Cesarean rate in selected hospital network of private sector: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: In Spain over the last two decades, cesarean section (CS) rates have increased from 15 to 25% in the Public Health Sector and from 28 to 38% in the private sector. There are multiples causes for this rise, which are often unclear. The aim of our study is to collect and analyze all the CS rates data from a hospital network of the 42 Quirónsalud Hospitals (private sector) and to assess its distribution regarding the different types of hospitals and patient characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational retrospective study between 2017 and 2018 was performed. Hospitals are classified into three groups: large hospitals (11), medium hospitals (17) and small hospitals (14). The cesarean section rate was measured by patient categorization into three groups: total deliveries, low risk cesarean sections and low risk cesarean sections without previous cesarean delivery. RESULTS: We analyzed 62,685 deliveries: 42,987 were vaginal deliveries (68.6%) and 19,698 CS (31.4%). The mean age for the total number of deliveries was 34.18 years old, whilst the mean age for the low-risk group was 34.12. Of the 19,698 CS, 18.36% (3618) were in high-risk population and 81.63% (16,080) in low risk population. 69.54% (11,183) of the low-risk CS were in patients without a previous CS. CONCLUSIONS: The overall rate of CS in the Quirónsalud group is slightly higher than the one from the Public Healthcare. The older maternal age as well as the hospital resources involved in the delivery attendance can explain this difference.

The starch-binding domain as a tool for recombinant protein purification.

Recombinant protein purification with affinity tags is a widely employed technique. One of the most common tags used for protein purification is the histidine tag (Histag). In this work, we use a tandem starch-binding domain (SBDtag) as a tag for protein purification. Four proteins from different sources were fused to the SBDtag, and the resulting fusion proteins were purified by affinity chromatography using the Histag or the SBDtag. The results showed that the SBDtag is superior to the Histag for protein purification. The efficient adsorption of the fusion proteins to raw corn starch was also demonstrated, and two fusions were selected to test purification directly using raw starch from rice, corn, potato, and barley. The two fusion proteins were successfully recovered from crude bacterial extract using raw starch, thus demonstrating that the SBDtag can be used as an efficient affinity tag for recombinant protein purification on an inexpensive matrix.

Detection, cellular localization and antibacterial activity of two lytic enzymes of Pediococcus acidilactici ATCC 8042.

AIM: In Pediococcus acidilactici ATCC 8042, two activities of peptidoglycan hydrolase (PGH) with lytic effect against Micrococcus lysodeikticus and Staphylococcus aureus have been detected. This work intends to elucidate the growth phase of maximum lytic activity, the localization and the effectiveness of the activity against pathogenic Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cells were grown in MRS medium and collected at different growth stages, and the proteins were extracted. The highest PGH activity was found during the logarithmic growth phase in the protein fraction bound to the cell membrane. From this fraction, two distinct proteins bands (110- and 99-kDa) in SDS-PAGE were partially purified with a three-step procedure. Both bands showed lytic activity against M. lysodeikticus. Mass spectrometry analysis (LC/ESI-MS/MS) indicated that the 110-kDa band corresponded to a protein of unknown function. The 99-kDa band corresponded to a N-acetylmuramidase that harboured catalytic sites with N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase and N-acetylglucosaminidase activities. Both proteins are reported in the Ped. acidilactici 7_4 genome. The fraction containing the concentrated proteins (110 and 99 kDa) inhibited the growth of several pathogenic strains as: Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium. The growth of S. aureus was diminished by 3 logarithmic units as early as 0.5 h of growth, while inhibition of Escherichia coli and Ped. acidilactici was observed after 18 and 8 h, respectively (both in one logarithmic unit). The minimum inhibitory concentration against S. aureus was 10 µg ml(-1). CONCLUSION: Pediococcus acidilactici harbours at least two lytic enzymes, one of them recognized as PGH for the first time, which exert antibacterial activity against several bacterial strains. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Both PGH activities have a broad growth inhibition spectrum and could be used to control pathogenic bacteria. Because this activity comes from a lactic acid bacterium, it could be safely used in manufacturing processes of fermented foods.

Deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in Fusarium-contaminated wheat in Mexico City.

Fusarium spp. invasion causes head blight, a destructive disease in the world's main wheat-growing areas, and deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) contamination in cereal-based products. No data are available on the relationship between Fusarium spp. on commercial wheat samples in Mexico City and the presence of mycotoxins. A total of 30 wheat samples were subject to a PCR method involving genes of the trichothecene and zearalenone biosynthesis pathways to detect the presence of Fusarium. Detection and quantification of DON and ZEA was performed using liquid chromatography coupled to UV detection. PCR indicated the presence of the Tri5 and PKS4 genes in 16.7 and 23.3% of samples, respectively. DON and ZEA contamination was found in 51.2 and 71.4% of samples, respectively, where a positive amplification was obtained. This work presents up-to-date information on mycotoxin contamination in Mexico, where improved contamination/exposure data and firm control/monitoring measures are needed.

Emulsifying properties of chemically deamidated corn (Zea mays) gluten meal.

Corn gluten meal is a by-product of starch production that is readily available. Corn protein isolates have limited applications due to their hydrophobic nature, low solubility and limited functionality as emulsifiers. In this study, a mild acidic treatment of corn gluten meal was performed in order to achieve deamidation of asparagine and glutamine residues and modify the interfacial behavior of this byproduct. A 0.1 N HCl treatment for 6 h at 70 °C rendered a deamidation degree of 20.4%, which increased the emulsification activity index of corn gluten meal from 6.8 to 16.8 m(2)/g protein, with a remarkable increase in emulsion stability from 0 to 90.6% oil retention. Proteins participating in the emulsion were separated by SDS-PAGE and the main polypeptides were identified as alpha and beta-zeins. After deamidation, protein dissociation and unfolding due to the obtained negative charges resulted in enhanced functionality.

[An epidemiologic study of headache and its treatment in the general population of Catalonia]. / Estudio epidemiológico del dolor de cabeza y su tratamiento en la población general de Cataluña.

INTRODUCTION: Headache is one of the most frequent symptoms that people suffer in their daily life. However, the available studies have been made in populations who ask for medical advice or in small geographical areas. OBJECTIVES: The present survey was devoted to establish the prevalence of headache in the general population of Catalonia, as well as to establish its characteristics, the therapeutic behavior that was followed by those affected and the consequences for the sufferers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The survey included a sample of 1,964 people, who were representative of the population older than 18 years, and was obtained from the census. The data were obtained by means of a telephone interview. The prevalence of pain in the last six months was established. Among the sufferers of headaches, additional information was obtained concerning its characteristics, its relationship with socio demographic characteristics and the therapeutic behaviors used by patients. The degree of impairment and disability secondary to headache was also determined. RESULTS: The prevalence was 42%, and it was the highest in women (52.8 vs 31.1%) young people (mean age of 43.4 16 years), unskilled manual workers, middle level managers and technicians and those with university studies. Headaches had a long duration (84.4%, more than 3 years); the episodes were frequent, of short duration and or severe intensity (61.2% were severe unbearable). Self medication was the therapeutic behavior most commonly used (52.3%, being acetylsalicylic acid the most employed), followed by visit to the physician (47.4%, being the prescription of paracetamol the preferred treatment) and some alternative medical treatments (16.1%). Headaches limited the daily activities of the sufferers (31.4%), forced to bed rest (23.4%) and even resulted in time off work (4.6%). All personal, social and work impairments had short duration in most individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Headache has a high prevalence in the general population. Although the episodes had a brief duration and self medication was commonly used, pain is frequently severe, limits the daily activities and sufferers often visit the physicians to obtain relief. Headaches should not be considered as a minor health disorder.

Estudio epidemiológico del dolor de cabeza y su tratamiento en la población general de Cataluña / An epidemiologic study of headache and its treatment in the general population of Catalonia

Introducción. El dolor de cabeza constituye uno de los síntomas más frecuentes que afectan a las personas en su vida cotidiana. Sin embargo, los estudios disponibles se refieren a poblaciones que solicitan asistencia sanitaria o en áreas geográficas restringidas. Objetivos. El presente estudio se dirigió a establecer la prevalencia de dolor de cabeza en la población general adulta de Cataluña, así como sus características, la conducta terapéutica seguida y las consecuencias para quienes lo sufren. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio descriptivo de una muestra de 1.964 personas, representativa de la población mayor de 18 años y obtenida a partir del censo. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante una entrevista telefónica. Se determinó la prevalencia de dolor en general durante los últimos seis meses. En los entrevistados que refirieron haber sufrido dolor de cabeza, se analizaron sus características, se investigó su relación con las variables sociodemográficas, y se determinaron las conductas terapéuticas empleadas para aliviarlo y las consecuencias personales, sociales y laborales. Resultados. La prevalencia fue del 42 por ciento, más elevada en mujeres (52,8 frente 31,1 por ciento) y jóvenes (edad media de 43,4 ñ 16 años), en trabajadores manuales, técnicos medios y en personas con estudios superiores. Fue de larga evolución (84,4 por ciento más de 3 años), los episodios frecuentes, de corta duración y de intensidad considerable (61,2 por ciento intensa-insoportable). La automedicación fue la conducta más habitual (52,3 por ciento, ácido acetilsalicílico el más empleado), seguido de la visita médica (47,4 por ciento, paracetamol el más prescrito) y algún tratamiento no convencional (16,1 por ciento). La cefalea limitó la actividad habitual (31,3 por ciento), obligó a guardar reposo en cama (23,4 por ciento) y fue causa de baja laboral en un 4,6 por ciento. Las repercusiones personales, sociales y laborales fueron, en general, de corta duración. Conclusiones. La cefalea tiene una elevada prevalencia en la población general. Aunque los episodios son breves y predomina la automedicación, a menudo su intensidad aumenta, limita las actividades cotidianas, genera visitas médicas y no debería considerarse como un dolor banal (AU)

Purification and characterization of an extracellular lipase from Penicillium candidum.

Penicillium candidum produces and secretes a single extracellular lipase with a monomer molecular weight of 29 kDa. However, this enzyme forms dimers and higher molecular weight aggregates under nondenaturing conditions. The lipase from P. candidum was purified 37-fold using Octyl-Sepharose CL-4B and DEAE-Sephadex columns. The optimal assay conditions for lipase activity were 35 degrees C and pH 9. The lipase was stable in the pH range of 5-6 with a pl of 5.5, but rapid loss of the enzyme activity was observed above 25 degrees C. Tributyrin was found to be the best substrate for the P. candidum lipase, among those tested. Metal ions such as Fe2+ and Cu2+ inhibited enzymatic activity and only Ca2+ was able to slightly enhance lipase activity. Ionic detergents inhibited the activity of the enzyme, whereas nonionic detergents stimulated lipase activity.

Lactic acid bacterial diversity in the traditional mexican fermented dough pozol as determined by 16S rDNA sequence analysis.

The lactic acid bacteria diversity of pozol, a Mexican fermented maize dough, was studied using a total DNA extraction and purification procedure and PCR amplification of 16S rDNA for gram-positive and related bacterial groups. Thirty-six clones were obtained and sequenced to 650 nucleotides. These partial sequences were identified by submission to the non-redundant nucleotide database of NCBI. The identified sequences were aligned with reference sequences of the closest related organisms. This analysis indicated that only 14 sequences were unique clones and these were identified as Lactococcus lactis, Streptococcus suis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lact. casei, Lact. alimentarium, and Lact. delbruekii and Clostridium sp. Two non-ribosomal sequences were also detected. Unlike other environments analyzed with this molecular approach where many unidentified microorganisms are found, the identity of most sequences could be established as lactic acid bacteria, indicating that this is the main group among the gram-positive bacteria in pozol. Use of this molecular method permitted detection of lactic acid bacteria different from those previously isolated and identified by culture techniques

Trends and rates of microevolution in plants.

Evidence for rapid evolutionary change in plants in response to changing environmental conditions is widespread in the literature. However, evolutionary change in plant populations has not been quantified using a rate metric that allows for comparisons between and within studies. One objective of this paper is to estimate rates of evolution using data from previously published studies to begin a foundation for comparison and to examine trends and rates of microevolution in plants. We use data gathered from studies of plant adaptations in response to heavy metals, herbicide, pathogens, changes in pH, global change, and novel environments. Rates of evolution are estimated in the form of two metrics, darwins and haldanes. A second objective is to demonstrate how estimated rates could be used to address specific microevolutionary questions. For example, we examine how evolutionary rate changes with time, life history correlates of evolutionary rates, and whether some types of traits evolve faster than others. We also approach the question of how rates can be used to predict patterns of evolution under novel selection pressures using two contemporary examples: introductions of non-native species to alien environments and global

Induction and transcription studies of the dextransucrase gene in Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-512F.

Dextransucrase production by Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-512F in media containing carbon sources other than sucrose is reported for the first time. Dextransucrases were analyzed by gel electrophoresis and by an in situ activity assay. Their polymers and acceptor reaction products were also compared by (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques, respectively. From these analyses, it was found that, independently of the carbon source, L. mesenteroides NRRL B-512F produced dextransucrases of the same size and product specificity. The 5' ends of dextransucrase mRNAs isolated from cells grown under different culture conditions were identical. Based on this evidence, we conclude that dextransucrases obtained from cells grown on the various carbon sources result from the transcription of the same gene. The control of expression occurs at this level. The low dextransucrase yields from cultures in D-glucose or D-fructose and the enhancement of dextransucrase gene transcription in the presence of sucrose suggest that an activating phenomenon may be involved in the expression mechanism. Dextransucrase mRNA has a size of approximately 4.8 kb, indicating that the gene is located in a monocistronic operon. The transcription start point was localized 34 bp upstream from the ATG start codon. The -10 and -35 sequences found, TATAAT and TTTACA, were highly homologous to the only glycosyltransferase promoter sequence reported for lactic acid bacteria.

Phytotoxic and photosynthetic activities of maduramicin and maduramicin methyl ester.

The polyether antibiotic maduramicin and its methyl ester derivative inhibited photophosphorylation and proton uptake in isolated spinach chloroplasts. Both compounds also enhanced basal and phosphorylating electron transport and stimulated Mg(2+)-dependent ATPase activity, therefore, they behave as uncouplers of photophosphorylation being the methyl ester derivative more potent than the parent compound. On the other hand, maduramicin inhibited germination and radicle elongation of several crop and weed species. In addition, the antibiotic caused phytotoxic injury and fresh weight reduction to 4-to-6 week old seedlings of two weed and two crop species when applied at 10(-4) M by foliar application in the greenhouse.

Enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and their role on exopolysaccharide production in Streptococcus thermophilus.

The role of the enzymes uridine-5'-diphospho-(UDP) glucose pyrophosphorylase and UDP galactose 4-epimerase in exopolysaccharide production of Gal- ropy and non-ropy strains of Streptococcus thermophilus in a batch culture was investigated. Growth of the ropy and non-ropy strains was accompanied by total release of the galactose moiety from lactose hydrolysis in modified Bellinker broth with lactose as the only carbon source. This was associated with a greater exopolysaccharide production by the ropy strain. The polymer produced by both strains in cultures with lactose or glucose as carbon sources contained glucose, galactose and rhamnose, indicating that glucose was used as a carbon source for bacterial growth and for exopolysaccharide formation. UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase activity was associated with polysaccharide production during the first 12 h in a 20 h culture in the ropy strain, but not in the non-ropy strain. UDP-galactose 4-epimerase was not associated with exopolysaccharide synthesis in any strain. The evidence presented suggests that the glucose moiety from lactose hydrolysis is the source of sugar for heteropolysaccharide synthesis, due to a high UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase activity.

Aspergillus nidulans mutants affected in acetate metabolism isolated as lipid nonutilizers.

Interest in extracellular fungal lipases has increased mainly because of their industrial applications. However, no studies have been done on a genetically well characterized filamentous fungus like Aspergillus nidulans. Here we show that A. nidulans produces an extracellular lipase when grown in solid or liquid cultures containing lipids as carbon source. This lipase is glucose-repressed in a creA-independent fashion. Seven mutants isolated by their inability to utilize lipids as sole carbon source were also unable to utilize acetate as sole carbon source. Representative mutants from each of three complementation groups were tested for allelism with strains carrying well known mutations affecting acetate metabolism. They were found to contain acuD (Isocitrate lyase), acuF (PEP carboxykinase), and acuE (Malate synthase) alleles. Screening of lipid nonutilizing mutants for growth in acetate provides a method for the isolation of both lipase minus and new acetate metabolism mutants.