Characterization of Escherichia coli clinical isolates causing urinary tract infections in the community of Chilpancingo, Mexico

Escherichia coli is the main cause of urinary tract infections (UTI) in ambulatory patients, especially strains belonging to the B2 phylogenetic group and ST131 clonal group. Antibiotic treatment is usually administered empirically; however, it is not always effective due to bacterial multidrug resistance and the production of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). The aim of this study was to characterize E. coli clinical isolates from patients with UTI in a community of the State of Guerrero, Mexico. From January to August 2014, 134 clinical isolates of E. coli were recovered. Strain identification and antibiotic susceptibility were performed using the Vitek automated system. Phylogenetic and O25b-ST13 groups were determined by multiple PCR. Identification of the blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaSHV genes was performed by conventional PCR. We found that over 50% of the isolates were resistant to betalactams and quinolones, while 0 to 33% were resistant to aminoglycosides and nitrofurans, and 56.49% of the strains were ESBL producers. B2 phylogenetic group was the most predominant (43%) compared to the other groups. The prevalence of bla genes was: blaCTX-M 64.3%, blaSHV 41.4%, and blaTEM 54.3%. These results show a high percentage (55%) of multidrug-resistant strains isolated from UTI patients from the community in the city of Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico. [Int Microbiol 19(4): 209-215 (2016)]Keywords: Escherichia coli · urinary tract infections · β-lactamases · multidrug resistance · Chilpancingo (Mexico

Caracterización poblacional e identificación perceptual de riesgo psicosocial de docentes de una institución universitaria colombiana

This article presents some results of a perceptual study in which a population hired under teaching hour contracts, in a University Institution in Medellín (Colombia), was socioeconomically characterized. Then, It was studied the level of psychosocial risk to which this population is exposed, according to the variables of demand, control, social support, within the framework of the research project: “Relationship of the psychosocial risks within and outside work with the highest incidence in the population hired under teaching hour contract Politecnico Jaime Isaza Cadavid Colombian“.For collecting information, we used the “Batería de instrumentos para la evaluación de factores de riesgo psicosocial” (Ministerio de la Protección Social, 2010), which allowed to identify the characteristics of this population, and find, perceptually, some of the major risk and protective factors in this population.El presente artículo presenta algunos de los resultados de un estudio perceptual en el cual se caracterizó socioeconómicamente la población docente vinculada bajo la modalidad de horas cátedra en una institución universitaria de la ciudad de Medellín (Colombia), y se estudió el nivel de riesgo psicosocial al cual se encuentra expuesta dicha población de acuerdo con las variables demanda, control y apoyo social, en el marco del proyecto de investigación “Relación de los riesgos psicosociales intra y extralaborales con mayor incidencia en la población docente vinculada bajo la modalidad de hora cátedra en el Politécnico Colombiano Jaime Isaza Cadavid”. Para el levantamiento de la información se utilizó la “Batería de instrumentos para la evaluación de factores de riesgo psicosocial” (Ministerio de la Protección Social, 2010), que permitió identificar las características de esta población y encontrar perceptualmente algunos de los principales factores de riesgo y factores protectores en este grupo poblacional

Epocas de siembra de fríjol voluble (Phaseolus vulgaris) Cargamanto en relevo con maíz (Zea mays) en el oriente antioqueño.

En el Centro Regional de Investigación La Selva, localizado en el muncipio de Rionegro, departamento de Antioquia, Colombia, se realizó un estudio para determinar la mejor época de siembra de fríjol voluble (Phaseolus vulgaris) Cargamanto en relevo con maíz. Se efectuaron siembras periódicas cada 2 meses a partir de octubre de 1978 hasta agosto de 1980. La última siembra se recolectó en febrero de 1981. Como tutores se plantaron 4 genotipos de maíces obtenidos por el Programa de Maíz para clima frio moderado. Las siembras de estos tutores se hicieron periódicamente cada 2 meses, iniciando en febrero de 1978 para relevarlos 180 días después de la siembra. Los resultados indicaron que la mejor época para sembrar fríjol voluble Cargamanto fue en abril, con rendimiento de 1.428 kg/ha y en segundo lugar, la de agosto con 992 kg/haFríjol-Phaseolus vulgarisMaíz-Zea may

INVENTARIO FLORÍSTICO EN LA LAGUNA EL MAGUEY, PUERTO LA CRUZ, ESTADO ANZOÁTEGUI, VENEZUELA

La laguna El Maguey, ubicada en la zona norte de la ciudad de Puerto La Cruz, estado Anzoátegui, ocupa un área aproximada de 72 hectáreas. La vegetación está dominada por un bosque monoespecífico de mangle negro (Avicennia germinans (L.) L.), con su característica flora vascular asociada integrada por algunas especies leñosas aisladas, un estrato herbáceo de especies típicas de estos ambientes y un notable componente de vegetación secundaria, indicadora de intervención antrópica. El muestreo se realizó en unidades muestrales (ocho cuadratas) de 600 m2, ubicadas a lo largo de cuatro transectos de diferentes longitudes, dependiendo de los cambios florísticos y fisonómicos observados. Se identificaron 40 familias, 89 géneros y 105 especies de Magnoliophyta. Las familias mejor representadas según el número de especies fueron: Poaceae (14 spp.), Asteraceae (8 spp.), Euphorbiaceae (7 spp.), Amaranthaceae (5 spp.), Caesalpiniaceae (5 spp.), Cucurbitaceae (5 spp.), Malvaceae (5 spp.), Mimosaceae (5 spp.). El biotipo dominante corresponde a las hierbas (57,55%), seguidas de los arbustos (17,92%), árboles (13,21%) y las trepadoras (11,32%). PALABRAS CLAVE: Manglar, Mangle negro, laguna El Maguey, florística. ABSTRACT The El Maguey lake located in the north of the city of Puerto La Cruz, Anzoátegui State, occupies an area of approximately 72 hectares. The vegetation is dominated by black mangrove forest (Avicennia germinans (L.) L.) and associated vascular plants such as isolated woody species, herbaceous species typical of the lake environment and a significant secondary vegetation component, indicating anthropogenic intervention. The survey was carried out in sampling units of 600 m2 located along four transects of different lengths depending on the observed floristic and physiognomic changes. We identified 40 families, 90 genera and 106 species of angiosperms. The families with the highest species richness were: Poaceae (14 spp.), Asteraceae (8 spp), Euphorbiaceae (7 spp.), Amaranthaceae (5 spp.), Caesalpiniaceae (5 spp.), Cucurbitaceae (5 spp.), Malvaceae (5 spp.), and Mimosaceae (5 spp.). Herbaceous plants (57.55%) constitute the dominant biotype, followed by shrubs (17.92%), trees (13.21%), and climbing plants (11.32%). KEY WORDS: Mangrove, Black mangrove, El Maguey Lagoon, floristic

Diagnostic Performance Assessment of Saliva RT-PCR and Nasopharyngeal Antigen for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Peru

Widely available and reliable testing for SARS-CoV-2 is essential for the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We estimated the diagnostic performance of reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) performed on saliva and the SD Biosensor STANDARD Q antigen test performed on nasopharyngeal swab compared to the reference standard, nasopharyngeal swab (NP) RT-PCR. We enrolled participants living and/or seeking care in health facilities in North Lima, Peru from November 2020 to January 2021. Consenting participants underwent same-day RT-PCR on both saliva and nasopharyngeal swab specimens, antigen testing on a nasopharyngeal swab specimen, pulse oximetry, and standardized symptom assessment. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for the nasopharyngeal antigen and saliva RT-PCR compared to nasopharyngeal RT-PCR. Of 896 participants analyzed, 567 (63.3%) had acute signs/symptoms of COVID-19. The overall sensitivity and specificity of saliva RT-PCR were 85.8% and 98.1%, respectively. Among participants with and without acute signs/symptoms of COVID-19, saliva sensitivity was 87.3% and 37.5%, respectively. Saliva sensitivity was 97.4% and 56.0% among participants with cycle threshold (CT) values of #30 and .30 on nasopharyngeal RT-PCR, respectively. The overall sensitivity and specificity of nasopharyngeal antigen were 73.2% and 99.4%, respectively. The sensitivity of the nasopharyngeal antigen test was 75.1% and 12.5% among participants with and without acute signs/symptoms of COVID-19, and 91.2% and 26.7% among participants with CT values of #30 and .30 on nasopharyngeal RT-PCR, respectively. Saliva RT-PCR achieved the WHO-recommended threshold of .80% for sensitivity for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, while the SD Biosensor nasopharyngeal antigen test did not. IMPORTANCE In this diagnostic validation study of 896 participants in Peru, saliva reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) had .80% sensitivity for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 among all-comers and symptomatic individuals, while the SD Biosensor STANDARD Q antigen test performed on nasopharyngeal swab had,80% sensitivity, except for participants whose same-day nasopharyngeal RT-PCR results showed cycle threshold values of,30, consistent with a high viral load in the nasopharynx. The specificity was high for both tests. Our results demonstrate that saliva sampling could serve as an alternative noninvasive technique for RT-PCR diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. The role of nasopharyngeal antigen testing is more limited; when community transmission is low, it may be used for mass screenings among asymptomatic individuals with high testing frequency. Among symptomatic individuals, the nasopharyngeal antigen test may be relied upon for 4 to 8 days after symptom onset, or in those likely to have high viral load, whereupon it showed .80% sensitivity.Revisión por pare

Soluble concentrations of the terminal complement complex C5b-9 correlate with end-organ injury in preeclampsia

Q3Q1Pacientes embarazadas hipertensasObjective: We sought to determine if soluble levels of C5b-9, the terminal complement complex, correlate with end-organ injury in preeclampsia. Study Design: Project COPA (Complement and Preeclampsia in the Americas), a multi-center observational study in Colombia from 2015 to 2016, enrolled hypertensive pregnant women into four groups: chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and preeclampsia with severe features. Trained coordinators collected clinical data, blood and urine. End-organ injury was defined by serum creatinine ≥ 1.0 mg/dl, aspartate transaminase ≥ 70U/L, platelet count < 150,000/µl, or lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 500 U/L. Data were analyzed by χ2 or Fisher’s exact test with significance at P < 0.05. Main Outcome Measure: C5b-9 concentrations in plasma and urine, using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Results: In total, 298 hypertensive participants were enrolled. Plasma and urine C5b-9 levels were measured in all participants and stratified by quartile (Q1-4), from lowest to highest C5b-9 concentration. Participants with low plasma C5b-9 levels (Q1) were more likely to have end-organ injury compared to those with higher levels (Q2-Q4) [platelet count < 150,000/μl (20.8% vs. 8.4%, P = 0.01); elevated serum creatinine ≥ 1.0 mg/dl (14.9% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.009)]. In contrast, participants with high urinary C5b-9 levels (Q4) were more likely to have end-organ injury compared to those with lower levels (Q1-Q3) [platelet count < 150,000/μl (19.7% vs. 7.4%, P = 0.003); elevated serum creatinine ≥ 1.0 mg/dl (12.3% vs. 4.4%, P = 0.025)]. Conclusion: We identified a pattern of increased urine and low plasma C5b-9 levels in patients with preeclampsia and end-organ injury. Soluble C5b-9 levels may be used to identify complement-mediated end-organ injury in preeclampsia.https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6822-0374Revista Internacional - IndexadaA1N

Gestión del conocimiento. Perspectiva multidisciplinaria. Volumen 8

El libro “Gestión del Conocimiento. Perspectiva Multidisciplinaria”, volumen 8, de la Colección Unión Global, es resultado de investigaciones. Los capítulos del libro, son resultados de investigaciones desarrolladas por sus autores. El libro es una publicación internacional, seriada, continua, arbitrada de acceso abierto a todas las áreas del conocimiento, que cuenta con el esfuerzo de investigadores de varios países del mundo, orientada a contribuir con procesos de gestión del conocimiento científico, tecnológico y humanístico que consoliden la transformación del conocimiento en diferentes escenarios, tanto organizacionales como universitarios, para el desarrollo de habilidades cognitivas del quehacer diario. La gestión del conocimiento es un camino para consolidar una plataforma en las empresas públicas o privadas, entidades educativas, organizaciones no gubernamentales, ya sea generando políticas para todas las jerarquías o un modelo de gestión para la administración, donde es fundamental articular el conocimiento, los trabajadores, directivos, el espacio de trabajo, hacia la creación de ambientes propicios para el desarrollo integral de las instituciones

Relationship of Weather Types on the Seasonal and Spatial Variability of Rainfall, Runoff, and Sediment Yield in the Western Mediterranean Basin

Rainfall is the key factor to understand soil erosion processes, mechanisms, and rates. Most research was conducted to determine rainfall characteristics and their relationship with soil erosion (erosivity) but there is little information about how atmospheric patterns control soil losses, and this is important to enable sustainable environmental planning and risk prevention. We investigated the temporal and spatial variability of the relationships of rainfall, runoff, and sediment yield with atmospheric patterns (weather types, WTs) in the western Mediterranean basin. For this purpose, we analyzed a large database of rainfall events collected between 1985 and 2015 in 46 experimental plots and catchments with the aim to: (i) evaluate seasonal differences in the contribution of rainfall, runoff, and sediment yield produced by the WTs; and (ii) to analyze the seasonal efficiency of the different WTs (relation frequency and magnitude) related to rainfall, runoff, and sediment yield. The results indicate two different temporal patterns: the first weather type exhibits (during the cold period: autumn and winter) westerly flows that produce the highest rainfall, runoff, and sediment yield values throughout the territory; the second weather type exhibits easterly flows that predominate during the warm period (spring and summer) and it is located on the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula. However, the cyclonic situations present high frequency throughout the whole year with a large influence extended around the western Mediterranean basin. Contrary, the anticyclonic situations, despite of its high frequency, do not contribute significantly to the total rainfall, runoff, and sediment (showing the lowest efficiency) because of atmospheric stability that currently characterize this atmospheric pattern. Our approach helps to better understand the relationship of WTs on the seasonal and spatial variability of rainfall, runoff and sediment yield with a regional scale based on the large dataset and number of soil erosion experimental stations

Violent Governance, Identity and the Production of Legitimacy: Autodefensas in Latin America

This article examines the intersections of violence, governance, identity and legitimacy in relation to autodefensas (self-defence groups) in Latin America, focusing on Mexico and Colombia. By shifting focus from the question of where legitimacy lies to how it is produced and contested by a range of groups, we challenge the often presumed link between the state and legitimacy. We develop the idea of a field of negotiation and contestation, firstly, to discuss and critique the concept of state failure as not merely a Western hegemonic claim but also a strategic means of producing legitimacy by autodefensas. Secondly, we employ and enrich the notion of violent pluralism to discuss the pervasiveness of violence and the role of neoliberalism, and to address the question of non-violent practices of governance. We argue that the idea of a field of contestation and negotiation helps to understand the complexity of relationships that encompass the production of legitimacy and identity through (non)violent governance, whereby lines between (non)state, (non)violence, and (il)legitimacy blur and transform. Yet, we do not simply dismiss (binary) distinctions as these continue to be employed by groups in their efforts to produce, justify, challenge, contest and negotiate their own and others’ legitimacy and identity

Desviación respecto al óptimo teórico de la estructura de capital de las grandes empresas del sector químico colombiano

Este trabajo muestra la desviación de la estructura de capital de las compañías del sector químico colombiano de “Fabricación de pinturas, barnices y revestimientos similares, tintas para impresión y masillas” para 2008 frente a la estructura óptima de capital construida para una compañía tipo, en marcha, de este sector. El concepto “compañía tipo” hace referencia a la compañía estructurada con los estados financieros consolidados de las empresas más representativas del sector, pertenecientes a la muestra seleccionada para este análisis. Para lograr este objetivo, se utiliza un modelo de valoración y se desarrolla un modelo de calificación de riesgo crediticio que sirven de base para determinar la estructura óptima de capital para diferentes escenarios y la dispersión de las compañías seleccionadas frente a ésta. Estos resultados se acompañan de un análisis para encontrar la relación del apalancamiento con algunos de los factores determinantes para la estructura de capital.This work shows the deviation of the capital structure of companies in the Colombian chemical sector of manufacture of paints, varnishes and similar coatings, printing inks and mastics for 2008 compared to the optimum capital structure built for a company type in this sector. The term “company type’’ refers to a company structured with consolidated financial statements of the most representative companies in this sector, belonging to the sample selected for this analysis. To achieve this goal, we use a business valuation model and develop a model to qualify the credit risk that provide the basis to determine the optimum capital structure for different scenarios and the dispersion of the selected companies compared with it. These results are accompanied by an analysis to find the relationship of leverage with some of the determinants of capital structure