Physiology and comparative genomics of the haloalkalitolerant and hydrocarbonoclastic marine strain Rhodococcus ruber MSA14.

Marine hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria can use polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as carbon and energy sources, that makes these bacteria highly attractive for bioremediation in oil-polluted waters. However, genomic and metabolic differences between species are still the subject of study to understand the evolution and strategies to degrade PAHs. This study presents Rhodococcus ruber MSA14, an isolated bacterium from marine sediments in Baja California, Mexico, which exhibits adaptability to saline environments, a high level of intrinsic pyrene tolerance (> 5 g L- 1), and efficient degradation of pyrene (0.2 g L- 1) by 30% in 27 days. Additionally, this strain demonstrates versatility by using naphthalene and phenanthrene as individual carbon sources. The genome sequencing of R. ruber MSA14 revealed a genome spanning 5.45 Mbp, a plasmid of 72 kbp, and three putative megaplasmids, lengths between 110 and 470 Kbp. The bioinformatics analysis of the R. ruber MSA14 genome revealed 56 genes that encode enzymes involved in the peripheral and central pathways of aromatic hydrocarbon catabolism, alkane, alkene, and polymer degradation. Within its genome, R. ruber MSA14 possesses genes responsible for salt tolerance and siderophore production. In addition, the genomic analysis of R. ruber MSA14 against 13 reference genomes revealed that all compared strains have at least one gene involved in the alkanes and catechol degradation pathway. Overall, physiological assays and genomic analysis suggest that R. ruber MSA14 is a new haloalkalitolerant and hydrocarbonoclastic strain toward a wide range of hydrocarbons, making it a promising candidate for in-depth characterization studies and bioremediation processes as part of a synthetic microbial consortium, as well as having a better understanding of the catabolic potential and functional diversity among the Rhodococci group.

Intermediate-Term Clinical Outcomes of High-Density Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in Patients with Concomitant Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Focal Chondral Lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate intermediate-term clinical results in patients with concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and chondral defect treated with high-density autologous chondrocyte implantation (HD-ACI) compared to patients without ACL tear but with a chondral lesion and HD-ACI treatment. DESIGN: Forty-eight patients with focal chondral lesions underwent HD-ACI (24 with ACL reconstruction after an ACL injury and 24 with an intact ACL). Follow-up assessments occurred at 6, 12, and 24 months. Patient-reported knee function and symptoms were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire, pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and adverse events were monitored. Physical activity was assessed using the Tegner Activity Level Scale, and cartilage healing was evaluated with the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score. RESULTS: No significant adverse events occurred during follow-up. Both groups showed significant improvements at 2 years compared to baseline (VAS: 8.0 ± 1.3 to 1.4 ± 2.0 [normal ACL]; 7.4 ± 2.3 to 2.1 ± 2.3 [ACL reconstruction]; IKDC: 39.2 ± 10.6 to 76.1 ± 22.0 [intact ACL]; 35.6 ± 12.1 to 74.6 ± 20.9 [ACL reconstruction]). Patients in both groups exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for IKDC scores. The Tegner Activity Level Scale decreased immediately after surgery and increased after 2 years, with 70.6% (normal ACL) and 89.5% (ACL reconstruction) returning to their preinjury activity levels. No significant differences in the MOCART score were observed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: ACL reconstruction does not appear to reduce the outcomes (at 2 years) of HD-ACI.

Second-order scattering sensor based on the Zn0.97La0.03O compound for selective and stable detection of glycated albumin.

Here, we presented a second-order scattering sensor based on the Zn0.97La0.03O compound (LaZnO) for selective and stable detection of glycated albumin (GA, glycemic long-term biomarker). The LaZnO sample was obtained through the co-precipitation method and then characterized using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, the selectivity, molecular interference, temporal stability, and pH effects of the LaZnO SOS signal in the absence and presence of GA were investigated. The results indicate the stability of the SOS signal over more than 60 days. Assays conducted within the pH range of 5 to 8 indicate that the detection of GA remains unaffected under the given conditions. Selectivity studies show that the SOS signal of LaZnO is reduced only upon contact with GA, while interference studies show that detection is not affected by other chemical species. Additionally, the calibration curve test showed high sensitivity of the material, with a detection limit of 0.55 µg/ml. All the results suggest that LaZnO can deliver efficiency, selectivity, accuracy, and fast response as a GA biosensor, emphasizing LaZnO's usefulness in detecting protein biomarkers.

Combined use of QRISK3 and SCORE2 increases identification of ankylosing spondylitis patients at high cardiovascular risk: Results from the CARMA Project cohort after 7.5 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the predictive value of the QRESEARCH risk estimator version 3 (QRISK3) algorithm in identifying Spanish patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) at high risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and CV mortality. We also sought to determine whether to combine QRISK3 with another CV risk algorithm: the traditional SCORE, the modified SCORE (mSCORE) EULAR 2015/2016 or the SCORE2 may increase the identification of AS patients with high-risk CV disease. METHODS: Information of 684 patients with AS from the Spanish prospective CARdiovascular in ReuMAtology (CARMA) project who at the time of the initial visit had no history of CV events and were followed in rheumatology outpatient clinics of tertiary centers for 7.5 years was reviewed. The risk chart algorithms were retrospectively tested using baseline data. RESULTS: After 4,907 years of follow-up, 33 AS patients had experienced CV events. Linearized rate=6.73 per 1000 person-years (95 % CI: 4.63, 9.44). The four CV risk scales were strongly correlated. QRISK3 correctly discriminated between people with lower and higher CV risk, although the percentage of accumulated events over 7.5 years was clearly lower than expected according to the risk established by QRISK3. Also, mSCORE EULAR 2015/2016 showed the same discrimination ability as SCORE, although the percentage of predicted events was clearly higher than the percentage of actual events. SCORE2 also had a strong discrimination capacity according to CV risk. Combining QRISK3 with any other scale improved the model. This was especially true for the combination of QRISK3 and SCORE2 which achieved the lowest AIC (406.70) and BIC (415.66), so this combination would be the best predictive model. CONCLUSIONS: In patients from the Spanish CARMA project, the four algorithms tested accurately discriminated those AS patients with higher CV risk and those with lower CV risk. Moreover, a model that includes QRISK3 and SCORE2 combined the best discrimination ability of QRISK3 with the best calibration of SCORE2.

Fungi beyond limits: The agricultural promise of extremophiles.

Global climate changes threaten food security, necessitating urgent measures to enhance agricultural productivity and expand it into areas less for agronomy. This challenge is crucial in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). Plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM), bacteria and fungi, emerge as a promising solution to mitigate the impact of climate extremes on agriculture. The concept of the plant holobiont, encompassing the plant host and its symbiotic microbiota, underscores the intricate relationships with a diverse microbial community. PGPM, residing in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere, and endosphere, play vital roles in nutrient solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and biocontrol of pathogens. Novel ecological functions, including epigenetic modifications and suppression of virulence genes, extend our understanding of PGPM strategies. The diverse roles of PGPM as biofertilizers, biocontrollers, biomodulators, and more contribute to sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience. Despite fungi's remarkable plant growth-promoting functions, their potential is often overshadowed compared to bacteria. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a mutualistic symbiosis with many terrestrial plants, enhancing plant nutrition, growth, and stress resistance. Other fungi, including filamentous, yeasts, and polymorphic, from endophytic, to saprophytic, offer unique attributes such as ubiquity, morphology, and endurance in harsh environments, positioning them as exceptional plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF). Crops frequently face abiotic stresses like salinity, drought, high UV doses and extreme temperatures. Some extremotolerant fungi, including strains from genera like Trichoderma, Penicillium, Fusarium, and others, have been studied for their beneficial interactions with plants. Presented examples of their capabilities in alleviating salinity, drought, and other stresses underscore their potential applications in agriculture. In this context, extremotolerant and extremophilic fungi populating extreme natural environments are muchless investigated. They represent both new challenges and opportunities. As the global climate evolves, understanding and harnessing the intricate mechanisms of fungal-plant interactions, especially in extreme environments, is paramount for developing effective and safe plant probiotics and using fungi as biocontrollers against phytopathogens. Thorough assessments, comprehensive methodologies, and a cautious approach are crucial for leveraging the benefits of extremophilic fungi in the changing landscape of global agriculture, ensuring food security in the face of climate challenges.

Synthesis and Characterization of Cassava Gum Hydrogel Associated with Chlorhexidine and Evaluation of Release and Antimicrobial Activity.

Hydrogels from natural sources are attracting increasing interest due to their ability to protect biologically active molecules. Starch extracted from cassava tubers is a promising material for synthesizing these hydrogels. Copolymerization of cassava gum and incorporation of chlorhexidine digluconate (CLX) into the hydrogels is confirmed by changes in the crystallographic profile, as observed through X-ray diffraction, and a shift in the 1000 cm-1 band in the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum. The differential scanning calorimetry reveals changes in the decomposition temperature of the synthesized hydrogels related to CLX volatility. Micrographs illustrate the material's porosity. Release tests indicate a constant linear release over 72 h, while antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans is satisfactory, with 100% effectiveness from 0.5% CLX and the formation of inhibition halos. Toxicity and biocompatibility studies show no cytotoxicity. The continuous release of chlorhexidine is promising for components of biomedical implants and applications as it can ensure antimicrobial action according to specific therapeutic needs.

A description of risk associated with use of antipsychotics among community dwelling older adults: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

The objective of this research was to analyze the risk of adverse effects in patients older than 65 years with dementia and in concomitant treatment with antidementia and antipsychotic drugs and who are cared for by community nurses. A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. A total of 332 patients who were cared for by primary care teams participated. Most of the patients were women, totally dependent for the basic activities of daily living and residing in the family home. They were polymedicated and there was poor therapeutic adherence. The risk of adverse effects was higher in polymedicated patients who had been taking antipsychotics for longer periods and in those who had a main caregiver. However, those patients who had been assessed by the community nurse were protected from suffering adverse effects. This study demonstrates how integrated and continuous nursing care can reduce adverse effects in this type of patient.

Green Synthesis of Er-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles: An Investigation on the Methylene Blue, Eosin, and Ibuprofen Removal by Photodegradation.

We present a study on the green synthesis of undoped and Er-doped ZnO compounds using Mangifera indica gum (MI). A set of tests were conducted to assess the structure of the material. The tests included X-ray diffraction, Raman, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Optical properties were studied using diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence. Morphological and textural investigations were done using SEM images and N2 adsorption/desorption. Furthermore, photocatalytic tests were performed with methylene blue (MB), yellow eosin (EY), and the pharmaceutical drug ibuprofen (IBU) under UV irradiation. The study demonstrated that replacing the stabilizing agent with Mangifera indica gum is an effective method for obtaining ZnO nanoparticles. Additionally, the energy gap of the nanoparticles exhibits a slight reduction in value. Photoluminescence studies showed the presence of zinc vacancies and other defects in both samples. In the photocatalytic test, the sample containing Er3+ exhibited a degradation of 99.7% for methylene blue, 81.2% for yellow eosin, and 52.3% for ibuprofen over 120 min. In the presence of methyl alcohol, the degradation of MB and EY dyes is 16.7% and 55.7%, respectively. This suggests that hydroxyl radicals are responsible for the direct degradation of both dyes. In addition, after the second reuse, the degradation rate for MB was 94.08%, and for EY, it was 82.35%. For the third reuse, the degradation rate for MB was 97.15%, and for EY, it was 17%. These results indicate the significant potential of the new semiconductor in environmental remediation applications from an ecological synthesis.

Model-based meta-analysis using latent variable modeling to set benchmarks for new treatments of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Several investigational agents are under evaluation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) clinical trials but quantitative frameworks to enable comparison of their efficacy to reference benchmark treatments are lacking. To benchmark SLE treatment effects and identify clinically important covariates, we developed a model-based meta-analysis (MBMA) within a latent variable model framework for efficacy end points and SLE composite end point scores (BILAG-based Composite Lupus Assessment and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Responder Index) using aggregate-level data on approved and investigational therapeutics. SLE trials were searched using PubMed and www.clinicaltrials.gov for treatment name, SLE and clinical trial as search criteria that resulted in four data structures: (1) study and investigational agent, (2) dose and regimen, (3) baseline descriptors, and (4) outcomes. The final dataset consisted of 25 studies and 81 treatment arms evaluating 16 different agents. A previously developed (K Goteti et al. 2022) SLE latent variable model of data from placebo arms (placebo + standard of care treatments) was used to describe aggregate SLE end points over time for the various SLE placebo and treatment arms in a Bayesian MBMA framework. Continuous dose-effect relationships using a maximum effect model were included for anifrolumab, belimumab, CC-220 (iberdomide), epratuzumab, lulizumab pegol, and sifalimumab, whereas the remaining treatments were modeled as discrete dose effects. The final MBMA model was then used to benchmark these compounds with respect to the maximal efficacy on the latent variable compared to the placebo. This MBMA illustrates the application of latent variable models in understanding the trajectories of composite end points in chronic diseases and should enable model-informed development of new investigational agents in SLE.

Facile Synthesis of Ni-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Using Cashew Gum: Investigation of the Structural, Optical, and Photocatalytic Properties.

This work adopted a green synthesis route using cashew tree gum as a mediating agent to obtain Ni-doped ZnO nanoparticles through the sol-gel method. Structural analysis confirmed the formation of the hexagonal wurtzite phase and distortions in the crystal lattice due to the inclusion of Ni cations, which increased the average crystallite size from 61.9 nm to 81.6 nm. These distortions resulted in the growth of point defects in the structure, which influenced the samples' optical properties, causing slight reductions in the band gaps and significant increases in the Urbach energy. The fitting of the photoluminescence spectra confirmed an increase in the concentration of zinc vacancy defects (VZn) and monovacancies (Vo) as Zn cations were replaced by Ni cations in the ZnO structure. The percentage of VZn defects for the pure compound was 11%, increasing to 40% and 47% for the samples doped with 1% and 3% of Ni cations, respectively. In contrast, the highest percentage of VO defects is recorded for the material with the lowest Ni ions concentration, comprising about 60%. The influence of dopant concentration was also reflected in the photocatalytic performance. Among the samples tested, the Zn0.99Ni0.01O compound presented the best result in MB degradation, reaching an efficiency of 98.4%. Thus, the recovered material underwent reuse tests, revealing an efficiency of 98.2% in dye degradation, confirming the stability of the photocatalyst. Furthermore, the use of different inhibitors indicated that •OH radicals are the main ones involved in removing the pollutant. This work is valuable because it presents an ecological synthesis using cashew gum, a natural polysaccharide that has been little explored in the literature.

Epidemiology of giardiasis and assemblages A and B and effects on diarrhea and growth trajectories during the first 8 years of life: Analysis of a birth cohort in a rural district in tropical Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: There are limited longitudinal data on the acquisition of Giardia lamblia infections in childhood using molecular assays to detect and type assemblages, and measure effects of infections on diarrhea risk and childhood growth. METHODS: We analysed stool samples from a surveillance sample within a birth cohort in a rural district in tropical Ecuador. The cohort was followed to 8 years of age for the presence of G. lamblia in stools by quantitative PCR and A and B assemblages by Taqman assay or Sanger sequencing. We explored risk factors associated with infection using generalized estimating equations applied to longitudinal binary outcomes, and longitudinal panel data analysis to estimate effects of infection on diarrhea and growth trajectories. RESULTS: 2,812 stool samples collected between 1 month and 8 years of age from 498 children were analyzed and showed high rates of infection: 79.7% were infected at least once with peak prevalence (53.9%) at 5 years. Assemblage B was accounted for 56.8% of genotyped infections. Risk factors for infection included male sex (P = 0.001), daycare attendance (P<0.001), having a household latrine (P = 0.04), childhood (P<0.001) and maternal soil-transmitted helminth (P = 0.029) infections, and exposures to donkeys (age interaction P = 0.034). G. lamblia was associated with increased risk of diarrhea (per episode, RR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, P = 0.011) during the first 3 years of life and a transient impairment of weight (age interaction P = 0.017) and height-for-age (age interaction P = 0.025) trajectories between 1 and 4 years of age. There was no increased risk of either assemblage being associated with outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our data show a relatively high edemicity of G. lamblia transmission during childhood in coastal Ecuador, and evidence that infection is associated with a transiently increased risk of diarrhea during the first 3 years of life and impairment of weight and height between 1 and 4 years.

Structural adaptation of fungal cell wall in hypersaline environment.

Halophilic fungi thrive in hypersaline habitats and face a range of extreme conditions. These fungal species have gained considerable attention due to their potential applications in harsh industrial processes, such as bioremediation and fermentation under unfavorable conditions of hypersalinity, low water activity, and extreme pH. However, the role of the cell wall in surviving these environmental conditions remains unclear. Here we employ solid-state NMR spectroscopy to compare the cell wall architecture of Aspergillus sydowii across salinity gradients. Analyses of intact cells reveal that A. sydowii cell walls contain a rigid core comprising chitin, ß-glucan, and chitosan, shielded by a surface shell composed of galactomannan and galactosaminogalactan. When exposed to hypersaline conditions, A. sydowii enhances chitin biosynthesis and incorporates α-glucan to create thick, stiff, and hydrophobic cell walls. Such structural rearrangements enable the fungus to adapt to both hypersaline and salt-deprived conditions, providing a robust mechanism for withstanding external stress. These molecular principles can aid in the optimization of halophilic strains for biotechnology applications.

Manejo perioperatorio de medicación anticoagulante y antiagregante antiplaquetaria en radiología intervencionista / Perioperative management of anticoagulants and antiplatelets agents in interventional radiology

Resumen El número de personas en tratamiento con fármacos anticoagulantes o antiplaquetarios está en crecimiento constante debido al aumento de la supervivencia de los pacientes con fibrilación auricular, válvulas cardiacas mecánicas o que han sufrido un evento isquémico o trombótico agudo. Cuando estos pacientes necesitan un procedimiento radiológico intervencionista que acarrea riesgo de sangrado, es necesario analizar el riesgo trombótico del paciente al interrumpir la medicación frente al riesgo hemorrágico del procedimiento para tomar la decisión más adecuada en cada caso. Por tanto, es una decisión individualizada y supone un desafío para los/as radiólogos/as que realicen estas técnicas. Nuestro objetivo en esta revisión es mostrar las recomendaciones actuales sobre el manejo perioperatorio de la medicación anticoagulante y antiplaquetaria, adaptada al intervencionismo radiológico.

Abstract The number of people treated with anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents is constantly growing due to the increased survival of patients with atrial fibrillation, mechanical cardiac valves or who have suffered an acute thrombotic or ischemic event. When these patients need an interventional radiological procedure that carries a risk of bleeding, it is necessary to analyze the thrombotic risk of the patient when interrupting the medication against the hemorrhagic risk of the procedure, to make the most appropriate decision in each case. Therefore, it is an individualized decision, and it is a challenge for radiologists who perform these techniques. Our goal in this review is to update the current recommendations on the perioperative management of anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents, adapted to the radiological interventionism.

From friends to foes: fungi could be emerging marine sponge pathogens under global change scenarios.

Global change, experienced in the form of ocean warming and pollution by man-made goods and xenobiotics, is rapidly affecting reef ecosystems and could have devastating consequences for marine ecology. Due to their critical role in regulating marine food webs and trophic connections, sponges are an essential model for studying and forecasting the impact of global change on reef ecosystems. Microbes are regarded as major contributors to the health and survival of sponges in marine environments. While most culture-independent studies on sponge microbiome composition to date have focused on prokaryotic diversity, the importance of fungi in holobiont behavior has been largely overlooked. Studies focusing on the biology of sponge fungi are uncommon. Thus, our current understanding is quite limited regarding the interactions and "crosstalk" between sponges and their associated fungi. Anthropogenic activities and climate change may reveal sponge-associated fungi as novel emerging pathogens. Global change scenarios could trigger the expression of fungal virulence genes and unearth new opportunistic pathogens, posing a risk to the health of sponges and severely damaging reef ecosystems. Although ambitious, this hypothesis has not yet been proven. Here we also postulate as a pioneering hypothesis that manipulating sponge-associated fungal communities may be a new strategy to cope with the threats posed to sponge health by pathogens and pollutants. Additionally, we anticipate that sponge-derived fungi might be used as novel sponge health promoters and beneficial members of the resident sponge microbiome in order to increase the sponge's resistance to opportunistic fungal infections under a scenario of global change.

Increased grey wolf diurnality in southern Europe under human-restricted conditions.

Wolves have been the archetype of wildlife persecution by humans for centuries all over the world, and still are heavily persecuted in some regions. Facultative diurnal/nocturnal wild mammals are known to become more nocturnal when persecuted. Conversely, little is known regarding the possibility of wolves becoming more diurnal if not persecuted. We took advantage of a 9-year natural experiment of restricted human access to a restored coal mine debris dump to study the daily activity patterns of wolves under conditions of infrequent human presence. Results were compared with a paired control site with frequent human use. Circadian wolf activity was monitored using camera traps (3 years in human-restricted site; 2 years in control). Additionally, data from two GPS-GSM-collared wolves monitored in a second control site were also analyzed. In our control sites, wolves were nearly inactive during daylight hours. In contrast, in the human-restricted site wolves extended their activity toward noon, with a daily activity peak between 10:00 and 12:00, and showed some activity throughout the entire circadian 2-h interval cycle considered. Wolves clearly had higher diurnality in the human-restricted area with 78% greater incidence of capture with remote cameras during the day than in the control site. We suggest that the shift toward increased diurnality was related to the loss of fear of humans. Evidence in support of this hypothesis comes from flight initiation distance (FID) data. Wolves showed relatively short FIDs when faced with a human observer (range 70-183 m) in broad daylight at the human-restricted site, but were so afraid of humans in the control site that we were unable to conduct FID trials there. Based on these results, we suggest that wolves may increase their diurnality in those European countries with currently increasing movement of human populations from rural to urban areas and that do not conduct lethal control of wolves. This would represent a historical landmark for a species that has been persecuted for many centuries. However, such behavioral shifts could bring new human-wolf conflicts that would require new policies.

Modular UV Curing Sol-Gel Coating for Invisible, Levelling and Easy to Clean Multi-Layer Systems.

Current methods for the hardening step of functional coatings over different materials imply the use of high temperatures, high energy consumption or long periods of time, which have repercussions on the speed and cost of the product. We report here a simple and low-cost methodology for the functionalization of low-cost stainless steel, which is modular, depending on the functionality pursued: a levelling layer for smoothing the surface of the material, an "easy to clean" property, or both of them. This research is based on sol-gel coatings cured under UV light without requiring high thermal hardening processes, making it applicable to plastics and other sensible materials and possessing high chemical and thermal stability. The film ensures lower processing costs and higher rates of hardening if adequate medium-pressure lamps are employed. This formulation is also well-defined for scaling up the process, so it is possible to perform a continuous coating in large areas by employing mild processing conditions (low temperature, atmospheric pressure). In addition, the sol-gel solution was fully characterized and studied in order to guarantee a long service life before deposition, with a focus on industrial applications in the domestic sector.

Micronuclei and nuclear buds in amniotic tissue of rats treated with cyclophosphamide.

Fetal development can be altered by DNA damage caused by maternal exposure to chemical, physical, or biological agents during gestation. One method of assessing genotoxicity is to detect micronuclei (MNs) and/or nuclear abnormalities. This can be performed in vivo and requires only frequently dividing tissues, such as amniotic tissue (AT), which is in contact with the fetal environment and is composed of very thin layers of cells. This study evaluated the presence of MNs, nucleoplasmic bridges, and nuclear buds (NBs) in the fetal AT following maternal exposure to cyclophosphamide (CP) during pregnancy. Pregnant Wistar rats were divided into a negative control group and an experimental group that was orally administered CP (10 mg/kg). Daily blood smears were obtained from pregnant rats on days 14-19 of gestation. The rats were dissected, and fetal ATs were obtained on the 19th day of gestation. The MN and NB frequencies in AT cells were analyzed using a fluorescence microscope (100 ×). Micronucleated erythrocytes in the peripheral blood of the control rats were also assessed. Micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte frequencies were significantly higher than those in the controls. Polychromatic erythrocyte frequencies were lower in CP-treated rats than in controls at 48-120 h. Fetuses in the CP-treated group also showed a significant increase in MNs and NBs in AT cells. In conclusion, AT could be used for analyzing MNs and NBs in rats following maternal exposure to a genotoxic agent and as a viable alternative for analyzing the integrity of fetal DNA during gestation.

Extremely chaotolerant and kosmotolerant Aspergillus atacamensis - a metabolically versatile fungus suitable for recalcitrant biosolid treatment.

Obligate halophily is extremely rare in fungi. Nevertheless, Aspergillus atacamensis (strain EXF-6660), isolated from a salt water-exposed cave in the Coastal Range hills of the hyperarid Atacama Desert in Chile, is an obligate halophile, with a broad optimum range from 1.5 to 3.4 M of NaCl. When we tested its ability to grow at varied concentrations of both kosmotropic (NaCl, KCl, and sorbitol) and chaotropic (MgCl2, LiCl, CaCl2, and glycerol) solutes, stereoscopy and laser scanning microscopy revealed the formation of phialides and conidia. A. atacamensis EXF-6660 grew up to saturating levels of NaCl and at 2.0 M concentration of the chaotropic salt MgCl2. Our findings confirmed that A. atacamensis is an obligate halophile that can grow at substantially higher MgCl2 concentrations than 1.26 M, previously considered as the maximum limit supporting prokaryotic life. To assess the fungus' metabolic versatility, we used the phenotype microarray technology Biolog FF MicroPlates. In the presence of 2.0 M NaCl concentration, strain EXF-6660 metabolism was highly versatile. A vast repertoire of organic molecules (~95% of the substrates present in Biolog FF MicroPlates) was metabolized when supplied as sole carbon sources, including numerous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene derivatives, dyes, and several carbohydrates. Finally, the biotechnological potential of A. atacamensis for xenobiotic degradation and biosolid treatment was investigated. Interestingly, it could remove biphenyls, diphenyl ethers, different pharmaceuticals, phenols, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Our combined findings show that A. atacamensis EXF-6660 is a highly chaotolerant, kosmotolerant, and xerotolerant fungus, potentially useful for xenobiotic and biosolid treatments.

Alkaliphilic/Alkali-Tolerant Fungi: Molecular, Biochemical, and Biotechnological Aspects.

Biotechnologist interest in extremophile microorganisms has increased in recent years. Alkaliphilic and alkali-tolerant fungi that resist alkaline pH are among these. Alkaline environments, both terrestrial and aquatic, can be created by nature or by human activities. Aspergillus nidulans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are the two eukaryotic organisms whose pH-dependent gene regulation has received the most study. In both biological models, the PacC transcription factor activates the Pal/Rim pathway through two successive proteolytic mechanisms. PacC is a repressor of acid-expressed genes and an activator of alkaline-expressed genes when it is in an active state. It appears, however, that these are not the only mechanisms associated with pH adaptations in alkali-tolerant fungi. These fungi produce enzymes that are resistant to harsh conditions, i.e., alkaline pH, and can be used in technological processes, such as in the textile, paper, detergent, food, pharmaceutical, and leather tanning industries, as well as in bioremediation of pollutants. Consequently, it is essential to understand how these fungi maintain intracellular homeostasis and the signaling pathways that activate the physiological mechanisms of alkali resistance in fungi.

Aspectos asistenciales de la infección periamigdalina antes y durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Healthcare aspects of peritonsillar infection before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción: Este estudio trata de valorar la repercusión de la pandemia sobre la incidencia y la evolución clínica de la infección periamigdalina (IPA).Material y métodosRevisamos en un seguimiento longitudinal y descriptivo retrospectivo las circunstancias de los pacientes atendidos durante 5 años, de 2017 a 2021, en dos hospitales, uno comarcal y otro terciario. Se registraron variables relacionadas con la patología de base, antecedentes de amigdalitis, tiempo de evolución, visitas previas en Atención Primaria, hallazgos en el diagnóstico, relación absceso/flemón y días de estancia hospitalaria.ResultadosDe 2017 a 2019 la incidencia de la enfermedad osciló entre 14 y 16 casos/100.000 habitantes-año, pero en 2020 se redujo a 9,3, un 43% menos. Los pacientes con IPA que consultaron en pandemia generaron pocas visitas previas en servicios de Atención Primaria, presentaron mayor severidad de los síntomas y mayor demora en el diagnóstico. Además, hubo más abscesos que flemones y la necesidad de ingreso hospitalario superior a 24h fue del 66%. Apenas hubo causalidad con amigdalitis agudas, aunque el 66% de los pacientes padecía amigdalitis de repetición, y el 71% patología concomitante. Todos estos hallazgos mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas respecto a los casos prepandemia.ConclusionesLa protección de la transmisión aérea, el distanciamiento social y el confinamiento adoptados en nuestro país son medidas que han podido modificar la evolución de la IPA, con una incidencia muy inferior, un período de recuperación mayor y mínima relación con amigdalitis aguda. (AU)

Introduction: This study assessed if the healthcare system overload and the organizational changes made in response to COVID-19 may be having an impact on clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the peritonsillar infection (PTI).Materials and methodsIn a retrospective longitudinal and descriptive follow-up, we reviewed the circumstances of the patients attended during 5 years, from 2017 to 2021, in two hospitals, one regional and other tertiary. Variables related to underlying pathology, history of tonsillitis, time of evolution, previous visits to Primary Care, diagnostic findings, abscess/phlegmon ratio, and length of hospital stay were recorded.ResultsFrom 2017 to 2019, the incidence of the disease ranged between 14 and 16 cases/100,000 inhabitants-year, and decreased to 9.3 in 2020, a 43% less. Patients with PTI consulting in pandemic time were visited much less often in Primary Care services. They showed a greater severity of symptoms and the period of time between their appearance and diagnosis was longer. Additionally, there were more abscesses and the need for hospital admission greater than 24h was 66%. There was hardly a causal relationship with acute tonsillitis, although 66% of the patients evidenced history of recurrent tonsillitis, and 71% concomitant pathology. All these findings showed statistically significant differences with the pre-pandemic cases.ConclusionsThe protection of airborne transmission, the social distancing and the lockdown adopted in our country are measures that seem having been able to modify the evolution of PTI, with a much lower incidence, a longer recovery period and a minimal relationship with acute tonsillitis. (AU)