Differential impacts of furfural and acetic acid on the bioenergetics and fermentation performance of Scheffersomyces stipitis.

Lignocellulosic material is a leading carbon source for economically viable biotechnological processes; however, compounds such furfural and acetic acid exhibit toxicity to yeasts. Nonetheless, research about the molecular mechanism of furfural and acetic acid toxicity is still scarce in yeasts like Scheffersomyces stipitis. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the impact of furfural and acetic acid on S. stipitis regarding bioenergetic and fermentation parameters. Here, we provide evidence that furfural and acetic acid induce a delay in cell growth and extend the lag phase. The mitochondrial membrane potential decreased in all treatments with no significant differences between inhibitors or concentrations. Interestingly, reactive oxygen species increased when the inhibitor concentrations were from 0.1 to 0.3 % (v/v). The glycolytic flux was not significantly (p > 0.05) altered by acetic acid, but furfural caused different effects. Ethanol production decreased significantly (4.32 g·L-1 in furfural and 5.06 g·L-1 in acetic acid) compared to the control (26.3 g·L-1). In contrast, biomass levels were not significantly different in most treatments compared to the control. This study enhances our understanding of the effects of furfural and acetic acid at the mitochondrial level in a pentose-fermenting yeast like S. stipitis.

Evaluación del manejo farmacológico de la osteoporosis y la osteopenia en una institución de régimen especial de Bogotá / Pharmacological evaluation of osteoporosis and osteopenia treatment in an institution under the special health system in Bogotá

Objetivo Evaluar los hábitos de prescripción de medicamentos utilizados en el tratamiento de osteoporosis y osteopenia en una institución de salud de régimen especial de Bogotá, comparados guías de manejo internacional de la osteoporosis. Metodología Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal con recolección retrospectiva de la información. Corresponde a un estudio de utilización de medicamentos sobre hábitos de prescripción, para el cual se tomó la información de 332 pacientes tratados con Bifosfonatos, sales de calcio, Ranelato de Estroncio y Teriparatida. Se evaluaron los hábitos de prescripción mediante la comparación con las Guías de manejo de la National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) y el National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Resultados El 89 % de la población corresponde a mujeres con un promedio de edad de 67 años. La dosis y frecuencia de administración corresponde a lo establecido por las guías de manejo; el 32,2 % fue tratado con Bisfosfonatos por más de 3 años, el 94,2 % fue tratado en prevención primaria y el 89,6 % fue tratado sin diagnóstico de Osteoporosis mediante Densitometría Mineral Ósea (DMO). De acuerdo a las recomendaciones de la guía NOF el 67,3 % de los pacientes se trató innecesariamente. Conclusiones Los hábitos de prescripción de medicamentos utilizados en el tratamiento de las osteoporosis no están de acuerdo a las guías de manejo, evidenciándose un uso no adecuado especialmente de bifosfonatos.

Objetive To evaluate habits related to the prescription of drugs used in the treatment of osteoporosis and osteopenia in a health institution in Bogota as compared to two international clinical practice guidelines. Methodology An observation and cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection. It is a study of drug-prescribing habits. Information was taken from 331 patients treated with bisphosphonates, calcium salts, strontium ranelate and teriparatide. The prescription habits were assessed by way of a comparison with the NOF clinician's guide for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Results 89 % of the population were women with an average age of 67 years. The dose and frequency of the administration of drugs was in accordance with established guidelines. 32.2 % of patients were treated with bisphosphonates for over 3 years, 94.2% were treated with primary prevention, and 89.6 % had been treated without any osteoporosis diagnosis by DMO. Compared to the NOF guide, 67.3 % of the patients were treated unnecessarily. Conclusions The drug prescription habits used in the treatment of the osteoporosis do not follow the guidelines, showing non-adequate use, especially of bisphosphonates.

[Pharmacological evaluation of osteoporosis and osteopenia treatment in an institution under the special health system in Bogotá]. / Evaluación del manejo farmacológico de la osteoporosis y la osteopenia en una institución de régimen especial de Bogotá.

Objetive To evaluate habits related to the prescription of drugs used in the treatment of osteoporosis and osteopenia in a health institution in Bogota as compared to two international clinical practice guidelines. Methodology An observation and cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection. It is a study of drug-prescribing habits. Information was taken from 331 patients treated with bisphosphonates, calcium salts, strontium ranelate and teriparatide. The prescription habits were assessed by way of a comparison with the NOF clinician's guide for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Results 89 % of the population were women with an average age of 67 years. The dose and frequency of the administration of drugs was in accordance with established guidelines. 32.2 % of patients were treated with bisphosphonates for over 3 years, 94.2% were treated with primary prevention, and 89.6 % had been treated without any osteoporosis diagnosis by DMO. Compared to the NOF guide, 67.3 % of the patients were treated unnecessarily. Conclusions The drug prescription habits used in the treatment of the osteoporosis do not follow the guidelines, showing non-adequate use, especially of bisphosphonates.

Energetically biased DNA motor containing a thermodynamically stable partial strand displacement state.

Current work in tuning DNA kinetics has focused on changing toehold lengths and DNA concentrations. However, kinetics can also be improved by enhancing the completion probability of the strand displacement process. Here, we execute this strategy by creating a toehold DNA motor device with the inclusion of a synthetic nucleotide, inosine, at selected sites. Furthermore, we found that the energetic bias can be tuned such that the device can stay in a stable partially displaced state. This work demonstrates the utility of energetic biases to change DNA strand displacement kinetics and introduces a complementary strategy to the existing designs.

Electrorheological analysis of colloidal dispersions of aluminum oxide and silicone oil.

The electrorheological properties of colloidal dispersions of aluminum oxide nanotubes and nanoparticles in silicone oil were investigated. The shear storage modulus of colloidal dispersions containing 5 wt% of aluminum oxide nanotubes increased by four orders of magnitude upon the application of an external electric field of as low as 400 V/mm. The storage modulus of the nanotube systems increased further by increasing the concentration of nanotubes. The electrorheological response of aluminum oxide nanoparticles dispersions was significantly lower than that of the dispersions containing the same weight fraction of aluminum oxide nanotubes at the same external electric field. This result reflects the effect of shape anisotropy on the electrorheological features of colloidal dispersions.

Synthesis and characterization of poly(butylene oxide) grafted carbon nanofibers.

The grafting of polybutylene oxide onto purified and functionalized carbon nanofibers is reported. Grafting was possible after the insertion of 2-(formyloxy)ethyl 2-bromo-2-methylpropanoate onto the carbon nanofibers. The polymerization of tetrahydrofuran was mediated by copper(I) bromide and 1,1,4,7-pentamethyl diethylenetriamine. The polymer-grafted carbon nanofibers were characterized by Raman spectrsocopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Thermogravimetric Analysis. TEM images of CNF-COOH (A), CNF-PBO (B), completely open tip of CNF-COOH, and coated tip of CNF-PBO (D) are shown in the left panel. The right panel depicts the distribution of bromine (blue), and carbon (red) atoms inside and in the vicinity of CNF-Br (as obtained by Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy). The bottom shows the actual doped CNF. Preliminary data showed that these modified fibers have potential applications as smart (electrorheological) fluids.

Prescripción de medicamentos en pacientes atendidos en instituciones de mediano y alto nivel de complejidad / Drug prescription patterns in patients attended at a middle- and high-complexity level institution

Objetivo Determinar los patrones de prescripción de medicamentos ambulatorios autorizados en pacientes afiliados a una EPS y atendidos por IPS de mediano y alto nivel de complejidad. Métodos Se realizo un estudio analítico transversal donde se evaluaron las prescripciones de medicamentos en 331 IPS de segundo y tercer nivel de complejidad en 27 departamentos durante el 2006. Resultados Se analizaron 38 863 prescripciones de medicamentos de 3 663 pacientes. El 61,4 por ciento de estas provienen de IPS de tercer nivel de complejidad y principalmente de pacientes afiliados al régimen contributivo. El promedio de medicamentos por formula medica fue de 2,2 (IC 95 por ciento: 2,1 a 2,2 por ciento), la proporción de antibióticos por fórmula médica del 29,2 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento: 28,7-29,6), de medicamentos POS del 64,2 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento 63,7-64,6 por ciento) y de inyectables del 22,1 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento 21,7-25,5 por ciento). Más de la mitad de los medicamentos, 62,1 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento 61,5-62,7 por ciento), corresponden a agentes anti-infecciosos, antineoplasicos y del tracto alimentario .El consumo de medicamentos fue de 8,39 Dosis Diarias Definidas (DDD) /1 000 usuarios/día y el costo por DDD fue de $ 5 216 Conclusión Este análisis permitió identificar medicamentos cuya frecuencia de formulación no se correlaciono con el perfil epidemiológico como agentes inmunomoduladores y hormona de crecimiento. Existen diferencias en la frecuencia y cantidad de DDD de medicamentos autorizados por régimen de afiliación lo cual pude ser evidencia de barreras de acceso a los medicamentos en la población.

Objective Determining prescription patterns for outpatient medication authorised for patients affiliated to an EPS and assisted by medium- and high-level complexity IPS. Methods This was a cross-sectional study where medication prescription was evaluated in 331 second- and third-level complexity hospitals from 27 Colombian departments during 2006. Results 38 863 prescriptions for 3 663 patients’ medication were analysed. 61,4 percent came from third-level complexity hospitals, mainly for patients affiliated to contribution-based regimes. Average prescribed medication per person was 2,2 (2,1-2,2 95 percent CI), the percentage of antibiotics formulated by prescription was 29,2 percent (28,7-29,6 95 percent CI), essential prescribed medicines accounted for 64,2 percent (63,7-64,6 95 percent CI) and injectable medicines was 22,1 percent (21,7-25,5 percent). More than half the medications (62,1 percent; 61,5-62,7 95 percent CI) were in ATC groups such as anti-infectious agents, immunomodulating agents and medications for the alimentary and metabolic tract. DU90 percent consisted of 64 medications, medication consumption being 8,39 daily de-fined doses (DDD)/1 000 patients, costing 5 216 Colombian pesos per DDD. Conclusions This analysis led to identifying medications whose formulation frequency did not correlate with an epidemiologic profile as immunomudulator and growth-hormone (somatotropin) agents. There were differences in the frequency and quantity of DDD medications authorised by type of affiliation which could thus be providing evidence of obstacles to the population having access to drugs/medicaments.

[Drug prescription patterns in patients attended at a middle- and high-complexity level institution]. / Prescripción de medicamentos en pacientes atendidos en instituciones de mediano y alto nivel de complejidad.

OBJECTIVE: Determining prescription patterns for outpatient medication authorised for patients affiliated to an EPS and assisted by medium- and high-level complexity IPS. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study where medication prescription was evaluated in 331 second- and third-level complexity hospitals from 27 Colombian departments during 2006. RESULTS: 38 863 prescriptions for 3 663 patients' medication were analysed. 61,4 % came from third-level complexity hospitals, mainly for patients affiliated to contribution-based regimes. Average prescribed medication per person was 2,2 (2,1-2,2 95 % CI), the percentage of antibiotics formulated by prescription was 29,2 % (28,7-29,6 95 % CI), essential prescribed medicines accounted for 64,2 % (63,7-64,6 95 % CI) and injectable medicines was 22,1 % (21,7-25,5 %). More than half the medications (62,1 %; 61,5-62,7 95 % CI) were in ATC groups such as anti-infectious agents, immunomodulating agents and medications for the alimentary and metabolic tract. DU90% consisted of 64 medications, medication consumption being 8,39 daily de-fined doses (DDD)/1 000 patients, costing 5 216 Colombian pesos per DDD. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis led to identifying medications whose formulation frequency did not correlate with an epidemiologic profile as immunomudulator and growth-hormone (somatotropin) agents. There were differences in the frequency and quantity of DDD medications authorised by type of affiliation which could thus be providing evidence of obstacles to the population having access to drugs/medicaments.

[Adverse drug reactions in a Suba hospital of Bogotá]. / Reacciones adversas a medicamentos en el Hospital de Suba de Bogotá.

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out in order to identify, document and assess suspect of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) that are report to pharmacovigilance program of Suba Hospital. METHODOLOGY: It was carried out an observational, descriptive and longitudinal study, in all the patients that consulted to the services of Urgencies and External Consultation, in the Hospital of Suba of the Bogotá city. RESULTS: During the period of study 46 reports of suspicion of ADR were received, from those which 26 (56,6 %) corresponded to consultation reason, the 20 remaining it was indoor patient . In the classification for Organ-System, the gastrointestinal system presents the highest percentage of reports (30,4 %), followed by the cardiovascular (17,4 %), nervous central system (13 %), Skin (13 %), Obstetric (10,9 %), renal system (4,3 %). The therapeutic Groups with more reported percentages of suspicion of ADR were Antipsychotic (30,4 %), Nutritional Supplements (17,4 %), Anti-infective (10,9 %), the other pharmacological groups present similar or inferior percentages to those mentioned previously. The incidence of ADR as consultation reason was 3 ADR consultation reason/10,000 consultations / month. CONCLUSIONS: It was identify to pregnant, children and young people as a risk group to development an ADR. A low proportion it was clasificated as a serious and less than half as a possible according World Health Organization algoritm.

Reacciones adversas a medicamentos en el Hospital de Suba de Bogotá / Adverse drug reactions in a Suba hospital of Bogotá

OBJETIVOS: Identificar, documentar y analizar las sospechas de reacciones adversas que son reportadas al programa de fármacovigilancia del Hospital de Suba, de segundo nivel de complejidad. METODOLOGíA: Estudio observacional descriptivo. Se realizó un seguimiento a todos los pacientes que acudieron a los servicios de Urgencias y Consulta Externa, en el Hospital de Suba segundo nivel de la ciudad de Bogotá por un periodo de tres meses. RESULTADOS: Se recibieron 46 reportes de sospecha de reacciones adversas a medicamentos (RAM) de los cuales 26 (56,6 por ciento) correspondieron a motivo de consulta, los 20 restantes se produjeron intrahospitalariamente. El sistema gastrointestinal presentó el mayor porcentaje de reportes (30,4 por ciento), seguido del cardiovascular (17,4 por ciento), sistema nervioso central (13 por ciento) y la piel (13 por ciento), Los Grupos farmacológicos sospechosos fueron los antipsicóticos (30,4 por ciento), suplementos nutricionales (17,4 por ciento), y antiinfecciosos (10,9 por ciento). La incidencia de RAM como motivo de consulta fue de 3 RAM/10 000 consultas/mes. CONCLUSIONES: Se identificaron las gestantes, niños, adolescentes y adultos jóvenes como principales grupos de riesgo para presentar RAM. Un bajo porcentaje fue clasificado como serias y al menos la mitad se estableció que su causalidad era posible de acuerdo al algoritmo de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS).