Design of a vaccine against dengue and Zika viruses based on a mimotope of the envelope dimer epitope

Zika and dengue viruses are members of the Flavivirus genus that cause mild fever, rash and general body pain; but can cause severe reactions, as hemorrhages (dengue virus), congenital syndrome (Zika virus), or even death. Because of the structural similarity between these viruses, some antibodies generated after an infection can cross-react with different members of the flavivirus family. After a secondary infection, the cross-reactive antibodies can lead to more severe forms of the disease, through a mechanism named antibody-dependent enhancement of infection (ADE). Broadly neutralizing antibodies are antibodies that neutralize both, dengue and Zika viruses; and it has been demonstrated that they do not induce ADE. These antibodies are directed to a discontinuous quaternary epitope named the Envelope Dimer Epitope (EDE)1, located in the envelope (E) protein. To obtain the EDE, it is necessary to express the complete E protein, which contains other epitopes that induce ADE. This study aims to generate a peptide that emulates the EDE epitope structure (mimotope) in order to be used as a dual vaccine against dengue and Zika viruses; without causing ADE. Please click Download on the upper right corner to see the full abstract

Endothelial Damage in Sepsis: The Importance of Systems Biology

The early diagnosis and appropriate stratification of sepsis continues to be one of the most important challenges in modern medicine. Single isolated biomarkers have not been enough to improve diagnostic and prognostic strategies and to progress toward therapeutic goals. The information generated by the human genome project has allowed a more holistic approach to the problem. The integration of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics in sepsis has allowed us to progress in the knowledge of new pathways which are pathophysiologically involved in this disease. Thus, we have understood the importance of and complex interaction between the inflammatory response and the endothelium. Understanding the role of important parts of the microcirculation, such as the endothelial glycocalyx and its interaction with the inflammatory response, has provided early recognition elements for clinical practice that allow the rational use of traditional medical interventions in sepsis. This comprehensive approach, which differs from the classical mechanistic approach, uses systems biology to increase the diagnostic and prognostic spectrum of endothelial damage biomarkers in sepsis, and to provide information on new pathways involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. This, in turn, provides tools for perfecting traditional medical interventions, using them at the appropriate times according to the disease's pathophysiological context, while at the same time discovering new and improved therapeutic alternatives. We have the challenge of transferring this ideal scenario to our daily clinical practice to improve our patients' care. The purpose of this article is to provide a general description of the importance of systems biology in integrating the complex interaction between the endothelium and the inflammatory response in sepsis

A Useful allene for the stereoselective synthesis of protected quaternary 2-amino-2-vinyl-1,3-diols

Treatment of readily available allene 1 with Cy2BH followed by addition of an aldehyde led to quaternary protected 2-amino-2-vinyl-1,3-diols in high yield and excellent stereochemical purity. The choice of benzoyl as N-protecting group is critical since the observed N- to O-Bz transfer during the process prevents later undesired isomerizations in the adducts and keeps all heteroatoms protected

Validez y utilidad diagnóstica de la escala EAT-26 para la evaluación del riesgo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en población femenina de Medellín, Colombia

ResumenObjetivoEvaluar la validez y la utilidad diagnóstica de la escala EAT-26 para la evaluación del riesgo de trastornos de conducta alimentaria (TCA) en población femenina.DiseñoEstudio observacional de validación de pruebas.EmplazamientoRealizado en la ciudad de Medellín en nivel de atención comunitaria de consulta psiquiátrica mixta (pública y privada).ParticipantesVeinticinco mujeres con edades entre 15 y 25años que cumplieran criterios DSM-IV-TR para anorexia y bulimia nerviosa y 111controles sin TCA.Mediciones principalesLa muestra de casos fue por conveniencia y en controles, aleatoria simple. Se comparó el «criterio de oro» (entrevista estructurada por psiquiatra para determinar el cumplimiento o no de criterios de inclusión de caso de TCA) con el EAT-26, y al instrumento se le hizo validación cultural y semántica, validación factorial, evaluación de confiabilidad, así como determinación del mejor punto de corte por medio de la curva ROC.ResultadosEn EAT-26 subyacen 4dominios: bulimia, dieta, preocupación por la comida y control oral. El alfa de Cronbach fue de 92,1%, y el mejor valor de corte, el de 11 y más puntos (sensibilidad del 100% y especificidad del 85,6%).ConclusiónEl EAT-26 modificado y abreviado es un instrumento multidimensional, con excelentes valores de confiabilidad y sensibilidad, y con un adecuado valor de especificidad, apropiado para el cribado de posible TCA en población de riesgo y útil en atención primaria para su detección temprana en mujeres jóvenes.AbstractObjectiveTo establish diagnostic validity and usefulness of EAT-26 for the risk assessment of Eating Disorder (ED) in a female population.DescriptionObservational validation study questionnaire.SettingPerformed in a Medellin city community care level of mixed (public and private) psychiatric consultation.SubjectsTwenty five subjects aged 15 to 25 with DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for anorexia and bulimia nervosa and 111 controls without ED.Main outcomes measuresThe case sample was for convenience and in controls an aleatory simple one. Gold standard (structured psychiatrist interview confirming the fulfillment of ED case inclusion criteria) was compared with EAT-26 questionnaire; reliability was assessed, cultural, semantics and factorial validation was made and the best cut-off score was established with the ROC curve.ResultsFour domains remain in the instrument: bulimia, dieting, food preoccupation and oral control. The Cronbach's alpha was 92.1% and a score of 11 and over is the best cut-off (sensitivity 100%, and specificity 85.6%).ConclusionsThis modified and abbreviated EAT-26 questionnaire is an ideal multidimensional instrument for ED screening in risk population, with excellent reliability and sensitivity values and satisfactory specificity. EAT-26 is a useful measure to be considered when strategies for ED early detection are implemented in young women

Cuando la observación se vuelve una técnica compleja : ¿Por qué y para qué un Observatorio de Conflictividad Laboral en Mendoza?

La construcción de datos que hacían al espacio regional rico en singularidades y expresiones nos dio pie para postular una nueva hipótesis: que la conflictividad expresa de modo sintético la deriva propia de cada formación social y que por tanto, es necesario seguir su pulso en cada espacio provincial en especial. Por ello nos abocamos a construir y consolidar la Red de Observatorios de Conflictividad Social nacional que hoy integramos con otras universidades públicas y que comenzó con un trabajo de compatibilización entre los observatorios de Mendoza, Córdoba y del Derecho Social – CTA, Buenos Aires (actualmente integrados también por Comahue, San Juan y Mar del Plata). En esta ocasión queremos poner en consideración la potencialidad de resultados que posibilita la técnica empleada así como las críticas (sobre todo al modo de registro y a las fuentes mediáticas utilizadas) a las que el mismo se ve expuesta. Pretendemos discutir los alcances del observatorio como instrumento donde convergen varias técnicas y la necesidad de interpretación constante de su sistematización por parte del equipo responsable. También exponer las limitaciones de la 'medición' del conflicto sobre la base de sus supuestos epistemológicos para sostener como horizonte la procesualidad que permite captar en relación al movimiento de la conflictividad social. En síntesis, a partir de los resultados alcanzados, las unidades de análisis tomadas y las unidades de observación estimamos realizar un análisis reflexivo sobre lo que oculta y lo que visibiliza un observatorio abocado a esta temática en especial.Finalmente, mostraremos la matriz de datos y algunos resultados alcanzados con el fin de ilustrar y sostener los beneficios de esta propuesta.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Burnout Levels in Intensive Care Unit Nurses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nursing is considered to be an at-risk profession of burnout due to daily exposure to difficult situations such as death and pain care. In addition, some units such as the intensive care unit (ICU), can be stressful due to high levels of morbidity and mortality and ethical dilemmas. Burnout causes a deterioration in quality of care, increasing the risk of mortality in patients due to poor performance and errors in the healthcare environment. The aim of this study was to analyse the levels, prevalence and related factors of burnout in ICU nurses. A systematic review and metaanalysis were carried out in the Medline, Scopus and CINAHL databases. Fifteen articles were found for the systematic review and four for the meta-analysis. With a sample of n = 1986 nurses, the meta-analytic estimate prevalence for high emotional exhaustion was 31% (95% CI, 8–59%), for high depersonalization was 18% (95% CI, 8–30%), and for low personal accomplishment was 46% (95% CI, 20–74%). Within the dimensions of burnout, emotional exhaustion had a significant relationship with depression and personality factors. Both sociodemographic factors (being younger, single marital status, and having less professional experience in ICU) and working conditions (workload and working longer hours) influence the risk of burnout syndrome

Glucose levels as a mediator of the detrimental effect of abdominal obesity on relative handgrip strength in older adults

Excess central adiposity accelerates the decline of muscle strength in older people. Additionally, hyperglycemia, independent of associated comorbidities, is related to the loss of muscle mass and strength, and contributes to functional impairment in older adults. We studied the mediation effect of glucose levels, in the relationship between abdominal obesity and relative handgrip strength (HGS). A total of 1571 participants (60.0% women, mean age 69.1 ± 7.0 years) from 86 municipalities were selected following a multistage area probability sampling design. Measurements included demographic and anthropometric/adiposity markers (weight, height, body mass index, and waist circumference). HGS was measured using a digital dynamometer for three sets and the mean value was recorded. The values were normalized to body weight (relative HGS). Fasting glucose was analyzed by enzymatic colorimetric methods. Mediation analyses were performed to identify associations between the independent variable (abdominal obesity) and outcomes (relative HGS), as well as to determine whether fasting glucose levels mediated the relationship between excess adiposity and relative HGS. A total of 1239 (78.8%) had abdominal obesity. Abdominal obesity had a negative effect on fasting glucose (β = 9.04, 95%CI = 5.87 to 12.21); while fasting glucose to relative HGS was inversely related (β = −0.003, 95%CI = −0.005 to −0.001), p < 0.001. The direct effect of abdominal obesity on relative HGS was statistically significant (β = −0.069, 95%CI = −0.082 to −0.057), p < 0.001. Lastly, fasting glucose levels mediates the detrimental effect of abdominal obesity on relative HGS (indirect effect β = −0.002, 95%CI = −0.004 to −0.001), p < 0.001. Our results suggest that the glucose level could worsen the association between abdominal obesity status and lower HGS. Thus, it is plausible to consider fasting glucose levels when assessing older adults with excess adiposity and/or suspected loss of muscle mass

Evaluación in vitro de Dos Fármacos de Uso Veterinario frente a Patógenos Causantes de Otitis Externa en Perros

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of two drugs of frequent use in veterinary practice against microorganisms isolated after treatment in 27 dogs with otitis externa. Various isolates were obtained from five dogs: two Pseudomonas aeruginosa, three Staphylococcus intermedius, and three yeasts of the genus Malassezia. The level of effectiveness of the antimicrobial drugs was determined by the method of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Gentamicin (3 mg/ml) and clotrimazole (10 mg/ml) solutions were prepared. Bacteria and yeast were brought to a concentration of 1x106 microorganism/ml. In ELISA plates, 150 μl of each bacteria or yeast and 150 μl of gentamicin or clotrimazole was added. Two repetitions and three replicates of each microorganism were considered in the study. As controls, drugs plus water and microorganisms plus water were used, and the volume adjusted to 300 μl each. Growth conditions in the spectrophotometer were 35 °C/10 rpm/24 h, where the growth kinetics of the microorganisms were measured at 660 OD. Results showed that gentamicin at a dose of 3 mg/ml causes an adequate growth inhibition of the bacteria, whereas clotrimazole can be used in the case of otitis caused by yeasts (M. pachidermatis), but at concentrations above 14 mg/ml.El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto in vitro de dos fármacos de uso veterinario frente a microorganismos aislados post-tratamiento en 27 perros con otitis externa. Se aislaron dos cepas de Pseudomonas aeruginosa, tres de Staphylococcus intermedius y tres levaduras del género Malassezia de cinco perros. El nivel de efectividad de los antimicrobianos se determinó por el método de Concentración Inhibitoria Mínima (CIM). Se prepararon soluciones de gentamicina (3 mg/ml) y de clotrimazol (10 mg/ml). Las bacterias y levaduras se llevaron a una concentración de 1x106 microorganismos/ml. En las placas de ELISA se colocó 150 µl de cada bacteria o levadura y 150 µl de gentamicina o clotrimazol. Se hicieron dos repeticiones y tres réplicas de cada microorganismo. Para los controles, se utilizaron los fármacos más agua y microorganismos más agua, ajustados a 300 µl c/u. Las condiciones de crecimiento en el espectrofotómetro fueron de 35 ºC /10 rpm/24 h, donde cada 2 h se midió la cinética de crecimiento del microorganismo a 660 de densidad óptica (DO). Se encontró que la gentamicina en una dosis de 3 mg/ml, produce una inhibición del crecimiento adecuado de las bacterias, en tanto que el clotrimazol podría emplearse en el caso de otitis causadas por levaduras (M. pachidermatis), pero en concentraciones superiores a 14 mg/ml

Reflexión: sostenibilidad y procesos de calidad en una revista científica latinoamericana

A raíz de este proceso de maduración de la Revista Ingeniería Biomédica, y de los retos que afronta al mediano y corto plazo, que analizamos brevemente una serie de cuestionamientos sobre la sostenibilidad y la calidad de las revistas científi cas en el contexto latinoamericano. En este artículo de refl exión, si bien utilizamos la Revista como un ejemplo específi co a lo largo de la discusión, buscamos promover una refl exión general sobre la interacción revista-investigador en nuestro medio, y el rol que ambos están llamados a desempeñar para el avance continuo de la ciencia