Cyanidium sp. Colonizadora de cuevas turísticas

4 páginas.-- 3 figuras..- 18 referencias.-- Comunicación presentada en el Congreso Estudio y Conservación del Patrimonio Cultural. Actas 16-19 de noviembre 2015, MálagaLas cuevas albergan variados grupos de microorganismos, entre los que se encuentran los de metabolismo fotosintético, que se desarrollan en las zonas iluminadas.1,2 En general, estos microorganismos forman parte de comunidades estructurales complejas denominadas biofilms, que también pueden estar formados por microorganismos heterótrofos e incluso pequeños invertebrados. De forma natural, los organismos fotosintéticos colonizan las zonas más externas de las cuevas pero en las cuevas turísticas, el sistema de iluminación eléctrica permite su desarrollo en las zonas más profundas, alrededor de los focos de luz. En estos medios es común la presencia de una flora que se relaciona con la otros ambientes aerofíticos, cuyo desarrollo depende de la biorreceptividad del sustrato y de las condiciones ambientales disponibles. La disponibilidad de algunos requisitos como agua, radiación fotosintética activa (PAR) o propiedades del sustrato determinan el tipo de microorganismo presente y su abundancia.N

Biofilms en cuevas turísticas: la Cueva de Nerja y la Cueva del Tesoro

11 páginas.-- 2 figuras.-- 41 referencias.-- Conferencia presentada en el Sexto Congreso Español sobre Cuevas Turísticas, celebrado en Nerja (Málaga), en septiembre/octubre de 2016.-- Descarga de las Actas en http://www.cuevasturisticas.es/cuevatur/docs/2016/pdf/LibroCuevastur2016.pdf[ES]: La geomorfología del medio subterráneo depende de su historia geológica, y de los fenómenos que lo modelan, como la erosión y otros agentes externos. Además, sobre los sedimentos, las paredes o los espeleotemas de cuevas se desarrollan poblaciones de microorganismos que modifican la superficie mineral. Así, la colonización de este medio estará en función de las condiciones ambientales, del grupo de microorganismos en cuestión y de la biorreceptividad de los sustratos. Las cuevas se consideran espacios especializados que se caracterizan por una temperatura uniforme, elevada humedad y escasos recursos nutricionales y energéticos. Las cuevas turísticas presentan mayor disponibilidad de energía, generada por la luz artificial y la entrada de materia orgánica, y favorecen la presencia de un mayor número de organismos fotosintéticos y heterótrofos. El desarrollo de microorganismos sobre las paredes y los espeleotemas de las cuevas pueden producir procesos de biodeterioro, es decir, cambios indeseables en el sustrato. En este trabajo se presenta la información obtenida sobre la microbiota que coloniza espeleotemas iluminados de dos cuevas turísticas, la Cueva de Nerja y la Cueva del Tesoro (Málaga), mediante el empleo combinado de la microscopía y del análisis molecular. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que los microorganismos se organizan en comunidades estructurales complejas denominadas biofilms. El empleo de la microscopía ha permitido conocer la composición del sustrato y su relación con el biofilm, así como observar procesos de biodeterioro relacionados con cambios físicos y químicos del sustrato tales como decoloración, pérdida de consistencia, ruptura y disolución. En relación con la composición de los biofilms, se ha observado una biodiversidad dominada por cianobacterias y microalgas, junto con actinobacterias, proteobacterias, arqueas, hongos e incluso protozoos y pequeños artrópodos. El análisis molecular revela la presencia de nuevas especies de microorganismos en ambas cuevas. El conocimiento de estas comunidades, así como sus mecanismos de biodeterioro permite el diseño de medidas preventivas y correctoras destinadas al control y a una adecuada conservación del patrimonio natural y cultural de ambas cuevas.[EN]: The geomorphology of the subterranean environment depends on its geological history, and phenomena such as erosion and other external agents. Moreover, in the caves the development of microorganisms can change the surface of sediments, walls and speleothems. Therefore, the colonization of a cave will depend on the environmental conditions, the type of microorganisms involved and the substrata bioreceptivity. Caves are considered specialized areas characterized by a uniform temperature, high humidity and low nutritional and energy resources. Visited caves have more available energy, produced by artificial lighting and the input of organic matter, and these conditions allow the growth of photosynthetic and heterotrophic organisms. The development of microorganisms on the cave walls and speleothems may produce biodeterioration, i.e., undesirable changes in the substratum. This work provides information on the microbiota that colonizes illuminated speleothems in two tourist caves, Nerja and Tesoro (Málaga), through the combined use of optical and electron microscopy, together with molecular analysis. The results showed that, in both caves, microorganisms are organized into complex structural communities called biofilms. The microscopic approach provides data on the substratum composition and its relationship with the biofilm. Biodeterioration processes related to physical and chemical changes of the substratum such as discoloration, loss of consistency, breaking and dissolution, were also observed. The biofilms were dominated by cyanobacteria and microalgae together with actinobacteria, proteobacteria, archaea, protozoa, fungi and even small arthropods. Moreover, molecular analysis revealed the presence of new species of microorganisms in both caves. Knowledge about these communities and their mechanisms of biodeterioration allows the design of preventive and corrective actions, according with a proper conservation of natural and cultural heritage of both caves.N

REX-001, a BM-MNC Enriched Solution, Induces Revascularization of Ischemic Tissues in a Murine Model of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

Background: Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells (BM-MNC) constitute a promising alternative for the treatment of Chronic Limb-Threatening ischemia (CLTI), a disease characterized by extensive blockade of peripheral arteries, clinically presenting as excruciating pain at rest and ischemic ulcers which may lead to gangrene and amputation. BM-MNC implantation has shown to be efficient in promoting angiogenesis and ameliorating ischemic symptoms in CLTI patients. However, the variability seen between clinical trials makes necessary a further understanding of the mechanisms of action of BM-MNC, and moreover, to improve trial characteristics such as endpoints, inclusion/exclusion criteria or drug product compositions, in order to implement their use as stem-cell therapy. Materials: Herein, the effect of REX-001, a human-BM derived cell suspension enriched for mononuclear cells, granulocytes and CD34+ cells, has been assessed in a murine model of CLTI. In addition, a REX-001 placebo solution containing BM-derived red blood cells (BM-RBCs) was also tested. Thus, 24 h after double ligation of the femoral artery, REX-001 and placebo were administrated intramuscularly to Balb-c nude mice (n:51) and follow-up of ischemic symptoms (blood flow perfusion, motility, ulceration and necrosis) was carried out for 21 days. The number of vessels and vascular diameter sizes were measured within the ischemic tissues to evaluate neovascularization and arteriogenesis. Finally, several cell-tracking assays were performed to evaluate potential biodistribution of these cells. Results: REX-001 induced a significant recovery of blood flow by increasing vascular density within the ischemic limbs, with no cell translocation to other organs. Moreover, cell tracking assays confirmed a decrease in the number of infused cells after 2 weeks post-injection despite on-going revascularization, suggesting a paracrine mechanism of action. Conclusion: Overall, our data supported the role of REX-001 product to improve revascularization and ischemic reperfusion in CLTI

Atherosclerotic Pre-Conditioning Affects the Paracrine Role of Circulating Angiogenic Cells Ex-Vivo

In atherosclerosis, circulating angiogenic cells (CAC), also known as early endothelial progenitor cells (eEPC), are thought to participate mainly in a paracrine fashion by promoting the recruitment of other cell populations such as late EPC, or endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFC), to the injured areas. There, ECFC replace the damaged endothelium, promoting neovascularization. However, despite their regenerative role, the number and function of EPC are severely affected under pathological conditions, being essential to further understand how these cells react to such environments in order to implement their use in regenerative cell therapies. Herein, we evaluated the effect of direct incubation ex vivo of healthy CAC with the secretome of atherosclerotic arteries. By using a quantitative proteomics approach, 194 altered proteins were identified in the secretome of pre-conditioned CAC, many of them related to inhibition of angiogenesis (e.g., endostatin, thrombospondin-1, fibulins) and cell migration. Functional assays corroborated that healthy CAC released factors enhanced ECFC angiogenesis, but, after atherosclerotic pre-conditioning, the secretome of pre-stimulated CAC negatively affected ECFC migration, as well as their ability to form tubules on a basement membrane matrix assay. Overall, we have shown here, for the first time, the effect of atherosclerotic factors over the paracrine role of CAC ex vivo. The increased release of angiogenic inhibitors by CAC in response to atherosclerotic factors induced an angiogenic switch, by blocking ECFC ability to form tubules in response to pre-conditioned CAC. Thus, we confirmed here that the angiogenic role of CAC is highly affected by the atherosclerotic environment

Mental health and burnout syndrome among postgraduate students in medical and multidisciplinary residencies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil : protocol for a prospective cohort study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to high levels of physical, psychological, and social stress among health care professionals, including postgraduate students in medical and multidisciplinary residencies. This stress is associated with the intense fear of occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus known to cause COVID-19. These professionals are at risk of developing physical and mental illnesses not only due to the infection but also due to prolonged exposure to multidimensional stress and continued work overload. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of mental disorders and burnout syndrome and determine the risk factors for burnout among postgraduate students in medical and multidisciplinary residencies in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: For this prospective cohort study with parallel groups, participants were recruited between July and September 2020 to achieve a sample size of at least 1144 participants. Research instruments such as Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale; Patient Health Questionnaire; Brief Resilient Coping Scale; and Oldenburg Burnout Inventory will be used to collect data. Data will be collected in 2 waves: the first wave will include data related to sample characterization and psychosocial evaluation, and the second wave will be launched 12 weeks later and will include an evaluation of the incidence of burnout as well as correlations with the potential predictive factors collected in the first wave. Additionally, we will collect data regarding participants’ withdrawal from work. Results: The recruitment took place from July 29 to September 5, 2020. Data analyses for this phase is already in progress. The second phase of the study is also in progress. The final data collection began on December 1, 2020, and it will be completed by December 31, 2020. Conclusions: We believe the findings of this study will help evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health conditions of health professionals in Brazil as well as contribute to the planning and implementation of appropriate measures that can alleviate these mental health challenges. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/2429

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

A global multinational survey of cefotaxime-resistant coliforms in urban wastewater treatment plants

The World Health Organization Global Action Plan recommends integrated surveillance programs as crucial strategies for monitoring antibiotic resistance. Although several national surveillance programs are in place for clinical and veterinary settings, no such schemes exist for monitoring antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment. In this transnational study, we developed, validated, and tested a low-cost surveillance and easy to implement approach to evaluate antibiotic resistance in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) by targeting cefotaxime-resistant (CTX-R) coliforms as indicators. The rationale for this approach was: i) coliform quantification methods are internationally accepted as indicators of fecal contamination in recreational waters and are therefore routinely applied in analytical labs; ii) CTX-R coliforms are clinically relevant, associated with extended-spectrum ?-lactamases (ESBLs), and are rare in pristine environments. We analyzed 57 WWTPs in 22 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America. CTX-R coliforms were ubiquitous in raw sewage and their relative abundance varied significantly (< 0.1% to 38.3%), being positively correlated (p < 0.001) with regional atmospheric temperatures. Although most WWTPs removed large proportions of CTX-R coliforms, loads over 103 colony-forming units per mL were occasionally observed in final effluents. We demonstrate that CTX-R coliform monitoring is a feasible and affordable approach to assess wastewater antibiotic resistance status