Speeding-up the Determination of Protein-Ligand Affinities by STD NMR: The Reduced Data Set STD NMR Approach (rd-STD NMR).

STD NMR spectroscopy is a powerful ligand-observed NMR tool for screening and characterizing the interactions of small molecules and low molecular weight fragments with a given macromolecule, identifying the main intermolecular contacts in the bound state. It is also a powerful analytical technique for the accurate determination of protein-ligand dissociation constants (KD) of medium-to-weak affinity, of interest in the pharmaceutical industry. However, accurate KD determination and epitope mapping requires a long series of experiments at increasing saturation times to carry out a full analysis using the so-called STD NMR build-up curve approach and apply the "initial slopes approximation". Here, we have developed a new protocol to bypass this important limitation, which allows us to obtain initial slopes by using just two saturation times and, hence, to very quickly determine precise protein-ligand dissociation constants by STD NMR.

Reversible Light-Induced Dimerization of Secondary Face Azobenzene-Functionalized ß-Cyclodextrin Derivatives.

ß-cyclodextrin (ßCyD) derivatives equipped with aromatic appendages at the secondary face exhibit tailorable self-assembling capabilities. The aromatic modules can participate in inclusion phenomena and/or aromatic-aromatic interactions. Supramolecular species can thus form that, at their turn, can engage in further co-assembling with third components in a highly regulated manner; the design of nonviral gene delivery systems is an illustrative example. Endowing such systems with stimuli responsiveness while keeping diastereomeric purity and a low synthetic effort is a highly wanted advancement. Here, we show that an azobenzene moiety can be "clicked" to a single secondary O-2 position of ßCyD affording 1,2,3-triazole-linked ßCyD-azobenzene derivatives that undergo reversible light-controlled self-organization into dimers where the monomer components face their secondary rims. Their photoswitching and supramolecular properties have been thoroughly characterized by UV-vis absorption, induced circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance, and computational techniques. As model processes, the formation of inclusion complexes between a water-soluble triazolylazobenzene derivative and ßCyD as well as the assembly of native ßCyD/ßCyD-azobenzene derivative heterodimers have been investigated in parallel. The stability of the host-guest supramolecules has been challenged against the competitor guest adamantylamine and the decrease of the medium polarity using methanol-water mixtures. The collective data support that the E-configured ßCyD-azobenzene derivatives, in aqueous solution, form dimers stabilized by the interplay of aromatic-aromatic and aromatic-ßCyD cavity interactions after partial reciprocal inclusion. Photoswitching to the Z-isomer disrupts the dimers into monomeric species, offering opportunity for the spatiotemporal control of the organizational status by light.

Fluoro-labelled sp2-iminoglycolipids with immunomodulatory properties.

The unique electronic properties of the fluorine atom make its strategic incorporation into a bioactive compound a very useful tool in the design of drugs with optimized pharmacological properties. In the field of the carbohydrates, its selective installation at C2 position has proven particularly interesting, some 2-deoxy-2-fluorosugar derivatives being currently in the market. We have now transferred this feature into immunoregulatory glycolipid mimetics that contain a sp2-iminosugar moiety, namely sp2-iminoglycolipids (sp2-IGLs). The synthesis of two epimeric series of 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-sp2-IGLs, structurally related to nojirimycin and mannonojirimycin, has been accomplished by sequential Selectfluor-mediated fluorination and thioglycosidation of sp2-iminoglycals. Exclusively the α-anomer is obtained regardless of the configurational profile of the sp2-IGL (d-gluco or d-manno), highlighting the overwhelming anomeric effect in these prototypes. Notably, the combination of a fluorine atom at C2 and an α-oriented sulfonyl dodecyl lipid moiety in compound 11 led to remarkable anti-proliferative properties, featuring similar GI50 values than the chemotherapy drug Cisplatin against several tumor cell lines and better selectivity. The biochemical data further evidence a strong reduction of the number of tumor cell colonies and apoptosis induction. Mechanistic investigations revealed that this fluoro-sp2-IGL induces the non-canonical activation mode of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, causing p38α autoactivation under an inflammatory context.

Contribution of bacterial biodiversity on the operational performance of a styrene biotrickling filter.

Long-term operational stability of biotrickling filters (BTFs) degrading volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is dependent on both physicochemical as well as biological properties. Effects of increasingly stressful levels of air pollutants on the microbial structure of biofilms within BTFs are not well understood, especially for VOCs such as styrene. To investigate the relationship between biofilm biodiversity and operational stability, the temporal dynamics of a biofilm from a biotrickling filter subjected to stepwise increasing levels of air polluted with styrene was investigated using 16S rDNA pyrosequencing and PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). As styrene contaminant loads were increased, microbial community composition was distinctly altered and diversity was initially reduced in early stages but gradually stabilized and increased diversity in later stages, suggesting a recovery and acclimatization period within the microbial community during incremental exposure of the pollutant. Although temporary reductions in known styrene-degrading bacterial genera (Pseudomonas and Rhodococcus) occurred under increased styrene loads, stable BTF performance was maintained due to functional redundancy. New candidate genera for styrene degradation (Azoarcus, Dokdonella) were identified in conditions of high styrene loads, and may have supported the observed stable BTF performance throughout the experiment. Styrene inlet load was found to be important modulator of community composition and may have been partly responsible for the observed temporary reductions of Pseudomonas. Notable differences between dominant genera detected via pyrosequencing compared to species detected by PCR-DGGE suggests that simultaneous implementation of both techniques is valuable for fully characterizing dynamic microbial communities.

Controlled trial of balance training using a video game console in community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: gamification is a potentially attractive option for improving balance and reducing falls. OBJECTIVES: to assess the effect of balance training using the NintendoTM Wii game console on balance (primary outcome), falls and fear of falling. DESIGN: quasi-randomised, open-label, controlled clinical trial in parallel groups, carried out on community-dwelling patients over 70 years, able to walk independently. Participants were assigned 1:1 to the intervention or control group. Balance training was conducted using the Nintendo WiiFitTM twice a week for 3 months. Balance was assessed using the Tinetti balance test (primary outcome), the unipedal stance and the Wii balance tests at baseline, 3 months and 1 year. Falls were recorded and Fear of falling was assessed by the Falls Efficacy Scale (Short-FES-I). RESULTS: 1,016 subjects were recruited (508 in both the intervention and the control group; of whom 274 and 356 respectively completed the 3-month assessment). There was no between-group difference in the Tinetti balance test score, with a baseline mean of 14.7 (SD 1.8) in both groups, and 15.2 (1.3) at 3 months in the intervention group compared to 15.3 (1.7) in controls; the between-group difference was 0.06 (95% CI 0.30-0.41). No differences were seen in any of the other balance tests, or in incident falls. There was a reduction in the fear of falling at 3 months, but no effect at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: the study found no effect of balance training using the NintendoTM Wii on balance or falls in older community-dwelling patients.The study protocol is available at clinicaltrials.gov under the code NCT02570178.

Eficacia de una intervención para mejorar conocimientos y actitudes sobre lactancia materna en adolescentes / Effectiveness of an intervention to improve breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among adolescents

Fundamentos: La lactancia materna (LM) por sus múltiples beneficios constituye una prioridad en salud pública. La decisión de amamantar generalmente se toma antes del embarazo, siendo importante incluir a los adolescentes en los programas de promoción. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la eficacia de un programa dirigido a mejorar los conocimientos y actitudes de los adolescentes sobre la LM. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal pre-post-intervención, controlado y aleatorizado, realizado en 2008 en Tenerife. Participaron 970 adolescentes (14,6±0.9 años), 506 en el grupo experimental (GE) y 524 en el grupo control (GC). Antes de la intervención y a las 4 semanas cumplimentaron un cuestionario sobre conocimientos y actitudes hacia la LM. La intervención incluyó: charla, vídeo, folletos informativos, relatos y rol-play. Se han utilizado las pruebas chi-cuadrado, t de student, coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach, análisis de varianza de medidas repetidas y análisis de covarianza. Resultados: Antes de la intervención no había diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos en los conocimientos (GE: 3.9±1.5, GC: 3.8±1.5) y actitudes sobre LM, ni diferencias asociadas al sexo, curso escolar, profesión de los padres y tipo de colegio. Tras la intervención, el GE registró un aumento significativo en sus conocimientos (GE: 6.9±1.5, GC: 4.4±1.8 p<0.001), así como un mayor porcentaje de actitudes positivas hacia la LM (GE: 71.13±28.5, GC: 54.27±28.9, p<0,001). El análisis de covarianza reflejó un efecto significativo (p<0,05) de las variables sexo y contacto previo con la LM en las actitudes. Conclusiones: El programa educativo desarrollado es eficaz para mejorar los conocimientos y actitudes sobre LM en adolescentes

Background: Breastfeeding constitutes a priority in Public Health due to the multiple benefits it offers. The decision to breastfeed is usually made before pregnancy, and therefore it is important to include adolescents in breastfeeding promotion programmes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a programme to improve knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding among teenagers. Method: Pre-test-post-test randomized controlled study, carried out in 2008 in Tenerife. 970 teenagers participated (14,6±0.9 years), 506 experimental group (EG) and 524 control group (CG). Before the intervention and 4 weeks after, students completed a questionnaire to evaluate their knowledge and attitudes towards breastfeeding. The performed intervention consisted of: a talk, video projection, informative leaflets, narrative short stories and role-play activities. Chi-square test, student's t-test, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, repeated measures variance analysis and covariance analysis were used. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding knowledge (EG: 3.9±1.5, CG: 3.8±1.5) or attitudes towards breastfeeding, before the intervention. The same applies when compared by gender, school year, parents' occupation and type of school. The post-intervention questionnaire showed a significant increase in the level of knowledge of students from EG (EG: 6.9 ± 1.5, CG: 4.4 ± 1.8; p < 0.001) as well as a higher percentage of positive attitudes towards breastfeeding (GE: 71.13±28.5, GC: 54.27±28.9, p<0,001). Covariance analysis showed a significant effect (p<0,05) on attitudes towards breastfeeding of the variables gender and previous contact with breastfeeding. Conclusions: The educational program carried out is effective as a method to improve knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding among teenagers

Study protocol of a randomized clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of a primary care intervention using the Nintendo™ Wii console to improve balance and decrease falls in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Balance alteration is a risk factor for falls in elderly individuals that has physical, psychological and economic consequences. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the usefulness of an intervention utilizing the Nintendo™ Wii console in order to improve balance, thereby decreasing both the fear of falling as well as the number of falls, and to evaluate the correlation between balance as determined by the console and the value obtained in the Tinetti tests and the one foot stationary test. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a controlled, randomized clinical trial of individual assignment, carried out on patients over 70 years in age, from five primary care centers in the city of Mataró (Barcelona). 380 patients were necessary for the intervention group that carried out the balance board exercises in 2 sessions per week for a 3 month period, and 380 patients in the control group who carried out their usual habits. Balance was evaluated using the Tinetti test, the one foot stationary test and with the console, at the start of the study, at the end of the intervention (3 months) and one year later. Quarterly telephone follow-up was also conducted to keep track of falls and their consequences. DISCUSSION: The study aimed to connect the community with a technology that may be an easy and fun way to assist the elderly in improving their balance without the need to leave home or join rehabilitation groups, offering greater comfort for this population and decreasing healthcare costs since there is no need for specialized personnel. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Control Trial NCT02570178.

Gestión del dolor en pacientes del programa Rapid Recovery (RR), en Artroplastia Total de Rodilla (ATR) / Pain management in patients of Rapid Recovery (Rr) Program in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)

La artroplastia total de rodilla (ATR) es una cirugía consistente en la sustitución artificial de la articulación, debido a una lesión traumática o bien a un proceso degenerativo o de artrosis, con un dolor importante asociado que en ocasiones afecta de forma negativa a la recuperación del paciente. La elección de la prótesis dependerá de las características anatómicas del paciente y del criterio del cirujano. El concepto de «cirugía de recuperación rápida» fue introducido en 1997 por Khelet y significó el inicio del modelo Fast Track o de Rapid Recovery (RR), ligado a una rehabilitación acelerada, un alta precoz y la optimización de todos los aspectos de la experiencia del paciente pre, intra y posoperatoria. La recuperación rápida es un proceso quirúrgico que pretende conseguir la máxima autonomía del paciente mediante la educación, el control del dolor y la movilización precoz. El instrumento fundamental para la recuperación rápida es conseguir la implicación del paciente mediante el empoderamiento, es decir, por medio de la educación preoperatoria del paciente, que contribuirá a reducir la ansiedad y facilitará que se involucre en su propia recuperación. Así, será partícipe de una terapia física posoperatoria eficaz, utilizando todas aquellas herramientas necesarias para aumentar su capacidad de gestionar los problemas de salud. El empoderamiento del paciente forma parte del modelo de enfermería del Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (HCB) adoptado por la Dirección de Enfermería en diciembre del año 2012. La cirugía convencional de ATR en Cataluña hasta el inicio de la cirugía RR ocasionó 14 132 intervenciones en el año 2008, con hospitalización convencional posterior. Este artículo describe los cuidados y los resultados de las intervenciones enfermeras, definidas en la vía clínica RR de ATR dirigidas a la minimización del dolor, y las repercusiones sobre la movilización de los pacientes. Se efectuó en una unidad monográfica de un hospital terciario de Barcelona en el año 2013 (AU)

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgery consisting on the artificial joint replacement, due to a traumatic injury or a degenerative process or arthrosis. This surgery causes an important pain to patients, and sometimes affects negatively on their recovery. The choice of the prostheses will depend on the anatomical features of the patient and the surgeon criterion. The concept of «rapid recovery surgery» was introduced in 1997 by Khelet and meant the beginning of the Fast Track model or the Rapid Recovery (RR) linked to an accelerated rehabilitation, an early discharge and the optimization of all the aspects of pre, intra and post-operative patient experience. Fast recovery is a surgical process which aims to achieve maximum autonomy of the patient through education, pain control and early mobilization. The key of the rapid recovery is to get the involvement of the patient thanks to the empowerment, which means a preoperative patient education that will help to reduce anxiety and it will make easier to engage in their own recovery. Furthermore the patient will take part of an effective post-operative physical therapy, using all the necessary tools to increase their ability to manage their own health problems. The empowerment of these patients is part of the Nursing Model in the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona (HCB), adopted by the Nursing Management in December of 2012. In Catalonia, until the start of the RR surgery, 14 132 interventions in 2008 where done by TKA conventional surgery, needing subsequent conventional hospitalization. This article describes the care and outcomes of nurse interventions, defined in the RR of TKA clinical way, which is focused on the pain’s minimization and the impact on patients’ mobilization. It was performed in a monographic unit from a tertiary-level hospital in Barcelona in 2013 (AU)

Investigating bacterial populations in styrene-degrading biofilters by 16S rDNA tag pyrosequencing.

Microbial biofilms are essential components in the elimination of pollutants within biofilters, yet still little is known regarding the complex relationships between microbial community structure and biodegradation function within these engineered ecosystems. To further explore this relationship, 16S rDNA tag pyrosequencing was applied to samples taken at four time points from a styrene-degrading biofilter undergoing variable operating conditions. Changes in microbial structure were observed between different stages of biofilter operation, and the level of styrene concentration was revealed to be a critical factor affecting these changes. Bacterial genera Azoarcus and Pseudomonas were among the dominant classified genera in the biofilter. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and correlation analysis revealed that the genera Brevundimonas, Hydrogenophaga, and Achromobacter may play important roles in styrene degradation under increasing styrene concentrations. No significant correlations (P > 0.05) could be detected between biofilter operational/functional parameters and biodiversity measurements, although biological heterogeneity within biofilms and/or technical variability within pyrosequencing may have considerably affected these results. Percentages of selected bacterial taxonomic groups detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were compared to results from pyrosequencing in order to assess the effectiveness and limitations of each method for identifying each microbial taxon. Comparison of results revealed discrepancies between the two methods in the detected percentages of numerous taxonomic groups. Biases and technical limitations of both FISH and pyrosequencing, such as the binding of FISH probes to non-target microbial groups and lack of classification of sequences for defined taxonomic groups from pyrosequencing, may partially explain some differences between the two methods.

Evolución del uso de la ventilación mecánica no invasiva en enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en una región española, 1997-2010 / Evolution of the Use of Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Spanish Region, 1997-2010

Introducción: La ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VMNI) aparece, en los 80, como alternativa a la ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) en pacientes con fracaso respiratorio agudo. Se pretende valorar la introducción de la VMNI y los resultados sobre los pacientes hospitalizados por agudización de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en la Región de Murcia. Sujetos y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo basado en el conjunto mínimo básico de datos al alta hospitalaria de todos los pacientes hospitalizados en todos los hospitales públicos de la región entre 1997-2010. Se realizó análisis de tendencias temporales en la frecuentación hospitalaria, el uso de cada intervención ventilatoria y la mortalidad hospitalaria mediante regresión joinpoint. Resultados: En los 14 años estudiados se identificaron 30.027 casos. Análisis joinpoint: tendencia descendente de la frecuentación (porcentaje de cambio anual [PCA] = −3,4; IC95%: 4,8; -2,0; p < 0,05) y en el grupo sin intervención ventilatoria (PCA = −4,2; −5,6;−2,8; p < 0,05), ascendente en el uso de VMNI (PCA = 16,4; 12,0;20,9; p < 0,05); el uso de la VMI presenta una tendencia descendente sin significación estadística (PCA = −4,5; −10,3;1,7). Se aprecia una tendencia ascendente sin significación estadística en la mortalidad global (PCA = 0,5; −1,3;2,4) y en el grupo sin intervención (PCA = 0,1; −1,6;1,9); decreciente con significación estadística en el grupo VMNI (PCA = −7,1; −11,7;−2,2; p < 0,05) y sin significación estadística en el grupo VMI (PCA = −0,8; −6,1;4,8). La estancia media no varía sustancialmente. Conclusiones: La introducción de la VMNI ha hecho disminuir el grupo de pacientes que no reciben ventilación asistida. No se aprecia mejora de los resultados en términos de mortalidad o estancia media global (AU)

Introduction: Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) appeared in the 1980s as an alternative to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in patients with acute respiratory failure. We evaluated the introduction of NIV and the results in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Region of Murcia (Spain). Subjects and methods: A retrospective observational study based on the minimum basic hospital discharge data of all patients hospitalised for this pathology in all public hospitals in the region between 1997 and 2010. We performed a time trend analysis on hospital attendance, the use of each ventilatory intervention and hospital mortality through JoinPoint regression. Results: We identified 30 027 hospital discharges. JoinPoint analysis: downward trend in attendance (annual percentage change [APC]=−3.4, 95% CI : −4.8 to −2.0, P<0.05) and in the group without ventilatory intervention (APC=−4.2%, −5.6 to −2.8, P<0.05); upward trend in the use of NIV (APC=16.4, 12.0–20.9, P<0.05), and downward trend that was not statistically significant in IMV (APC=−4.5%, −10.3 to 1.7). We observed an upward trend without statistical significance in overall mortality (APC=0.5, −1.3 to 2.4) and in the group without intervention (APC=0.1, −1.6 to 1.9); downward trend with statistical significance in the NIV group (APC=−7.1, −11.7 to −2.2, P<0.05) and not statistically significant in the IMV group (APC=−0.8, −6, 1–4.8). The mean stay did not change substantially. Conclusions: The introduction of NIV has reduced the group of patients not receiving assisted ventilation. No improvement in results was found in terms of mortality or length of stay (AU)

Evolution of the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a Spanish region, 1997-2010.

INTRODUCTION: Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) appeared in the 1980s as an alternative to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in patients with acute respiratory failure. We evaluated the introduction of NIV and the results in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Region of Murcia (Spain). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study based on the minimum basic hospital discharge data of all patients hospitalised for this pathology in all public hospitals in the region between 1997 and 2010. We performed a time trend analysis on hospital attendance, the use of each ventilatory intervention and hospital mortality through joinpoint regression. RESULTS: We identified 30.027 hospital discharges. Joinpoint analysis: downward trend in attendance (annual percentage change [APC]=-3.4, 95% CI: - 4.8; -2.0, P <.05) and in the group without ventilatory intervention (APC=-4.2%, -5.6; -2.8, P <.05); upward trend in the use of NIV (APC=16.4, 12.0; 20. 9, P <.05), and downward trend that was not statistically significant in IMV (APC=-4.5%, -10.3; 1.7). We observed an upward trend without statistical significance in overall mortality (APC=0.5, -1.3; 2.4) and in the group without intervention (APC=0.1, -1.6; 1.9); downward trend with statistical significance in the NIV group (APC=-7.1, -11.7; -2.2, P <.05) and not statistically significant in the IMV group (APC=-0,8, -6, 1; 4.8). The mean stay did not change substantially. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of NIV has reduced the group of patients not receiving assisted ventilation. No improvement in results was found in terms of mortality or length of stay.

Drug-eluting stents for off-label indications in real clinical world: evidence based or 'intuition' based clinical practice?

BACKGROUND: The use of drug-eluting stents (DES) is an example of the disparity between recommendations given by regulatory agencies and the real clinical world. Such disparity might lead cardiologists to adopt different routines in the use of DES. We aimed to assess variability of off-label DES use between hospitals and to what extent it can be explained by differences in patient or hospital characteristics. METHODS: Characteristics of consecutive patients receiving DES in 29 hospitals were recorded. Individual and hospital determinants of receiving DES for off-label indications were assessed by multilevel logistic regression. RESULTS: 1903 patients were recruited and 1188 (62.4%) received DES for off-label indications. Individual variables associated with off-label use were age (OR 1.01 (1-1.02)), previous percutaneous (OR 2.24 (1.68-2.97)) or surgical (2.41 (1.52-3.84)) revascularization, repeated procedure at the same admission (OR 4.66 (2.7-8.05)), receiving two (OR 4.17 (3.24-5.37)) or three or more DES (OR 14.12 (9.08-21.96)) vs one. Adjusting for individual variables, the Odds of receiving DES for off-label indication was higher in public funding hospitals with surgery availability vs private hospitals: 1.49 (0.86-2.6), and in public hospitals without surgery vs public with surgery availability: OR 1.76 (1.02-3.03). Interhospital variability reminded significant after adjustment for individual and contextual variables. CONCLUSION: Off-label DES use is highly variable between centers. Although this variability is partially determined by hospital type of funding and cardiac surgery availability, the substantial interhospital variability after multilevel adjustment suggests heterogeneity in the process of care.

Microbial community analysis in biotrickling filters treating isopropanol air emissions.

The evolution of the microbial community was analysed over one year in two biotrickling filters operating under intermittent feeding conditions and treating isopropanol emissions, a pollutant typically found in the flexography sector. Each reactor was packed with one media: plastic cross-flow-structured material or polypropylene rings. The communities were monitored by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of the 16S rRNA region. After inoculation with activated sludge, the biotrickling filters were operated using inlet loads (ILs) from 20 to 65 g C m(-3) h(-1) and empty-bed residence times (EBRTs) from 14 to 160 s. Removal efficiencies higher than 80% were obtained with ILs up to 35 g C m(-3) h(-1) working at EBRTs as low as 24 s. There was an increase in the total percentage of the target domains of up to around 80% at the end of the experiment. Specifically, the Gammaproteobacteria domain group, which includes the well-known volatile organic compound (VOC)-degrading species such as Pseudomonas putida, showed a noticeable rise in the two biotrickling filters of 26% and 27%, respectively. DGGE pattern band analysis revealed a stable band of Pseudomonas putida in all the samples monitored, even in the lower diversity communities. In addition, at similar operational conditions, the biotrickling filter with a greater relative abundance of Pseudomonas sp. (19.2% vs. 8%) showed higher removal efficiency (90% vs. 79%). Results indicate the importance of undertaking a further in-depth study of the involved species in the biofiltration process and their specific function.

Impact of trisomy 12, del(13q), del(17p), and del(11q) on the immunophenotype, DNA ploidy status, and proliferative rate of leukemic B-cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is a well-defined clinical entity with heterogeneous molecular and cytogenetic features. Here, we analyze the impact of trisomy 12, del(13q), del(17p), and del(11q) as determined by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of purified neoplastic B-CLL cells on their immunophenotype, DNA ploidy status and proliferative rate.Overall, 111 of 180 (62%) B-CLL cases studied displayed one (50%) or more (12%) genetic abnormalities, del(13q) (35%) being more frequently detected than trisomy 12 (23%) followed by del(11q) (9%) and del(17p) (8%). Trisomy 12 was associated with a higher frequency of DNA aneuploidy, stronger expression of CD19, CD20, CD22, CD24, CD27, CD79b, CD38, and sIg and lower reactivity for CD43 with respect to cytogenetically nonaltered cases. In turn, cases with del(13q) displayed greater reactivity for CD20, FMC7, CD27, CD22, CD5, and bcl2, while del(11q) was associated with brighter expression of CD38, FMC7, CD25, and sIg. Hierarchical clustering analysis of the immunophenotype of B-CLL cases with cytogenetic abnormalities allowed the identification of three different groups of patients with increasing frequencies of trisomy 12, del(11q), and del(13q). Remarkably, none of the cytogenetic abnormalities analyzed except coexistence of 13q- and 17p- had a clear impact on the proliferative index of B-CLL cells.

Uncovering gene regulatory networks from time-series microarray data with variational Bayesian structural expectation maximization.

We investigate in this paper reverse engineering of gene regulatory networks from time-series microarray data. We apply dynamic Bayesian networks (DBNs) for modeling cell cycle regulations. In developing a network inference algorithm, we focus on soft solutions that can provide a posteriori probability (APP) of network topology. In particular, we propose a variational Bayesian structural expectation maximization algorithm that can learn the posterior distribution of the network model parameters and topology jointly. We also show how the obtained APPs of the network topology can be used in a Bayesian data integration strategy to integrate two different microarray data sets. The proposed VBSEM algorithm has been tested on yeast cell cycle data sets. To evaluate the confidence of the inferred networks, we apply a moving block bootstrap method. The inferred network is validated by comparing it to the KEGG pathway map.

A survey of the gastrointestinal nematodes of Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) in a high mountain habitat.

We analyzed the content of the abomasum (n = 79) and small intestine (n = 83) of Spanish ibex from Sierra Nevada Natural Park, southern Spain. Fifteen species of trichostrongylid nematodes were identified, 4 of which were found for the first time in this host, i.e., Nematodirus fillicollis, N. oiratianus, Ostertagia lyrata, and O. ostertagi. Teladorsagia circumcincta and Marshallagia marshalli were the most abundant abomasal species, whereas N. abnormalis, N. davtiani, and N. oiratianus were dominant in the small intestine. Counts of both abomasal and intestinal nematodes were generally low (year-round-median = 292 and 94 worms, respectively), and significantly lower numbers of M. marshalli, N. davtiani, and N. oiratianus were found in summer. No sex-related differences in helminth abundance were found, but young ibex harbored significantly more N. davtiani and N. oiratianus than adults. The presence of scabies was not related to increased nematode counts.

Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for Spanish ibex.

We studied blood samples from 529 Spanish ibexes (Capra pyrenaica) from different Andalusian mountain ranges in southern Spain, primarily from Sierra Nevada. For each sample, 13 hematologic and 32 biochemical parameters were analyzed. Within this database, we selected values obtained from live, free-ranging, physically restrained, clinically normal animals to determine reference intervals for these parameters. Distribution of values within each parameter was determined and differences in values between sex and age classes also were determined. We found significant differences in eight biochemical parameters among male and female ibexes. Significant differences in values for 20 hematologic and biochemical parameters between age classes also were found.

Synthesis and Characterization of Palladium(II) Complexes with New Polydentate Nitrogen Ligands. Dynamic Behavior Involving Pd-N Bond Rupture. X-ray Molecular Structure of [{Pd(eta(3)-C(4)H(7))}(2)(Me-BPzTO)](4-MeC(6)H(4)SO(3)) [Me-BPzTO = 4,6-Bis(4-methylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-olate].

The ligands 2,4,6-tris(4-methylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine (Me-TPzT), 2,4,6-tris(4-bromopyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine (Br-TPzT), and 2-methoxy-4,6-bis(4-methylpyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine (Me-BPzTOMe) have been synthesized and their reactions with some palladium derivatives explored. The palladium fragment [Pd(eta(3)-2-Me-C(3)H(4))(S)(2)](+), S = acetone, reacts in acetone with Me-TPzT or Br-TPzT in a 3:1 molar ratio to generate new complexes in which two allylpalladium fragments are present and the TPzT ligands have been partially hydrolyzed: [{Pd(eta(3)-C(4)H(7))}(2)(X-BPzTO)]A, X-BPzTO = 4,6-bis[4-methyl(or bromo)pyrazol-1-yl]-1,3,5-triazin-2-olate (X = Me, A = BF(4), 1; A = PF(6), 2; A = CF(3)SO(3), 3; A = p-MeC(6)H(4)SO(3), 4; X = Br, A = CF(3)SO(3), 5). When the ligand Me-BPzTOMe is made to react with only 1 equiv of the palladium solvate, compound 6, [Pd(eta(3)-2-Me-C(3)H(4))(Me-BPzTOMe)]CF(3)SO(3), is isolated. Reaction of 6 with another 1 equiv of the palladium derivative leads to 3. The intermediate 7, [{Pd(eta(3)-2-Me-C(3)H(4))}(2)(Me-BPzTOMe)]CF(3)SO(3), has been isolated as an almost pure compound. The reaction of Me-BPzTOMe with 1 equiv of [Pd(C(6)F(5))(2)(cod)] (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) leads to the complex [Pd(C(6)F(5))(2)(Me-BPzTOMe)], 8. Attention has been focused on the dynamic behavior, related with metallotropic phenomena, of the new complexes. (1)H NMR variable-temperature studies of complexes 1, 6, and 8 have been carried out. For 8, only one static species is observed, while, for 1 and 6, two isomers are detected at low temperature. Different DeltaG(c)() activation energies at the coalescence temperature have been determined and are ascribed to processes implying Pd-N bond ruptures. For 6, two different barriers are detected, corresponding to Pd-N(triazine) or Pd-N(pyrazole) bond ruptures. From the DeltaG(c)() data, it is concluded that the main driving force of the hydrolysis process is the formation of a better coordinating ligand. The molecular structure of 4 has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The meso isomer, in which the two C-Me axes of the allylic groups are oriented in the same direction, is found in the solid state.

Bacteriuria asintomática en la paciente con hipertensión inducida por el embarazo / Asymptomatic bacteriuria in patients with hypertension induced by pregnancy

Hemos realizado un estudio comparativo a fin de determinar la frecuencia de bacteriuria asintomática en pacientes con hipertensión inducida por el embarazo (H.I.E.) y en embarazadas normales. No encontramos diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos. Dentro del grupo de pacientes con H.I.E; no hay relación entre la severidad del cuadro toxémico y la presencia de bacteriuria asintomática. Los gérmenes que fueron aislados con mayor frecuencia en el grupo experimental fueron: E. coli y enterococo. En el grupo de control predominó Klebsiella pneumniae. Las diferencias, sin embargo, no son estadísticamente significativas. Es bien conocido que la mujer es más susceptible que el hombre a la bacteriuria y la infección urinaria, porque la uretra es más corta y se encuentra cerca del introito vaginal y el recto, lo cual hace que sea más fácil el acceso de las bacterias a la vejiga. Agregando a estos factores una serie de modificaciones anatómicas y fisiológicas que sufre el tracto urinario durante el embarazo, nos podemos explicar la alta frecuencia de bacteriuria aisntomática en la embarazada, lo cual se ha establecido entre un 4 y 7%, o con un rango más amplio, entre un 2 y un 10%. Algunos autores han reportado además un aumento de la frecuencia de bacteriuria en la embarazada con hipertensión inducida por el embarazo (H.I.E.), sin embargo, Uzcátegui y col, en Venezuela, no encontraron un aumento significativo en relación a este parámetro. En el presente estudio nos proponemos evaluar la frecuencia de bacteriuria asintomática en la paciente con hipertensión inducida por el embarazo, a fin de conocer si en nuestras pacientes..