Design of experiments to evaluate pH and temperature parameters with different inoculums in domestic biodigester.

The comprehensive management of organic urban solid waste is a concern due to its direct and indirect impact on the environment. Anaerobic Digestion (AD) has been recognized as an alternative and environmentally friendly technology for waste disposal, converting them into organic fertilizers and renewable energy. This research presents an experiment involving four reactors fed with household organic waste, three inoculated with canine, goat, and rabbit manure, and one without inoculum. The experiment was observed for 30 consecutive days to analyze the pH and temperature parameters involved in the AD process in domestic reactors. Statistical methodology, including one-way analysis of variance for assessing the effect of the type of inoculum, Tukey's simultaneous confidence intervals for mean differences, and 90 % confidence intervals for µ in temperature and manure, was utilized. Additionally, main effects analysis of the factors of average temperature and pH were conducted. The results of the one-factor experiment show that the type of inoculum does not significantly influence the variation in pH, while temperature remains relatively stable throughout the AD process. However, the analysis of main effects indicates that goat manure tends to stabilize the temperature with minimal variation, whereas variation is more heterogeneous in the other experiments.

Evolución neurológica en la lesión medular traumática en función del tamaño de la hemorragia intraparenquimatosa / Neurological evolution in traumatic spinal cord injury according to the size of the intraparenchymal hemorrhage

Introducción y objetivos: La presencia de hemorragia medular es considerada como un factor de mal pronóstico evolutivo en el estudio de la lesión medular traumática (LMT). No obstante, se ha sugerido en trabajos publicados que el pronóstico de los sangrados de menor tamaño no es tan negativo. El objetivo del presente trabajo es valorar la evolución neurológica en individuos con hemorragia intraparenquimatosa en función del tamaño de la misma. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Recopilados los pacientes ingresados por LMT aguda con estudio de resonancia, que objetivase una hemorragia medular entre los años 2010 y 2018. Se establecieron 2 grupos en función del tamaño del sangrado: microhemorragias (menor de 4mm) y macrohemorragias (superior a 4mm). Se comparó la exploración neurológica al ingreso y al alta atendiendo al grado AIS y el índice motor (IM). Resultados: Recogidos 46 casos, 17 microhemorragias y 29 macrohemorragias. El 70,6% de las primeras eran AIS A mientras que entre las macrohemorragias el porcentaje era del 89,6%. Al momento del alta se apreció una mejoría del grado AIS en el 40,0% de las microhemorragias por un 4,0% de las macrohemorragias (p=0,008). El IM inicial fue muy similar, 45,2±22,2 en las microhemorragias y 40,9±20,4 en las mayores (p=0,459), pero al alta era superior en el primer grupo: 60,4±20,5 por 42,7±22,8 (p=0,033). Ocho pacientes (17,4%) fallecieron durante el ingreso. Conclusiones: Existe relación entre el tamaño de la hemorragia intraparenquimatosa y el pronóstico neurológico de la LMT, presentando una mejor evolución las hemorragias menores de 4mm.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: The presence of spinal cord hemorrhage is considered as a poor prognostic factor in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). However, it has been suggested in published works that the prognosis of small hemorrhages is not so negative. The aim of this paper is to assess the neurological evolution in individuals with intraparenchymal hemorrhage according to its size. Material and methods: Retrospective observational study. Selected all the patients admitted for acute traumatic SCI between 2010 and 2018 with early magnetic resonance study and spinal cord hemorrhage. Two groups were established depending on the size of the bleeding: microhemorrhages (less than 4mm) and macrohemorrhages (greater than 4mm). The neurological examination at admission and discharge was compared according to the AIS grade and the motor score (MS). Results: Forty-six cases collected, 17 microhemorrhages and 29 macrohemorrhages. 70.6% of the microhemorrhages were AIS A while among macrohemorrhages the percentage was 89.6%. At the time of discharge, an improvement in the AIS grade was observed in 40.0% of the microhemorrhages compared to 4.0% of the macrohemorrhages (P=.008). Initial MS was similar, 45.2±22.2 in the microhemorrhages and 40.9±20.4 in the macrohemorrhages (P=.459), but at discharge it was higher in the first group: 60.4±20.5 for 42.7±22.8 (P=.033). Eight patients (17.4%) died during admission. Conclusions: There is a relationship between the size of the intraparenchymal hemorrhage and the neurological prognosis of SCI, with hemorrhages smaller than 4mm presenting a better evolution.(AU)

[Neurological evolution in traumatic spinal cord injury according to the size of the intraparenchymal hemorrhage]. / Evolución neurológica en la lesión medular traumática en función del tamaño de la hemorragia intraparenquimatosa.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The presence of spinal cord hemorrhage is considered as a poor prognostic factor in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). However, it has been suggested in published works that the prognosis of small hemorrhages is not so negative. The aim of this paper is to assess the neurological evolution in individuals with intraparenchymal hemorrhage according to its size. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study. Selected all the patients admitted for acute traumatic SCI between 2010 and 2018 with early magnetic resonance study and spinal cord hemorrhage. Two groups were established depending on the size of the bleeding: microhemorrhages (less than 4mm) and macrohemorrhages (greater than 4mm). The neurological examination at admission and discharge was compared according to the AIS grade and the motor score (MS). RESULTS: Forty-six cases collected, 17 microhemorrhages and 29 macrohemorrhages. 70.6% of the microhemorrhages were AIS A while among macrohemorrhages the percentage was 89.6%. At the time of discharge, an improvement in the AIS grade was observed in 40.0% of the microhemorrhages compared to 4.0% of the macrohemorrhages (P=.008). Initial MS was similar, 45.2±22.2 in the microhemorrhages and 40.9±20.4 in the macrohemorrhages (P=.459), but at discharge it was higher in the first group: 60.4±20.5 for 42.7±22.8 (P=.033). Eight patients (17.4%) died during admission. CONCLUSIONS: There is a relationship between the size of the intraparenchymal hemorrhage and the neurological prognosis of SCI, with hemorrhages smaller than 4mm presenting a better evolution.

Valor pronóstico de la resonancia magnética precoz en la morbilidad y mortalidad de la lesión medular traumática / Prognostic value of early magnetic resonance imaging in the morbidity and mortality of traumatic spinal cord injury

Objetivo Valorar en individuos con lesión medular traumática (LMT) la relación en re la mortalidad y la necesidad de UCI y las alteraciones objetivadas mediante resonancia magnética (RM) precoz, analizando alteraciones parenquimatosas, disrupción de ligamentos vertebrales (DLV) y compresión del cordón medular (CCM). Diseño Estudio retrospectivo. Ámbito Hospital de tercer nivel, unidad de lesionados medulares y UCI. Pacientes Individuos con LMT aguda entre los años 2010 y 2019. Intervenciones Análisis de RM realizada en las primeras 72horas. Variables de interés Ingreso en UCI y mortalidad. Resultados Recogidos 269 casos. El patrón que se asoció a una mayor mortalidad fue la hemorragia (16,7%) por 12,5% de los edemas a un nivel y 6,5% de los edemas a múltiples niveles (p=0,125). Lo mismo aconteció con los ingresos en UCI: 69,0% en hemorragia por 60,2% en edema múltiple y 46,3% en edemas cortos (p=0,018). Con respecto a la CCM, la mortalidad fue del 13,4% con 59,2% de ingresos en UCI por 2,2% y 42,2% de quienes no presentaban compresión (p=0,020 y p=0,003). Las cifras de éxitus e ingreso en UCI en los individuos con DLV fueron del 15,0% y el 67,3%, respectivamente, por un 6,2% y 44,4% de los individuos sin DLV (p<0,001 y p=0,013). Conclusiones La presencia de hemorragia medular, CCM y DLV se asoció a una mayor necesidad de UCI. Existe un significativo aumento de la mortalidad en los casos con CCM y DLV (AU)

Objective To assess in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) the relationship between mortality and need for ICU and early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), analyzing spinal parenchymal alterations, disruption of vertebral ligaments (DVL) and spinal cord compression (SCC). Design Retrospective study. Setting Third-level hospital, Spinal Cord Injury Unit and ICU. Patients Individuals with acute TSCI between 2010 and 2019. Interventio Analysis of MRI performed in the first 72h. Variables of interest Admission to ICU and mortality. Results 269 cases collected. The pattern that demonstrated higher mortality was cord hemorrhage (16.7%) for 12.5% of single-level edema and 6.5% of multilevel edema (p=0.125). The same happened with ICU admissions: 69.0% in hemorrhage, 60.2% in multilevel edema and 46.3% in short edema (p=0.018). Analyzing CCM, mortality was 13.4% with 59.2% of ICU admissions, for 2.2% and 42.2% of individuals without cord compression (p=0.020 and p=0.003). The figures of death and ICU admission among cord injuries with DVL were 15.0% and 67.3%, for 6.2% and 44.4% of the individuals without DLV (p<0.001 and p=0.013). Conclusions The presence of spinal cord hemorrhage, SCC and DVL was associated with a higher admission in ICU. A significant increase in mortality was observed in cases with SCC and DVL (AU)

Th22 response induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains is closely related to severity of pulmonary lesions and bacillary load in patients with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis.

The role of interleukin-22 (IL-22) in the pathogenesis or tissue repair in human tuberculosis (TB) remains to be established. Here, we aimed to explore the ex-vivo and in-vitro T helper 22 (Th22) response in TB patients and healthy donors (HD) induced by different local multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Mvcobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains. For this purpose, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from drug-susceptible (S-TB) MDR-TB patients and HD were stimulated with local MDR strains and the laboratory strain H37Rv. IL-22 and IL-17 expression and senescent status were assessed in CD4+ and CD8+ cells by flow cytometry, while IL-22 amount was measured in plasma and culture supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found lower IL-22 amounts in plasma from TB patients than HD, together with a decrease in the number of circulating T cells expressing IL-22. In a similar manner, all Mtb strains enhanced IL-22 secretion and expanded IL-22+ cells within CD4+ and CD8+ subsets, being the highest levels detected in S-TB patients. In MDR-TB, low systemic and Mtb-induced Th22 responses associated with high sputum bacillary load and bilateralism of lung lesions, suggesting that Th22 response could be influencing the ability of MDR-TB patients to control bacillary growth and tissue damage. In addition, in MDR-TB patients we observed that the higher the percentage of IL-22+ cells, the lower the proportion of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)+ or CD57+ T cells. Furthermore, the highest proportion of senescent T cells was associated with severe lung lesions and bacillary load. Thus, T cell senescence would markedly influence Th22 response mounted by MDR-TB patients.

ScribeMD: Mixed-methods analysis of a pen pal program in undergraduate medical education.

Introduction: A growing emphasis on humanistic medical care has led to the development of programs to imbue more humanistic values into training physicians. The ScribeMD intra-class pen pal program is a narrative medicine tool designed to meet this need with a focus on the journey through medical education. This study intends to evaluate the efficacy of this novel program on the participants' professional identity formation (PIF), emotional intelligence development (EID), and narrative competency improvement (NCI).Methods: This program evaluation involved quantitative and qualitative survey solicitations from first and second-year medical student participants and controls. An efficacy-triangulation model was developed as a quantitative outcome-measuring tool linking objective, writing prompts, and survey data.Results: The quantitative results showed statistically significant improvements in line with the Efficacy Triangulation Model in the participant group. Qualitatively, reflective and insight-driven gains were elicited, as were notable themes of personal and community improvements.Conclusion: ScribeMD poses a unique avenue for the development of more humanistic physicians during their medical education. We recommend additional development of the Efficacy Triangulation Model as well as the program design itself. We also recommend the piloting of this program in other healthcare-education settings both with medical education and other health professions.

Epidemiology of traumatic spinal cord injury in childhood and adolescence in Galicia, Spain: report of the last 26-years.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injury in children of Galicia (Spain). DESIGN: Descriptive and retrospective study. METHODS: Data extracted from the internal registry of the Spinal Cord Injury Unit and the patient's medical records, between March 1988 and December 2014. Inclusion criteria: patients aged ≤ 17 years with a traumatic spinal cord injury.Outcome measures: Total patients, percentages, incidence, ASIA scale results and improvement. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients were included. The incidence was 5.6 cases/1,000,000 inhabitants/year. The mean age was 14.4 years (median: 16). Only 25% were younger than 15. Male patients accounted for 73.5% of the total. The main cause were traffic accidents (60.3%; n = 41), being higher (77.8%) in children ≤ 10 years. Other etiologies included falls (19.1%), diving accidents (16.2%) and other causes (4.4%). Eleven patients (16.2%) had injuries classified as SCIWORA, 8 (72.7%) of them aged ≤ 10 years. The mean age of the SCIWORA group was 7.5 years versus 15.7 years in the non-SCIWORA group (P < 0.001). Half (50%) of these patients had a complete spinal cord injury and, of these, 64.6% were paraplegic. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic spinal cord injuries are rare in children, and most cases occur between 15 and 17 years. Unlike in adults, SCIs in children mostly involve the thoracic spine. Most patients aged ≤ 10 years have SCIWORA. The most common etiology continues to be traffic accidents, although sports accidents prevail among adolescent patients.

TG/HDL-C RATIO AS CARDIO-METABOLIC BIOMARKER EVEN IN NORMAL WEIGHT WOMEN.

CONTEXT: Despite that the Triglycerides/High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio has been associated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, some outcomes differ between populations. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between TG/HDL-C ratio and cardio-metabolic risk factors in both obese and normal weight women. DESIGN: Cross sectional, from January to December of 2015. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and fifty three women aged 40 to 60 years. Anthropometric and laboratory measurements were performed. Insulin resistance was measured by the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). All participants underwent a Doppler ultrasound to measure intima-media thickness of carotid artery (cIMT). RESULTS: TG/HDL-C ratio correlated with body mass index (r=0.194, p=0.01), and visceral adipose tissue (r=0.193, p=0.002). Additionally, TG/HDL-C correlated with glucose (r=0.367, p=0.001), insulin (r=0.354, p=0.001) and HOMA-IR (r=0.396 p=0.001). TG/HDL-C was associated with prediabetes, Odds Ratio (OR) was 1.83 (95%CI 1.07-3.13) and insulin resistance 3.27 (95%CI 1.78-6.01), and this risk remains in normal weight women 4.7 (95%CI 1.2-17.81) for prediabetes and 4.38 (95%CI 1.42-13.84) for insulin resistance. No significant risk for cIMT. CONCLUSION: A TG/HDL-C ratio ≥ 3.0 is a potential risk factor for prediabetes and insulin resistance in women 40-60 years, even in normal weight women.

Actualización en lesión medular aguda postraumática. Parte 2 / Update on traumatic acute spinal cord injury. Part 2

El objetivo en el tratamiento de la lesión medular aguda traumática es preservar la función neurológica residual, evitar el daño secundario, y restaurar la alineación y la estabilidad de la columna. En esta segunda parte proporcionaremos un enfoque en el tratamiento de la lesión medular en cuestiones relativas al manejo respiratorio a corto plazo, donde es prioritaria la preservación de la función diafragmática, así como la posibilidad de predecir la duración de la ventilación mecánica y la necesidad de traqueostomía. Abordaremos la valoración quirúrgica de las lesiones de columna en función de unos criterios de tratamiento actualizados, teniendo en cuenta que, aunque el tipo de intervención depende del equipo quirúrgico, en el momento actual el tratamiento implica descompresión y estabilización precoz. En el tratamiento integral del paciente con lesión medular es fundamental identificar y tratar adecuadamente el dolor asociado a la lesión medular, así como la ansiedad, al igual que prevenir y diagnosticar precozmente complicaciones secundarias a la afectación que la lesión medular ocasiona en todos los sistemas del organismo (enfermedad tromboembólica, alteraciones gastrointestinales, afectación del sistema urinario, úlceras por presión) (AU)

The aim of treatment in acute traumatic spinal cord injury is to preserve residual neurologic function, avoid secondary injury, and restore spinal alignment and stability. In this second part of the review, we describe the management of spinal cord injury focusing on issues related to short-term respiratory management, where the preservation of diaphragmatic function is a priority, with prediction of the duration of mechanical ventilation and the need for tracheostomy. Surgical assessment of spinal injuries based on updated criteria is discussed, taking into account that although the type of intervention depends on the surgical team, nowadays treatment should afford early spinal decompression and stabilization. Within a comprehensive strategy in spinal cord injury, it is essential to identify and properly treat patient anxiety and pain associated to spinal cord injury, as well as to prevent and ensure the early diagnosis of complications secondary to spinal cord injury (thromboembolic disease, gastrointestinal and urinary disorders, pressure ulcers) (AU)

Actualización en lesión medular aguda postraumática. Parte 1 / Update on traumatic acute spinal cord injury. Part 1

La lesión medular traumática precisa una acción multidisciplinar, tanto para el tratamiento especializado de la fase aguda como para las complicaciones secundarias. La sospecha y/o el diagnóstico de una lesión medular es el primer paso para establecer un tratamiento correcto. En esta revisión se aborda el manejo en la fase prehospitalaria y los aspectos característicos de la fase aguda. La monitorización respiratoria para una intubación selectiva precoz, la identificación y el tratamiento correcto del shock neurogénico son fundamentales para la prevención del daño medular secundario. En la actualidad el uso de esteroides no es un estándar en el tratamiento neuroprotector, siendo el control hemodinámico y la descompresión quirúrgica precoz pilares fundamentales. La lesión medular traumática generalmente se presenta en el contexto de un politraumatismo que puede dificultar el diagnóstico. El examen neurológico y la selección adecuada de pruebas radiológicas evitan que pase desapercibida la lesión medular y otras lesiones asociadas, y ayudan a establecer el pronóstico

Traumatic spinal cord injury requires a multidisciplinary approach both for specialized treatment of the acute phase and for dealing with the secondary complications. A suspicion or diagnosis of spinal cord injury is the first step for a correct management. A review is made of the prehospital management and characteristics of the acute phase of spinal cord injury. Respiratory monitoring for early selective intubation, proper identification and treatment of neurogenic shock are essential for the prevention of secondary spinal cord injury. The use of corticosteroids is currently not a standard practice in neuroprotective treatment, and hemodynamic monitoring and early surgical decompression constitute the cornerstones of adequate management. Traumatic spinal cord injury usually occurs as part of multiple trauma, and this can make diagnosis difficult. Neurological examination and correct selection of radiological exams prevent delayed diagnosis of spinal cord injuries, and help to establish the prognosis

Epidemiology of traumatic spinal cord injury in Galicia, Spain: trends over a 20-year period.

STUDY DESIGN: Observational study with prospective and retrospective monitoring. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI), and to analyze its epidemiological changes. SETTING: Unidad de Lesionados Medulares, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña, in Galicia (Spain). METHODS: The study included patients with TSCI who had been hospitalized between January 1995 and December 2014. Relevant data were extracted from the admissions registry and electronic health record. RESULTS: A total of 1195 patients with TSCI were admitted over the specified period of time; 76.4% male and 23.6% female. Mean patient age at injury was 50.20 years. Causes of injury were falls (54.2%), traffic accidents (37%), sports/leisure-related accidents (3.5%) and other traumatic causes (5.3%). Mean patient age increased significantly over time (from 46.40 to 56.54 years), and the number of cases of TSCI related to traffic accidents decreased (from 44.5% to 23.7%), whereas those linked to falls increased (from 46.9% to 65.6%). The most commonly affected neurological level was the cervical level (54.9%), increasing in the case of levels C1-C4 over time, and the most frequent ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) grade was A (44.3%). The crude annual incidence rate was 2.17/100 000 inhabitants, decreasing significantly over time at an annual percentage rate change of -1.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rate of TSCI tends to decline progressively. Mean patient age has increased over time and cervical levels C1-C4 are currently the most commonly affected ones. These epidemiological changes will eventually result in adjustments in the standard model of care for TSCI.

Update on traumatic acute spinal cord injury. Part 1. / Actualización en lesión medular aguda postraumática. Parte 1.

Traumatic spinal cord injury requires a multidisciplinary approach both for specialized treatment of the acute phase and for dealing with the secondary complications. A suspicion or diagnosis of spinal cord injury is the first step for a correct management. A review is made of the prehospital management and characteristics of the acute phase of spinal cord injury. Respiratory monitoring for early selective intubation, proper identification and treatment of neurogenic shock are essential for the prevention of secondary spinal cord injury. The use of corticosteroids is currently not a standard practice in neuroprotective treatment, and hemodynamic monitoring and early surgical decompression constitute the cornerstones of adequate management. Traumatic spinal cord injury usually occurs as part of multiple trauma, and this can make diagnosis difficult. Neurological examination and correct selection of radiological exams prevent delayed diagnosis of spinal cord injuries, and help to establish the prognosis.

Update on traumatic acute spinal cord injury. Part 2. / Actualización en lesión medular aguda postraumática. Parte 2.

The aim of treatment in acute traumatic spinal cord injury is to preserve residual neurologic function, avoid secondary injury, and restore spinal alignment and stability. In this second part of the review, we describe the management of spinal cord injury focusing on issues related to short-term respiratory management, where the preservation of diaphragmatic function is a priority, with prediction of the duration of mechanical ventilation and the need for tracheostomy. Surgical assessment of spinal injuries based on updated criteria is discussed, taking into account that although the type of intervention depends on the surgical team, nowadays treatment should afford early spinal decompression and stabilization. Within a comprehensive strategy in spinal cord injury, it is essential to identify and properly treat patient anxiety and pain associated to spinal cord injury, as well as to prevent and ensure the early diagnosis of complications secondary to spinal cord injury (thromboembolic disease, gastrointestinal and urinary disorders, pressure ulcers).

The IL-17A rs2275913 single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with protection to tuberculosis but related to higher disease severity in Argentina.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) causes nearly 10 millions of new tuberculosis disease cases annually. However, most individuals exposed to Mtb do not develop tuberculosis, suggesting the influence of a human genetic component. Here, we investigated the association of the rs2275913 SNP (G → A) from IL-17A and tuberculosis in Argentina by a case-control study. Furthermore, we evaluated in vitro the functional relevance of this SNP during the immune response of the host against Mtb and analyzed its impact on clinical parameters of the disease. We found an association between the AA genotype and tuberculosis resistance. Additionally, within the healthy donors population, AA cells stimulated with a Mtb lysate (Mtb-Ag) produced the highest amounts of IL-17A and IFN-γ, which further support the genetic evidence found. In contrast, within the tuberculosis patients population, AA Mtb-Ag stimulated cells showed the lowest immunological parameters and we evidenced an association between the AA genotype and clinical parameters of disease severity, such as severe radiological lesions and higher bacilli burden in sputum. Overall, our findings demonstrated that the AA genotype from the IL-17A rs2275913 SNP is positively associated with protection to active tuberculosis but related to higher disease severity in the Argentinean population.

Campylobacter fetus Bacteremia in a Healthy Patient Returning from a Trip to the Ecuadorian Amazonia.

Campylobacter fetus is an opportunistic pathogen which causes bacteremia and other invasive infections in immunocompromised patients who have been exposed to livestock or ingested animal products (uncooked meat or unpasteurized milk). The present report describes a C. fetus infection in a healthy adult (immunocompetent) who returned from a visit to the Ecuadorian Amazonia and who did not report exposure to the typical sources of infection.

Phyllosphere Metaproteomes of Trees from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest Show High Levels of Functional Redundancy.

The phyllosphere of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest has been estimated to contain several million bacterial species that are associated with approximately 20000 plant species. Despite the high bacterial diversity in the phyllosphere, the function of these microorganisms and the mechanisms driving their community assembly are largely unknown. In this study, we characterized the bacterial communities in the phyllospheres of four tree species of the Atlantic Forest (Mollinedia schottiana, Ocotea dispersa, Ocotea teleiandra, and Tabebuia serratifolia) and their metaproteomes to examine the basic protein functional groups expressed in the phyllosphere. Bacterial community analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed prior observations that plant species harbor distinct bacterial communities and that plants of the same taxon have more similar communities than more distantly related taxa. Using LC-ESI-Q-TOF, we identified 216 nonredundant proteins, based on 3503 peptide mass spectra. Most protein families were shared among the phyllosphere communities, suggesting functional redundancy despite differences in the species compositions of the bacterial communities. Proteins involved in glycolysis and anaerobic carbohydrate metabolism, solute transport, protein metabolism, cell motility, stress and antioxidant responses, nitrogen metabolism, and iron homeostasis were among the most frequently detected. In contrast to prior studies on crop plants and Arabidopsis, a low abundance of OTUs related to Methylobacterium and no proteins associated with the metabolism of one-carbon molecules were detected in the phyllospheres of the tree species studied here. Our data suggest that even though the phyllosphere bacterial communities of different tree species are phylogenetically diverse, their metaproteomes are functionally convergent with respect to traits required for survival on leaf surfaces.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis multi-drug-resistant strain M induces IL-17+ IFNγ- CD4+ T cell expansion through an IL-23 and TGF-ß-dependent mechanism in patients with MDR-TB tuberculosis.

We have reported previously that T cells from patients with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) express high levels of interleukin (IL)-17 in response to the MDR strain M (Haarlem family) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). Herein, we explore the pathways involved in the induction of Th17 cells in MDR-TB patients and healthy tuberculin reactors [purified protein derivative healthy donors (PPD+ HD)] by the M strain and the laboratory strain H37Rv. Our results show that IL-1ß and IL-6 are crucial for the H37Rv and M-induced expansion of IL-17+ interferon (IFN)-γ- and IL-17+ IFN-γ+ in CD4+ T cells from MDR-TB and PPD+ HD. IL-23 plays an ambiguous role in T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 profiles: alone, IL-23 is responsible for M. tuberculosis-induced IL-17 and IFN-γ expression in CD4+ T cells from PPD+ HD whereas, together with transforming growth factor (TGF-ß), it promotes IL-17+ IFN-γ- expansion in MDR-TB. In fact, spontaneous and M. tuberculosis-induced TGF-ß secretion is increased in cells from MDR-TB, the M strain being the highest inducer. Interestingly, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 signalling mediates the expansion of IL-17+ IFN-γ- cells and the enhancement of latency-associated protein (LAP) expression in CD14+ and CD4+ T cells from MDR-TB, which suggests that the M strain promotes IL-17+ IFN-γ- T cells through a strong TLR-2-dependent TGF-ß production by antigen-presenting cells and CD4+ T cells. Finally, CD4+ T cells from MDR-TB patients infected with MDR Haarlem strains show higher IL-17+ IFN-γ- and lower IL-17+ IFN-γ+ levels than LAM-infected patients. The present findings deepen our understanding of the role of IL-17 in MDR-TB and highlight the influence of the genetic background of the infecting M. tuberculosis strain on the ex-vivo Th17 response.

Sexual satisfaction in women with spinal cord injuries.

STUDY DESIGN: Structured interview based on a predesigned survey. OBJECTIVE: To examine the factors that affect the degree of sexual satisfaction in a sample of women with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: The study participants were women with SCIs, from the area of the SCI Unit of A Coruña, a reference unit for the Community of Galicia in the northwest of Spain. All study participants were selected consecutively in the outpatient clinic in 2013. METHODS: The study included women with the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) A-D spinal injuries, between the ages of 18 and 65 years, who completed rehabilitation therapy and live in the community. A total of 32 women formed the final study group. RESULTS: When comparing the group of women who were sexually active with those who were not, variables such as age, neurological level, time since the SCI, ASIA or Spinal Cord Independence Measure score, urinary incontinence, chronic pain and spasticity were not related to sexual activity. The only factors that we found to be related to sexual activity were not having a stable partner (P=0.017) and a lack of sensation in the genital area (P=0.039). CONCLUSION: The only variables related to sexual activity were not having a partner and a lack of sensation in the genital area. Improving sexual satisfaction, information and specific programs during rehabilitation can help women with SCI explore and investigate new erotic possibilities, thereby improving their self-esteem and social relationships.

Colelitiasis infantil: aportación de 51 nuevos casos y revisión bibliográfica / Cholelithiasis in children. Report of 51 new cases and literature review

Introducción: La colelitiasis infantil, con una prevalencia entre el 0,13 y el 1,9%, cuenta con unas características propias que la diferencian de la enfermedad litiásica del adulto. Objetivos: Analizar los aspectos epidemiológicos, las formas de presentación clínica, los factores de riesgo asociados, las complicaciones y la terapéutica empleada en los casos de litiasis biliar infantil diagnosticados en nuestra área hospitalaria, así como revisar la casuística disponible. Método: Estudio retrospectivo de los casos de litiasis biliar diagnosticados entre los años 1994 y 2011 en el Hospital de Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz). Los datos se han separado en ≤24 o >24 meses para su análisis. Resultados: Sumamos un total de 51 nuevos casos de litiasis biliar (29 varones y 22 mujeres). Un 39,2% de los casos fueron idiopáticos. Las infecciones con/sin uso de antibioterapia fueron el factor de riesgo asociado más frecuente (35,2%), seguido de la familiaridad, la enfermedad hemolítica, la obesidad o la dislipemia (en un 5,8% cada uno de ellos). El 64,7% de los pacientes presentó sintomatología, el 13,7% con formas complicadas, entre las cuales la coledocolitiasis con colestasis fue la más frecuente. Conclusiones: En más de la mitad de los casos encontramos algún factor de riesgo litogénico asociado, que, junto con la edad y la presencia de síntomas y/o complicaciones, determinan la actitud terapéutica en la mayoría de los casos (AU)

Introduction: With an overall prevalence of 0,13 to 1,9% in pediatric patients, gallstone disease differs from adult. Aim: To analyzed several epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, etiologic and therapeutic aspects of this disease in our area and revise available casuistry. Method: Retrospective review of gallstone disease recorded at Jerez de la Frontera Hospital (Cádiz, Spain) between 1994 to 2011 in patients <14 years of age. Patients ≤24 months of age were analyzed separately. Results: Fifty-one patients with cholelithiasis were diagnosed in our department between 1994 and 2011 (29 male and 22 female). Idiophatic gallstone were found in 39.2%, infectious disease with or without antibiotic use in 35.2%, hemolytic disease, obesity, dyslipidemia or family history in 5.8% respectively. 64.7% were symptomatic and 13.7% had complicated disease (choledocholithiasis with cholestasis as more often). Conclusions: The therapeutic strategies were extremely heterogeneous. It depends on age, lithogenic disease, symptomatic and/or complicated disease associated (AU)

Prevalence and types of hyponatraemia, its relationship with hyperglycaemia and mortality in ill pet rabbits.

Prevalence of hyponatraemia has not been extensively studied in pet rabbits, and the reference data for calculated plasma tonicity and osmolarity are not available. This retrospective clinical study reports the prevalence of hyponatraemia, hyposmolarity and hypotonicity in ill pet rabbits (n=356). The relationship between sodium and glucose levels was studied (n=134). Mortality rates within seven days associated with different sodium levels were calculated in ill rabbits (n=322). Venous blood samples in lithium heparin were processed using iStat EC8+ cartridges. The 95% RI for plasma sodium, calculated osmolarity and tonicity from 51 healthy pet rabbits were 136-147 mEq/l, 284-312 mOsm/l and 278-302 mOsm/l, respectively. The prevalence of hyponatraemia, hypotonicity and hyposmolarity was 39.0 per cent, 28.7 per cent and 18.0 per cent, respectively. Pseudohyponatraemia was present in 28.1 per cent and true hyponatraemia was present in 71.9 per cent of the cases of hyponatraemia. Sodium levels less than 129 mEq/l were found to be associated with 2.3-fold increase in mortality risk. Plasmatic sodium levels in rabbits decrease in conditions of hyperglycaemia in a similar manner as it occurs in human beings. As hyperglycaemia is quite a common condition in rabbits, simultaneous measurement of plasmatic sodium along with glucose in ill rabbits is advised. Hyponatraemia is a common condition in ill rabbits and, depending on its type (true hyponatraemia or pseudohyponatraemia), of varying clinical relevance. Calculation of plasmatic tonicity is necessary for differentiation of types of hyponatraemia.