Unraveling the ecological processes modulating the population structure of Escherichia coli in a highly polluted urban stream network

Escherichia coli dynamics in urban watersheds are affected by a complex balance among external inputs, niche modulation and genetic variability. To explore the ecological processes influencing E. coli spatial patterns, we analyzed its abundance and phylogenetic structure in water samples from a stream network with heterogeneous urban infrastructure and environmental conditions. Our results showed that environmental and infrastructure variables, such as macrophyte coverage, DIN and sewerage density, mostly explained E. coli abundance. Moreover, main generalist phylogroups A and B1 were found in high proportion, which, together with an observed negative relationship between E. coli abundance and phylogroup diversity, suggests that their dominance might be due to competitive exclusion. Lower frequency phylogroups were associated with sites of higher ecological disturbance, mainly involving simplified habitats, higher drainage infrastructure and septic tank density. In addition to the strong negative relationship between phylogroup diversity and dominance, the occurrence of these phylogroups would be associated with increased facilitated dispersal. Nutrients also contributed to explaining phylogroup distribution. Our study proposes the differential contribution of distinct ecological processes to the patterns of E. coli in an urban watershed, which is useful for the monitoring and management of fecal pollution.Fil: Saraceno, Martín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Gómez Lugo, Sebastian. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución; ArgentinaFil: Ortiz, Nicolás. Provincia de Mendoza. Ministerio de Infraestructura y Vivienda. Secretaria de Obras Publicas. Instituto Nacional del Agua; ArgentinaFil: Gómez, Bárbara M.. Provincia de Mendoza. Ministerio de Infraestructura y Vivienda. Secretaria de Obras Publicas. Instituto Nacional del Agua; ArgentinaFil: Sabio y García, Carmen Alejandra. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Frankel, Nicolás. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias; ArgentinaFil: Graziano, Martín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Antibacterial polypropylene mesh fixation with a cyanoacrylate adhesive improves its response to infection

22 p.Background: Antibacterial meshes for hernia repair seek to avoid infection in the patient. As thesebiomaterials are especially prone to bacteria settling at their sutured borders, this study examines whether the use of a cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive could improve mesh behavior at the fixation zones. Methods: First, antibacterial polypropylene meshes were prepared by soaking in 0.05% chlorhexidine, and the response of n-hexyl cyanoacrylate to contamination with Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 was assessed in vitro. Then, in a preclinical model, partial defects (5 x 3 cm) were created in the abdominal wall of 18 New Zealand White rabbits and repaired with mesh to establish the following 3 study groups: (1) mesh without chlorhexidine fixed with cyanoacrylate, (2) antibacterial mesh fixed with sutures, and (3) antibacterial mesh fixed with cyanoacrylate (n = 6 each). The implants were inoculated with 106 CFU/ mL of S aureus. At 14 days after surgery, bacterial adhesion to the implant and its integration within host tissue were determined through microbiological, histological and immunohistochemical procedures. Results: As observed in vitro, the cyanoacrylate gave rise to a 1.5-cm bacteria-free margin around the prosthetic mesh. In vivo, the tissue adhesive prevented bacterial adhesion to the fixation zones, reducing infection of chlorhexidine-free meshes and optimizing the efficacy of the antibacterial meshes compared with those fixed with sutures. Conclusion: These findings indicated that cyanoacrylate fixation does not affect mesh integration into the host tissue. Likewise, the antibacterial behavior and tissue response of a chlorhexidine-treated polypropylene mesh is improved when cyanoacrylate is used for its fixation.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidade

Antibacterial biopolymer gel coating on meshes used for abdominal hernia repair promotes effective wound repair in the presence of infection

14 p.Prosthetic mesh infection is a devastating complication of abdominal hernia repair which impairs natural healing in the implant area, leading to increased rates of patient morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospitalization. This preclinical study was designed to assess the effects on abdominal wall tissue repair of coating meshes with a chlorhexidine or rifampicin-carboxymethylcellulose biopolymer gel in a Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection model. Partial abdominal wall defects were created in New Zealand white rabbits (n = 20). Four study groups were established according to whether the meshes were coated or not with each of the antibacterial gels. Three groups were inoculated with S. aureus and finally repaired with lightweight polypropylene mesh. Fourteen days after surgery, implanted meshes were recovered for analysis of the gene and protein expression of collagens, macrophage phenotypes, and mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Compared to uncoated meshes, those coated with either biopolymer gel showed higher collagen 1/3 messenger RNA and collagen I protein expression, relatively increased VEGF mRNA expression, a significantly reduced macrophage response, and lower relative amounts of MMPs mRNAs. Our findings suggest that following mesh implant these coatings may help improving abdominal wall tissue repair in the presence of infectionMinisterio de Ciencia e Innovació

Conocimientos de la población acerca de la tuberculosis pulmonar

Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal en el periodo comprendido de enero del 2007 a febrero del 2008 con la finalidad de determinar el nivel general de conocimientos de la población sobre la Tuberculosis pulmonar y su relación con las variables demográficas sexo, edad, y nivel de escolaridad, así como la participación del Consultorio del médico de la familia en la transmisión de información. Se aplicó un cuestionario a 486 personas de la zona urbana de Güines de tres consultorios de donde proceden los casos de tuberculosis Pulmonar reportados en el 2007. Predominó un nivel medio general de conocimientos sobre la enfermedad, con valores significativos en el sexo femenino, en personas de 45 a 50 años de edad y con niveles de escolaridad de preuniversitario y universitario. Se detectó una insuficiente transmisión de información por parte del Consultorio Médico de la familia. Este estudio resulta necesario para el fortalecimiento del programa de Control de la tuberculosis en Cuba

Lysyl oxidase-like 3 is required for melanoma cell survival by maintaining genomic stability

Lysyl oxidase-like 3 (LOXL3) is a member of the lysyl oxidase family comprising multifunctional enzymes with depicted roles in extracellular matrix maturation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. In silico expression analyses followed by experimental validation in a comprehensive cohort of human cell lines revealed a significant upregulation of LOXL3 in human melanoma. We show that LOXL3 silencing impairs cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in various melanoma cell lines. Further supporting a pro-oncogenic role in melanoma, LOXL3 favors tumor growth in vivo and cooperates with oncogenic BRAF in melanocyte transformation. Upon LOXL3 depletion, melanoma cells display a faulty DNA damage response (DDR), characterized by ATM checkpoint activation and inefficient ATR activation leading to the accumulation of double-strand breaks (DSBs) and aberrant mitosis. Consistent with these findings, LOXL3 binds to proteins involved in the maintenance of genome integrity, in particular BRCA2 and MSH2, whose levels dramatically decrease upon LOXL3 depletion. Moreover, LOXL3 is required for efficient DSB repair in melanoma cells. Our results reveal an unexpected role for LOXL3 in the control of genome stability and melanoma progression, exposing its potential as a novel therapeutic target in malignant melanoma, a very aggressive condition yet in need for more effective treatment options

Demografia e imunologia de variantes fenotípicas da alergia em pacientes atópicos com idade entre 1 e 5 anos. Granma. 2012-2018

An analytical study was carried out in the Allergy Service of the Ambulatory Medical Center of Granma, in the period 2012-2018, with the aim of demographically and immunologically characterizing the phenotypic variants of allergy in 224 patients from 1 to 5 years of age. Age, sex, IgA, IgG and IgE value, complement components C3 and C4, total leukogram value, and eosinophils in blood and nasal mucosa were studied, as well as the clinical diagnosis of each phenotypic variant of allergy. Statistical processing included descriptive statistics. In addition, inferential statistics was used in the performance of bivariate analyzes through CHI 2 to identify an association with p <0.05. There were no differences in terms of sex and children of 4 and 5 years of age predominated. The order of frequency of the different phenotypes of allergic diseases was, from highest to lowest, allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, allergic conjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis. In the patients studied, elevated IgE and eosinophil values predominated in nasal and blood cytology and normal IgA, IgG, C3, C4 and total leukocyte count.Se realizó un estudio analítico, en el Servicio de Alergia del Centro Médico Ambulatorio de Granma, en el periodo 2012-2018, con el objetivo de caracterizar demográfica e inmunológicamente las variantes fenotípicas de alergia en 224 pacientes de 1 a 5 años de edad. Se estudiaron: edad, sexo, valor de IgA, IgG e IgE, componentes C3 y C4 del complemento, valor de leucograma total, y eosinófilos en sangre y en mucosa nasal, así como el diagnóstico clínico de cada variante fenotípica de alergia. El procesamiento estadístico incluyó estadística descriptiva. Además, se empleó estadística inferencial en la realización de análisis bivariables a través de CHI2 para identificar asociación con p< 0,05. No existieron diferencias en cuanto a sexo y predominaron los niños de 4 y 5 años de edad. El orden de frecuencia de los diferentes fenotipos de enfermedades alérgicas fue, de mayor a menor, rinitis alérgica, asma bronquial, conjuntivitis alérgica y dermatitis atópica. En los pacientes estudiados predominaron los valores elevados de IgE y de eosinófilos en citología nasal y en sangre y normales de IgA, IgG, C3, C4 y la cuenta leucocitaria total.Foi realizado um estudo analítico no Serviço de Alergia do Centro Médico Ambulatorial de Granma, no período 2012-2018, com o objetivo de caracterizar demograficamente e imunologicamente as variantes fenotípicas da alergia em 224 pacientes de 1 a 5 anos de idade. Foram estudados idade, sexo, valor de IgA, IgG e IgE, componentes do complemento C3 e C4, valor total de leucograma e eosinófilos no sangue e mucosa nasal, além do diagnóstico clínico de cada variante fenotípica da alergia. O processamento estatístico incluiu estatística descritiva. Além disso, a estatística inferencial foi utilizada na realização de análises bivariadas através do CHI 2 para identificar uma associação com p <0,05. Não houve diferenças quanto ao sexo e predominaram crianças de 4 e 5 anos. A ordem de frequência dos diferentes fenótipos de doenças alérgicas foi, da mais alta à mais baixa, rinite alérgica, asma brônquica, conjuntivite alérgica e dermatite atópica. Nos pacientes estudados, os valores elevados de IgE e eosinófilos predominaram na citologia nasal e sanguínea e em IgA normal, IgG, C3, C4 e contagem total de leucócitos

The transcription factor DDIT3 is a potential driver of dyserythropoiesis in myelodysplastic syndromes

Haematopoietic stem cells; Myelodysplastic syndrome; TranscriptomicsCèl·lules mare hematopoètiques; Síndrome mielodisplàstic; TranscriptòmicaCélulas madre hematopoyéticas; Síndrome mielodisplásico; TranscriptómicaMyelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) malignancies characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, with increased incidence in older individuals. Here we analyze the transcriptome of human HSCs purified from young and older healthy adults, as well as MDS patients, identifying transcriptional alterations following different patterns of expression. While aging-associated lesions seem to predispose HSCs to myeloid transformation, disease-specific alterations may trigger MDS development. Among MDS-specific lesions, we detect the upregulation of the transcription factor DNA Damage Inducible Transcript 3 (DDIT3). Overexpression of DDIT3 in human healthy HSCs induces an MDS-like transcriptional state, and dyserythropoiesis, an effect associated with a failure in the activation of transcriptional programs required for normal erythroid differentiation. Moreover, DDIT3 knockdown in CD34+ cells from MDS patients with anemia is able to restore erythropoiesis. These results identify DDIT3 as a driver of dyserythropoiesis, and a potential therapeutic target to restore the inefficient erythroid differentiation characterizing MDS patients.This work was supported by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III and co-financed by ERDF A way of making Europe (PI17/00701, and PI20/01308) (F.P.) and (PI19/00726) (T.E.), CIBERONC (CB16/12/00489) (F.P.); Gobierno de Navarra (AGATA 0011-1411-2020-000010/0011-1411-2020-000011 and DIANA 0011-1411-2017-000028/0011-1411-2017-000029/0011-1411-2017-000030) (F.P.); Fundación La Caixa (GR-NET NORMAL-HIT HR20-00871) (F.P.); and Cancer Research UK [C355/A26819], FC AECC and AIRC under the Accelerator Award Program, and MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by ERDF A way of making Europe [RTI2018-101708-A-I00] (M.H.). Moreover, this work was supported by PhD fellowships from Gobierno de Navarra (0011-0537-2019-000001) (N.B.), and (0011-0537-2020-000022) (A.D.-M.); a PhD fellowship from Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (FPU18/05488) (M.A.); an Investigador AECC award from the Fundación AECC (INVES19059EZPO) (T.E.), H2020 Marie S. Curie IF Action, European Commission, Grant Agreement No. 898356 (M.H.); and by grants RYC2018-025502-I (A.A.) and PRE2018-084542 (R.R.) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by ESF Investing in your future. We particularly acknowledge the patients and healthy donors for their participation in this study, and the Biobank of the University of Navarra for its collaboration

La psicoterapia frente al bienestar y al malestar

El bienestar y el malestar están intrínsecamente unidos. Uno no se puede entender sin el otro. El desafío para la psicoterapia está en comprender la relación dialéctica entre estos dos estados psicosomáticos en el ser humano y actuar en consecuencia para apoyar el desarrollo de modos de vida saludables, armónicos, funcionales y plenos. A partir de una perspectiva amplia, abierta e interdisciplinaria, este volumen se enfoca en lograr una mejor comprensión de las diferentes dimensiones presentes en la situación de los consultantes, y la búsqueda de las mejores rutas de acceso a la intervención en favor del bienestar personal y social. Para ello, se abordan desde los aspectos teóricos de los debates en torno al bienestar hasta las cuestiones subjetivas que impactan en el ser humano y las alternativas psicoterapéuticas para propiciar el que se alcance este estado ideal, en aspectos como la vida cotidiana y familiar, así como para sobrellevar situaciones de duelo o confrontar conductas suicidas, ya sea por la atención directa y la práctica clínica o a través de la interacción con el paciente mediante la novedosa ciberterapia. Una obra recomendable para profesionales de la psicoterapia y la salud psicosocial, así como para estudiantes y docentes en este campo.ITESO. A.C

Search for neutral Higgs bosons in events with multiple bottom quarks at the Tevatron

The combination of searches performed by the CDF and D0 collaborations at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider for neutral Higgs bosons produced in association with b quarks is reported. The data, corresponding to 2:6 fb 1 of integrated luminosity at CDF and 5:2 fb 1 at D0, have been collected in final states containing three or more b jets. Upper limits are set on the cross section multiplied by the branching ratio varying between 44 pb and 0.7 pb in the Higgs boson mass range 90 to 300 GeV, assuming production of a narrow scalar boson. Significant enhancements to the production of Higgs bosons can be found in theories beyond the standard model, for example, in supersymmetry. The results are interpreted as upper limits in the parameter space of the minimal supersymmetric standard model in a benchmark scenario favoring this decay mode.We thank the Fermilab staff and technical staffs of the participating institutions for their vital contributions and acknowledge support from the DOE and NSF (USA), ARC (Australia), CNPq, FAPERJ, FAPESP and FUNDUNESP (Brazil), NSERC (Canada), NSC, CAS and CNSF (China), Colciencias (Colombia), MSMT and GACR (Czech Republic), the Academy of Finland, CEA and CNRS/ IN2P3 (France), BMBF and DFG (Germany), DAE and DST (India), SFI (Ireland), INFN (Italy), MEXT (Japan), the Korean World Class University Program and NRF (Korea), CONACyT (Mexico), FOM (Netherlands), MON, NRC KI and RFBR (Russia), the Slovak R&D Agency, the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacio´n, and Programa Consolider-Ingenio 2010 (Spain), The Swedish Research Council (Sweden), SNSF (Switzerland), STFC and the Royal Society (United Kingdom), and the A. P Sloan Foundation (USA)