Bacterial indicator taxa in soils under different long-term agricultural management.

AIMS: In this study, the species indicator test was used to identify key bacterial taxa affected by changes in the soil environment as a result of conservation agriculture or conventional practices. METHODS AND RESULTS: Soils cultivated with wheat (Triticum spp. L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) under different raised bed planting systems for 20 years, that is, varying crop residue and fertilizer management, were used. Taxonomic- and divergence-based 16S-metagenomics, and IndVal analysis were used to study the bacterial communities and identify indicator taxa (genus and OTU97 ) affected by agricultural practices. Although, some phyla were affected significantly by different treatments, the taxonomic assemblages at phylum level were similar. Bacterial taxa related to different processes of the N-cycle were indicators of different fertilization rates, for example, Azorhizobium, Nostoc and Nitrosomonas. A large number of OTU97 were indicators for conventionally tilled beds and their distribution was defined by soil organic carbon. IndVal analysis identified different taxa in each of the residue management systems. This suggests that although the same organic material remains in the field, crop residue management affects specific taxa. The taxa indicator of the burned residues belonged mainly to the order SBR1031 (Anaerolineae, Chloroflexi), and the genera Bacillus and Alicyclobacillus. CONCLUSIONS: N-fertilizer application rates affected N-cycling taxa. Tillage affected Actinobacteria members and organic matter decomposers. Although the same crop residue was retained in the field, organic material management was important for specific taxa. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In this study, we report that agricultural practice affected soil bacterial communities. We also identified distinctive taxa and related their distribution to changes in the soil environment resulting from different agricultural practices.

Uso de células troncales derivadas de lipoaspirado en un modelo experimental animal de rotura de manguito rotador / Use of adipose-derived stem cells in an experimental rotator cuff fracture animal model

Objetivo. La reparación del manguito rotador tiene una alta tasa de fracaso. Se investiga si la aplicación de células troncales derivadas de lipoaspirado mejorará la resistencia de la reparación y recreará la entesis original. Material y métodos. Estudio experimental en 44 ratas BDIX con sección y reparación con sutura del tendón supraespinoso y asignación aleatoria a uno de 3 grupos: grupo A, nada (control); grupo B, aplicación local de vehículo de fibrina; y grupo C, aplicación de 2 x 106 células troncales derivadas de lipoaspirado. Se realiza estudio mecánico en célula de carga y estudio histológico en hematoxilina-eosina. Resultados. En el estudio mecánico no hubo diferencias entre grupos. La carga hasta el fracaso aumentó de los grupos de 4-8 semanas. En el estudio histológico se observó la unión hueso-tendón mediante un tejido fibrovascular desorganizado. En el grupo C se observó un aumento de células plasmáticas a las 4 y 8 semanas. Conclusión. La utilización de células troncales derivadas de lipoaspirado no recrea la organización celular de la entesis ni mejoran las propiedades biomecánicas de la misma. Son necesarios más estudios para investigar técnicas que mejoren la cicatrización del tendón (AU)

Aim. Rotator cuff repairs have shown a high level of re-ruptures. We hypothesized that the use of adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) could improve the biomechanical and histological properties of the repair. Material and methods. Controlled experimental study conducted on 44 BDIX rats with section and repair of the supraspinatus tendon and randomization to one of three groups: group A, no intervention (control); group B, local applications of a fibrin sealant; and group C, application of the fibrin sealant with 2 x 106 ASC. At 4 and 8 weeks a biomechanical and histological analysis was performed. Results. There were no differences in load-to-failure at 4 and 8 weeks between groups. The load-to-failure did increase between week 4 and week 8. Histologically the tendon-to bone union showed a disorganized fibrovascular tissue. Group C showed a different inflammatory pattern, with less presence of neutrophils and more presence of plasma cells. Conclusion. The use of ASC does not improve the biomechanical or histological properties of the repair site. More studies are needed to improve techniques that enhance the healing site of the repair (AU)

[Use of adipose-derived stem cells in an experimental rotator cuff fracture animal model]. / Uso de células troncales derivadas de lipoaspirado en un modelo experimental animal de rotura de manguito rotador.

AIM: Rotator cuff repairs have shown a high level of re-ruptures. We hypothesized that the use of adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) could improve the biomechanical and histological properties of the repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Controlled experimental study conducted on 44 BDIX rats with section and repair of the supraspinatus tendon and randomization to one of three groups: group A, no intervention (control); group B, local applications of a fibrin sealant; and group C, application of the fibrin sealant with 2 x 10(6) ASC. At 4 and 8 weeks a biomechanical and histological analysis was performed. RESULTS: There were no differences in load-to-failure at 4 and 8 weeks between groups. The load-to-failure did increase between week 4 and week 8. Histologically the tendon-to bone union showed a disorganized fibrovascular tissue. Group C showed a different inflammatory pattern, with less presence of neutrophils and more presence of plasma cells. CONCLUSION: The use of ASC does not improve the biomechanical or histological properties of the repair site. More studies are needed to improve techniques that enhance the healing site of the repair.

Minimally invasive poly-axial screw plating for three-part fractures of the proximal humerus.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the poly-axial locked plating system inserted through a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of three-part fractures of the proximal humerus. Twenty-three patients with a three-part fracture of the proximal humerus treated with a poly-axial locking plate through a percutaneous approach were available for clinical and radiological analysis at a minimum of 2 years follow up (average 36 months; range, 24-54 months). To assess objective and subjective outcomes the Constant Score (CS) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score were obtained. All complications were recorded. There were 17 women and 6 men, with a mean age of 62 years (range, 18-86). All fractures healed. At final follow up, the mean forward flexion, external rotation and internal rotation were 126°, 44° and L1, respectively; the mean CS was 64 and the mean DASH score was 23. Twelve patients (52%) had a postoperative complication, which included screw cut-out, stiffness and infection. The poly-axial locked plating system through a minimally-invasive approach may be an appropriate treatment for three-part fractures of the proximal humerus and may reduce the biological aggression of conventional plate fixation.

Microbial communities to mitigate contamination of PAHs in soil--possibilities and challenges: a review.

BACKGROUND, AIM, AND SCOPE: Although highly diverse and specialized prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial communities in soil degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), most of these are removed slowly. This review will discuss the biotechnological possibilities to increase the microbial dissipation of PAHs from soil as well as the main biological and biotechnological challenges. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Microorganism provides effective and economically feasible solutions for soil cleanup and restoration. However, when the PAHs contamination is greater than the microbial ability to dissipate them, then applying genetically modified microorganisms might help to remove the contaminant. Nevertheless, it is necessary to have a more holistic review of the different individual reactions that are simultaneously taking place in a microbial cell and of the interactions microorganism-microorganism, microorganism-plant, microorganism-soil, and microorganisms-PAHs. PERSPECTIVES: Elucidating the function of genes from the PAHs-polluted soil and the study in pure cultures of isolated PAHs-degrading organisms as well as the generation of microorganisms in the laboratory that will accelerate the dissipation of PAHs and their safe application in situ have not been studied extensively. There is a latent environmental risk when genetically engineered microorganisms are used to remedy PAHs-contaminated soil.

The bacterial community in 'taberna' a traditional beverage of Southern Mexico.

AIMS: To characterize the bacterial community of taberna, an alcoholic traditional beverage from the Southern part of Mexico produced by the fermentation of the coyol palm sap (Acrocomia aculeate). METHODS AND RESULTS: Bacterial 16S rDNA libraries were constructed from metagenomic DNA extracted during the fermentation process at 0, 60 and 108 h. A total of 154 clones were sequenced, and 13, 10 and nine unique sequences were found at each sampling time. At the onset of the fermentation, Zymomonas mobilis, Fructobacillus spp., Pantoea agglomerans and other Gammaproteobacteria were detected. After 60 h, lactic acid bacteria were found and 30% of clones in the library were related to Lactobacillus nagelii, L. sucicola and L. sp. By the end of the experiment, i.e. after 108 h, the bacterial community included Z. mobilis, Lact. nagelii and Acetobacter pasteurianus. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Z. mobilis population represented an important proportion of the bacterial community (60-80%), as well as the lactobacilli during the fermentation process. The bacterial diversity was low and decreased as the fermentation progressed. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This culture-independent study suggests that Z. mobilis and lactobacilli play an important role in the alcoholic fermentation of the taberna beverage.

Optimización del uso de Agentes estimulantes del Receptor de la Eritropoyetina (AREs) en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas basado en el nivel de hemoglobina reticulocitaria / Optimizing the use of Erythropoietin-Receptor stimulating Agents (ERAs) in patients with hematopoietic malignancies based on the level of reticulocyte hemoglobin

Los agentes estimulantes del Receptor de la Eritropoyetina (AREs) se usan en el tratamiento de la anemia de hemopatías malignas (HM). Sin embargo, la tasa de respuestas es variable por diversos factores como el déficit funcional de hierro (DFF). El nivel de hemoglobina (Hb) reticulocitaria es un parámetro fácil de obtener que ha mostrado su utilidad en el diagnóstico del DFF. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar qué pacientes con HM tratados con AREs presentan DFF y si la Hb reticulocitaria predice la respuesta hemoglobínica en estos enfermos. Se incluyeron 42 pacientes con diagnostico de Mieloma Múltiple (n=17), Linfoma no Hodgkin (n=14), Linfoma de Hodgkin (n=3), Leucemia Linfática Crónica (n=4), Síndrome Mielodisplásico (n=2), Leucemia Linfoblástica Aguda (n=1) y Leucemia Mieloblástica Aguda (n=1). Veinticinco fueron tratados con Epoetina-beta, diez y seis con Darbepoetina y uno con Epoetina alfa.La respuesta fue favorable en el 28%, 53% y 58% de lospacientes a las 3, 6 y 12 semanas de tratamiento, respectivamente. Se detectó DFF en el 17% de los pacientes. En cuanto a la respuesta, no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los pacientes con y sin DFF, si bien, a mitad de tratamiento, fue ligeramente superior en el grupo sin DFF (57% vs 43%, p>0.05). El nivel basal de Hb reticulocitaria se correlacionó con el grado de respuesta global a las 12 semanas de finalizar el tratamiento. Así, el 79% de los pacientes respondedores tenían una Hb reticulocitaria inicial >36·5 pg, mientras que este porcentaje bajó al 30% en los no respondedores (p = 0.024)En resumen, la Hb reticulocitaria es un método sensible ypreciso para detectar DFF en pacientes con HM bajo tratamiento con AREs. Además, un nivel elevado de Hb reticulocitaria basal es un parámetro que se asocia con respuesta favorable al tratamiento

The Erythropoietin-Receptor stimulating Agents (ERAs) areindicated in the supportive treatment of the anemia in hematological malignancies (HM). However, the response rate is variable due to factors such as the functional iron deficiency (FID). The level of the reticulocyte hemoglobin (RHb) is an easy-to-obtain parameter very useful for the diagnostic of the FID.The purpose of this study was to evaluate which patientswith HM treated with ERAs present FID. In addition, wetried to asses if the level of RH predicts the response in these patients.We included 42 patients with the following diagnostics:Multiple Myeloma (n= 17), Non Hodgkin Lymphoma(n=14), Hodgkin Lymphoma (n=3), Chronic lymphocyticLeukemia (n=4), Myelodisplastic syndrome (n=2), Acutelymphoblastic Leukemia (n=1), and Acute mieloblasticLeuKemia (n=1). Twenty five of them were treated withEpoetin beta, sixteen with darbepoetin alfa and one withEpoetin alfa at standard doses. The response was favorable in 28%, 53% and 58% of patients at the third, sixth and twelfth week of the treatment, respectively. FID was detected in 17% of the patients. Theresponse rate was not statistical significant different between patients with and without FID, although it was slightly superior in the group without FID (57% vs. 43%, p>0.05). Seventy nine percent of patients with a favorable response at twelve weeks showed an initial RH >36·5 pg, while this percentage was only 30% in patients who did not respond (p=0.024).In conclusion, RH is a sensitive and specific method to detect FID in patients with HM who are treated with ERAs.Furthermore, the high level of RH at the baseline is a predictor of favorable response of treatment, in these patients

Nonpigmented fixed drug eruption caused by paracetamol.

Fixed drug eruption from paracetamol is not rare but no cases of nonpigmented fixed drug eruption caused by paracetamol have been previously described. We present the case of a woman who developed a nonpigmented fixed drug eruption following administration of paracetamol. Patch tests performed on affected and unaffected skin with paracetamol were negative. The diagnosis was made by a double-blind oral challenge with paracetamol. The patient tolerated aspirin.