An isolated bioinductive repair vs. sutured repair for full-thickness rotator cuff tears: 2-year results of a double blinded, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears treated with an isolated bioinductive repair (IBR) in lieu of a completion-and-repair have shown complete healing. This treatment option is afforded by the remaining tendon's structural integrity, which is similar to that present in small/medium full-thickness tears (FTTs) when the rotator cable remains intact. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated whether an IBR for small/medium FTTs resulted in superior healing and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) compared with a sutured repair. METHODS: This prospective, double blinded (patients and outcome assessors), single-center RCT enrolled patients ≥18 years with a small/medium (≤2.5cm) full thickness supraspinatus tear and intact rotator cable. Patients were randomized and blinded to arthroscopic transosseous-equivalent repair (control, n = 30) or IBR (n = 30). The primary outcome was tendon quality on biopsy at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were PROs (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], Constant-Murley Shoulder [CMS], and pain visual analogue scale scores) and tendon thickness and healing measured via MRI at 6, 12, and 24 months; satisfaction at 12 and 24 months; and time to return to work. RESULTS: Baseline demographic, tear, and surgical characteristics were comparable between the groups (IBR: mean age, 54.2 years, 14 male; control: mean age, 56.4 years, 16 male). Measured via 6 month biopsy, highly organized, parallel bundles of collagen, without inflammation, were present in all IBR patients, whereas poorly organized, non-parallel collagen fibers were present in 24/30 (80%) of control patients (P < .0001), with 28/30 having minimal to mild inflammation. The increase in tendon thickness measured via MRI at 6 months from baseline was greater in the IBR group (2.0 mm) than in the control group (0.8 mm) (P < .0001). All IBR patients had 100% healing on MRI at 12 and 24 months. Compared with the control group, the IBR group had higher ASES and CMS scores at each evaluation, less pain at 6 and 12 months, and greater satisfaction at 12 and 24 months (P < .0003). The IBR group returned to work significantly faster (median 90 days [IQR, 25] vs. median 163.5 days [IQR, 24]; P < .0001) than the control group. CONCLUSION: Compared with a sutured repair, the IBR treatment resulted in superior tendon quality, patient outcomes, satisfaction, and return to work. The IBR enabled a robust healing response evident through MRI and biopsy evaluation, demonstrating superior tendon quality and healing.

Consenso latinoamericano sobre la importancia de un sistema de gestión de datos microbiológicos para apoyar el programa de optimización de uso de antimicrobianos (PROA): Recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia. Parte 1 / Latin American consensus on the importance of a microbiological data management system to support antimicrobial use optimization program (PROA): Evidence-based recommendations. Part 1

La resistencia antimicrobiana es una amenaza para los logros de la medicina moderna y una de las medidas más efectivas para contrarrestarla son los programas de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos (PROA), en el cual el laboratorio de microbiología es uno de los principales componentes. La aplicación efectiva de tecnología de la información en los procesos es fundamental, pero existe poca información en Latinoamérica sobre el desarrollo y la articulación de las herramientas tecnológicas para apoyar los PROA. Este consenso hace recomendaciones sobre la gestión de los datos microbiológicos para la toma de decisiones. En la Parte I, se presentan las recomendaciones en cuanto al uso de un sistema informatizado de gestión de datos microbiológicos en la práctica clínica, los requerimientos de datos y de reporte en el laboratorio de microbiología, y los contenidos del sistema de gestión de calidad avanzado en el laboratorio. En la Parte II, se discuten los requerimientos de información para la gestión de PROA en estadios intermedios, iniciales y avanzados por el laboratorio y la farmacia; así como la integración del equipo de PROA con el Comité de Prevención y Control de Infecciones y la información para la gestión de PROA a nivel gerencial.

Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to the achievements of modern medicine and one of the most effective measures to counteract it is antimicrobial use optimization programs (AMS), in which the microbiology laboratory is one of the main components. The effective application of information technology in the processes is fundamental, but there is little information in Latin America on the development and articulation of technological tools to support AMSs. This consensus makes recommendations on the management of microbiological data for decision making. In Part I, recommendations on the use of a computerized microbiological data management system in clinical practice, data and reporting requirements in the microbiology laboratory, as well as the contents of the advanced quality management system in the laboratory are presented. In Part II, the information requirements for AMS management in intermediate, initial, and advanced stages by the laboratory and pharmacy are discussed; as well as the integration of the AMS team with the Infection Prevention and Control Committee and the information for AMS management at the management level.

Seroprevalence and detection of bovine leukosis virus in semen from breeding bulls in Costa Rica.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) causes enzootic bovine leukosis, a persistent infection and the most important neoplastic disease in cattle. It is spread primarily by transferring infected lymphocytes through blood from carriers to healthy animals. The present study is aimed at determining the seropositivity of BLV in breeding bulls from Costa Rica and at detecting for the first time in the country BLV DNA in bull semen. Between May 2011 and August 2018, 379 blood and 133 semen samples were collected from bulls distributed in 118 farms. The serum was analyzed by an enzymatic immunoassay and the semen by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. BLV seropositivity was 43.5% (165/379), while 64.4% (76/118) of the farms had positive reactors. Holstein (75.7%) and Jersey (73.0%) breeds showed the highest seropositivity. In addition, Bos taurus bulls (68.1%), older than seven years (50.0%), and those belonging to dairy farms (75.5%) had higher seropositivity compared to Bos indicus (17.7%), younger than seven years (42.2%), and those from beef farms (15.5%), respectively. Moreover, Bos taurus bulls had a higher risk of being seropositive than Bos indicus (OR = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.7-6.8). BLV DNA was found in one semen sample (2.5%; 1/40) from a seropositive bull. The importance of serum and molecular BLV screening in semen samples and the potential role of some risk factors associated with the disease, such as the bull's age, genotype, and type of livestock productive system, is argued in the present report.

Antigenic and molecular characterization of isolates of the Brazilian genotype BR-I (GI-11) of infectious bronchitis virus supports its recognition as BR-I serotype.

The antigenic and molecular characteristics of BR-I infectious bronchitis viruses (IBVs) isolated from Brazil are reported. IBVs isolated from commercial flocks with different clinical manifestations between 2003 and 2019 were submitted to antigenic and molecular characterization. The complete S1 glycoprotein gene of 11 field isolates was amplified and sequenced. The virus neutralization (VN) test showed 94.75% neutralization with a BR-I isolate and 30% or less against other worldwide reference strains. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence analyses revealed 84.3-100% and 83.5-100% identity among them, respectively. The identity values ranged from 57.1 to 82.6% for nucleotides and from 46.6-84.4% for amino acids compared with those of other genotypes. By phylogenetic tree analysis, the Brazilian isolates were branched into the BR-I genotype (lineage GI-11), which was differentiated from foreign reference strains. Selective pressure analyses of BR-I IBVs revealed evolution under purifying selection (negative pressure) for the complete S1 gene but four specific sites (87, 121, 279, and 542) under diversifying selection (positive pressure). Profiles of cleavage sites and potential N-glycosylation sites differed from those of other genotypes. The low molecular relationship among the Brazilian viruses and foreign serotypes was concordant with the VN test results. The low antigenic relatedness (ranging from 5.3-30% between Brazilian genotype BR-I and reference IBV serotypes of North America, Europe, and Asia) indicates that the BR-I genotype is a different serotype, referred to for the first time and hereafter as serotype BR-I. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSStrains of the BR-I genotype presented robust antigenic and molecular similarity.BR-I strains evolved under purifying selection mode (negative pressure).The BR-I genotype originated in Brazil and dispersed to other countries.BR-I genotype viruses can be referred to as the BR-I serotype.

Complete genome sequence data of two Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Gallinarum: A 9R vaccine strain and a virulent Brazilian field strain.

Salmonella Gallinarum (SG) is a host-restricted enterobacteria and the causative agent of fowl typhoid in poultry. Here, we report the complete genomes of two strains belonging to this serotype. SA68 is a field strain isolated from the livers of dead hen carcasses of a commercial layer farm presenting high mortality located in São Paulo city, Brazil, in 1990. Strain 9R corresponds to a live attenuated SG commercial vaccine. DNA was extracted from pure cultures and subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS) using the Ion Torrent PGM System. The assemblies reached lengths of 4,657,435 (SA68) and 4,657,471 (9R) base pairs. Complete genomes were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers CP110192 (SA68) and CP110508 (9R). Both genomes were analyzed and compared in terms of molecular typing, antibiotic resistance genes, virulence genes, Salmonella pathogenic islands (SPIs), insertion sequences and prophages. The data obtained show many similarities in the genetic content, with the exception of the SPI-12 and CS54 pathogenic islands, which are exclusive to the field strain. The information generated will help to understand the virulence differences of field and vaccinal SG strains and can be used to perform evolutionary and epidemiologic studies.

Genetic Analysis of Infectious Bronchitis Virus S1 Gene Reveals Novel Amino Acid Changes in the GI-16 Lineage in Peru.

Infectious bronchitis is a highly contagious viral disease that represents an economic threat for poultry despite the wide use of vaccination. To characterize the virus circulating in Peru, we analyzed 200 samples, including nasopharyngeal swabs and multiple tissues collected from animals suspected of being infected with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) between January and August in 2015. All animals had at least one positive sample for IBV by RT-PCR. Out of these positive samples, eighteen (18) were selected for viral isolation and a partial S1 sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis showed that sixteen isolates clustered with members of GI-16 lineage, also known as Q1, with nucleotide homology ranging from 93% to 98%. The two remaining isolates grouped with members of the GI-1 lineage. Our study reveals circulation of GI-16 lineage during this period in poultry systems in Peru, along with GI-1 lineage (vaccine-derived). Moreover, those IBV GI-16 isolates showed unique nucleotide and amino acid changes compared to their closest relatives. Altogether, these findings reveal the circulation of GI-16 lineage while describing changes at key regions of the S protein that might be of relevance for vaccine evasion. These results highlight the importance of genetic surveillance for improving vaccination strategies against infectious bronchitis.

Bioinductive collagen implants facilitate tendon regeneration in rotator cuff tears.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes, MRI imaging and histological characteristics of biopsy samples of the tendon from patients in whom rotator cuff repair was previously performed with a bioinductive type I bovine collagen implants. METHODS: Prospective study of 30 patients with partial or complete rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic repair and augmentation with a resorbable type I bovine collagen implant. Preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months after surgery, the VAS, ASES and Constant-Murley scores were evaluated and an MRI study was performed. At 6 months, biopsies of the resulting tissue were obtained and examined histologically. RESULTS: Patients experienced statistically significant and sustained improvement from baseline for all scores and the mean tendon thickness increased by 1.84 mm. Magnetic resonance imaging evidence of complete healing was found in 27 patients and a considerable reduction in defect size, greater than 50%, was shown in 3. In all samples obtained, the new tissue generated had the histological appearance of a tendon, and was indistinguishable from the native tendon. There was no evidence of any remaining collagen implant. CONCLUSIONS: Biopsies of tissue formed from bioinductive type I bovine collagen implants showed, six months after surgery, the generation of a neotendon indistinguishable from the native one. Histology and MRI imaging, revealed complete integration of the implant and absence of inflammatory or foreign body reactions. The clinical parameters, thickness and MRI signal of the tendon improved significantly at 6 months, regardless of the type and size of the tear, and remained unchanged until 12 months. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Marcadores hematológicos y bioquímicos para el diagnóstico precoz de bacteriemiascausadas por Enterobacteriaceae resistentes a los carbapenémicos / Haematological and biochemical markers for the early diagnosis of bacteremias caused bycarbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae

INTRODUCCIÓN. Las bacteriemias causadas por Enterobacteriaceae resistentes a carbapenémicos se asocian con altas tasas de mortalidad a diferencia de las bacteriemias causadas por Enterobacteriaceae sensibles a carbapenémicos. Los hallazgos clínicos y de laboratorio son importantes para determinar los esquemas terapéuticos y su pronóstico; su diagnóstico precoz resulta esencial para un manejo adecuado. OBJETIVO. Relacionar valores de marcadores sanguíneos y bioquímicos en bacteriemias causadas por Enterobacteriaceae resistentes a carbapenémicos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio analítico transversal. Población de 427 y muestra de 224 datos de hemocultivos positivos para Enterobacteriaceae de pacientes atendidos en el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín en el periodo mayo 2016 a julio 2018. Criterios de inclusión: i) al menos un hemocultivo positivo; ii) recuperación del aislado de CRE o CSE y iii) recolección simultanea de muestras de sangre y pruebas de laboratorio. Criterios de exclusión: i) bacteriemias polimicrobianas; ii) valores fuera de rango y iii) reportes sin valores numéricos. El análisis de datos se realizó mediante el programa estadístico International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences versión 24.0. RESULTADOS. Se demostró que el recuento de leucocitos [OR 1,21 (95% IC: 1,03-1,43)], el recuento de plaquetas [OR 1,65 (95% IC: 1,37-1,98)] y el tiempo parcial de tromboplastina [OR 1,29 (95% IC: 1,04-1,60)] fueron buenas variables predictoras independientes, mediante análisis de regresión logística multivariante. CONCLUSIÓN. La trombocitopenia y el tiempo parcial de tromboplastina prolongado se asociaron con bacteremia causada por Enterobacteriaceae resistentes a carbapenémicos.

INTRODUCTION. Bacteremias caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are associated with high mortality rates in contrast to bacteremias caused by carbapenem-sensitive Enterobacteriaceae. Clinical and laboratory findings are important in determining therapeutic regimens and prognosis; early diagnosis is essential for appropriate management. OBJECTIVE. To relate blood and biochemical marker values in bacteremia caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Cross-sectional analytical study. Population of 427 and sample of 224 blood culture data positive for Enterobacteriaceae from patients attended at the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital in the period May 2016 to July 2018. Inclusion criteria: i) at least one positive blood culture; ii) recovery of CRE or CSE isolate and iii) simultaneous collection of blood samples and laboratory tests. Exclusion criteria: i) polymicrobial bacteremia; ii) out-of-range values and iii) reports without numerical values. Data analysis was performed using the statistical program International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24.0. RESULTS. Leukocyte count [OR 1.21 (95% CI: 1.03-1.43)], platelet count [OR 1.65 (95% CI: 1.37- 1.98)] and partial thromboplastin time [OR 1.29 (95% CI: 1.04-1.60)] were shown to be good independent predictor variables, by multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION. Thrombocytopenia and prolonged partial thromboplastin time were associated with bacteremia caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

Aerobic and anaerobic metabolic scaling in the burrowing freshwater crayfish Parastacus pugnax.

Metabolic scaling is a well-known biological pattern. Theoretical scaling exponents near 0.67 and 0.75 are the most widely accepted for aerobic metabolism, but little is known about the scaling of anaerobic metabolism. Furthermore, metabolic scaling has been mainly evaluated in organisms primarily relying on aerobic pathways. Here we evaluate both aerobic and anaerobic metabolic scaling in Parastacus pugnax, a burrowing freshwater crayfish endemic to Chile, which inhabits waters with low pO2 (~ 1 mg O2 L-1, measured in this study). We determined the metabolic rate, total oxidative capacity (Electron Transport System: ETS), critical oxygen tension (Pcrit) and muscular Lactate dehydrogenase (LHD) and Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) enzymatic activities (proxies of anaerobic metabolism) over a wide range of P. pugnax sizes (0.24-42.93 g wet mass). Aerobic metabolism scaled with crayfish size with an exponent of 0.78, remarkably similar to the 0.73 which scaled the ETS, the enzymatic complex behind respiration. Critical partial pressure of oxygen (Pcrit) was calculated as 15.6 ± 2.9 mmHg, showing that aerobic metabolism was efficiently maintained until ~ 10% air saturation. Below this threshold, P. pugnax switched to anaerobic metabolism, evidenced by a reduction in aerobic metabolism and ETS activity under chronic low oxygen conditions. None of the activities of MDH, LDH, their ratio (MDH/LDH), nor Pcrit scaled with crayfish size, indicating that these animals are equally adapted to hypoxic environments throughout their whole ontogeny. Given the particularities of its habitat, the information presented here is valuable for a proper management and successful conservation.

Design and Testing of a Cabotegravir Implant for HIV Prevention.

Long-acting antiretroviral implants could help protect high-risk individuals from HIV infection. We describe the design and testing of a long-acting reservoir subcutaneous implant capable of releasing cabotegravir for several months. We compressed cabotegravir and excipients into cylindrical pellets and heat-sealed them in tubing composed of hydrophilic poly(ether-urethane) -. The implants have a 47 mm lumen length, 3.6 mm outer diameter, and 200 µm wall thickness. Four cabotegravir pellets were sealed in the membrane, with a total drug loading of 274 ± 3 mg. In vivo, the implants released 348 ± 107 µg/day (median value per implant, N = 41) of cabotegravir in rhesus macaques. Five implants generated an average cabotegravir plasma concentration of 373 ng/ml in rhesus macaques. The non-human primates tolerated the implant without gross pathology or microscopic signs of histopathology compared to placebo implants. Cabotegravir plasma levels in macaques dropped below detectable levels within two weeks after the removal of the implants.

Design of a Drug-Eluting Subcutaneous Implant of the Antiretroviral Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate.

PURPOSE: Sexual transmission of HIV has been clinically proven to be preventable with a once-daily oral tablet; however, missed doses dramatically increase the risk of HIV infection. Long-acting subcutaneous implants do not allow the user to miss a dose. A desirable long-acting drug-eluting implant can deliver a constant amount of drug, adjust the delivered dose, and be readily manufactured. We present a long-acting, subcutaneous implant design composed of tenofovir alafenamide hemifumarate (TAF) pellets loaded in a sealed polyether urethane tube for the prevention of HIV transmission. METHODS: Implants were prepared with pressed drug pellets and extruded polyurethane tubing. In vitro release rate of implants using different pellet formulations, rate-controlling membranes, and geometries were measured. RESULTS: Tenofovir alafenamide release appeared to be governed by a pseudo-steady state and followed a mass transport model of release from a cylindrical drug reservoir. Implant seal integrity was tested and confirmed using mechanical testing. The inclusion of sodium chloride in the pellet increased the release rate and reduced initial lag. The release was sustained for 100 days. CONCLUSIONS: The release rate of tenofovir alafenamide mechanistically varied with geometry and rate controlling membrane composition. The polyether urethane implant presented herein is modular and tunable to adjust the release rate and duration of the TAF release.

Carbapenemasas y sensibilidad a los antibióticos no ß-lactámicos en Klebsiella pneumoniae resistente a los carbapenémicos en un hospital de tercer nivel de complejidad. Quito ­ Ecuador / Carbapenemases and sensitivity to non-ß-lactam antibiotics in Klebsiella pneumoniae resistant to carbapenems in a third level hospital. Quito - Ecuador

INTRODUCCIÓN. La resistencia de Klebsiella pneumoniae a carbapenémicos ha aumentado con los años, reduciendo opciones terapéuticas. Puede deberse a dos mecanismos principales, como: la producción de carbapenemasas y alteración de la permeabilidad de la membrana. OBJETIVO. Analizar la frecuencia de Klebsiella pneumoniae resistente a carbapenémicos, junto al mecanismo de resistencia informado por el Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia y la sensibilidad a antibióticos usados para uso terapéutico. MATERIA-LES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio retrospectivo, de población y muestra conocida. Se determinó la sensibilidad/resistencia de Klebsiella pneumoniae: todos los datos aislados de Klebsiella pneumoniae. Se reportaron 11 809 bacilos gram negativos pertenecientes a la familia Enterobacteriaceae. Se utilizó el sistema Whonet 5.6 2017 y BacLink2, así como la revisión de los resultados enviados al Centro Nacional de Referencia para la Resistencia a los Antimicrobianos del Instituto Nacional de Investigación de Salud Pública Izquieta Pérez para investigación de carbapenemasas en el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín,en el período abril 2016 a mayo 2018. RESULTADOS. El 20,5% (2 421; 11 809) correspondieron a Klebsiella pneumoniae y de estos, 32,9% (797; 2 421) mostraron resistencia a Meropenem. Existió mayor frecuencia en muestra de orina, secreción, sangre y aspirado traqueal. Predominó en varones de más de 61 años. Se clasificó en 15 grupos fenotípicos según los perfiles de resistencia a los antibióticos utilizados como alternativa terapéutica. CONCLUSIÓN. La presencia de Klebsiella pneumoniae produjo una carbapenemasa resistente a los medi-camentos utilizados como tratamiento, llevó a pensar en el uso de otros medicamentos como: fosfomicina o ceftazidima/viabactam; sin embargo, se desarrolló medidas de control y prevención de infecciones, así como programas para el uso de antibióticos.

INTRODUCTION. The resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae to carbapenems has increased over the years, reducing therapeutic options. It can be due to two main mechanisms, such as: the production of carbapene-mases and alteration of membrane permeability. OBJECTIVE. Analyse the frequency of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, along with the resistance mechanism reported by the National Reference Laboratory and sensitivity to antibiotics used for therapeutic use. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Retrospective study, po-pulation and known sample. The sensitivity / resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae was determined: all isolated were Klebsiella pneumoniae. 11 809 gram negative bacillus belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family were reported. The Whonet 5.6 2017 and BacLink2 system was used, as well as the review of the results sent to the National Reference Center for the Antimicrobial Resistance of the National Institute of Public Health Research Izquieta Pérez for carbapenemases research at the Carlos Andrade Marín Speciality Hospital, in the period april 2016 to may 2018. RESULTS. 20,5% (2 421; 11 809) were Klebsiella pneumoniae and of these, 32,9% (797; 2 421) showed resistance to Meropenem. There was a higher frequency in urine sample, secretion, blood and tracheal aspiration. Predominance in males over 61 years old. It was classified into 15 phenotypic groups according to antibiotic resistance profiles used as a therapeutic alternative. CONCLUSION. The pre-sence of Klebsiella pneumoniae produced a carbapenemase drug-resistance used as treatment, leading to thought on the use of other medicines such as phosphomycin or ceftazidima/avibactam; however, infection control and prevention measures were developed, as well as programs for the use of antibiotics.

A seminested RT-PCR for molecular genotyping of the Brazilian BR-I Infectious Bronchitis Virus Strain (GI-11).

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is one of the avian diseases with the greatest impact on poultry farming worldwide. In Brazil, strain BR-I (GI-11) is the most prevalent in poultry flocks. The present study aimed to develop a seminested RT-PCR assay specific for the diagnosis of BR-I IBV in Brazilian samples, targeting subunit 1 of the S gene. The detection limit of this assay was 10 copies of the IBV genome. In this study, 62.24% of 572 organ pools from the 5 regions of Brazil tested positive in a 3'UTR screening, and 84.83% were typed as BR-I IBV. BR-I was detected in the respiratory, digestive and urogenital tracts in pooled samples from all Brazilian geographical regions and in all the breeding systems analyzed. Specificity and sensitivity tests as well as phylogenetic analysis successfully confirmed the expected clustering of the sequences detected by this assay with the BR-I (GI-11) group. The nested PCR described in this study represents a suitable and valuable tool in the diagnosis, epidemiology, monitoring and vaccination decisions of IBV.

Enhanced Robot Speech Recognition Using Biomimetic Binaural Sound Source Localization.

Inspired by the behavior of humans talking in noisy environments, we propose an embodied embedded cognition approach to improve automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems for robots in challenging environments, such as with ego noise, using binaural sound source localization (SSL). The approach is verified by measuring the impact of SSL with a humanoid robot head on the performance of an ASR system. More specifically, a robot orients itself toward the angle where the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of speech is maximized for one microphone before doing an ASR task. First, a spiking neural network inspired by the midbrain auditory system based on our previous work is applied to calculate the sound signal angle. Then, a feedforward neural network is used to handle high levels of ego noise and reverberation in the signal. Finally, the sound signal is fed into an ASR system. For ASR, we use a system developed by our group and compare its performance with and without the support from SSL. We test our SSL and ASR systems on two humanoid platforms with different structural and material properties. With our approach we halve the sentence error rate with respect to the common downmixing of both channels. Surprisingly, the ASR performance is more than two times better when the angle between the humanoid head and the sound source allows sound waves to be reflected most intensely from the pinna to the ear microphone, rather than when sound waves arrive perpendicularly to the membrane.

Efecto Antibacteriano de enjuagues bucales pediátricos comercializados en el Ecuador sobre cepas de Streptococcus Mutans: Estudio in vitro / Efeito antibacteriano de colutórios pediátricos comercializados no Equador sobre ce-pas de Streptococcus Mutans: Estudo in vitro / Antibacterial effect of pediatric mouthwashes marketed in Ecuador on Streptococcus Mutans strains: In vitro study

La caries dental es considerada un problema de salud pública, siendo los niños la población más vulnerable por presentar hábitos alimentarios e higiene bucal inadecuados. Objetivo: Determinar y comparar el efecto antibacteriano de enjuagues bucales pediátricos a base de Cloruro de Cetilpiridinio (0,075%) y Xilitol (10%), sobre cepas de Streptococcus Mutans. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio experimental in vitro, conformado por 20 cepas de S. mutans obtenidas del repositorio del Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública (INSPI) que fueron sembradas en medio agar tripticasa soya. Las 60 Placas Petri (N=60) fueron divididas en tres grupos experimentales (N=20 cada uno) de 10µL, 15µL y 20µL para cada enjuague, en cada placa se colocaron 5 discos de papel impregnados con la solucion de los grupos siendo: G1=Colgate Plax (Cloruro de Cetilpiridinio 0,075%), G2=Denture kids (Xilitol 10%), G3=Blendy (Xilitol 10%) C+= Control Positivo (Clor-hexidina 0,12%) C-= Control Negativo (Agua Destilada). Las placas fueron llevadas a incubación a temperatura de 37°C con baja presión de oxígeno. Luego de 48 horas se observaron para medir los halos de inhibición. Fue realizado el análisis estadístico de Kruskal Wallis y U Mann Whitney con nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados: Las cantidades de 10, 15 y 20µL de Cloruro de Cetilpiridinio mostraron aumento significativo del halo > 14mm (p= 0,001) altamente sensible. Los enjuagues con Xilitol mostraron menor halo de inhibición ≥ 8mm (p=0,1) sensibilidad intermedia. La cantidad de 20µL de cloruro de cetilpiridinio no mostró diferencias significativas al compararlo con 15µL de Clorhexidina (p=1,0) Conclusio-nes: Los enjuagues bucales a base de Xilitol mostraron sensibilidad intermedia, siendo su efecto menor al compararlo con el Cloruro de Cetilpiridinio que se mostró altamente sensible.

Dental caries is considered a public health problem, children being the most vulnerable population due to inadequate eating habits and oral hygiene. Objective: To determine and compare the antibacterial effect of pediatric mouthwashes based on Cetilpiridinium Chloride (0.075%) and Xylitol (10%), on strains of StreptococcusMutans. MaterialsandMethods: In vi-tro experimental study, consisting of 20 strains of S. mutans obtained from the repository of the National Institute of Public Health Research (INSPI), which were planted in agar trypticase soy agar. The 60 Petri dishes (N = 60) were divided into three experimental groups (N = 20 each) of 10µL, 15µL and 20µL for each mouthwash, in each petri dishes were placed 5 paper discs impregnated with the solution of the groups being: G1= Colgate Plax (Cetylpyridinium Chloride 0.075%), G2= Denture kids (Xylitol 10%), G3= Blendy (Xylitol 10%) C+= Positive Control (Chlorhexidine 0.12%) C-= Negative Control (Distilled Water). Petri dishes were incubated at 37° C with low oxygen pressure. After 48 hours they were observed to measure the inhibition zones. The statistical analysis of Kruskal Wallis and U Mann Whitney with a level of significance of 5% was carried out. Results: The amounts of 10, 15 and 20µL of Cetilpiridinium Chloride showed a significant increase of halo > 14mm (p = 0.001) highly sensitive. The rinses with Xylitol showed a lower inhibition halo ≥ 8mm (p = 0.1) inter-mediate sensitivity. The amount of 20µL of cetylpyridinium chloride did not show significant differences when compared to 15µL of Chlorhexidine (p = 1.0). Conclusions: Mouthwashes based on Xylitol showed intermediate sensitivity, its effect being lower when compared to the Cetylpyridinium chloride that was highly sensitive.

Cárie dentária é considerada um problema de saúde pública, sendo as crianças a população mais vulneráveis por apresentar hábitos alimentários e higiene oral inadequados. Objectivo: Determinar e comparar o efeito antibacteriano de colutórios pediátricos de cloreto de cetilpiridínio (0,075%) e xilitol (10%), sob cepas de Streptococcus mutans. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo experimental in vitro, constituído por 20 cepas de S. mutans obtidas no repositório do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa em Saúde Pública (INSPI), que foram semeadas em ágar tripticase de soja. 60 placas de Petri (N = 60) foram divididos em três grupos experimentais (n = 20 cada) 10 µL, 15µL e 20µL para cada colutório, em cada placa de petri 5 discos de papel impregnados com cada solução foram impregnados sendo os grupos: G1 = Colgate Plax (cloreto de cetilpiridínio 0,075%), G2 = Denture Kids (Xilitol 10%), G3 = Blendy (Xilitol 10%), C+= Controle positivo (0,12% de clorohexidina)e C-= Controle Negativo (Água Destilada). As placas de petri foram incubadas a 37° C com baixa pressão de oxigênio. Após 48 horas eles foram observados para medir as zonas de inibição. Foi realizada a análise estatística de Kruskal Wallis e Mann Whitney com um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: As quantidades de 10, 15 e 20µL de cloreto de cetilpiridínio mostraram um incremento do halo de inibição > 14 mm (p = 0,001) sendo altamente sensível. Os colutórios com xilitol mostrou um menor halo de inibição ≥ 8 mm (p = 0,1) sensibilidade intermediária. A quantidade de 20µL de cloreto de cetilpiridínio não mostrou nenhuma diferença significativa quando comparado com 15µL de clorexidina (p = 1,0). Conclusão: Colutórios com xilitol mostraram sensibilidade intermediária, sendo menor o efeito quando comparado com Cloreto de cetilpiridínio que mostrou-se altamente sensível.

Inactivación del carbapenémico, un método alternativo para detectar carbapenemasa tipo KPC en Enterobacteriaceae / Carbapenem inactivation, an alternative method to detect carbapenemase type KPC in Enterobacteriacea

Objetivo: Evaluar al método de inactivación del carbapenémico (MIC*) frente a técnicas como el Test de Hodge modificado (THM), ácido 3-aminofenilborónico (APB) y la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en enterobacterias productoras de carbapenemasas (EPC) tipo KPC. Materiales y métodos: Se seleccionaron 88 aislados clínicos de K. pneumoniae, K. oxytoca, E.coli, S. marcescens, C. freundii sensibles y 91 resistentes a los carbapenémicos. El APB y el método MIC* se realizaron siguiendo las publicaciones originales. El THM se realizó de acuerdo al CLSI 100S Edición 26-2016. El gen blaKPC se identificó por multiplex PCR. Resultados: El MIC* en EPC tipo KPC presentó una sensibilidad/especificidad cercana al 100% y kappa de 1 comparado con la PCR; se observó la ausencia de halo en todas los aislados EPC tipo KPC a diferencia de los aislados sensibles a los cabapenémicos que presentaron halo > 19mm. Se observó el 3 % de resultados falsos positivos y el 5 % de falsos negativos en THM y ABP respectivamente. Discusión y conclusiones: El MIC* y la PCR demuestran superioridad al THM y ABP para identificar carbapenemasas tipo KPC en EPC. Se recomienda su uso de forma rutinaria dentro del algoritmo para la contención de infecciones por este tipo de patógenos.

Objective: To compare the carbapenem inactivation method (CIM *) with the Modified Hodge Test (MHT), the acid 3-aminophenylboronic test(APB) and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of the blaKPC gene for the identification of KPC carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ECP). Materials and Methods: We selected 88 susceptible and 91 carbapenems resistant clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens and Citrobacter freundii. We performed APB and CIM* according to previously published methods and the MHT according to CLSI 100S Edition 26-2016. The blaKPC gene was identified by PCR multiplex. Results: The CIM* had a sensitivity and specificity close to 100% and a kappa score of 1 compared with gold standard PCR. The absence of zone diameter was observed in all isolated KPC producers, unlike in isolates susceptible to carbapenems, where a zone diameter >19mm was observed. Three percent of false positive and five percent of false negative was observed in THM and ABP respectively. Discussion and conclusions: The CIM* and the PCR were better than MHT and ABP at identifying carbapenemases in ECP. We recommend the routine use of the CIM* within the algorithm for ECP infection control.

Genetic characterisation and analysis of infectious bronchitis virus isolated from Brazilian flocks between 2010 and 2015.

1. Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) variants in Brazil were isolated during 2010-2015 for epidemiological and molecular analysis to characterise the different variants and perform a bioinformatic analysis to compare with sequences of variants collected over the previous 40 years. 2. Of the 453 samples examined, 61.4% were positive for IBV and 75.9% of these were considered to have the BR-I genotype and were detected in birds of all ages distributed in all five Brazilian regions. 3. The ratio of non-synonymous substitutions per non-synonymous site (dN) to synonymous substitutions per synonymous site (dS), i.e. dN/dS, revealed a predominance of codons with non-synonymous substitutions in the first third of the S1 gene and a dN/dS ratio of 0.67. Additionally, prediction of N-glycosylation sites showed that most of the BR-I variants (from 2003 to early 2014) had an extra site at amino acid position 20, whereas the newest variants lacked this extra site. 4. These results suggest that Brazilian IBV variants probably underwent drastic mutations at various points between 1983 and 2003 and that the selection processes became silent after achieving a sufficiently effective antigenic structure for invasion and replication in their hosts. Brazilian IBV genotype BR-I is currently the predominant genotype circulating in Brazil and South America.

Fenomenografía de las competencias informacionales: perfiles y transiciones / Phenomenography of information skills: Profiles and transitions

Este artículo reporta los resultados de una investigación realizada con el objetivo de describir los eventos identificados por los estudiantes universitarios como significativos para el desarrollo de competencias informacionales, a partir de su experiencia durante los tres primeros años de formación. El estudio fenomenográfico tomó como unidad básica de análisis las experiencias de los jóvenes como usuarios de fuentes de información en contextos académicos, desde un punto de vista estructural y referencial. Esta aproximación metodológica permitió describir las categorías y jerarquización de las dimensiones que configuran los perfiles informacionales. El estudio evidenció la existencia de aspectos compartidos por los perfiles, así como la urgencia de categorías en las fronteras entre estos, las cuales corresponden a zonas de transición. La caracterización permitió también identificar la naturaleza de los factores atribuidos por los estudiantes como asociados al desarrollo de la competencia informacional y sus variaciones en función del perfil de las competencias. Se identificaron las estructuras interna y externa que configuran la experiencia de relación con la información.

This article reports the findings of a research project conducted to describe events identified by university students as being meaningful for the development of information literacy skills, based on their experience during the three first years of their course. Drawing on a phenomenological approach, this study analyses the experiences of the students as users of information sources in academic contexts, from structural and referential standpoints. This methodological approach allowed describing the categories and hierarchies of the dimensions which configure information literacy profiles. The findings show that information literacy profiles share features, and it is demonstrated that these features also characterise transitions within profiles. This characterisation also indicated the nature of features attributed by students as being associated with shaping their temporary information literacy skills according to information profile transitions. Internal and external structures that support the interphase between personal experience and information literacy were identified.

Profiling Information Literacy in Higher Education: Traces of a Local Longitudinal Study / Perfiles de la competencia informacional en estudiantes universitarios: huellas desde un estudio longitudinal

This article reports on a longitudinal study that seeks to understand university studentsinformation-literacy profiles in Colombian universities. The study draws on an understanding of information literacy based on a semiotic and sociocultural framework. Data was gathered at two moments between 2009 and 2012 using an information-literacy-profile questionnaire (ILPQ), and out loud protocols while doing an academic task and in-depth interviews. Findings demonstrate that university students tend to remain in the same information literacy profile during their university studies. Results also show a tendency to move between profiles qualifying processes of access, evaluation and use of information for academic tasks. These findings bring in a number of recommendations for higher education discussed at the end of the article.

El estudio longitudinal que se reporta busca comprender los perfiles de la competencia informacional de estudiantes universitarios. El estudio se fundamenta en una comprensión semiótica y sociocultural de la competencia informacional. Los datos se recogieron durante 2009 y 2012 mediante un cuestionario de perfil (ILPQ), protocolos en voz alta al realizar una tarea académica y mediante entrevistas en profundidad. Los hallazgos demuestran que los estudiantes universitarios tienden a permanecer en el perfil informacional durante su carrera universitaria y también tienden a movilizarse entre perfiles, especializando su manera de acceder, evaluar y utilizar la información para sus tareas académicas. Estos hallazgos aportan una serie de recomendaciones para la educación superior, que se discuten al final del artículo.