Breve análisis del impacto clínico y epidemiológico de la colonización nasal por staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina (sarm) en una serie de 63 pacientes oncológicos

Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina (SARM) aso¬cia una elevada morbimortalidad y elevados costes hospitalarios. Las repercusiones clíni¬cas en el paciente con cáncer tienen enorme trascendencia clínica. El control de los casos y la vigilancia epidemiológica son necesarios. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue analizar los pacientes infectados y/o colonizados por SARM y evaluar aquellos pacientes que estuvieron colonizados y posteriormente se infectaron o solo estuvieron colonizados. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de 63 pacientes infectados y/o colonizados por SARM del periodo de enero del 2011 a septiembre del 2012. Del total de estos 63 pacientes en los que se informó SARM (de cual¬quier localización), 23 (36,50%) estaban colonizados (SARM nasal +) y 40 (63,49%) no estaban colonizados (SARM nasal –). Del total de colonizados (23, SARM nasal +), 20 (86,95%) estaban infectados y 3 (13,04%) no infectados. Del total de los no coloni¬zados (40, SARM nasal –), 39 (97,50%) estaban infectados y 1 (2,50%) no estaba in¬fectado. Del total de todos los pacientes (63), 20 (31,70%) de ellos estaban colonizados e infectados. En nuestro estudio, un considerable número de pacientes infectados estaban colonizados (31,70%) y tuvieron que ser aislados, disparando de forma considerable los costes intrahospitalarios. La aplicación de medidas de control y el diagnóstico rápido son las principales estrategias que considerar para no repercutir de manera nega¬tiva en los pacientes y en el centro hospitalario.Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) associated with high morbility and mortality and high hospital costs. The clinical impact in pa¬tients with cancer has enormous clinical importance. The control cases and epidemio¬logical surveillance is needed. The aim of our study was to analyze patients infected and / or colonized by MRSA and evaluate patients who were colonized and subsequently infected or were only colonized. A retrospective study of 63 patients infected and / or colonized with MRSA was conducted for the period January 2011 to September 2012. Of these 63 patients in whom MRSA (from any location), 23 (36.50%) were colonized reported (MRSA nasal +) and 40 (63.49%) were not colonized (nasal MRSA -) . the total colonized (23, nasal MRSA +), 20 (86.95%) were infected and 3 (13.04%) uninfected. Of the total non-colonized (40, nasal MRSA -), 39 (97.50%) were infected and 1 (2.50%) were not infected. Of the total of all patients (63), 20 (31.70%) of them were colonized and infected. In our study, a considerable number of patients were colonized or in¬fected (31.70%) and had to be isolated, firing significantly in-hospital costs. The imple¬mentation of control measures and rapid diagnosis are the main strategies to consider to not impact negatively on patients and the hospital.Medicin

Bacteraemia in oncology patients. Reflections on the importance of the use of blood cultures

La bacteriemia se define como la presencia de bacterias de conocida patogenicidad en el torrente sanguíneo y se diagnostica mediante hemocultivos. El concepto de bacteriemia es estrictamente microbiológico y el de sepsis es principalmente clínico. La bacteriemia es una de las complicaciones más graves en los pacientes oncológicos. El coste y tratamiento hospitalario es elevado. La práctica de la extracción de hemocultivos, el uso de biomarcadores de infección y las técnicas de biología molecular son de gran utilidad en este tipo de pacientes.Bacteremia is defined as the presence of bacteria of known pathogenicity in the bloodstream and is diagnosed by blood cultures. The concept of bacteremia is strictly microbiological and sepsis is mainly clinical. Bacteremia is one of the most serious complications in cancer patients. The cost and hospital treatment is high. The practice of blood culture extraction, the use of biomarkers of infection and techniques of molecular biology are very useful in this type of patients.Medicin

Análisis del genotipado del virus del papiloma humano (vph16, vph18 y vph otros de alto riesgo) en lesiones pre-neoplásicas de cuello de útero.

El virus del papiloma humano (VPH) está implicado en patología tumoral femenina como es el cáncer de cuello de útero. La utilidad de las técnicas moleculares de detección del virus del papiloma humano (VPH) como cribado oportunista o no forman parte de los esquemas diagnósticos y terapéuticos de las sociedades oncológicas y ginecológicas más importantes. Se ha realizado un estudio retrospectivo de 600 citologías desde enero de 2013 hasta octubre de 2014. El método utilizado fue la PCR a tiempo real del cobas® 4800 System. El objetivo de nuestro estudio ha sido analizar la relación e implicación de las lesiones pre-tumorales (ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL, etc.), los resultados de la PCR (positiva o negativa), el tipo de virus (VPH16, VPH18 y VPH Otros) y la frecuencia de edades. Del total de 600 citologías, 228 fueron positivas (PCR positiva) y 372 negativas (PCR negativa). La descripción del tipo de lesiones se detalla en la tabla 1. En lesiones con VPH16 (+): 26 fueron ASC-US, 7 normales, 7 inflamación, 7 LSIL y otros sin interés; en cuanto a lesiones con VPH18 (+): 6 fueron normales, 2 ASC-US y el resto sin importancia. Y con respecto a VPH Otros genotipos (+): 46 fueron ASC-US, 30 LSIL, 31 normales, 19 inflamación y el resto de menor interés. En cuanto a la edad, se detectó un predominio de VPH16 (+) entre los 38-40 años y VPH Otros entre los 34-36 años o 40-44 años. En los resultados de lesiones globales, se obtuvieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas con una p < 0,05 entre las edades indicadas y diagnóstico de PCR (+)-VPH16/VPH Otros, así como las co-infecciones por varios genotipos virales. El cribado del VPH de alto riesgo y su genotipado es fundamental para el diagnóstico y tratamiento. Los métodos moleculares aprobados por la FDA y concretamente el cobas® 4800 System ofrecen excelentes garantías para los objetivos buscados (genotipado y cribado). Sorprende la alta prevalencia de VPH para otros virus de alto riesgo (31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 y 68) entre los 34-36/40-44 años y alta frecuencia de ASC-US con PCR positiva. En función de los resultados obtenidos, consideramos que es necesario realizar técnicas de biología molecular previas o de forma colateral a la observación de citologías y no a la inversa.Human papillomavirus (HPV) is involved in female tumor pathology such as cancer of the cervix. The usefulness of molecular techniques of detecting human papillomavirus (HPV) as opportunistic screening or not, viruses are part of the diagnostic and therapeutic regimens of the most important oncology and gynecological societies. There has been realized a retrospective study of 600 cytologies from January 2013 until October, 2014. The used method was the PCR in time royal of the cobas® 4800 System. The aims of our study have been to analyze the relation and implication of the pre-neoplasics injuries (ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL…), the results of the PCR (positive or negative), the type of virus (VPH16, VPH18 and different VPH) and the frequency of ages. Of the total of 600 cytologies, 228 were positive (PCR positive) and 372 negative (PCR negative). The description of the type of injury is detailed in Table 1. In lesions with HPV16 (+): ASC-US were 26, 7 standard, 7 inflammation, 7 LSIL and other uninteresting; for injury with HPV18 (+): 6 were normal, 2 ASC-US and the rest unimportant; and with respect to other HPV genotypes (+): 46 were ASC-US, 30 LSIL, 31 normally, 19 inflammation and other minor interest. As for age, predominance of HPV16 (+) between 38-40 years and HPV Other between 34-36 or 40-44 years was detected. Co-infections by various viral genotypes HPV16 / Other HPV, and - on the results of global injuries, differences were statistically significant at p <0.05 between the ages indicated and diagnostic PCR (+). Their genotyping and high-risk HPV screening is essential for diagnosis and treatment. Molecular methods approved by the FDA and specifically the cobas® 4800 System offer excellent warranties for the desired objectives (genotyping and screening). Surprised the high prevalence of HPV for other high-risk virus (31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68) between 34-36/40-44 years and high frequency of ASC-US with positive PCR. Depending on the results, we believe that it is necessary to perform molecular biology techniques previous or collateral form of Cytology observation and not vice versa.Medicin

CuH-ZSM-5 as Hydrocarbon Trap under Cold Start Conditions

Cold start tests are carried out to evaluate the performance of copper-exchanged zeolites as hydrocarbon traps under simulated gasoline car exhaust gases, paying special attention to the role of copper in the performance of these zeolites. It is concluded that the partial substitution of the protons in the parent H-ZSM-5 zeolite is highly beneficial for hydrocarbon trapping due to the formation of selective adsorption sites with specific affinity for the different exhaust components. However, it is also observed that uncontrolled exchanging process conditions could lead to the presence of CuO nanoparticles in the zeolite surface, which seem to block the pore structure of the zeolite, decreasing the hydrocarbon trap efficiency. Among all the zeolites studied, the results point out that a CuH-ZSM-5 with a partial substitution of extra-framework protons by copper cations and without any detectable surface CuO nanoparticles is the zeolite that showed the best performance under simulated cold start conditions due to both the high stability and the hydrocarbon retaining capacity of this sample during the consecutive cycles

Housekeeping genes essential for pantothenate biosynthesis are plasmid-encoded in Rhizobium etli and Rhizobium leguminosarum

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A traditional concept in bacterial genetics states that housekeeping genes, those involved in basic metabolic functions needed for maintenance of the cell, are encoded in the chromosome, whereas genes required for dealing with challenging environmental conditions are located in plasmids. Exceptions to this rule have emerged from genomic sequence data of bacteria with multipartite genomes. The genome sequence of <it>R. etli </it>CFN42 predicts the presence of <it>panC </it>and <it>panB </it>genes clustered together on the 642 kb plasmid p42f and a second copy of <it>panB </it>on plasmid p42e. They encode putative pantothenate biosynthesis enzymes (pantoate-β-alanine ligase and 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoate hydroxymethyltransferase, respectively). Due to their ubiquitous distribution and relevance in the central metabolism of the cell, these genes are considered part of the core genome; thus, their occurrence in a plasmid is noteworthy. In this study we investigate the contribution of these genes to pantothenate biosynthesis, examine whether their presence in plasmids is a prevalent characteristic of the <it>Rhizobiales </it>with multipartite genomes, and assess the possibility that the <it>panCB </it>genes may have reached plasmids by horizontal gene transfer.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Analysis of mutants confirmed that the <it>panC </it>and <it>panB </it>genes located on plasmid p42f are indispensable for the synthesis of pantothenate. A screening of the location of <it>panCB </it>genes among members of the <it>Rhizobiales </it>showed that only <it>R. etli </it>and <it>R. leguminosarum </it>strains carry <it>panCB </it>genes in plasmids. The <it>panCB </it>phylogeny attested a common origin for chromosomal and plasmid-borne <it>panCB </it>sequences, suggesting that the <it>R. etli </it>and <it>R. leguminosarum panCB </it>genes are orthologs rather than xenologs. The <it>panCB </it>genes could not totally restore the ability of a strain cured of plasmid p42f to grow in minimal medium.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study shows experimental evidence that core <it>panCB </it>genes located in plasmids of <it>R. etli </it>and <it>R. leguminosarum </it>are indispensable for the synthesis of pantothenate. The unusual presence of <it>panCB </it>genes in plasmids of <it>Rhizobiales </it>may be due to an intragenomic transfer from chromosome to plasmid. Plasmid p42f encodes other functions required for growth in minimal medium. Our results support the hypothesis of cooperation among different replicons for basic cellular functions in multipartite rhizobia genomes.</p

Chemical composition and bioactivity potential of the new endosequence BC Sealer formulación hiflow

Aim To evaluate in a laboratory setting the effects of Endosequence BC Sealer HiFlow (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA, USA), a novel calcium silicate-based sealer developed for use in warm canal filling techniques, on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). Methodology Eluates of EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow (BCHiF) (Brasseler USA), EndoSequence BC Sealer (BCS) (Brasseler USA) and AH Plus (AHP) (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany), were placed in contact with hPDLSCs. The characterisation of the chemical elements of the root canal sealers was assessed using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the ion release of the sealers. MTT assay and wound healing techniques were used to determine cell viability and migration, respectively. Cell morphology and cell attachment were assessed using a direct contact technique of hPDLSCs onto the surface of the sealers and analysed by SEM. The bioactivity potential was carried out with the Alizarin Red and qPCR testing methods. The statistical differences were evaluated using one-way ANOVA and Tukey´s test (p0.05). Both BCS and BCHiF had similar rates of cell migration to the control group at 24 and 48 hours. Cell morphology and adhesion capacity were also similar for BCS and BCHiF groups, while the AHP group was associated with reduced adhesion capacity. The Alizarin Red assay revealed a significant difference between the BCS and the control group (p<0.001), as well as for the BCHiF group (p<0.001). Finally, BCS and BCHiF promoted overexpression of osteo/cementogenic genes. Conclusions In general, EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow possesses suitable biological properties to be safely used as a root canal filling material and promote increased expression of oste/cementogenic genes by hPDLSCs

Introducción a las redes neuronales de convolución. Aplicación a la visión por ordenador

Se realiza una explicación de los funcionamientos de una red neuronal junto con su historia y una comparación teórico práctica con la estadística clásica. Seguido de una introducción a las redes neuronales de convolución.Se finaliza el trabajo con el desarrollo de una red neuronal convolucional para la clasificación de tickets mediante imágenes.<br /

Prospective associations between a priori dietary patterns adherence and kidney function in an elderly Mediterranean population at high cardiovascular risk

Purpose To assess the association between three diferent a priori dietary patterns adherence (17-item energy reduced Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), Trichopoulou-MedDiet and Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH)), as well as the Protein Diet Score and kidney function decline after one year of follow-up in elderly individuals with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods We prospectively analyzed 5675 participants (55–75 years) from the PREDIMED-Plus study. At baseline and at one year, we evaluated the creatinine-based estimated glomerular fltration rate (eGFR) and food-frequency questionnaires derived dietary scores. Associations between four categories (decrease/maintenance and tertiles of increase) of each dietary pattern and changes in eGFR (ml/min/1.73m2 ) or≥10% eGFR decline were assessed by ftting multivariable linear or logistic regression models, as appropriate. Results Participants in the highest tertile of increase in 17-item erMedDiet Score showed higher upward changes in eGFR (β: 1.87 ml/min/1.73m2 ; 95% CI: 1.00–2.73) and had lower odds of≥10% eGFR decline (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.47–0.82) compared to individuals in the decrease/maintenance category, while Trichopoulou-MedDiet and DASH Scores were not associated with any renal outcomes. Those in the highest tertile of increase in Protein Diet Score had greater downward changes in eGFR (β: − 0.87 ml/min/1.73m2 ; 95% CI: − 1.73 to − 0.01) and 32% higher odds of eGFR decline (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.00–1.75). Conclusions Among elderly individuals with overweight/obesity and MetS, only higher upward change in the 17-item erMedDiet score adherence was associated with better kidney function after one year. However, increasing Protein Diet Score appeared to have an adverse impact on kidney health. Trial Registration Number: ISRCTN89898870 (Data of registration: 2014)

Effect on Intermediary Metabolism and Digestive Parameters of the High Substitution of Fishmeal with Insect Meal in Sparus aurata Feed

The depletion of traditional protein sources and the impact this causes on the production costs of aquaculture feed make it necessary to find alternative materials that allow for the sustainability of production. Among various proposals, insects have drawn scholarly attention because of their high protein content and the efficiency of their production, both from an environmental and an economic perspective. However, nutritional changes in fish diets require further clarification regarding the effect of this new ingredient in fish performance and physiology. In this study, we evaluated the use of two insect meal species, Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor, for the partial replacement of fishmeal, as well as their influence on growth indices and the gut microbiome. Although the results showed a worsening of biometric parameters and a modification of the microbial community, the impact was different depending on the insect species and their rearing conditions. Thus, specific studies for each case are recommended.Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor were tested on account of their potential to replace fish protein in feed. Two levels of replacement for H. illucens, 30% and 50% (H30 and H50), and one for T. molitor, 50% (T50), as well as an additional diet with a modified fatty acid fraction (H50M), were investigated in relation to juvenile Sparus aurata growth indices, enzyme activities and gut microbiome. A T50 diet showed similar results to a control (C) diet, with no significant differences regarding morphological indices and minor differences for nutritional indices. Regarding the gut microbiome, H50M was the diet which showed the more similar prokaryotic community to C, which suggests that fatty acid fractions might influence the composition of the gut microbiome. Nevertheless, differences appeared to be related to a redistribution of dominant species, while changes in species affiliation were limited to minoritary species. The positive correlation between some of these minoritary species (Peptostreptococcus russellii, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Weisella confusa) and several fish growth parameters might explain differences between control and insect diets. Deciphering such uncertainty and revealing the potential role these unusual species may play on fish performance should be addressed in future investigations.INIA (Spanish Agricultural and Agro-Food Research Institute)Project RTA 2015-00021-C03-02 and FEDER fundsEuropean Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and Consejeria de Agricultura, Pesca y Desarrollo Rural, OPP71