Biotecnología y vacunas COVID-19 / Biotechnology and vaccines COVID-19

Introducción: la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) causada por el nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) ha planteado una emergencia médica y una crisis mundial rápidamente, desde que surgió por primera vez en diciembre de 2019. El 11 de marzo de 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) declaró una pandemia. Las vacunas COVID-19 son ahora actores críticos en la situación global del SARS-CoV-2, con el objetivo de alcanzar progresivamente la inmunidad colectiva. La OMS ha aprobado 9 vacunas entre el 30 de diciembre de 2020 y el 20 de diciembre de 2021. Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio es analizar, desde los aportes hechos por la Biotecnología, las distintas vacunas que están siendo administradas, así como también las que están en investigación y desarrollo, para la prevención del COVID-19. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura dedicada a vacunas aprobadas o en instancias clínicas destinadas a la prevención de COVID-19. Palabras clave: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, vacunas, biotecnología, vectores, y coronavirus; en las bases de datos MEDLINE/PubMed, Scielo (Scientific Electronic Library Online), Nature, Lancet y Google Scholar. Criterios de inclusión de trabajos científicos: i) idioma inglés o español, ii) publicados entre 2019-2021, iii) referidos a Biotecnología. Criterio de exclusión: i) fármacos/vacunas convencionales no aprobadas ni recomendadas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) o el Centro de Control de Enfermedades y prevención (CDC por sus siglas en inglés) para su uso en la enfermedad causada por COVID-19. Luego, se describieron los hallazgos de los artículos seleccionados de forma cualitativa. Resultados: el presente trabajo expone los distintos tipos de plataformas vacunales desarrollados hasta el momento para enfrentar la pandemia de COVID-19. Conclusiones: debido a que las vacunas contra el COVID-19 se han desarrollado hace tan solo unos meses, aún se desconoce la duración de la inmunidad que confieren. Sin embargo, hay datos alentadores que indican que la mayoría de las personas que han sido vacunadas adquieren una inmunidad apropiada que protege contra una nueva infección, al menos durante un cierto tiempo, y permite disminuir significativamente la gravedad de esta nueva infección. (AU)

Introduction: the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has quickly posed a medical emergency and global crisis, since it first emerged in December 2019. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines are now critical players in the global SARS-CoV-2 situation, with the goal of progressively achieving herd immunity. The WHO has approved 9 vaccines between December 30, 2020 and December 20, 2021. Objective: the objective of this study is to analyze, from the contributions made by Biotechnology, the different vaccines that are being administered, as well as in research and development, for the prevention of COVID-19. Materials and methods: an exhaustive review of the literature dedicated to approved vaccines or in clinical instances intended for the treatment of COVID-19 was carried out. Key words: "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "vaccines", "biotechnology", "vectors", and "coronavirus"; in the MEDLINE/Pubmed, Scielo (Scientific Electronic Library Online), Nature, Lancet and Google Scholar databases. Criteria for the inclusion of scientific papers: i) English or Spanish language, ii) published between 2019-2021, iii) referring to Biotechnology. Exclusion criteria: i) conventional drugs/vaccines not approved or recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for use in disease caused by the COVID 19. Then, the findings of the selected articles were described qualitatively. Results: this study presents the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the use of the different types of vaccine platforms developed to date to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: the pandemic generated by COVID-19 has represented a great challenge around the world in many aspects, from the medical, scientific to the social and economic.Since COVID-19 vaccines were developed only a few months ago, the duration of immunity they confer is still unknown and more research is needed to answer this question. However, there is encouraging data indicating that most people who recover from the disease acquire an immunity that protects against a new infection, at least for a certain time, although to what degree and for what duration is still being determined. (AU)

Intervenciones de un psicólogo hospitalario en el ámbito de las técnicas de reproducción asistida / Interventions by a Hospital Psychologist in the Field of Assisted Reproductive Techniques

La ficción comparte cada día una frontera más difusa con la realidad. Las técnicas de reproducción humana asistida son un tipo de biotecnología que se hace realidad en los escenarios reales y ficcionales permitiéndoles a muchas personas cumplir su deseo de formar una familia. Sin embargo, tales técnicas no están libres de obstáculos, uno de ellos es la mismísima subjetividad humana como horizonte de decisiones bioéticas. La cuestión del vínculo biológico con la progenie es algo tan arraigado que dificulta pensar en vínculos filiales por fuera de la biología. A continuación, se analizarán dos capítulos de la serie "New Amsterdam" en los que se evidencia cómo los vínculos de parentesco se ven trastocados por la irrupción de las técnicas de reproducción asistida. Asimismo, observamos el impacto subjetivo que éstas generan en los personajes de la tira que son médicos, de diferentes especialidades, que se encuentran con dilemas bioéticos vinculados al comienzo de la vida. El encargado de intervenir en estos escenarios es el psicólogo de planta del Hospital "Iggy" quien a su vez tiene una pareja igualitaria y ha formado una familia con él. Estas dos intervenciones que hemos recortado de la serie muestran la operatorio del psicólogo tendientes a permitir un cambio en las posiciones iniciales enfrentadas y una solución satisfactoria para los implicados

Fiction shares a more diffuse border with reality every day. Assisted human reproduction techniques are a type of biotechnology that becomes a reality in real and fictional settings, allowing many people to fulfill their desire to start a family. However, such techniques are not free of obstacles, one of them is the very human subjectivity as a horizon of bioethical decisions. The question of the biological bond with progeny is something so ingrained that it is difficult to think of filial bonds outside of biology. Next, two chapters of the series "New Amsterdam" will be analyzed in which it is evident how kinship ties are disrupted by the irruption of assisted reproduction techniques. Likewise, we observe the subjective impact that these generate on the characters in the strip who are doctors, from different specialties, who encounter bioethical dilemmas linked to the beginning of life. The person in charge of intervening in these scenarios is the staff psychologist at Hospital "Iggy" who in turn has an equal partner and has formed a family with him. These two interventions that we have cut out of the series show the psychologist's operation tending to allow a change in the initial opposing positions and a satisfactory solution for those involved

Formación de competencias informacionales en Bioinformática desde los estudios de pregrado en la Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas / Development of information competencies in bioinformatics since undergraduate training at the Information Sciences University

El objetivo de este trabajo fue implementar un modelo didáctico para formar competencias informacionales en estudiantes de la Ingeniería Bioinformática pertenecientes a la Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas. Se realizó un estudio de caso en el que se aplicó la prueba no paramétrica Dócima de Wilcoxon, así como métodos, técnicas y procedimientos investigativos. Se obtuvo como resultado un modelo didáctico en la asignatura Ingeniería de Software, centrado en los proyectos de investigación que realizan los estudiantes en el Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología. Se concluye que el modelo aplicado es adecuado al lograrse niveles de formación de competencias informacionales en estudiantes de Ingeniería en Bioinformática(AU)

The purpose of the study was to implement a didactic model for the development of information competencies in bioinformatics engineering students from the Information Sciences University. A case study was performed based on the Wilcoxon non-parametric test as well as other research methods, techniques and procedures. The result obtained was a didactic model for the Software Engineering course, centered on the research projects conducted by students at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, in Cuba. It is concluded that the model applied is appropriate, since Bioinformatics Engineering students achieve satisfactory information competence levels(AU)

Human cornea conservation in coconut water solution / Conservação de córneas humanas em solução de água de coco

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of coconut water and to analyze the use of coconut water solution for the conservation of human corneas. Methods: This was an experimental and controlled study performed at the Eye Bank of the General Hospital of Fortaleza. The coconut water-based solution was prepared at the Goat Seed Technology Laboratory of the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the State University of Ceará. Discarded corneas from the Eye Bank were divided into two groups for sequential experiments: G1, coconut water-based solution (experimental group), and G2, conservative treatment with OPTISOL GS® (control group). The osmolality of corneas in G1 was analyzed sequentially at 275, 300, 325, 345, 365, and 400 mOsm/L. The viability of the corneas was determined by specular microscopy and biomicroscopy on the first, third, and seventh days. Results: Corneas preserved in a solution of 365 and 345 mOsm/L had a transparency of 8 mm until the third day and had diffuse edema in the periphery, central folds, and partial epithelium loss until the seventh day. The 365-mOsm/L solution was associated with the worst results during follow-up. Corneas placed in Optisol-GS retained their original aspects. Conclusions: Coconut water-based preservative partially maintained corneal transparency and epithelial integrity, especially during the first three days of follow-up. The coconut water-based solutions used were not effective for use as preservatives in a human eye bank.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivos: As características físico-químicas e o baixo custo da água de coco foram fundamentais para o este estudo. Analisar o uso de solução a base de água de coco como meio de conservação de córneas humanas em banco de olhos. Métodos: Estudo experimental e controlado realizado no Banco de Olhos do Hospital Geral de Fortaleza. Utilizou-se solução à base de água de coco preparada no laboratório de Tecnologia de Sêmen de Caprinos do Departamento de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Estadual do Ceará. Foram usadas córneas de descartes divididas em dois grupos: G1 (Conservante com água de coco) - grupo experimental e G2 (grupo Conservante com OPTISOL GS®) grupo controle, em experimentos sequenciais. A osmolaridade do G1 foi analisada sequencialmente com 275, 300, 325, 345, 365 e 400 mOsm/L. A viabilidade das córneas foram realizadas por microscopia especular e biomicroscopia nos 1º, 3º e 7º dias. Resultados: As córneas em solução de 365 e 345 mOsm/L apresentavam transparência nos 8mm centrais até o 3º dia, com edema em toda periferia, dobras centrais e edema 2+, com perda parcial do epitélio até 7º dia, sendo o de maior osmolaridade com melhor transparência durante o seguimento. Grupo com 275, 300 e 400 mOsm/L, córnea opaca, edema difuso, perda total do epitélio no 3º dia. As córneas em Optisol mantiveram seus aspectos. Conclusões: O conservante à base de água de coco manteve em parte a transparência corneana e a integridade epitelial, especialmente nos primeiros 3 dias de seguimento. A solução conservante com água de coco nas formulações utilizadas não se mostrou eficaz para o uso em banco de olhos humanos.(AU)

Advances in Microalgal Research in Brazil

Abstract Microalgae research has attracted interest worldwide and in order to advance algal biotechnology in Brazil, government has been funding several projects. In the last 10 years, two main funds were provided by the National Council of Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) agency to researchers in Brazil, who study the potential uses of microalgae for biomass, bioproducts and biofuels production. These funded projects addressed aspects of algal strain identification, development of algal cultivation techniques, designing photobioreactors and raceway ponds, modeling harvesting and dewatering process, maximizing biomass and oil productivities, characterizing chemical composition with different extractions systems and determining physiochemical properties of biodiesel. This review presents the state of art of algal research conducted by Brazilian institutions. Special attention is given to the recent progress on microalgal cultivation, high-value products extracted from microalgae and potential biofuels production. This review may serve as a policy instrument for planning next steps for algal research in Brazil as well as for attracting attention from international researchers who work with microalgae and would like to pursue a future partnership on algal research with Brazilian research institutions.

Potential Biotechnological Applications of Cyanobacterial Exopolysaccharides

Abstract The cyanobacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are considered as one of the important group of biopolymers having significant ecological, industrial, and biotechnological importance. Cyanobacteria are regarded as a very abundant source of structurally diverse, high molecular weight polysaccharides having variable composition and roles according to the organisms and the environmental conditions in which they are produced. Due to their structural complexity, versatility and valuable biological properties, they are now emerging as high-value compounds. They are possessing exceptional properties and thus are being widely explored for various applications like in food and pharmaceutical industries, in bioremediation for removal of heavy metals, for soil conditioning, as biopolymers, bioadhesives, and bioflocculants. However, poor understanding of their complex structural properties, lack of concrete information regarding the genes encoding the proteins involved in the EPS biosynthetic pathways, their process of production and about the associated factors controlling their structural stability, strongly limits their commercialization and applications in the various fields of biotechnology. Owing to the above context, the present review is aimed to organize the available information on applications of cyanobacterial EPSs in the field of biotechnology and to identify the research gaps for improved industrial utilization and commercialization of these biomaterials.

Ellagic acid production using polyphenols from orange peel waste by submerged fermentation

Background: Biotechnological processes are part of modern industry as well as stricter environmental requirements. The need to reduce production costs and pollution demands for alternatives that involve the integral use of agro-industrial waste to produce bioactive compounds. The citrus industry generates large amounts of wastes due to the destruction of the fruits by microorganisms and insects together with the large amounts of orange waste generated during the production of juice and for sale fresh. The aim of this study was used orange wastes rich in polyphenolic compounds can be used as source carbon of Aspergillus fumigatus MUM 1603 to generate high added value compounds, for example, ellagic acid and other molecules of polyphenolic origin through submerged fermentation system. Results: The orange peel waste had a high concentration of polyphenols, 28% being condensed, 27% ellagitannins, 25% flavonoids and 20% gallotannins. The major polyphenolic compounds were catechin, EA and quercetin. The conditions, using an experimental design of central compounds, that allow the production of the maximum concentration of EA (18.68 mg/g) were found to be: temperature 30°C, inoculum 2 × 107 (spores/g) and orange peel polyphenols 6.2 (g/L). Conclusion: The submerged fermentation process is an effective methodology for the biotransformation of molecules present in orange waste to obtain high value-added as ellagic acid that can be used as powerful antioxidants, antibacterial and other applications.

A review on edible vaccines and their prospects

For a long time, vaccines have been the main mode of defense and protection against several bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases. However, the process of production and purification makes them expensive and unaffordable to many developing nations. An edible vaccine is when the antigen is expressed in the edible part of the plant. This reduces the cost of production of the vaccine because of ease of culturing. In this article, various types of edible vaccines that include algal and probiotics in addition to plants are discussed. Various diseases against which research has been carried out are also reviewed. This article focused on the conception of edible vaccines highlighting the various ways by which vaccines can be delivered.

Comparison of Lactic Acid Production by L. casei in Batch, Fed-batch and Continuous Cultivation, Testing the use of Feather Hydrolysate as a Complex Nitrogen Source

Abstract A comprehensive comparison of the main fermentation parameters, productivity, yield and final L-lactic acid concentration, obtained through batch, fed-batch and continuous cultivations using Lactobacillus casei CCDM 198 and a model cultivation medium was carried out. Using this data, a pulse-feed fed-batch process was established for testing chicken feather hydrolysate as a replacement for all complex nitrogen sources (yeast and beef extracts and peptone) in the medium. As comparably high values of productivity (about 4.0 g/L/h) and yield (about 98 %) were reached under all cultivation conditions, the maximum final L-lactic acid concentration (116.5 g/L), as achieved through pulse-feed fed-batch fermentation, was chosen as the most important criterion for process selection. Fed-batch cultivation with chicken feather hydrolysate as both a complex nitrogen source and a neutralizing agent for maintaining constant culture pH yielded half the concentration of L-lactic acid compared to the model medium. We demonstrate here that chicken feather hydrolysate has potential for use in the production of L-lactic acid but its utilization requires further optimization

Modelo matemático pra uma coisa que não é matemática: narrativas de médicos/as infectologistas sobre carga viral indetectável e intransmissibilidade do HIV / Mathematical model for something that is not mathematical: narratives of infectologists about undetectable viral load and HIV non-transmissibility

Resumo Este artigo parte de uma discussão internacional sobre a intransmissibilidade do vírus HIV, quando a pessoa soropositiva está em tratamento e com carga viral indetectável. Trata-se de um dos resultados da pesquisa qualitativa sobre sociabilidades de jovens vivendo com HIV, com ênfase nos novos discursos/práticas biomédicos e seu impacto nas relações afetivo-sexuais desses/as jovens. Durante os meses de março a novembro de 2017, houve a interação com pessoas vivendo com HIV/Aids (PVHA), com idade entre 18 e 30 anos, e médicos/as infectologistas de um Serviço de Assistência Especializada em Salvador-BA. Para além das mudanças significativas em relação ao HIV, decorrentes dos avanços atuais das biotecnologias, colocamos em pauta algumas controvérsias em torno da intransmissibilidade do vírus do ponto de vista de quatro médicos/as infectologistas. Realizamos entrevistas abertas e a leitura exploratória das narrativas, identificando temas, questões e atores que se deslocavam nos relatos em torno da condição de indetectável. Discutimos que a carga viral indetectável aparece como um assunto delicado/controverso nos consultórios médicos, atualizando a posição de PVHA como potencialmente perigosas, podendo reincidir em práticas sexuais desprotegidas ou "relaxar" no cuidado consigo e com o outro. São narrativas que suscitam questões éticas fundamentais na relação de cuidado, tais como o direito à informação na perspectiva da saúde como um direito humano.

Abstract This article is based on an international discussion on HIV non-transmissibility when the HIV-positive person is under treatment and has an undetectable viral load. This is one of the results of research on the sociability of young people living with HIV, with emphasis on new biomedical discourses/practices and their impact on the affective-sexual relationships of young people. From March to November of 2017, the researchers interacted with people living with HIV (PLHIV), aged between 18 and 30 years, and infectologists in a Specialized Service in Salvador-BA, Brazil. Beyond significant changes in relation to HIV due to advances in biotechnology, the study focused on some controversies surrounding the non-transmissibility of the virus from the viewpoint of four infectologists. Open interviews and exploratory reading of the narratives were conducted, identifying themes, issues and actors that moved in the reports on the condition of undetectable. The article argues that undetectable viral load appears as a sensitive/controversial subject in medical offices, updating the PLHIV's position as potentially dangerous that may engage in unprotected sexual practices or "relax" in mutual care. Such narratives raise fundamental ethical issues in care relations, such as the right to information from the perspective of health as a human right.

Co-production of Proteases and Bioactive Protein Hydrolysates from Bioprocessing of Feather Meal

Abstract: Feather meal conversion through submerged cultivations with Bacillus strains (CL33A, CL14) yielded proteases and protein hydrolysates. After 4-day (CL33A) and 10-day (CL14) cultivations, protease activities reached 461 U/mL; hydrolysates presented antioxidant (radicals-scavenging, 57-77%; Fe2+-chelation, 14-28%; Fe3+-reduction) and antidiabetic (dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibition, 49-52%) potentials. The obtained bioproducts present prospective commercial/industrial applications.

Aplicação de membranas de colágeno contendo ácido úsnico incorporado em lipossomas no processo de cicatrização de queimaduras em áreas especiais / Application of collagen membranes containing usnic acid incorporated into liposomes in the burns healing process in special areas / Aplicación de membranas de colágeno que contienen ácido usínico incrustado en liposomas en el proceso de cicatrización de quemaduras en áreas especiales

Objetivo: Verificar a cicatrização de queimaduras em áreas especiais através da aplicação da membrana bioativa de colágeno contendo ácido úsnico incorporado em lipossomas. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de intervenção, descritivo e de campo, de comparação intraindividual, com abordagem quantitativa. A coleta de dados foi realizada na Unidade de Tratamento de Queimados (UTQ) do Hospital de Urgência de Sergipe (HUSE) durante três meses. A amostra foi composta por nove pacientes adultos, de ambos os sexos, apresentando duas áreas queimadas, selecionadas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: teste, no qual foram aplicadas as membranas bioativas; e controle, áreas submetidas à aplicação de óleo à base de ácido graxo essencial ou sulfadiazina de prata, padrão-ouro no tratamento de queimaduras. As imagens foram captadas por registro fotográfico padronizado e, em seguida, foi realizada a análise descritiva da queimadura, bem como o cálculo da área queimada, através do programa Image J®, antes e após intervenção. Resultados: Notou-se maior presença de tecido de granulação na área teste, bem como maior vascularização, com cicatrização mais homogênea e mais avançada, enquanto a área controle (C14) ainda se apresentava com mais exsudato e deposição de fibrina. Houve padrão de redução da área das queimaduras nos dois grupos analisados, com área mais reduzida no grupo teste (de 2,769 cm2 para 1,258 cm2) em relação ao controle (de 2,882 cm2 para 2,091 cm2). Conclusão: Observou-se melhora no aspecto clínico das lesões, com cicatrização mais acelerada e fisiológica nas áreas teste, em relação à área controle.

Objective: To verify the burns healing in special areas through the application of the bioactive membrane of collagen containing usnic acid incorporated into liposomes. Methods: This is an interventional, descriptive and field study, of individual comparison, with a quantitative approach. Data collection was performed at the Burn Treatment Unit of Sergipe Urgency Hospital during three months. The sample consisted of nine adult patients, of both sexes, presenting two burned areas, randomly selected in two groups: test, where the bioactive membranes were applied; and control, areas subject to the application of oil based on essential fatty acid or silver sulfadiazine, gold standard in burns treatment. The images were captured by the standardized photographic record and then the descriptive analysis of the burn was carried out, as well as the calculation of the burn area, through the Image J® program, before and after intervention. Results: There was a greater presence of granulation tissue in test area, as well as greater vascularization, with more homogeneous and more advanced healing, whereas the control area still presented with more exudate and fibrin deposition. There was reduction of burn area between groups, with lower area in test group (2.769 cm2 to 1.258 cm2) in relation to control group (from 2.882 cm2 to 2.091 cm2). Conclusion: It was observed an improvement in the clinical aspect of the lesions, with a faster and physiological repair of scar in test areas in relation to control area.

Objetivo: Verificar la curación de quemaduras en áreas especiales mediante la aplicación de la membrana de colágeno bioactivo que contenía ácido usínico incorporado en los liposomas. Método: Se trata de una intervención, un estudio descriptivo y de campo, con una comparación intra-individual, con un enfoque cuantitativo. La recolección de datos se realizó en la unidad de tratamiento de quemaduras del hospital de emergencia de Sergipe durante tres meses. La muestra consistió en nueve pacientes adultos de ambos sexos, presentando dos áreas quemadas, seleccionadas aleatoriamente en dos grupos: test, donde se aplicaron las membranas bioactivas; y control, áreas sometidas a la aplicación de aceites esenciales a base de ácidos grasos o sulfadiazina de plata, estándar de oro en el tratamiento de quemaduras. Las imágenes fueron capturadas por registros fotográficos estandarizados y luego se realizó el análisis descriptivo de la quemadura, así como el cálculo del área quemada, a través del programa Image J®, antes y después de la intervención. Resultados: La mayor presencia de granulación de tejido en el área de prueba, así como la vascularización, con más homogeneous y más avanzado curativo, el seguimiento del área de control con más exudación y fibrin deposición. (2,769 cm2 a 1,258 cm2) en relación al grupo de control (de 2,882 cm2 a 2,091 cm2). Conclusión: Este estudio demostró una mejora en el aspecto clínico de las lesiones, con un patrón más acelerado y fisiológico de la reparación del tejido en las áreas de la prueba.

Reconstrucción cervico torácica y reconstrucción axilar: Relato de caso / Thoracic cervical and axilar reconstruction: Case story / Reconstrução cervical torácica e reconstrução axilar: Relato de caso

Objetivo: Detallar el tratamiento propuesto y la reproductividad de la reconstrucción en deformidad incapacitante de paciente gran quemado, que presenta compromiso de regiones: cervical, torácica, mandibular, facial y axilar; demostrando el uso de dispositivos biotecnológicos; así mismo describir el uso de colgajo dorsal ancho para reconstrucción región axilar. Método: Paciente con graves secuelas de quemadura, cérvico torácica y facial al cual se realiza reconstrucción con uso de matriz dérmica acelular bicapa y unicapa, piel heteróloga e injerto fino mallado. Dos años posteriores al primer tratamiento, se realiza reconstrucción compleja de la región axilar izquierda con colgajo dorsal ancho con isla de piel y matriz dérmica acelular unicapa mallada, más colocación de piel mallada. Resultados: Resolución de secuelas funcionales limitantes descritas, con retracción secundaria mínima. Mejora postural y funcional de áreas tratadas. Conclusiones: La matriz dérmica acelular es una herramienta útil ya que: proporciona cierre inmediato a la herida evitando pérdidas de líquidos y electrolitos,disminuye la reacción inflamatoria, permite cambios indoloros de vendajes. El beneficio que de ella se obtiene, supera notoriamente el coste del mismo. La matriz dérmica puede ser usada cuantas veces sea necesaria, sin prejuicio significativo en la morbilidad. El injerto autólogo usado, debe ser muy fino lo que ayuda a la regeneración de la piel, tanto funcionalmente como de forma cosmética. El tratamiento axilar propuesto de rotación avance de colgajo muscular con isla de piel, fue realizado de acuerdo a la clasificación de la lesión, mismo que permitió una cobertura adecuada con poca morbimortalidad.

Objective: To detail the proposed treatment and the reproduce of reconstruction in incapacitating deformity of a large burned patient, presenting regional involvement: cervical, thoracic, facial and axillary; demonstrating the use of biotechnological devices; likewise describe the use of dorsal flap for axillary region reconstruction. Methods: Patient with serious cervical and facial burn sequela, which reconstruction is performed with use of acellular bilayer and single layer dermal matrix, heterologous skin and fine mesh graft. Two years after the first treatment, a complex reconstruction of the left axillary region was performed with dorsal flap with a skin island using acellular single-layer dermal matrix, and meshed skin graft. Results: Resolution of limiting functional sequela described, with minimal secondary retraction. Postural and functional improvement of treated areas. Conclusions: The acellular dermal matrix is a useful tool: provides immediate closure of wound avoiding losses of fluids and electrolytes, decreases inflammatory reaction, allows painless changes of bandages. The benefit obtained from it greatly exceeds the cost of it. The dermal matrix can be used as many times as necessary, without significant prejudice in morbidity. The autologous graft used must be very thin which helps the regeneration of the skin, both functionally and cosmetically. The axillary treatment proposed rotation advance of muscle flap with skin island was performed according to the classification of the lesion, which allowed adequate coverage with little morbidity and mortality.

Objetivo: Detalhar o tratamento proposto e reprodutividade na reconstrução da deformidade incapacitante do grande queimado, que teve comprometimento das regiões cervical, torácica, mandibular, facial e nas axilas, demonstrando o uso de dispositivos biotecnológicos; descrever também o uso do retalho grande dorsal para reconstrução da região axilar. Método: Paciente com sequelas graves de queimadura, na região torácica e facial, reconstrução com matriz dérmica acelular de dupla camada e com uma matriz de camada simples, mais pele heteróloga e enxerto de malha fina. Dois anos após o primeiro tratamento, a reconstrução complexa da axila esquerda é realizada com retalho do grande dorsal com ilha de pele e matriz dérmica de camada simples, mais colocação de pele fina malhada. Resultados: Resolução de sequelas funcionais limitantes descritas, com mínima retração secundária. Melhoria postural e funcional das áreas tratadas. Conclusões: A matriz dérmica acelular é uma ferramenta útil, fornecendo fechamento imediato para a ferida, evitando perdas de fluidos e eletrólitos, diminuindo a reação inflamatória e permitindo trocas indolores. O benefício obtido excede em muito o seu custo. A matriz dérmica pode ser utilizada quantas vezes forem necessárias, sem prejuízo significativo na morbidade. O enxerto autólogo utilizado deve ser muito fino, o que ajuda a regeneração da pele, tanto funcional como cosmética. O tratamento axilar proposto para avanço da rotação do retalho muscular com ilha de pele foi realizado de acordo com a classificação da lesão, o que permitiu cobertura adequada, com pouca morbimortalidade.

Medicina traslacional e innovación en salud: mecanismos y perspectivas / Translational medicine and innovation in health: mechanisms and perspectives

Many new discoveries in Life Sciences cannot be translated into products, services or new applications to improve human health. Translational medicine, defined as "from bench to bedside", refers to the transfer of results or new knowledge achieved in the laboratory into health innovation. We aim to review the state of art of translational medicine, its relationship with innovation processes and the different perspectives to consider. Finally, we contextualize the situation of Research and Development (R&D) in Chile and the main issues of the biotechnology market in the country.

Biotechnological applications of archaeal enzymes from extreme environments

To date, many industrial processes are performed using chemical compounds, which are harmful to nature. An alternative to overcome this problem is biocatalysis, which uses whole cells or enzymes to carry out chemical reactions in an environmentally friendly manner. Enzymes can be used as biocatalyst in food and feed, pharmaceutical, textile, detergent and beverage industries, among others. Since industrial processes require harsh reaction conditions to be performed, these enzymes must possess several characteristics that make them suitable for this purpose. Currently the best option is to use enzymes from extremophilic microorganisms, particularly archaea because of their special characteristics, such as stability to elevated temperatures, extremes of pH, organic solvents, and high ionic strength. Extremozymes, are being used in biotechnological industry and improved through modern technologies, such as protein engineering for best performance. Despite the wide distribution of archaea, exist only few reports about these microorganisms isolated from Antarctica and very little is known about thermophilic or hyperthermophilic archaeal enzymes particularly from Antarctica. This review summarizes current knowledge of archaeal enzymes with biotechnological applications, including two extremozymes from Antarctic archaea with potential industrial use, which are being studied in our laboratory. Both enzymes have been discovered through conventional screening and genome sequencing, respectively.

Marine drugs for cancer: surfacing biotechnological innovations from the oceans

This review will discuss the contributions of marine natural molecules, a source only recently found to have pharmaceutical prospects, to the development of anticancer drugs. Of the seven clinically utilized compounds with a marine origin, four are used for the treatment of cancer. The development of these drugs has afforded valuable knowledge and crucial insights to meet the most common challenges in this endeavor, such as toxicity and supply. In this context, the development of these compounds will be discussed herein to illustrate, with successful examples provided by cytarabine, trabectedin, eribulin and brentuximab vedotin, the steps involved in this process as well as the scientific advances and technological innovation potential associated with developing a new drug from marine resources.

Production of flavor compounds from olive mill waste by Rhizopus oryzae and Candida tropicalis

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the production of flavor compounds from olive mill waste by microbial fermentation of Rhizopus oryzae and Candida tropicalis. Olive mill waste fermentations were performed in shake and bioreactor cultures. Production of flavor compounds from olive mill waste was followed by Gas Chromatography–Mass spectrometry, Gas chromatography- olfactometry and Spectrum Sensory Analysis ®. As a result, 1.73-log and 3.23-log cfu/mL increases were observed in the microbial populations of R. oryzae and C. tropicalis during shake cultures, respectively. C. tropicalis can produce a higher concentration of d-limonene from olive mill waste than R. oryzae in shake cultures. The concentration of d-limonene was determined as 185.56 and 249.54 µg/kg in the fermented olive mill waste by R. oryzae and C. tropicalis in shake cultures respectively. In contrast, R. oryzae can produce a higher concentration of d-limonene (87.73 µg/kg) d-limonene than C. tropicalis (11.95 µg/kg) in bioreactor cultures. Based on sensory analysis, unripe olive, wet towel, sweet aromatic, fermented aromas were determined at high intensity in olive mill waste fermented with R. oryzae meanwhile olive mill waste fermented with C. tropicalis had only a high intensity of unripe olive and oily aroma.

Scaling-up batch conditions for efficient sucrose hydrolysis catalyzed by an immobilized recombinant Pichia pastoris cells in a stirrer tank reactor

Background: Invert sugar is used greatly in food and pharmaceutical industries. This paper describes scaling-up batch conditions for sucrose inversion catalyzed by the recombinant Pichia pastoris BfrA4X whole cells expressing Thermotoga maritima invertase entrapped in calcium alginate beads. For the first time, we describe the application of a kinetic model to predict the fractional conversion expected during sucrose hydrolysis reaction in both, a model and a prototype bioreactor with 0.5- and 5-L working volume, respectively. Results: Different scaled-up criteria used to operate the 0.5-L bioreactor were analyzed to explore the invert sugar large scale production. After model inversion studies, a 5-L scaled-up reaction system was performed in a 7-L stirred reactor. Both scaled-up criteria, immobilized biocatalyst dosage and stirring speed, were analyzed in each type of bioreactors and the collected data were used to ensure an efficient scale-up of this biocatalyst. Conclusions: To date, there is not enough information to describe the large-scale production of invert sugar using different scaled-up criteria such as dose of immobilized biocatalyst and stirring speed effect on mass transfer. The present study results constitute a valuable tool to successfully carry out this type of high-scale operation for industrial purposes.

Bacterial treatment of alkaline cement kiln dust using Bacillus halodurans strain KG1

Abstract This study was conducted to isolate an acid-producing, alkaliphilic bacterium to reduce the alkalinity of cement industry waste (cement kiln dust). Gram-positive isolate KG1 grew well at pH values of 6–12, temperatures of 28–50 °C, and NaCl concentrations of 0–16% and thus was further screened for its potential to reduce the pH of an alkaline medium. Phenotypic characteristics of the KG1 isolate were consistent with those of the genus Bacillus, and the highest level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity was found with Bacillus halodurans strain DSM 497 (94.7%). On the basis of its phenotypic characteristics and genotypic distinctiveness from other phylogenetic neighbors belonging to alkaliphilic Bacillus species, the isolated strain was designated B. halodurans strain KG1, with GenBank accession number JQ307184 (= NCIM 5439). Isolate KG1 reduced the alkalinity (by 83.64%) and the chloride content (by 86.96%) of cement kiln dust and showed a potential to be used in the cement industry for a variety of applications.