensive interview. Functional assessment was performed in patients aged over 65. Clinical and hospital records were reviewed and mortality causes assessed. RESULTS: A total of 587 patients with COVID-19 were discharged from hospital, including 266 after hospital admission and 321 from the emergency room. Mortality within the following year occurred in 34/266 (12.8%) and 10/321 (3.1%), respectively, due to causes directly or possibly related to COVID-19 in 20.5% and 25% of patients. Post-COVID-19 syndrome was assessed in 543 patients at one year from discharge. Any clinical complaint was reported by 90.1% of patients who needed hospitalization and 80.4% of those discharged from the emergency room (p = 0.002), with breathlessness (41.6%), tiredness (35.4%), ageusia (30.2%), and anosmia (26.3%) being the most common complaints. Ongoing symptoms attributed to COVID-19 were reported by 66.8% and 49.5% of patients, respectively (p < 0.001). Newly developed COPD, asthma, diabetes, heart failure, and arthritis-as well as worsening of preexisting comorbidities-were found. CONCLUSIONS: One-year mortality among survivors of acute COVID-19 was 7.5%. A significant proportion of COVID-19 patients experienced ongoing symptoms at 1 year from onset of the disease.

Development of fixed-time artificial insemination protocols for locally adapted Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows / Desenvolvimento de protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo em vacas da raça localmente adaptada Curraleiro Pé-Duro

Two experiments were conducted aiming to evaluate the effects of two ovulatory inducers (Exp.1) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG; Exp.2) on follicular and luteal dynamics in a fixed-time AI (FTAI) protocol in locally adapted Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows. In Exp. 1 multiparous cows (n=12) received an intravaginal device containing 1g of progesterone (P4) for 8 days and 2mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) intramuscularly (IM) at device insertion (Day 0). At device removal (Day 8) 0.150mg of Sodium D-Cloprostenol was administered IM and the cows were randomly assigned to receive 1mg of EB (EB8) or 1mg of estradiol cypionate (EC8) IM, or to not receive any ovulatory inducer (Control). All the animals participated in all treatments (crossover). The interval from P4 removal to ovulation was shorter and less variable in the EB8 treatment group (P≤0.05). In Exp. 2 (crossover), multiparous cows (n=12) received the same hormonal treatment as the EB8 group in Exp.1. At device removal (Day 8) cows were randomly assigned to receive 300UI of eCG IM or to not receive eCG (Control). No difference was ascertained on follicular and luteal parameters in Exp. 2 (P>0.05). We concluded that EB can be used as the ovulatory inducer (Exp. 1) in a FTAI protocol in Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows. However, eCG (Exp. 2) was not able to stimulate follicular and luteal development. This result is probably due to the adaptive capacity of Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows that maintained a satisfactory body condition score even in dry and hot environments.(AU)

Foram realizados dois experimentos com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de dois indutores da ovulação e da gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) na dinâmica folicular e luteal, em um protocolo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) em vacas localmente adaptadas da raça Curraleiro Pé-Duro. No experimento 1, vacas pluríparas receberam um dispositivo intravaginal contendo 1g de progesterona (P4) durante oito dias e 2mg de benzoato de estradiol (BE) intramuscular (IM) no momento da inserção do dispositivo (dia zero). Na retirada do dispositivo (dia oito), as vacas receberam 0,150mg de D-cloprostenol sódico IM e foram separadas aleatoriamente para receber 1mg de BE IM (BE8) ou 1mg de cipionato de estradiol IM (CE8), ou nenhum indutor da ovulação (controle). Todos os animais participaram de todos os tratamentos (crossover). O intervalo entre a retirada da P4 e a ovulação foi menor e menos variável no tratamento BE8 (P≤0,05). O momento da ovulação foi mais precoce e mais concentrado nos animais do grupo BE 8. No experimento 2 (crossover), vacas pluríparas receberam o mesmo tratamento hormonal do grupo BE8 do experimento1. Na retirada do dispositivo (dia 8), as vacas foram separadas aleatoriamente para receberem 300UI de eCG IM, enquanto o controle não. Não houve diferença nos parâmetros foliculares e luteais avaliados no experimento 2 (P>0,05). Em conclusão, o BE pode ser utilizado como indutor da ovulação (experimento 1) em protocolos de IATF em vacas Curraleiras Pé-Duro. Entretanto, o eCG (experimento 2) não foi capaz de estimular o desenvolvimento folicular e luteal. Esse resultado é devido provavelmente à capacidade adaptativa das vacas Curraleiras Pé-Duro em manter uma condição corporal satisfatória mesmo em condições de clima seco e quente.(AU)

Occurrence of the family bifidobacteriaceae in human dental caries and plaque.

Despite the constant presence of members of Bifidobacteriaceae in the human oral cavity, few studies of their occurrence in this habitat have been made. The presence and the distribution in human plaque and dental caries of Bifidobacterium dentium, Scardovia inopinata and Parascardovia denticolens, all belonging to the family Bifidobacteriaceae, were studied. The identification to species level was based on morphological and growth type features, fermentation tests, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the soluble proteins and DNA-DNA homology. The three species, isolated on propionic acid trypticase phytone yeast extract medium, were present in 13 out of 19 and in 11 out of 15 subjects examined for dental caries and plaque, respectively. S. inopinata was the species most frequently isolated in dental caries, whereas B. dentium was more numerous in dental plaque. The prevalence of P. denticolens was similar in the two habitats. In conclusion, the prevalence of bifidobacteria species (B. dentium, P. denticolens, S. inopinata) in relation to non-bifidobacteria isolates was significantly different in caries versus plaque samples (p<0.0001; chi2 test).

Profesionales de la psicología en la República Argentina: Síntesis cuantitativa 2008 / Professional psychologists in Argentina: Quantitative synthesis 2008

Se presentan los resultados de un relevamiento sobre la formación universitaria y la distribución geográfica y ocupacional de los psicólogos en la República Argentina en 2008. Los datos obtenidos muestran que hasta 2008: han egresado de las 40 universidades con carrera de psicología 69004 psicólogos, de ellos, 57631 psicólogos estaban en actividad, a razón de 145 psicólogos cada 100.000 mil habitantes. Estaban estudiando 72533 estudiantes, y durante el año egresaron 4969 psicólogos e ingresaron 14276 estudiantes. Los psicólogos y los estudiantes de psicología representaban aproximadamente un 4% del total de profesionales universitarios y de estudiantes universitarios del país. Género: el 85% son psicólogas. Distribución ocupacional: predomina el ámbito privado sobre el público, y en cuanto al área de trabajo predomina la clínica seguida por educacional, forense, laboral, comunitaria y otras. Se incluye un cuadro comparativo sobre la cantidad de psicólogos en Argentina en relación con otros países.

We present the quantitative results of the professional training in Psychology, its geographical and occupational distribution in Argentina until 2008. The data shows that up to 2008 there have been 69004 graduated from the 40 different universities with the Psychology degree. Within the number of graduated people, 57631 psychologists are active, with a ratio of 145 psychologists per 100.000 inhabitants. There are 72533 students. During 2008, 4969 psychologists graduated and 14276 entered to the different universities of Psychology. According to the amount of professionals and students in Argentina, psychologists and students represent a 4% of the population, and 85% are female. Occupational distribution: the private practice predominates over the public services. In respect of the different areas of work, the clinical area predominates over educational, forensic, industrial, community and other areas. Finally, we include a chart of the quantity of psychologists in Argentina compared to the psychologists in other countries.

[Anterior sacral meningocele. Radiological study]. / Meningocele sacro anterior. Estudio radiológico.

The authors review the literature and report a case that illustrate the large spectrum of clinical presentation of the anterior-sacral meningocele. It is analized the presently available diagnostic procedures and it is emphasized the importance of the plain film and mielography in the correct diagnosis of this lesion.

Computed tomography for anterior sacral and intracorporal meningoceles.

Two cases of recurrent anterior spinal meningocele are presented. Both cases were studied by CT. One of them was also investigated by ultrasonography. The value of these methods in the diagnosis of anterior spinal meningoceles is discussed.

Angiographic investigation of cerebral vasospasm in subarachnoid haemorrhage due to arteriovenous malformation.

Fifty (50) selected patients with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with and without subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) were investigated, in respect of occurrence and course of the vasospasm. The diameters of the carotid siphon and its main branches were measured and plotted against the time elapsing between the haemorrhage and the angiographic study. Patients without SAH were used as a reference group. The results suggest intracranial arterial spasm to occur between the third and eleventh day after the onset of SAH. Patients with intracerebral haematoma may show vasospasm from the first day onwards. It seems that the radiologically demonstrated spasm in AVM had no impact on the clinical outcome in this series.

Los psicólogos en la Argentina: datos cuantitativos / The psychologists in Argentina: quantitative data

Se presenta el informe parcial de un estudio del estado actual de la psicología en la Argentina. Según este estudio preliminar, en el país hay 36.128 psicólogos universitarios, diplomados (desde que se creó la carrera, en 1956, hasta 1992). Es decir que, para una población de 32,406.674 habitantes (según el censo de 1991), hay yn psicólogo cada 897 habitantes, o 111 psicólogos por 100.000 habitantes). Según su distribución geográfica, la mayor concentración se da en la ciudad de Buenos Aires, con un psicólogo cada 246 habitantes y la menor, en la provincia del Chaco, con un psicólogo cada 17.465 habitantes. Durante el año 1993, un total de 26.726 alumnos estudiaron psicología em todas las universidades del país, de los cuales 6.858 ingresaron en ese año. La mayoría de los profesionales trabaja en el campo clínico, siendo la psicoanalítica su orientación teórica predominante. Se estima que un 85 por ciento del total de profesionales de la psicología son mujeres. Suman 24.878 los professionales en actividad - en su mayoría en el campo clínico - registrados en las instituciones correspondientes

Los psicólogos en la Argentina: datos cuantitativos / The psychologists in Argentina: quantitative data

Se presenta el informe parcial de un estudio del estado actual de la psicología en la Argentina. Según este estudio preliminar, en el país hay 36.128 psicólogos universitarios, diplomados (desde que se creó la carrera, en 1956, hasta 1992). Es decir que, para una población de 32,406.674 habitantes (según el censo de 1991), hay yn psicólogo cada 897 habitantes, o 111 psicólogos por 100.000 habitantes). Según su distribución geográfica, la mayor concentración se da en la ciudad de Buenos Aires, con un psicólogo cada 246 habitantes y la menor, en la provincia del Chaco, con un psicólogo cada 17.465 habitantes. Durante el año 1993, un total de 26.726 alumnos estudiaron psicología em todas las universidades del país, de los cuales 6.858 ingresaron en ese año. La mayoría de los profesionales trabaja en el campo clínico, siendo la psicoanalítica su orientación teórica predominante. Se estima que un 85 por ciento del total de profesionales de la psicología son mujeres. Suman 24.878 los professionales en actividad - en su mayoría en el campo clínico - registrados en las instituciones correspondientes (AU)