Resveratrol Reduces ROS by Increasing GSH in Vitrified Sheep Embryos.

The in vitro production and cryopreservation of mammalian embryos generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to conditions of the system that can overcome their antioxidant protection. Resveratrol is an antioxidant used in in vitro systems to improve blastocyst rates, but its effect on antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione (GSH) in embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) after vitrification has not been reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of resveratrol on the in vitro maturation medium (IVM) of sheep oocytes (Ovis aries) on the levels of ROS and GSH in embryos produced by IVF subjected to vitrification. Resveratrol was added at 0 µM, 0.25 µM, 0.5 µM, and 1 µM during oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM). Matured oocytes were fertilized with thawed ram sperm. Embryos were cultured in sequential media until blastocysts, were then vitrified for 24 h, and, after heating, they were stained with DCFH-DA (2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate) to determine the presence of ROS and with Cell Tracker Blue® for the presence of GSH. The quantitative values of ROS and GSH were obtained through the Image J image processor. The results showed that resveratrol increased GSH and decreased ROS production (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. It is concluded that its use in sheep oocytes during IVM has a beneficial effect on embryos produced by IVF subjected to vitrification by decreasing reactive oxygen species levels and facilitating the generation of embryo antioxidant enzymes like glutathione.

Neuro-Rehabilitation Therapy with T-FLEX Ankle Exoskeleton and Serious Games: A Case Study.

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) causes permanent disabilities, such as foot drop. This condition affects the gait pattern, increasing the metabolic cost and risk of falling. Robotics with serious games has shown promising results in the gait rehabilitation context. This paper aims to analyze the effects of using the T-FLEX exoskeleton with (1) Automated Therapy (AT) and (2) Serious Game Therapy (SGT) in two ABI patients. Each participant completed six assisted sessions for each strategy. Results showed that AT increases the user-robot interaction torque by 10% for the first patient and 70% for the second patient, and SGT decreases by 5% for both patients. This way, SGT required the patient to generate torque to execute the ankle movement, while AT did the opposite, resulting in greater device assistance. In the functional assessment, SGT induced variations greater than 50% for the paretic ankle and knee's range of motion (ROM), indicating a potential for motor recovery. Thus, SGT led to improved ankle control and increased gait speed compared to AT. These findings suggest that SGT may be an effective rehabilitation strategy for ABI-related foot drop patients.

Host genetic requirements for DNA release of lactococcal phage TP901-1.

The first step in phage infection is the recognition of, and adsorption to, a receptor located on the host cell surface. This reversible host adsorption step is commonly followed by an irreversible event, which involves phage DNA delivery or release into the bacterial cytoplasm. The molecular components that trigger this latter event are unknown for most phages of Gram-positive bacteria. In the current study, we present a comparative genome analysis of three mutants of Lactococcus cremoris 3107, which are resistant to the P335 group phage TP901-1 due to mutations that affect TP901-1 DNA release. Through genetic complementation and phage infection assays, a predicted lactococcal three-component glycosylation system (TGS) was shown to be required for TP901-1 infection. Major cell wall saccharidic components were analysed, but no differences were found. However, heterologous gene expression experiments indicate that this TGS is involved in the glucosylation of a cell envelope-associated component that triggers TP901-1 DNA release. To date, a saccharide modification has not been implicated in the DNA delivery process of a Gram-positive infecting phage.

Mirror-Based Robotic Therapy for Ankle Recovery with a Serious Game: A Case Study with a Neurological Patient.

Neuromuscular disorders, such as foot drop, severely affect the locomotor function and walking independence after a brain injury event. Mirror-based robotic therapy (MRT) has been a promising rehabilitation strategy favouring upper limb muscle strength and motor control in the last years. However, there are still no studies validating this technique in lower limb experimental protocols. This paper presents an innovative visual and motor feedback strategy based on serious games and MRT modalities. Thus, a preliminary system validation with a healthy participant is performed. Moreover, the strategy's potential effects were investigated in a neurologic patient's short rehabilitation program. After six sessions, the results of the method favoured active ankle plantarflexion range of motion and muscle activation. Although the patient had a positive adaptation at the end of the game, it is necessary to improve the proposed strategy to enhance the robotic experience in the long term.

Detection of antipersonnel landmines containing ANFO-based explosive: A review / Detección de minas antipersonal que contienen explosivos tipo ANFO: una revisión / Detecção de minas terrestres antipessoal contendo explosivo à base de ANFO: Uma revisão

Resumen After an internal conflict that lasted over half a century, the detection and removal of antipersonnel landmines in Colombia have become cumbersome challenges. Antipersonnel landmines remain scattered in Colombia and with a considerable impact on the central-western region. Most of these devices are handmade (therefore, they can also be classified as improvised explosive devices) and composed of ammonium nitrate and fossil fuel blend, a mixture known as ANFO. Due to several unique factors, including concealment tactics and non-conventional manufacturing techniques employed by guerrilla fighters, the most efficient method for the detection of ANFO-based antipersonnel landmines is the use of trained canines. This review aims at describing the current chemical strategies used in the detection of ANFO-based antipersonnel landmines. First, a detailed description of the different techniques used in the detection of explosives is made. Then, all the strategies reported in the world for antipersonnel landmines detection are described. Finally, the importance of the use of canines for antipersonnel landmines detection is explained.

Abstract Después de un conflicto interno que duró más de medio siglo, la detección y eliminación de minas antipersonales en Colombia se han convertido en desafíos engorrosos. Las minas antipersonales siguen dispersas en la región centro-occidental de Colombia. La mayoría de estos dispositivos están hechos a mano (hecho que puede clasificarlos como artefactos explosivos improvisados, AEI) y están compuestos por una mezcla de nitrato de amonio y un combustible fósil, una mezcla conocida como ANFO. Debido a varios factores únicos, que incluyen tácticas de ocultación y técnicas de fabricación no convencionales empleadas por guerrilleros, el método más eficiente para la detección minas antipersonales basadas en ANFO es el uso de caninos entrenados. Esta revisión tiene como objetivo describir las estrategias químicas actuales utilizadas en la detección de minas antipersonales basadas en ANFO. En primer lugar, se hace una descripcion detallada de las diferentes técnicas utilizadas en la detección de explosivos; luego, se describen todas las estrategias reportadas en el mundo para la detección de minas antipersonales y, finalmente, se explica la importancia del uso de caninos para la detección de minas antipersonales.

Resumo Após um conflito interno que durou mais de meio século, a detecção e remoção de minas antipessoal na Colômbia se tornaram desafios complexos. As minas antipessoal continuam espalhadas na região centro-oeste da Colômbia. A maioria desses dispositivos é feita à mão (fato que pode classificá-los como dispositivos explosivos improvisados, DEI) e composta de uma mistura de nitrato de amônio e um combustível fóssil - uma mistura conhecida como ANFO. Devido a vários fatores únicos, incluindo táticas de ocultação e técnicas de fabricação não convencionais empregadas por guerrilheiros, o método mais eficiente para a detecção de minas antipessoal baseadas em ANFO é o uso de caninos treinados. Esta revisão visa descrever as estratégias químicas atuais usadas na detecção de minas antipessoal baseadas em ANFO. Primeiro, é feita uma descrição detalhada das diferentes técnicas utilizadas na detecção de explosivos; Em seguida, são descritas todas as estratégias relatadas no mundo para a detecção de minas antipessoal e, finalmente, é explicada a importância do uso de caninos para a detecção de minas antipessoal.

Lysogenization of a Lactococcal Host with Three Distinct Temperate Phages Provides Homologous and Heterologous Phage Resistance.

Lactococcus lactis is the most widely exploited microorganism in global dairy fermentations. Lactococcal strains are described as typically harboring a number of prophages in their chromosomes. The presence of such prophages may provide both advantages and disadvantages to the carrying host. Here, we describe the deliberate generation of three distinct lysogens of the model lactococcal strain 3107 and the impact of additional prophage carriage on phage-resistance and anti-microbial susceptibility. Lysogen-specific responses were observed, highlighting the unique relationship and impact of each lysogenic phage on its host. Both homologous and heterologous phage-resistance profiles were observed, highlighting the presence of possible prophage-encoded phage-resistance factors. Superinfection exclusion was among the most notable causes of heterologous phage-resistance profiles with resistance observed against members of the Skunavirus, P335, P087, and 949 lactococcal phage groups. Through these analyses, it is now possible to identify phages that may pursue similar DNA injection pathways. The generated lysogenic strains exhibited increased sensitivity to the antimicrobial compounds, nisin and lysozyme, relative to the parent strain, although it is noteworthy that the degree of sensitivity was specific to the individual (pro)phages. Overall, the findings highlight the unique impact of each prophage on a given strain and the requirement for strain-level analysis when considering the implications of lysogeny.

Effect of management (ecological and conventional) on functional groups of soil microorganisms in coffee agroecosystems with different resilience to climate variability, Colombia

The effect of management (ecological and conventional) on functional groups of microorganisms of soil in agroecosystems with different resilience scores reported to climate variability in Anolaima, Colombia was evaluated. Were found clustering associated with management and cellulolytic bacteria and fungi abundances. No differences found in diversity of phosphate solubilizing or nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, related to management. The diversity of microbial functional groups was affected by the climatic condition of sampling season. Management was relevant in relationships between resilience scores to climate variability and cellulolytic microorganisms; in ecological agroecosystems, biodiversity knowledge, agroecological main structure, and the participation of farmers in organizations were important.

A whale of a tale: A One Environmental Health approach to study metal pollution in the Sea of Cortez.

Marine metal pollution is an emerging concern for human, animal, and ecosystem health. We considered metal pollution in the Sea of Cortez, which is a relatively isolated sea rich in biodiversity. Here there are potentially significant anthropogenic inputs of pollution from agriculture and metal mining. We considered the levels of 23 heavy metals and selenium in seven distinct cetacean species found in the area. Our efforts considered two different periods of time: 1999 and 2016/17. We considered the metal levels in relation to (1) all species together across years, (2) differences between suborders Odontoceti and Mysticeti, (3) each species individually across years, and (4) gender differences for each of these comparisons. We further compared metal levels found in sperm whale skin samples collected during these voyages to a previous voyage in 1999, to assess changes in metal levels over a longer timescale. The metals Mg, Fe, Al, and Zn were found at the highest concentrations across all species and all years. For sperm whales, we observed decreased metal levels from 1999 to 2016/2017, except for iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr), which either increased or did not change during this time period. These results indicate a recent change in the metal input to the Sea of Cortez, which may indicate a decreased concern for human, animal, and ecosystem health for some metals, but raises concern for the genotoxic metals Cr and Ni. This work was supported by NIEHS grant ES016893 (J.P.W.) and numerous donors to the Wise Laboratory.

Complete Genome Sequence of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris 3107, Host for the Model Lactococcal P335 Bacteriophage TP901-1.

The complete genome sequence of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris 3107, a dairy starter strain and a host for the model lactococcal P335 bacteriophage TP901-1, is reported here. The circular chromosome of L. lactis subsp. cremoris 3107 is among the smallest genomes of currently sequenced lactococcal strains. L. lactis subsp. cremoris 3107 harbors a complement of six plasmids, which appears to be a reflection of its adaptation to the nutrient-rich dairy environment.

Infección nosocomial por Enterococcus: Hospital de San José, 2005 - 2007 / Nosocomial infections by Enterococci at the San Jose Hospital

Objetivos: describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas, sociodemográficas y desenlace final de los pacientes adultos atendidos en el Hospital de San José con infección nosocomial por Enterococcus sp, los sitios anatómicos más comprometidos, el perfil de sensibilidad antimicrobiana y la presencia de resistencia a la vancomicina, así como determinar la mortalidad global en esta patología. Métodos: analizar los aislamientos positivos de Enterococcus sp en pacientes de 18 años o más, obtenidos de la base de datos LabPro del servicio de microbiología del Hospital de San José entre octubre de 2005 y diciembre de 2007; después seleccionar los aislamientos positivos de origen nosocomial, con base en los criterios establecidos por el CDC de Atlanta. Se recolectaron los datos clínicos, demográficos, y microbiológicos, así como la mortalidad de la población seleccionada. Resultados: de 303 aislamientos positivos para Enterococcus sp 58 fueron nosocomiales y el germen más frecuente fue el Enterococcus faecalis; 56,9% fueron mujeres y la edad promedio 50 años. Las comorbilidades específicas más comunes fueron hipertensión arterial, enfermedades neoplásicas y diabetes. El 74,1% de los pacientes eran manejados por servicios quirúrgicos y 91,4% del total fueron sometidos a algún procedimiento quirúrgico previo al aislamiento. La mortalidad fue 12%. Conclusiones: en nuestra población la infección nosocomial por Enterococcus sp corresponde al 19% del total de positivos para este germen. La especie más frecuente es el Enterococcus faecalis, que puede relacionarse con la alta sensibilidad encontrada a la vancomicina. Las penicilinas y los aminoglucósidos siguen siendo antibióticos de elección pues se identificó una alta sensibilidad en los antibiogramas. Se encontró una elevada resistencia a carbapenémicos, después del quinupristin/dalfopristin, explicado por la alta resistencia intrínseca del Enterococcus faecalis a este grupo antibiótico. La infección....

Objectives: to describe the epidemiological, clinical and socio-demographic features and the final outcome of adult patients diagnosed with a nosocomial infection by Enterococcus sp at the San José Hospital; to identify the most commonly involved anatomic sites; to describe the antibiotic sensitivity profile and the presence of vancomycin resistance; and to determine the overall mortality rate for this condition. Methods: all positive isolates of Enterococcus sp obtained from the LabPro database of the Department of Microbiology at the San José Hospital, between October 2005 and December 2007, in older than 18 year patients, were analyzed; positive isolates of nosocomial origin were selected based on the CDC criteria. Clinical, demographic and microbiological data, as well as, the mortality rate in the studied population were gathered in each case. Results: out of 303 positive isolates for Enterococcus sp, 58 were nosocomial and Enterococcus faecium was the commonest organism isolated; 56.9% were female patients and the mean age was 50 years. The most common specific comorbidities were arterial hypertension, neoplastic disease and diabetes. Of all participating patients, 74.1% were managed in surgical departments and 91.4% underwent a surgical procedure before the isolation of a microorganism. The mortality rate was 12%. Conclusions: we concluded that in our population, nosocomial infections caused by Enterococcus sp account for 19% of the total positive isolates for this agent. The most commonly isolated strain is Enterococcus faecium, which can be related to the high sensitivity to vancomycin identified. Due to the high level of sensitivity identified in antibiograms, penicillines and aminoglycosides continue to be the preferred antibiotics to treat these infections. In addition, we found a high resistance to carbapenemics, after administering quinupristin/dalfopristin, explained by the high intrinsic resistance of Enterococus faecium to this...

Telepatia / Telepathy

La telepatía ha sido uno de los temas que mas ha llamado la atención de los científicos de todo el mundo, no solo por el misterio de su etiología, sino también por las numerosas especulaciones que se han tejido alrededor de ella. Han sido varias las teorías que se han elaborado para explicar el fenómeno telepático, pero ninguna parece ofrecer una explicación satisfactoria al tema, lo cual se demuestra en el gran numero de contradicciones que se presentan entre unas y otras. El conocer los pensamientos de la otra persona, siempre ha sido para el hombre un gran deseo o mas que un deseo la realización de un sueño, pero no por ello deja de convertirse en un hecho digno de miedo. Cada una de las personas que habitamos la tierra somos únicos e irrepetibles, con pensamientos y sentimientos propios y por lo tanto es lógico pensar que el permitir la entrada de otro ser a nuestra mente pueda causar cierto temor. Es por este motivo, que la telepatía se ha convertido en una de las mayores preocupaciones del hombre moderno, porque a pesar de ser un hecho real, muy poco es lo que se conoce acerca de el. Sin embargo, el hombre no se ha dado por vencido en su lucha por encontrar la respuesta a la gran pregunta de la telepatía y para esto se ha ideado un sin numero de experimentos, algunos de los cuales pueden ser realizados por personas normales fuera de un laboratorio. La telepatía es otro mundo, un mundo desconocido para la gran mayoría de los humanos, un mundo que en un futuro puede prestarnos numerosos beneficios, sin olvidar al mismo tiempo los problemas que puede traer...