Optimization of parameters for obtaining callus, suspension, and root cultures of meadowsweet (filipendula ulmaria) to isolate the largest number of biologically active substances with geroprotective properties / Otimização de parâmetros para obtenção de culturas de calos, suspensão e raiz de Ulmária (Filipendula ulmaria) para isolar o maior número de substâncias biologicamente ativas com propriedades geroprotetoras

The study of biologically active substances-secondary metabolites of plants that exhibit geroprotective properties is an actual and popular direction in medicine to prevent early aging. This work aims to select the cultivation parameters for obtaining in vitro cell cultures of meadowsweet containing the largest amount of biologically active substances (BAS) for their further extraction as candidate substances for geroprotectors. To specify the effectiveness of the selected cell culture cultivation parameters, biomass growth for callus and root cultures, growth index, specific growth rate, and viability for suspension cultures was carried out. The study results made it possible to select the nutrient media for the cultivation of cell cultures of meadowsweet. It has been found that the greater the antioxidant activity of the extracts, the greater the antimicrobial properties it exhibits. In this study, cell cultures in vitro and alcohol extracts from the plant Filipendula ulmaria were considered as raw materials rich in candidate substances for geroprotectors. According to the data obtained, the plant is rich in hydroxybenzoic and salicylic acids, spireoside, avicularin, and hyperoside.

O estudo de substâncias biologicamente ativas - metabólitos secundários de plantas que apresentam propriedades geroprotetoras - é uma tendência atual e popular no campo da medicina para a prevenção do envelhecimento precoce. O objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar os parâmetros de cultivo para obtenção de culturas celulares in vitro de Ulmária contendo a maior quantidade de substâncias biologicamente ativas (SBA), para sua posterior extração como substâncias candidatas a serem geroprotetoras. Para especificar a eficácia dos parâmetros selecionados de cultivo em cultura de células, foi realizada a análise de crescimento de biomassa para culturas de calos e raízes, índice de crescimento, taxa de crescimento específica e viabilidade para culturas em suspensão. Os resultados do estudo possibilitaram a seleção do meio nutriente para o cultivo de células de Ulmária. Verificou-se que, quanto maior a atividade antioxidante dos extratos, maiores eram as propriedades antimicrobianas exibidas. Neste estudo, culturas celulares in vitro e extratos alcoólicos da planta Filipendula ulmaria foram considerados matérias-primas ricas em substâncias candidatas a serem geroprotetoras. De acordo com os dados obtidos, a planta é rica em ácidos hidroxibenzoico e salicílico, espirosídeo, avicularina e hiperosídeo.

Optimization of parameters for obtaining callus, suspension, and root cultures of meadowsweet (filipendula ulmaria) to isolate the largest number of biologically active substances with geroprotective properties

Abstract The study of biologically active substances-secondary metabolites of plants that exhibit geroprotective properties is an actual and popular direction in medicine to prevent early aging. This work aims to select the cultivation parameters for obtaining in vitro cell cultures of meadowsweet containing the largest amount of biologically active substances (BAS) for their further extraction as candidate substances for geroprotectors. To specify the effectiveness of the selected cell culture cultivation parameters, biomass growth for callus and root cultures, growth index, specific growth rate, and viability for suspension cultures was carried out. The study results made it possible to select the nutrient media for the cultivation of cell cultures of meadowsweet. It has been found that the greater the antioxidant activity of the extracts, the greater the antimicrobial properties it exhibits. In this study, cell cultures in vitro and alcohol extracts from the plant Filipendula ulmaria were considered as raw materials rich in candidate substances for geroprotectors. According to the data obtained, the plant is rich in hydroxybenzoic and salicylic acids, spireoside, avicularin, and hyperoside.

Resumo O estudo de substâncias biologicamente ativas metabólitos secundários de plantas que apresentam propriedades geroprotetoras é uma tendência atual e popular no campo da medicina para a prevenção do envelhecimento precoce. O objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar os parâmetros de cultivo para obtenção de culturas celulares in vitro de Ulmária contendo a maior quantidade de substâncias biologicamente ativas (SBA), para sua posterior extração como substâncias candidatas a serem geroprotetoras. Para especificar a eficácia dos parâmetros selecionados de cultivo em cultura de células, foi realizada a análise de crescimento de biomassa para culturas de calos e raízes, índice de crescimento, taxa de crescimento específica e viabilidade para culturas em suspensão. Os resultados do estudo possibilitaram a seleção do meio nutriente para o cultivo de células de Ulmária. Verificou-se que, quanto maior a atividade antioxidante dos extratos, maiores eram as propriedades antimicrobianas exibidas. Neste estudo, culturas celulares in vitro e extratos alcoólicos da planta Filipendula ulmaria foram considerados matérias-primas ricas em substâncias candidatas a serem geroprotetoras. De acordo com os dados obtidos, a planta é rica em ácidos hidroxibenzoico e salicílico, espirosídeo, avicularina e hiperosídeo.

Rapid bacterial identification by MALDI-TOF MS directly from blood cultures and rapid susceptibility testing: A simple approach to reduce the turnaround time of blood cultures

Abstract Antimicrobial treatment of patients with bloodstream infections (BSI) is time-sensitive. In an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance, rapid detection and identification of bacteria with antimicrobial susceptibility are critical for targeted therapy early in the disease course. This study describes the performance of a rapid method for identifying and testing antimicrobial susceptibility of Gram-negative bacteria performed directly from blood culture bottles in a routine microbiology laboratory. A total of 284, 120, and 24 samples were analyzed by rapid identification (Rid), rapid susceptibility testing (RAST), and rapid broth microdilution for polymyxin B (rMIC), respectively, and compared with standard methods. Our protocol was able to identify 93% of isolates at the species level using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). We obtained 100% agreement for RAST compared to the standard method and 96% agreement for rMIC. Our protocol has proven to be an excellent tool for rapid identification of Gram-negative bacilli causing BSIs. It can also be used in microbiology laboratory routine along with RAST and faster polymyxin microdilution, especially for carbapenemase-producing bacteria, allowing for rapid, simple, accurate, and cost-effective diagnosis.

Criminalización y juvenicidio de culturas juveniles asociadas a organizaciones delincuenciales: caso colombianos / Criminalization and youthcide of youth cultures associated with criminal organizations: the case of the Cholombianos / Criminalização e juvenicídio de culturas juvenis associadas a organizações criminosas: o caso Cholombianos

Resumen (analítico) El artículo propone caracterizar y comprender los procesos de inserción de jóvenes en las organizaciones delincuenciales, tomando el caso de una cultura juvenil del noreste mexicano: los cholombianos. Plantea un marco de referencia construido por la articulación de categorías como violencia posestructural, desciudadanización, construcción de pánicos morales, estigmatización territorial, criminalización y sujeción criminal, para debatir y ampliar la conceptualización sobre el juvenicidio en México. Para ello, se analizan casos documentados por antropólogos y periodistas de jóvenes de distintas clases sociales que participan o son vinculados con la delincuencia organizada. A partir de un análisis teórico conceptual, se realizan observaciones sobre cómo los grupos delincuenciales forjan fuentes de pertenencia, respeto e identidad, y cómo estos y los poderes públicos llevan a cabo acciones de desciudadanización que destruyen culturas juveniles como la de los cholombianos.

Abstract (analytical) This article aims to characterize and comprehend the processes of young people joining criminal organizations by using a case study of a youth culture in the northeastern region of Mexico, the Cholombianos. The authors propose a reference framework based on the articulation of categories such as post-structural violence, de-citizenization, fabrication of moral panic, territorial stigmatization, criminalization and criminal subjection to discuss and expand the conceptualization of youthcide in Mexico. To achieve this process, the authors analyze cases documented by anthropologists and journalists of young people from different social classes who participate in or are linked to organized crime. Using a conceptual theoretical analysis, the authors discuss how criminal groups fabricate senses of belonging, respect and identity and how they and public authorities carry out de-citizenization actions that destroy youth cultures like the Cholombianos.

Resumo (analítico) O artigo se propõe a caracterizar e compreender os processos de inserção de jovens em organizações criminosas, tomando o caso de uma cultura juvenil do nordeste mexicano, os cholombianos, propõe um quadro de referência construído pela articulação de categorias como violência pós-estrutural, descidadania, construção de pânicos morais, estigmatização territorial, criminalização e sujeição criminal, para debater e ampliar a conceituação do assassinato juvenil no México. Para isso, são analisados casos, documentados por antropólogos e jornalistas, de jovens de diferentes classes sociais que participam ou estão ligados ao crime organizado. A partir de uma análise teórica conceitual, são feitas observações sobre como grupos criminosos forjam fontes de pertencimento, respeito e identidade, como eles e o poder público realizam ações de descidadania que destroem culturas juvenis como a dos cholombianos.

Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Properties of Carissa edulis Extracts Obtained from Kaimosi Forest, Vihiga County, Kenya

Medicinal plants still play an important role in human and animal healthcare. About 60% of the world’s population and 80% of Africa’s population depend on herbal medicine for their primary healthcare. In Vihiga county Kenya, C. edulis has been reported to manage several human disease conditions such as epilepsy, headache, toothache, cough, chest complaints, sickle cell anemia, gonorrhea, syphilis and rabies among others. Its therapeutic efficacy is attributed to numerous phytochemicals present in its extracts. In this study, a phytochemical analysis was carried out in the roots, leaves and bark extracts, antimicrobial effects on Escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus laboratory cultures determined. The extracts were modified by grinding and ethanol used as solvent in the extraction. Different concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of plant extracts were used in the analysis and sterile distilled water used as the control. Data on zone growth inhibition was subjected to analysis of variance and the means were separated and compared using least significant differences at p? 0.05 by use of SAS statistical package. The results showed the presence of an array of phytochemicals in the leaves, bark and roots of the plant. The bark for example tested positive for tannins, saponins, flavanoids, terpenoids, glycosides and sterols while the leaves and roots tested negative for saponins and flavanoids respectively. The leaves exhibited the greatest inhibition against Escherichia coli with a mean diameter of 7.57mm and all the three parts exhibited a significant difference. The different concentrations also showed that inhibition increased with increase in concentration. The mean inhibition diameter at 100% was 8.96 while at 25% it was 7.21.

The impact of amphotericin B-fortified preservation media on donor rim cultures and posttransplant infection

Purpose: To determine the impact of amphotericin B supplementation to donor cornea preservation solutions on the rates of positive donor rim fungal cultures and postkeratoplasty fungal infections. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of cases undergoing corneal transplantations at a single tertiary referral center from 2016 to 2021. Patients undergoing corneal transplantations with and without amphotericin B supplementation to the storage media were reviewed for donor rim culture results and postoperative infection. The primary outcome measures were positive donor rim fungal culture results and postkeratoplasty fungal infection. Results: A total of 1238 corneal transplants were analyzed. Of these, 849 were stored in preservation solution without amphotericin B, while 389 had amphotericin B included. There was a lower incidence of positive donor rim fungal cultures in cases with amphotericin B supplementation (1.8%) compared to the cases without amphotericin B (2.9%), although this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.24). Of the 389 cases with amphotericin B supplementation, one (0.25%) went on to develop clinically significant infection, while three of 849 (0.35%) cases without amphotericin B developed infection. The sample size was too small to determine the effect of amphotericin B on the incidence of postkeratoplasty fungal infection. Conclusion: The addition of amphotericin B to donor cornea preservation solution resulted in a downward trend of positive donor rim fungal cultures and postkeratoplasty fungal infections, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to appropriately determine the impact of amphotericin B supplementation in the storage solution on positive donor rims and postkeratoplasty fungal infections.

Cell culture: a promising environment for research on cardiology / Cultivos celulares: un entorno promisorio para la investigación en cardiología

Abstract At present, tissue engineering is transforming the area of cardiovascular regenerative medicine, which combines the principles and methods of materials engineering and biological sciences, interacting with biochemical and physicochemical factors, for the understanding of their structure-function relationship. Thus, the course of diseases is reoriented by implementing methods and procedures involved in the regeneration of organs and tissues by means of the interaction with biocompatible matrices, pre-treated organs or stem cell management, among others, thus recovering the functionality in the system affected by acquired pathologies, alterations or congenital defects. Consequently, these procedures are increasingly becoming one the most promising treatment alternative for patients who suffer from any type of functional deficit. Known that all these possibilities make cell cultures a promising study environment to be used in biomedical applications, especially in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, this manuscript presents a general reviews of established cell lines or primary tissue lines and how cell cultures serve as a model before experimental work on laboratory animals and human subjects which makes it a valuable tool for broad models of study in the research on cardiology.

Resumen En la actualidad, la ingeniería de tejidos está transformando el área de la medicina regenerativa cardiovascular, combinando los principios y métodos de la ingeniería de materiales y las ciencias biológicas, interactuando entre factores bioquímicos y fisicoquímicos, para la comprensión de su relación estructura-función. Así, el curso de las enfermedades se viene a reorientar mediante la implementación de métodos y procedimientos implicados en la regeneración de órganos y tejidos a través de la interacción con matrices biocompatibles, órganos pretratados o manejo de células madre, entre otros, recuperando así la funcionalidad en el sistema afectado por enfermedades adquiridas y alteraciones o defectos congénitos. En consecuencia, estos procedimientos se están convirtiendo en una de las alternativas de tratamiento cada vez más prometedoras para los pacientes que sufren de algún tipo de alteración funcional. Considerando que todas estas posibilidades hacen de los cultivos celulares un entorno de estudio prometedor para ser utilizado en aplicaciones biomédicas, especialmente en ingeniería de tejidos y medicina regenerativa, este manuscrito presenta una revisión general de las líneas celulares establecidas o líneas de tejido primario y cómo los cultivos celulares sirven como modelo de evaluación antes del trabajo experimental en animales de laboratorio y sujetos humanos, lo cual los convierte en una herramienta valiosa para amplios modelos de estudio en la investigación en cardiología.

Organoides: fundamentos, presente y futuro / Organoids: fundamentals, present and future

RESUMEN Los organoides son estructuras miniaturizadas, generadas principalmente a partir de células madre pluripotentes inducidas, que se cultivan en el laboratorio conservando sus características innatas o adquiridas. Tienen el potencial de reproducir procesos de desarrollo biológico, modelar procesos patológicos que permitirán el descubrimiento de nuevos fármacos y propicien la medicina regenerativa. Sin embargo, estas experiencias requieren perfeccionamiento constante porque pueden haberse realizado variaciones en la constitución de estos órganos. Por ello, el presente artículo tiene como objetivo revisar la información actualizada sobre organoides y sus procesos experimentales básicos y recientes, empezando por la gastrulación, para tratar de imitar, en lo posible, la formación de las tres capas: ectodermo, mesodermo y endodermo, incluyendo los factores que intervienen en la inducción, diferenciación y maduración en la generación de estos organoides. Asimismo, el diseño y preparación de medios de cultivo altamente especializados que permitan obtener el órgano seleccionado con la mayor precisión y seguridad. Se realizó una búsqueda de artículos originales y de revisión publicados en PubMed, Nature y Science. Los artículos se seleccionaron por sus resúmenes y por su texto completo. Las conclusiones de este articulo destacan las ventajas futuras en el uso y aplicaciones de los organoides.

ABSTRACT Organoids are tiny structures, mainly generated from induced pluripotent stem cells, which are cultured in the laboratory while retaining their innate or acquired characteristics. They have the potential to reproduce biological development processes, model pathological processes that will enable the discovery of new drugs and promote regenerative medicine. However, these processes require constant improvement because variations may have occurred in the constitution of the organs. Therefore, this article aims to review updated information on organoids and their basic and recent experimental processes, starting with gastrulation, in an attempt to mimic, as much as possible, the formation of the three layers: ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm; as well as the information regarding the factors involved in the induction, differentiation and maturation during the generation of organoids. Likewise, the design and preparation of highly specialized culture media that allow obtaining the selected organ with the highest precision and safety. We searched for original and review articles published in PubMed, Nature and Science. Articles were selected for their abstracts and full text. The conclusions of this article highlight the future advantages in the use and applications of organoids.

Bacterias aisladas en hemocultivos positivos en lactantes bajo 90 días de edad ingresados por fiebre al Hospital Exequiel González Cortés entre 2014 y 2016 / Positive blood cultured isolated bacteria in children under 90 days old admitted for fever in Hospital Exequiel González Cortés between 2014 and 2016

INTRODUCCIÓN: En neonatos y lactantes bajo 90 días de vida la fiebre constituye un signo clínico relevante ya que puede corresponder a una infección bacteriana grave, por lo que se toman hemocultivos de forma rutinaria y el paciente es hospitalizado. Aún no existe una recomendación respecto al tiempo de observación necesario una vez internado el paciente. OBJETIVO: Describir las bacterias aisladas en hemocultivos de lactantes bajo 90 días de vida hospitalizados por fiebre y el tiempo de detección de crecimiento microbiano en los mismos. ¨MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo. Se revisaron hemocultivos positivos tomados entre 2014 y 2016 en neonatos y lactantes < 90 días de edad. Se obtuvieron las identificaciones, tiempo de positividad de las bacterias, así como datos clínicos, de laboratorio y demográficos. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 172 hemocultivos positivos, 51 cumplían los criterios de inclusión. De éstos, 21 microorganismos fueron patógenos (Escherichia coli: 10, Streptococcus agalactiae: 3, Streptococcus pyogenes: 3, otros: 5) y 30 se consideraron contaminación, principalmente Staphylococcus coagulasa negativa. En relación al total de la muestra, la mediana del tiempo de positividad fue de 10 h. A las 24 h de cultivo se detectó crecimiento bacteriano en 94% de la muestra. CONCLUSIÓN: Las bacterias patógenas aisladas en los hemocultivos de pacientes < 90 días de edad, que ingresaron con fiebre, corresponden principalmente a bacilos gramnegativos y estreptococos. Todos los patógenos aislados fueron detectados antes de 24 h de incubación.

BACKGROUND: Fever in infants younger than 90 days may reflect a serious bacterial infection, so blood cultures (BC) are taken routinely and the patient is hospitalized. The observation time to detect occult bacteremia is not well established. AIM: To describe type and positivity time of isolated bacteria in blood cultures in infants under 90 days admitted for fever. METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive study. Positive blood cultures taken between 2014-2016 in young infants admitted for fever were included. Identification and time of positivity of each bacteria, clinical, laboratory and demographic data were recorded. Demographic variables and the clinical outcome was obtained. RESULTS: There were 172 positive blood cultures, only 51 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 21 microorganisms were pathogenic (Escherichia coli: 10, Streptococcus agalactiae: 3, Streptococcus pyogenes: 3, others: 5) and 30 were considered contamination, mainly coagulase negative Staphylococcus. In relation to the total sample, the median time of positivity was 10 hrs. At 24 hours of culture, bacterial growth was detected in 94% of the sample. CONCLUSION: The pathogenic bacteria isolated in the blood cultures of patients younger than 90 days who were admitted with fever correspond mainly to Gram negative bacilli and streptococci. All isolated pathogens were detected before 24 h of incubation.

Biocontrol potential of endophytic fungi in tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) leaves against selected fungal phytopathogens

Aims@#Endophytic fungi are a diverse group of microorganisms that stay asymptomatically in the healthy tissues of the host. Many fungal endophytes are associated with the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and the pathogens of the tea plant have the potential to grow as endophytes or act as latent pathogens during the initial growth of the plant. The present study aimed at screening tea endophytic fungi with the potential for control of a few critical phytopathogens, Fusarium sp., Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Pestalotiopsis sp. and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum while evaluating the efficiency of growth inhibition of these phytopathogens by the endophytic fungal isolates using in vitro assays.@*Methodology and results@#Five endophytic fungal strains; Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, C. siamense, Daldinia eschscholtzii, Pseudopestalotiopsis chinensis and Phyllosticta capitalensis isolated from leaves of C. sinensis in Sri Lanka were evaluated for growth inhibition against plant pathogens; Fusarium sp., L. theobromae, Pestalotiopsis sp. and S. sclerotiorum using the dual culture assay and volatile compound-mediated inhibition assay. All the fungal endophytes used in this study exhibited antifungal activity against Fusarium sp., Pestalotiopsis sp. and S. sclerotiorum in the dual culture assay on PDA. Daldinia eschscholtzii (67.30%) and C. gloeosporioides (61.54%) showed strong antagonistic activity against S. sclerotiorum, while P. capitalensis (42.30%) demonstrated moderate activity. All the endophytic fungal strains showed moderate antifungal activities against Fusarium sp. The percentage growth inhibitions of Pestalotiopsis sp. by all the endophytic isolates tested were below 25.00%. In the volatile compound-mediated inhibition assay, none of the endophytic isolates showed visible inhibition against the phytopathogens used.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#In this study, the fungal endophytes which showed potential antagonistic activity against the tested phytopathogens can be used to develop commercialized products of fungal biocontrol agents (BCAs) for controlling plant fungal diseases.

Behavior on Blood Collection from Patients by Nurses for Culture at the Microbiology Laboratory of Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane Capital / Lao Medical Journal

Background and rationale@#Infections caused by bacteria are significant public health problems and the roots of much illness and death in Laos. Hemoculture is the gold standard for the diagnosis of septicemia and the aetiological agents. However, the result of blood culture depend on many factors, from the collection of blood by nurses until completing and reporting the laboratory analysis. The process of blood collection by nurses plays an important role for optimizing culture yields in the laboratory and the result will be more accurate with a lower contamination rate, if performed using strict sterilized techniques. Correct blood collection and culture practices will also reduce the risks of needle-stick injuries and harm.@*Objective@#To study behavior on blood collection from patients by nurses for culture at Microbiology Laboratory of Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane Capital.@*Methodology@#The study was descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative study to the nurses who were performing blood collection for culture and who answered questionnaires. The reported behavior of the nurses was also compared to that observed by the researcher. Data entered into the Excel and analyzed with STATA.@*Results@#The majority of the study nurses were female (92%) with a mean age of 33 years, a mid-level of nursing study (82.4%), and with an average duration of working of 7 years. The awareness of nurses about the importance of blood collection technique for culture was in the range from 43.3% and 30.0% rating as high and intermediate respectively. Right attitude towards accurate practices was 27.0%. The reported correct practice of blood collection by the nurses was 38% however the correspondent figure by observation was only 12%. Older age, longer work experience, better work knowledge, attitude were significantly associated with correct blood collection procedures (P-value <0.05).@*Conclusion@#The techniques and knowledge of the nurses for collecting blood cultures remains low due to lack of knowledge, techniques, procedures and methods to collect and deliver samples. Therefore, adequate and regular trainings are urgently needed.

Infecciones del sitio quirúrgico en un hospital de enseñanza. Estudio observacional / Surgical site infections in a teaching hospital. Observacional study

Objetivo: determinar el número de pacientes que desarrollaron una infección postquirúrgica, posibles agentes etiológicos y complicaciones.Métodos : se realizó un estudio retrospectivo observacional que incluye a todos los supervivientes de las cirugías electivas y de emergencia de los servicios de Cirugía I, II y III del Hospital Universitario de Caracas durante el año 2019. Los datos fueron recopilados a través de la revisión de historias médicas. 48 historias cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, en estas se analizaron distintas variables como: días de hospitalización, síntomas, resultados de laboratorio, cultivos microbiológicos y tratamientos. A partir de estas se elaboraron tablas de frecuencia y análisis bivariado (Chi-cuadrado de Pearson) con el programa IBM SPSS Statistics 26.Resultados : la prevalencia de las infecciones postoperatorias fue de 4,69% CI 95% = (2,79-7,16%) en los servicios de Cirugía (I, II y III) del hospital durante el año 2019, la mayoría ocurrieron tras cirugías de emergencia (87,50%) tales como: apendicectomías (45,83%) y colecistectomías (10,41%). Solo al 22,91% de estos pacientes se les realizó cultivo microbiológico donde se encontró:E. coli (10,50%), Enterococcus sp. y Klebsiella pneumoniae (6,24%), Morganella morganii (2,1%) y Streptococcus pneumoniae (2,1%). Conclusión : las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico siguen siendo una de las principales causas de morbi-mortalidad y aumento de la estadía hospitalaria en los servicios de cirugía, son de diversa etiología bacteriana y están mayormente asociadas a cirugías abdominales, de emergencia(AU)

Objective: to determine the number of patients that developed a surgical site infection (SSI), possible etiologic agents and complications.Methods : an observational and retrospective study that includes every patient that underwent and survived a surgical procedure at the general surgery I, II and III services at the University Hospital of Caracas between January and December 2019. The study data were collected through the review of the medical records. 48 medical records that met the inclusion criteria and different variables were analyzed, including: days of hospitalization, symptoms, laboratory results, microbiological cultures and treatments. From those variables, frequency tables and bivariate analysis (Pearson's Chi-Square) were created with the IBM SPSS Statistics 26 program.Results : the SSI prevalence was 4,69% CI 95%= (2,79-7,16%) including the three surgery services (I, II and III) at the University Hospital of Caracas during 2019. Most of these occurred after emergency surgeries (87,50%) among which stand out: appendectomy (45,83%) and cholecystectomies (10,41%). Microbiological cultures were performed only in 22,91% of these patients and the following bacteria were isolated:E. coli (10,50%), Enterococcus sp. plus Klebsiella pneumoniae (6,24%), Morganella morganii (2,1%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (2,1%). Conclusion : Surgical Site Infection (SSI) continues to be one of the main causes of morbimortality and increased hospital stay in surgical services in the hospital. These infections have a diverse bacterial etiology and are mostly associated with abdominal or emergency surgeries(AU)

Aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y microbiológicos en pacientes menores de 5 años con neumonía bacteriana / Epidemiological, clinical and microbiologic aspects in patients under 5 years with bacterial pneumonia

Introducción: Las infecciones respiratorias agudas abarcan entre 20 y 40 % del total de todas las hospitalizaciones y 20 - 34 % de las muertes en menores de 5 años de edad, fundamentalmente a expensas de neumonía. Objetivo: Describir aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y microbiológicos en pacientes menores de 5 años con neumonía bacteriana. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 39 pacientes con neumonía y aislamientos bacterianos en hemocultivos, líquido pleural y/o exudados nasofaringeos, ingresados en el Hospital Infantil Docente Sur Antonio María Béguez Cesar de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero de 2018 hasta diciembre de 2019. Se analizaron variables de interés, tales como edad, sexo, factores de riesgo, sintomatología y cultivos microbiológicos. Se utilizaron la frecuencia absoluta y el porcentaje como medidas de resumen. Resultados: Prevalecieron los pacientes entre 1 - 4 años de edad, el sexo femenino y los hemocultivos con estafilococos coagulasa negativo, así como neumococos, estos últimos también aislados en exudados nasofaríngeos. Los factores de riesgo más frecuentes fueron infección respiratoria aguda previa, uso anticipado de antibióticos, asistencia a círculo infantil, supresión precoz de lactancia materna, fiebre, tos, tiraje y alteraciones del murmullo vesicular. Predominaron la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda y el derrame pleural como complicaciones. Se notificó más gravedad en los lactantes y ocurrieron 2 decesos, para una letalidad de 1,47 %. Conclusiones: La conjunción de factores de riesgo detectados, la baja positividad de los cultivos, la identificación de bacterias prevalentes en hemocultivos y el descenso de la letalidad resultaron de interés en el estudio.

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections take in between 20 and 40 % of all the hospitalizations and 20 - 34% of deaths in children under 5 years, fundamentally at the expense of pneumonia. Objective: To describe epidemiologic, clinical and microbiologic aspects in patients under 5 years with bacterial pneumonia. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 39 patients with pneumonia and bacterial isolations in hemocultures, pleural fluid and/or nasopharyngeal swabs was carried out. They were admitted to Antonio María Béguez Cesar Southern Teaching Children Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, from January, 2018 to December, 2019. Variables of interest were analyzed, such as age, sex, risk factors, symptomatology and microbiologic cultures. The absolute frequency and the percentage as summary measures were used. Results: There was a prevalence of patients among 1 - 4 years, female sex and the hemocultures with negative coagulase staphylococcu, as well as pneumococus, these last ones also isolated in nasopharingeal swabs. The most frequent risk factors were previous acute respiratory infection, premature use of antibiotics, attendance to day care center, early suppression of breastfeeding, fever, cough, tirage and changes of the vesicular breath sound. The acute respiratory failure and pleural effusion as complications prevailed. More seriousness was notified in infants and there were 2 deaths, for a letality of 1.47 %. Conclusions: The combination of detected risk factors, low positivity of the cultures, identification of bacterias prevalents in hemocultures and the decrease of letality was of interest in the study.

Historia de la anestesiología / History of Anesthesiology

Resumen: El arte de la medicina es tan antiguo como el origen mismo de la vida, ha estado implícita en muchas culturas en todo el mundo, iniciando en cada una de ellas como un concepto mágico - religioso, y evolucionando con el paso de los siglos, y la presencia de grandes personajes en los diferentes momentos y culturas, con la aportación de conocimientos y técnicas que hoy han consolidado a la medicina como una ciencia que trasciende y se ha perfeccionado a través de los siglos, para dar lugar a cada una de las especialidades que actualmente conocemos, todas ellas igual de importantes e imprescindibles entre ellas mismas.

Abstract: The art of medicine is as old as the very origin of life, it has been implicit in many cultures around the world, beginning in each of them as a magical-religious concept, and evolving over the centuries, and the presence of great characters in different moments and cultures, with the contribution of knowledge and techniques that today have consolidated medicine as a science that has transcended and has been perfected over the centuries to give rise to each of the specialties that we currently know, all of them equally important and essential among themselves.

Isso não é pornografia de vingança: violência contra meninas e mulheres a partir da explanação de conteúdo íntimo na internet / This is not revenge pornography: violence against girls and women from the explanation of intimate content on the internet / Esto no es pornografía de venganza: violencia contra niñas y mujeres a partir de la exposición de contenido íntimo en internet

Entre questões que se elaboram nas dimensões do público e do privado na internet, a partir da acessibilidade dos smartphones e da configuração de plataformas que se organizam discursiva e tecnologicamente para que usuárias(os) estejam on-line e ativas(os) nas redes, a exposição não consensual de conteúdo íntimo de meninas e mulheres se configura em um problema potencializado. Nesse sentido, o artigo trata da exposição desautorizada de materiais íntimos, chamada no campo de 'explanação', apresentando dados etnográficos de um grupo no Facebook que desenvolve práticas para ajudar meninas, geralmente menores de idade, a se proteger e combater casos de explanação. Percebemos o exercício de uma forma atualizada de poder sobre o corpo e a sexualidade que se dissocia do padrão do que é entendido como pornografia de vingança. Nessa direção, o universo digital funciona como uma extensão do cotidiano, produzindo e estendendo violências contra meninas e mulheres.

Among issues that are elaborated in the public and private dimensions on the internet, from the accessibility of smartphones and the configuration of platforms that are discursive and technologically organized so that users are online and active on the networks, non-consensual exposure of intimate content of girls and women is an increasing problem. In this sense, the article deals with the unauthorized exposure of intimate materials, called in the field of 'explanation', presenting ethnographic data from a Facebook group that develops practices to help girls, usually minors, to protect themselves and fight cases of explanation. We perceive the exercise of an updated form of power over the body and sexuality that is dissociated from the pattern of what is understood as revenge pornography. In this direction, the digital universe works as an extension of everyday life, producing and extending violence against girls and women.

Entre los temas que se elaboran en las dimensiones pública y privada en internet, desde la accesibilidad de los teléfonos inteligentes y la configuración de plataformas discursivas y tecnológicamente organizadas para que los usuarios estén en línea y activos en las redes, la exposición no consensuada de contenidos íntimos de niñas y mujeres es un problema cada vez mayor. En este sentido, el artículo trata sobre la exposición no autorizada de materiales íntimos, denominada en el campo de exposición, presentando datos etnográficos de un grupo de Facebook que desarrolla prácticas para ayudar a niñas, generalmente menores de edad, a protegerse y combatir casos de exposición. Percibimos el ejercicio de una forma actualizada de poder sobre el cuerpo y la sexualidad que se disocia del patrón de lo que se entiende como pornografía de venganza. En esta dirección, el universo digital funciona como una extensión de la vida cotidiana, produciendo y extendiendo la violencia contra niñas y mujeres.

Optimización de unidades formadoras de colonias y detección del virus de papiloma humano en sangre de cordón umbilical / Colony-forming units optimization and human papillomavirus detection in umbilical cord blood

Resumen Introducción: Se requiere analizar diversos parámetros para el control de calidad adecuado de las unidades de sangre de cordón umbilical (USCU) cuando se utilizan con fines terapéuticos. Objetivo: Optimizar las unidades formadoras de colonias (UFC) de cultivos clonogénicos y detectar el genoma del virus del papiloma humano (VPH) en USCU. Métodos: Se incluyeron 141 muestras de sangre de cordón umbilical (SCU), de segmento y de UFC de cultivos clonogénicos de USCU. Se realizó extracción de ADN, cuantificación y amplificación por PCR del gen endógeno GAPDH. Se detectó el gen L1 del VPH con los oligonucleótidos MY09/MY11 y GP5/GP6+; los productos de PCR se migraron en electroforesis de agarosa. El ADN purificado de las UFC se analizó mediante electroforesis de agarosa y algunos ADN, con la técnica sequence specific priming. Resultados: La concentración de ADN extraído de UFC fue superior comparada con la de SCU (p = 0.0041) y la de segmento (p < 0.0001); así como la de SCU comparada con la de segmento (p < 0.0001). Todas las muestras fueron positivas para la amplificación de GAPDH y negativas para MY09/MY11 y GP5/GP6+. Conclusiones: Las USCU criopreservadas fueron VPH netativas; además, es factible obtener ADN en altas concentraciones y con alta pureza a partir de UFC de los cultivos clonogénicos.

Abstract Introduction: Analysis of several markers is required for adequate quality control in umbilical cord blood units (UCBU) when are used for therapeutic purposes. Objective: To optimize colony-forming units (CFU) from clonogenic cultures and to detect the human papillomavirus (HPV) genome in UCBU. Methods: One hundred and forty-one umbilical cord blood (UCB), segment or CFU samples from UCBU clonogenic cultures were included. DNA extraction, quantification and endogenous GAPDH gene PCR amplification were carried out. Subsequently, HPV L1 gene was detected using the MY09/MY11 and GP5/GP6+ oligonucleotides. PCR products were analyzed with electrophoresis in agarose gel. CFU-extracted purified DNA was analyzed by electrophoresis in agarose gel, as well as some DNAs, using the SSP technique. Results: CFU-extracted DNA concentration was higher in comparison with that of UCB (p = 0.0041) and that of the segment (p < 0.0001), as well as that of UCB in comparison with that of the segment (p < 0.0001). All samples were positive for GAPDH amplification and negative for MY09/MY11 and GP5/GP6+. Conclusions: Cryopreserved UCBUs were HPV-negative. Obtaining CFU DNA from clonogenic cultures with high concentrations and purity is feasible.

Selection of potential lactic acid bacteria from fermented Sumbawa mare’s milk as starter cultures

Aims@#The aim of this study was to screen lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates from fermented Sumbawa mare‘s milk that meet the requirements as starter cultures, and to evaluate the effect of the selected starter culture in improving the organoleptic quality of mare‘s milk fermentation. @*Methodology and results@#The LAB isolates (13 isolates) derived from naturally fermented Sumbawa mare‘s milk were firstly screened for acidification activity. Afterwards, the selected isolates were evaluated for the starter culture criteria such as technological properties (proteolytic test, lipolytic test, and exopolysaccharide production), food safety test (hemolytic test and antibiotic sensitivity test), antimicrobial activity test. The selected culture (SC) together with yogurt starter cultures (YC) and combination between the selected isolate and a mixture of both (MC) were used to ferment fresh mare’s milk. Six LAB isolates (DB7, BC10, DC4, BC9, DC10, and BC7) were obtained from the acidification screening. Isolate BC10 was the most potential isolate as starter culture due to its ability in terms of acidification and proteolytic activity, lack of lipolytic activity, no indication of pathogenic potency, as well as able to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. However, this isolate was resistant to antibiotics kanamycin, trimethoprim, and cinoxacin. The isolate BC10 presented 99.99% sequence similarity with respect to Lactobacillus plantarum.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The selected starter culture (isolate BC10) was able to improve the organoleptic quality of fermented mare‘s milk especially aroma compared to the other starter cultures. Therefore, L. plantarum BC10 is a potential isolate to be used as starter culture for mare’s milk fermentation.

Optimization of Flavonoid Production in Plant Cell Culture of Thevetia peruviana Elicited with Methyl Jasmonate and Salicylic Acid

Abstract Thevetia peruviana is a medicinal plant that has valuable secondary terpenoid-type metabolites and phenolic compounds. Some flavonoid compounds of pharmaceutical interest stand out in the latter group. The concentration of these bioactive compounds in natural conditions is limited by environmental; therefore, it has been considered necessary to make in vitro plant cell suspension cultures that admit the use of elicitors to increase the content of active principles. Accordingly, in this study, for the optimization of flavonoid production in cell suspension culture of T. peruviana, different parameters related to elicitation with methyl jasmonate (MeJa), and salicylic acid (SA) were evaluated, at stirred flask scale. Firstly, 3 μM MeJa and 300 μM SA were added separately in cell cultures of T. peruviana, to assess their potential effects. Secondly, several experimental conditions were evaluated, for optimization purpose. In the first part, MeJa and SA increased the total flavonoid content, in 1.07 and 1.3 times, respectively, compared to the control culture; in the second part, total flavonoid content produced in MeJa mediated cell suspension cultures were 4.14 mg QE/g DW (milligrams of quercetin equivalent per gram of dry biomass) with: concentration 0.3 μM, addition time day 5 and harvest time 90 h. On the other hand, total flavonoid content produced in SA mediated cell suspension cultures were 3.75 mg QE/g DW with: concentration 100 μM, addition time day 0 and harvest time 96 h. Elicitation of cell suspension cultures of T. peruviana with MeJa and SA under their ideal parameter values increased flavonoid content.

Importancia del mapeo óptico de cultivos de cardiomiocitos HL-1 en estudios electrofisiológicos / Importance of the optical mapping of HL-1 cardiomyocyte cultures in electrophysiological studies

Introducción: El desarrollo de herramientas para investigar la actividad electrofisiológica cardiaca ha permitido profundizar en el conocimiento sobre los mecanismos subyacentes a las arritmias cardiacas. Los sistemas de mapeo óptico constituyen una tecnología que responde a la necesidad de superar varios obstáculos en la experimentación. Objetivo: Proporcionar una visión general de la importancia del mapeo óptico en cultivos celulares HL-1, en las investigaciones en electrofisiología cardiaca. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sobre los estudios electrofisiológicos que involucran la línea celular HL-1 utilizando la técnica de mapeo óptico. Conclusiones: Los trabajos se caracterizan por la implementación de la técnica respecto a la tecnología de los equipos de mapeo, a la utilización de diferentes colorantes y al objetivo de la investigación. Están enfocados en el estudio de mecanismos arritmogénicos, procesos de estiramiento mecánico o remodelación del tejido y en el análisis de nuevos biomateriales. Lo anterior, sustenta la relevancia del mapeo óptico en la investigación cardiaca(AU)

Introduction: The development of tools to study cardiac electrophysiological activity has made it possible to broaden knowledge about the mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias. Optical mapping systems constitute a technology that responds to the need to overcome several hurdles in experimentation. Objective: Provide an overview of the importance of optical mapping in HL-1 cell cultures in cardiac electrophysiology research. Methods: A review was conducted of electrophysiological studies involving the HL-1 cell line using the optical mapping technique. Conclusions: The studies are characterized by implementation of the technique with respect to the technology of mapping equipment, the use of different colorants and the purpose of the research. They focus on the study of arrhythmogenic mechanisms, mechanical stretch processes or tissue remodeling as well as the analysis of new biomaterials. The above substantiates the relevance of optical mapping in cardiac research(AU)

Hallazgos microbiológicos y susceptibilidad antimicrobiana en cirugía abdominal de urgencia / Microbiological findings and antimicrobial susceptibility in emergency abdominal surgery

Resumen Introducción: Es importante mantener programas de vigilancia bacteriana para disminuir resistencia y definir esquemas farmacológicos adecuados. Los pacientes con abdomen agudo representan un grupo microbiológico especial. Objetivos: Hacer una revisión de agentes patógenos en pacientes adultos operados en nuestro Servicio de Urgencia por patología abdominal con líquido libre y analizar los resultados obtenidos de cultivos respecto a las cepas y la susceptibilidad a los antibióticos. Materiales y Método: Estudio de cohorte prospectiva con estadística descriptiva. Se incluyen pacientes consecutivos, mayores de 18 años, operados por abdomen agudo que presentan líquido libre intraperitoneal entre noviembre de 2017 y abril de 2018. Se excluyen casos con terapia antimicrobiana, hospitalización y/o cirugía en los 3 meses previos. Se registran los cultivos positivos, cepas aisladas, susceptibilidad antimicrobiana, datos demográficos y evolución clínica. Resultados: De 63 pacientes 55% fueron hombres, edad promedio 52,2 años. Las patologías más frecuentes fueron de origen apendicular (62%) y de causa entérica (30%). En un 44% el cultivo fue positivo y en 36% con más de un germen. Escherichia coli fue el patógeno más frecuente (64,2%) seguidos de Enterococcus faecium y Streptococcus anginosus (7,1%). De los otros patógenos cultivados sólo se observó resistencia múltiple en un caso aislado de Morganella Morganii. Conclusiones: Estos datos constituyen la realidad microbiológica local en abdomen agudo. La Escherichia Coli sigue siendo el germen más frecuente, debe enfrentarse con profilaxis y tratamiento antibiótico adecuado. Es necesario mantener vigilancia microbiología local para un manejo acorde.

Introduction: It is important to maintain bacterial surveillance programs to decrease resistance and define adequate pharmacological schemes. Patients with abdomen represent a special microbiological group. Objetives: Make a review of pathogens in adult patients operated in our Emergency Service for abdominal pathology with free fluid and analyze the results obtained from cultures with respect to the strains and susceptibility to antibiotics. Materials and Method: Prospective cohort study with descriptive statistics. We include consecutive patients, older than 18 years old, operated on by abdomen who present free intraperitoneal fluid between November 2017 and April 2018. Cases with antimicrobial therapy, hospitalization and/or surgery 3 months prior are excluded. Positive cultures, isolated strains, antimicrobial susceptibility, demographic data and clinical evolution are recorded. Results: Of 63 patients, 55% were men and the average age was 52.2 years. The most frequent pathologies were of appendicular origin (62%) and of enteric origin (30%). In 44% the crop was positive and in 36% with more than one germ. Escherichia coli was the most frequent pathogen (64.2%) followed by Enterococcus faecium and Streptococcus anginosus (7.1%). Of the others, cultivated pathogens have only observed multiple resistance in an isolated case of Morganella Morganii. Conclusions: These data include the local microbiological reality in acute abdomen. Escherichia coli is still the most frequent germ that must be faced with the profile and the appropriate treatment. It is necessary to maintain local microbiology surveillance for a proper management.