Microbialites show a distinct cyanobacterial phylogenetic structure and functional redundancy in Bacalar lagoon and Cenote Azul sinkhole, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Cyanobacterial components of microbialites from two geographically close systems, the Bacalar lagoon (BL) and the Cenote Azul sinkhole (CA) in Quintana Roo, Mexico, were characterized. BL and CA systems were studied along a longitudinal gradient (north to south) and a depth gradient (5-30 m), respectively. Microscopic observations, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and shotgun metagenomics were used to characterize Cyanobacteria. Both systems showed similar metabolic/functional profiles but harbored completely different cyanobacterial taxa. BL was dominated by Nostocales, including a population of previously undescribed Chakia sp., while CA was dominated by an unknown taxon of Chroococcales, comprising 70% of relative abundance through all depths. Interestingly, cyanobacterial assemblages in microbialites exhibited phylogenetic overdispersion in most of the BL sites, while CA sites exhibited phylogenetic clustering, these differences were attributed to depth/light conditions and possibly different times of geological formation for BL and CA systems.

Implicación en Cataluña de los Servicios de Anestesiología y Reanimación en la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. Una solución real coste-efectiva para una crisis sanitaria sin precedentes / Involvement in Catalonia of the Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation Services in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. A real, cost-effective solution to an unprecedented health crisis

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Nasal eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis with IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration.

INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis (EAF) is a rare lesion that predominantly affects the upper respiratory tract. Its etiology is unknown and it has been recently associated with the IgG4- related disease (IgG4-RD) spectrum. To the author's knowledge, this is the sixth case report of the relationship between EAF and IgG4-RD. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 37-year-old woman with nasal deformity and facial pain. The lesion was surgically excised. Histological examination revealed features of EAF with an IgG4/IgG plasma cell ratio ≷73% and 31 IgG4 stained cells per high power field. No clinical or radiological recurrence was detected during follow-up. Serum IgG4 quantification one year after surgery was within normal limits. DISCUSSION: The relationship between both entities may have therapeutic impact because IgG4-RD of the head and neck has a high remission rate with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy. Additional reports of this infrequent disease are necessary to elucidate appropriate treatment and prognosis.

Microbial dynamics in anaerobic digestion reactors for treating organic urban residues during the start-up process.

Anaerobic digestion of organic residues offers economic benefits via biogas production, still methane (CH4 ) yield relies on the development of a robust microbial consortia for adequate substrate degradation, among other factors. In this study, we monitor biogas production and changes in the microbial community composition in two semi-continuous stirred tank reactors during the setting process under mesophilic conditions (35°C) using a 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing method. Reactors were initially inoculated with anaerobic granular sludge from a brewery wastewater treatment plant, and gradually fed organic urban residues (4·0 kg VS m-3  day-1 ) . The inocula and biomass samples showed changes related to adaptations of the community to urban organic wastes including a higher relative proportion of Clostridiales, with Ruminococcus spp. and Syntrophomonas spp. as recurrent species. Candidatus Cloacamonas spp. (Spirochaetes) also increased from ~2·2% in the inoculum to >10% in the reactor biomass. The new community consolidated the cellulose degradation and the propionate and amino acids fermentation processes. Acetoclastic methanogens were more abundant in the reactor, where Methanosaeta spp. was found as a key player. This study demonstrates a successful use of brewery treatment plant granular sludge to obtain a robust consortium for methane production from urban organic solid waste in Mexico. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study describes the selection of relevant bacteria and archaea in anaerobic digesters inoculated with anaerobic granular sludge from a brewery wastewater treatment plant. Generally, these sludge granules are used to inoculate reactors digesting organic urban wastes. Though, it is still not clearly understood how micro-organisms respond to substrate variations during the reactor start-up process. After feeding two reactors with organic urban residues, it was found that a broader potential for cellulose degradation was developed including Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Spirochaetes. These results clarify the bacterial processes behind new reactors establishment for treating organic wastes in urban areas.

Association between a Healthy Lifestyle Score and inflammatory markers among Puerto Rican adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The relationship between multiple lifestyle components analyzed in combination and inflammation remains understudied. We aimed to assess the association between a Healthy Lifestyle Score (HLS) that includes adherence to five behavioral components (diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviors, smoking, social support and network, and sleep) and inflammatory markers, as well as the role of the HLS in inflammation among individuals with cardiometabolic conditions, in Puerto Rican adults. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a cross-sectional study of 842 Puerto Ricans adults (aged 45-75 y) living in Boston, MA, the HLS (range = 0-190; maximum indicative of healthiest adherence) was analyzed for association with three inflammatory markers: interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP). In multivariable-adjusted models, the HLS was inversely associated with IL-6 (ß ± SE = -0.55 ± 0.13; P < 0.001) and TNF-α (-0.39 ± 0.13; P = 0.004). The dietary and smoking components were associated with both inflammatory markers independently of the other HLS components. Significant inverse associations were observed for each 20-unit increase in HLS and IL-6 and TNF-α for participants with hypertension (n = 600; ß ± SE = -0.58 ± 0.16; -0.46 ± 0.16, respectively) and with overweight/obesity (n = 743; ß ± SE = -0.59 ± 0.13; -0.50 ± 0.14, respectively), but not for those with diabetes (n = 187) or heart disease (n = 192). The HLS was not associated with CRP, after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSION: Higher adherence to multiple lifestyle behaviors was associated with lower concentrations of inflammatory markers. Because low-grade inflammation may precede chronic diseases, following an overall healthy lifestyle may help lower risk of these diseases.

Procedure for the systematic orientation of digitised cranial models. Design and validation.

Comparison of bony pieces requires that they are oriented systematically to ensure that homologous regions are compared. Few orientation methods are highly accurate; this is particularly true for methods applied to three-dimensional models obtained by surface scanning, a technique whose special features make it a powerful tool in forensic contexts. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a systematic, assisted orientation method for aligning three-dimensional cranial models relative to the Frankfurt Plane, which would be produce accurate orientations independent of operator and anthropological expertise. The study sample comprised four crania of known age and sex. All the crania were scanned and reconstructed using an Eva Artec™ portable 3D surface scanner and subsequently, the position of certain characteristic landmarks were determined by three different operators using the Rhinoceros 3D surface modelling software. Intra-observer analysis showed a tendency for orientation to be more accurate when using the assisted method than when using conventional manual orientation. Inter-observer analysis showed that experienced evaluators achieve results at least as accurate if not more accurate using the assisted method than those obtained using manual orientation; while inexperienced evaluators achieved more accurate orientation using the assisted method. The method tested is a an innovative system capable of providing very precise, systematic and automatised spatial orientations of virtual cranial models relative to standardised anatomical planes independent of the operator and operator experience.

Neurografía por resonancia magnética de alta resolución (3Tesla) del nervio ciático / High resolution (3T) magnetic resonance neurography of the sciatic nerve

La neurografía por resonancia magnética (RM) hace referencia a un conjunto de técnicas con capacidad para valorar óptimamente la estructura de los nervios periféricos y de los plexos nerviosos. Las nuevas secuencias neurográficas 2D y 3D, en particular en equipos de 3 Tesla, consiguen un contraste excelente entre el nervio y las estructuras perineurales. La neurografía por RM permite distinguir el patrón fascicular normal del nervio y diferenciarlo de las anomalías que lo afectan, como inflamaciones, traumas y tumores. En este artículo se describe la estructura del nervio ciático, sus características en la neurografía por RM y las dolencias que lo afectan con mayor frecuencia (AU)

Magnetic resonance (MR) neurography refers to a set of techniques that enable the structure of the peripheral nerves and nerve plexuses to be evaluated optimally. New two-dimensional and three-dimensional neurographic sequences, in particular in 3T scanners, achieve excellent contrast between the nerve and perineural structures. MR neurography makes it possible to distinguish between the normal fascicular pattern of the nerve and anomalies like inflammation, trauma, and tumor that can affect nerves. In this article, we describe the structure of the sciatic nerve, its characteristics on MR neurography, and the most common diseases that affect it (AU)

[High resolution (3 T) magnetic resonance neurography of the sciatic nerve]. / Neurografía por resonancia magnética de alta resolución (3 Tesla) del nervio ciático.

Magnetic resonance (MR) neurography refers to a set of techniques that enable the structure of the peripheral nerves and nerve plexuses to be evaluated optimally. New two-dimensional and three-dimensional neurographic sequences, in particular in 3T scanners, achieve excellent contrast between the nerve and perineural structures. MR neurography makes it possible to distinguish between the normal fascicular pattern of the nerve and anomalies like inflammation, trauma, and tumor that can affect nerves. In this article, we describe the structure of the sciatic nerve, its characteristics on MR neurography, and the most common diseases that affect it.

Nitrogen fixation in microbial mat and stromatolite communities from Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico.

Nitrogen fixation (nitrogenase activity, NA) of a microbial mat and a living stromatolite from Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico, was examined over spring, summer, and winter of 2004. The goal of the study was to characterize the diazotrophic community through molecular analysis of the nifH gene and using inhibitors of sulfate reduction and oxygenic and anoxygenic photosynthesis. We also evaluated the role of ultraviolet radiation on the diazotrophic activity of the microbial communities. Both microbial communities showed patterns of NA with maximum rates during the day that decreased significantly with 3-3,4-dichlorophenyl-1',1'-dimethylurea, suggesting the potential importance of heterocystous cyanobacteria. There is also evidence of NA by sulfur-reducing bacteria in both microbial communities suggested by the negative effect exerted by the addition of sodium molybdate. Elimination of infrared and ultraviolet radiation had no effect on NA. Both microbial communities had nifH sequences that related to group I, including cyanobacteria and purple sulfur and nonsulfur bacteria, as well as group II nitrogenases, including sulfur reducing and green sulfur bacteria.

Portopulmonary hypertension and liver transplantation: hemodynamic consequences at reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: The absence of portopulmonary hypertension (PH) upon preoperative evaluation for liver transplantation (OLT) does not exclude the occasional occurrence of an acquired PH while awaiting a graft. We sought to estimate hemodynamic changes and right ventriculoarterial coupling during reperfusion. METHODS: We studied 11 cirrhotic patients diagnosed with mild PH, according to the current classification: mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP)-25 to 34 mm Hg. These patients underwent OLT, using the piggyback technique (group PH). None of them had exhibited criteria for PH on preoperative echocardiography. This cohort was compared with 20 consecutive cirrhotic patients with normal MPAP at OLT. We performed a complete hemodynamic profile using a pulmonary artery catheter (RVEF, Baxter-Edwards, Calif, USA) before and 5 minutes after reperfusion. The variables were MPAP and right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI). Using standard formulas we calculated RV stroke work index (RVSWI), RV end-systolic elastance (Ees), pulmonary effective elastance (Ea), and RV-arterial coupling efficiency as the Ees/Ea ratio. Systolic ventricular function was expressed as RVSWI versus RVEDVI. RESULTS: During the anhepatic phase, MPAP, Ees, Ea, and RVSWI were higher in the PH group; but RVEDVI was lower. After reperfusion the pressure (MPAP), contractility (RVSWI) and preload (RVEDVI) increased in both groups. However, afterload (Ea) decreased in the non-PH group; accordingly, Es/Ea increased only in these patients. DISCUSSION: At reperfusion, the expansion in preload and cardiac output, without a similar afterload decrease, is responsible for the steady increase in pressure. Our results have shown that in the PH patient group, systolic ventricular function improves during reperfusion by a Frank-Starling mechanism; however, ventricular-arterial uncoupling is maintained (Ees/Ea < 1) because ventricular contractility is not appropriately balanced by simultaneous declines in afterload.

Effects of rapid paracentesis on right ventricular-arterial coupling in liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: In cirrhotic patients intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) changes markedly modify splanchnic and systemic hemodynamics. Previous studies have evaluated the effects of increased IAP on steady-state cardiac performance, showing that right ventricular (RV) function becomes more depressed than that of the left ventricular. We sought to evaluate the effects of paracentesis on RV function and ventricular-arterial coupling among cirrhotics undergoing liver transplantation (OLT). METHODS: Twelve cirrhotic patients undergoing OLT underwent hemodynamic profiles before and 5 minutes after paracentesis, employing a right ventricular ejection fraction catheter in the pulmonary artery. We studied heart rate, systolic pulmonary artery pressure, central venous pressure (CVP), stroke volume index (SVI), RV end-diastolic volume index (RVEDI), and RV ejection fraction. In addition RV stroke work index (RVSWI), RV end-diastolic compliance (RVEDC), RV end-systolic elastance (Ees), pulmonary artery effective elastance (Ea), and RV coupling efficiency (Ees/Ea ratio) were calculated employing standard formulas. RESULTS: After removal of mean ascites volume of 5.6 +/- 2.2 L (range 4.0 to 8.04 L), SVI, RVEDI, RVSWI, and RVEDC were significantly increased and conversely CVP, Ees, and Ea were decreased with an ea/ea ratio unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Before paracentesis Ees/Ea is preserved by increased of RV contractility; after paracentesis the coupling was maintained.

Effects of dobutamine on right ventricular function and pulmonary circulation in pulmonary hypertension during liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: In the setting of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), pulmonary hypertension (PH) affects right ventricular (RV) function. When RV failure occurs, reducing RV afterload, optimizing RV preload, and preserving coronary perfusion through maintenance of systemic blood pressure are the primary goals of intraoperative treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To verify the effect of dobutamine on RV function and RV-arterial coupling, we compared a group of 9 cirrhotic patients with mild PH treated with OLT to a group of 20 patients with normal mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP). All patients received dobutamine (5-10 microg/kg/min) to maintain a cardiac index (CI) >3 L/min/m(2), during the anhepatic phase. Hemodynamic profile, using a pulmonary artery catheter, was performed before and during dobutamine infusion, studying MPAP, CI, and RV end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI). RV stroke work index (RVSWI), RV end-systolic elastance (Ees), pulmonary effective elastance (Ea), and RV-arterial coupling efficiency as the Ees/Ea ratio were also calculated. RESULTS: RV contractility (Ees and RVSWI) and afterload (Ea) were significantly higher among the PH group. In both groups, all the studied variables improved with dobutamine: RV contractility increased, afterload decreased, and thus Ees/Ea coupling markedly increased. CONCLUSION: Cirrhotic patients with mild PH who were undergoing OLT still have a reserve of RV contractile performance and pulmonary vasodilation.

Differential response of the systemic and pulmonary circulation related to disease severity of cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: In cirrhotic patients, the degree of hepatic insufficiency has been related to a physiological landmark: arterial vasodilatation. We sought to assess how the severity of disease, which was stratified according to the Child-Pugh criteria, influences the pulmonary and systemic circulation among patients undergoing liver transplantation. METHODS: We studied 86 cirrhotic patients in three groups: grade A (n = 10), grade B (n = 54), and grade C (n = 22). The outurnes were classified based upon a complete hemodynamic profile obtained using a pulmonary artery catheter (RVEF, Baxter-Edwards, Calif, USA) after induction of anesthesia. The variables were mean arterial and pulmonary artery pressures and cardiac index (CI). Using standard formulae, afterload was calculated as elastance of systemic (Es) and pulmonary (Ep) arterial beds, expressed by the ratio of end-systolic pressure to stroke volume. The relation between pulmonary and systemic circulation was also evaluated by the ratio (Ep/Es). RESULTS: Es was significantly lower in each class than in previous one. Also, Ep was smaller in class B than in class C patients. In addition, CI was significantly higher with disease severity. CONCLUSION: We observed that the hyperdynamic circulation in cirrhosis is directly related to severity of disease. Nevertheless Ep/Es was progressively higher among each group; these data suggest that the hyperdynamic circulation is mainly due to circulatory alterations in the splanchnic area. We conclude that pulmonary vasodilatation is directly related to the severity of cirrhosis, although its evolution is independent of other vascular areas.

MANUAL DE BIOSEGURIDAD EN ESTOMATOLOGIA

Con el propósito de capacitar y actualizar al personal profesional, técnico y estudiantil estomatológico sobre las medidas de Bioseguridad y el control de las infecciones en los consultorios estomatológicos es que confeccionamos el Manual de Bioseguridad en Estomatología. Para ello realizamos una exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica sobre la temática y después de analizar toda la información obtenida se procedió a diseñar un material de consulta que requiriera un mínimo de recursos en su confección y al alcance de los autores. El mismo contiene información sobre el uso de las barreras de protección, los procedimiento de desinfección y esterilización en Estomatología, el adecuado manejo de los desechos y la conducta a asumir ante los accidentes de exposición a sangre y fluidos corporales, entre otros aspectos. Se ha aplicado con eficacia y aceptación en la formación pregrado y postgrado de Técnico de Atención Estomatológica y de Estomatólogos Generales y constituye la bibliografía básica de la asignatura Esterilización y Bioseguridad en la Licenciatura en Tecnología de la Salud. Con la aplicación de este proyecto capacitamos a estudiantes, técnicos y profesionales de la Estomatología sobre las medidas de Bioseguridad, elevamos su nivel científico y los preparamos para prestar un servicio más seguro para ellos y sus pacientes...(AU)

APLICACIÓN DE LA WEB EN ESTOMATOLOGIA: UNA OPCIÓN DE AVANZADA

Con la finalidad de aplicar las NTICs es que elaboramos un Sitio Web en Estomatología para apoyar la capacitación de estudiantes y profesionales estomatológicos, incrementar habilidades en el uso de las tecnologías de avanzada, confeccionar medios de enseñanza novedosos y elevar el trabajo independiente de los educandos. En su elaboración realizamos una exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica, sobre diversos temas de la especialidad, una vez recopilada esta información, se diseña el Mapa Conceptual del Sitio, y se establecen los diferentes programas a utilizar en la misma: Paquete de Macromedia, Photoshop, Xara Web Style, Switch, multimedia de sonido, juegos interactivos, entre otros, así como los hipervínculos necesarios para los accesos hacia la página principal y las conexiones para navegar dentro de las páginas y a otras Web. Incluye en su contenido: Apuntes Históricos de la Estomatología, Caries Dental, Bioseguridad, Medicina Natural Tradicional, Promoción de Salud, Materiales Dentales, Auto examen Bucal, Prevención de Maloclusiones, Manifestaciones Bucales del VIH-SIDA y Atención a niños con discapacidad neuropsicológica. Con la aplicación de la Web en la especialidad se establecen nuevas formas de brindar a la asistencia y a la docencia la posibilidad de capacitar y actualizar a los interesados en estas temáticas. Su contenido es asequible para estudiantes y profesionales de nuestro Sistema Nacional de Salud, que dispongan de una computadora conectada a una red, en el servidor de la FCM de Matanzas. Propuesto para utilizarse como material de consulta digitalizada en la Tecnología de Salud en Atención Estomatológica, pues su contenido se relaciona con programas de esta especialidad...(AU)

Geometry of the human common carotid artery. A vessel cast study of 86 specimens.

The carotid artery is of special interest for the pathologist because of its frequent depositions, and for the fluidmechanician because of its complex flow properties. However, there is a distinct lack in current knowledge of its geometry. Therefore, a vessel cast study was undertaken. At post mortem, the arteries are excised and filled with a special resin at the proper transmural pressure. Eighty-six vessel casts of the carotid artery were performed, and some etiological factors of atherosclerosis, such as age, sex and disease, were collected. The following selected geometric parameters of these vessel casts were measured in this study: the diameters of the main branches of carotid bifurcation (common, internal and external arteries), and the angles between internal, external and common carotid arteries. The averaged geometric parameters and their variability over 86 vessel casts of the carotid artery were investigated. Furthermore, the relationship between these measured parameters and the etiological factors age, sex and disease was analyzed. The geometric parameters varied considerably, presumably contributing to a corresponding variability in the local hemodynamic and distribution of the atherosclerotic lesions.

Atherosclerosis and flow in carotid arteries with authentic geometries.

The influence of blood flow on the depositions and development of atherosclerotic lesions have been observed and described since the 19th century. Observations have shown that depositions correlate with regions of low wall shear stress. However, the exact correlations between depositions, vessel geometry and flow parameters are not yet known. The purpose of this study was the quantification of atherosclerosis risk factors in carotid bifurcation. This artery has attracted particular interest because lesions are often found in this bifurcation. Post mortem, the arteries are excised and vessel casts are produced. Afterwards, the arteries are analyzed morphometrically. The vessel casts are used for the assessment of some geometrical parameters. 31 carotid bifurcations were analyzed in this study. Eight vessel casts were digitized and rendered three-dimensional mathematical models of the arteries. These data were imported by the computational fluid dynamics program FLUENT. Further, the blood flow was reconstructed in a computer model based on the individual vessel geometry. The flow parameters, such as velocity, pressure and wall shear stress were computed. At the same time the geometrical parameters and wall alterations are known. This permits the comparison of the anatomical shape and its flow with the distribution and level of the wall alterations.

Efficacy of ozonized sunflower oil in the treatment of tinea pedis.

Ozonized sunflower oil, Oleozon, has a remarkable gerrmicidal action. In the present study, the efficacy of Oleozon in the treatment of tinea pedis was demonstrated in a controlled randomized phase III assay, comparing topical Oleozon with ketoconazole cream 2% (Nizoral) in 200 patients (100 in each group). The treatment administered was twice per day for a period of 6 weeks. The efficacy was evaluated clinically (disappearance of all lesions, with or without negative mycological results) and mycologically (negative culture results). A complete clinical and mycological cure was obtained in 75 and 81% for Oleozon and ketoconazole, respectively, with no significant differences between both groups. No side-effects or bacterial super-infections were observed. Patients were evaluated 6 months after the end of the treatment and no recurrence was observed in the Oleozon group. Oleozon can be an effective alternative low-cost antimycotic drug.