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BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) has emerged as a therapeutic option for surgical myectomy and alcohol septal ablation (ASA) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), but its efficacy remains unclear. AIM: Due to limited research on RFCA for HCM, there is an ongoing attempt to assess its efficacy and safety. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched for studies assessing the efficacy outcomes for patients with HOCM who underwent RFCA. Mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using a random-effects model and heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. RESULTS: We included 11 studies comprising 470 patients, of whom 34.6% were female. The mean patient age ranged from 43.7 to 60.7 years. During the follow-up after RFCA, there was a significant decrease in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient at rest (MD -60.25 mmHg; 95% CI [-70.53;-59.14 mmHg]; p < 0.01) and during stimulation (MD -83.56 mmHg; 95% CI [-100.36;-66.76 mmHg]; p < 0.01). Moreover, RFCA reduced interventricular septum (IVS) thickness (MD -3.61 mm; 95% CI [-5.64; -1.59 mm]; p = 0.01) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (MD -1.46; 95% CI [-1.69; -1.24]; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HOCM, RFCA was associated with an improved NYHA class, reduced IVS thickness, and decreased LVOT gradient at rest and with stimulation.
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Cardiomiopatía Hipertrófica , Ablación por Catéter , Función Ventricular Izquierda , Humanos , Cardiomiopatía Hipertrófica/cirugía , Cardiomiopatía Hipertrófica/fisiopatología , Cardiomiopatía Hipertrófica/diagnóstico por imagen , Resultado del Tratamiento , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Ablación por Catéter/efectos adversos , Masculino , Adulto , Factores de Riesgo , Recuperación de la Función , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
Cattle lameness remains a significant concern, causing economic losses and compromising animal welfare. Claw horn lesions have been identified as a major cause of lameness in dairy cows, but their correlation with high-energy diets and ruminal acidosis remains unclear. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of a high-starch diet and a conventional diet on the rumen environment, acute-phase proteins, and metabolic alterations, with a particular focus on insulin resistance and the consequent implications for the histology of the hooves in Holstein steers. A total of 16 animals were divided into the high-starch (HS; 37% starch) and conventional (CON; 16.8% starch) groups. Glucose tolerance tests (GTT), blood analyses, rumen fluid analyses, and histological evaluations of the hoof tissue were conducted over a 102-d experimental period. The HS group showed a lower ruminal pH than the CON group, and with values indicating SARA. The plasma glucose and IGF-1 concentrations were higher in the HS group, suggesting an anabolic state. Both groups exhibited an increase in the insulin area under the curve (AUC) after the GTT on d 102. Histological analysis of the hooves showed a reduction in the length and width of the epidermal lamella in both groups. We found a significant negative correlation between the insulin AUC and the length and width of the epidermal lamella. Because both groups were similarly affected, the hypothesis that histological alterations were caused by the experimental diets still needs confirmation. Additionally, the development of SARA was not essential for the observed histological changes in the hoof. Further studies are warranted to thoroughly investigate the role of insulin and IGF-1 imbalances in claw health.
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Acidosis , Alimentación Animal , Dieta , Pezuñas y Garras , Resistencia a la Insulina , Rumen , Animales , Bovinos , Rumen/metabolismo , Dieta/veterinaria , Pezuñas y Garras/patología , Acidosis/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Bovinos , Masculino , Cojera Animal , Prueba de Tolerancia a la Glucosa/veterinariaRESUMEN
To evaluate individual and combined effect of captopril and telmisartan on systemic inflammation markers of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial. Patients on HD at least 2 months, with arteriovenous fistula, were randomly allocated to groups: (1) captopril/placebo (N 13); (2) telmisartan/placebo (N 13); (3) captopril + telmisartan (N 12); or (4) placebo/placebo (N 12). During 3 months, patients received oral drugs as follows: captopril 50 mg/day, telmisartan 80 mg/day or placebo. Patients excluded if they had conditions or were on drugs potentially influencing on inflammation. Clinical and biochemical evaluations were performed monthly. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at 0, 1 and 3 months. Baseline, demographic, clinical and biochemical variables were comparable between groups. Baseline versus final inflammatory markers were: captopril/placebo TNFα, 2.47 (0.1-4.5) versus 1.73 (0.3-3.8) pg/ml; IL-6, 17.03 (7.2-23) versus 7.90 (0.7-19) pg/ml; CRP, 4.21 (1.6-18) versus 5.9 (3.0-28) mg/l; telmisartan/placebo TNFα, 3.03 (2.3-4.6) versus 1.70 (1.2-2.0) pg/ml; IL-6, 14.10 (5.5-23) versus 9.85 (6.2-13) pg/ml; CRP, 5.74 (2.1-13) versus 10.60 (1.5-27) mg/l; captopril + telmisartan TNFα, 1.43 (0.7-5.4) versus 0.40 (0.1-2.1) pg/ml; IL-6, 10.05 (4.9-23) versus 4.00 (0.7-7.7) pg/ml (p < 0.05); CRP, 3.26 (0.7-12) versus 2.83 (0.6-6.5) mg/l; placebo/placebo TNFα, 3.13 (1.6-5.6) versus 1.64 (1.6-2.3) pg/ml; IL-6, 8.12 (5.4-16) versus 7.60 (2.4-15) pg/ml; CRP, 5.23 (1.9-16) versus 3.13 (1.5-18) mg/l. Monotherapy with captopril or telmisartan display a trend, but their combined treatment significantly decreased serum levels of IL-6. No remarkable changes on TNFα and CRP were observed.
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Captopril , Inflamación , Diálisis Renal , Telmisartán , Humanos , Biomarcadores , Proteína C-Reactiva/metabolismo , Captopril/uso terapéutico , Método Doble Ciego , Inflamación/tratamiento farmacológico , Inflamación/etiología , Interleucina-6 , Diálisis Renal/efectos adversos , Telmisartán/uso terapéutico , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfaRESUMEN
In this study, graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g-C3N4QDs) were synthesized using different solvents, characterized, and then exposed to a gamma-ray source (137Cs) at irradiation doses of 0.1, 1.48, 2.05 and 3.25 Gy. The intensities of the emission bands progressively were attenuated as the received dose of gamma radiation increased. The changes were quantified with the help of a non-linear fit model. The material showed promising use as a dosimeter for low-dose radiation applications.
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Grafito , Puntos Cuánticos , Rayos gamma , Compuestos de NitrógenoRESUMEN
Shrimp farming has experienced rising costs as a result of disease outbreaks associated with Vibrio spp. Suitable strategies for disease prevention and control are therefore urgently needed. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of Moringa oleifera seed powder against Vibrio cholerae in the rearing water of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) postlarvae. In vitro assays included the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of M. oleifera seed powder against V. cholerae, whereas in vivo assays included the effect of M. oleifera seed powder on bacterial load and water quality parameters in the rearing tanks, as well as its effect on shrimp postlarvae survival. M. oleifera seed powder inhibited the growth of V. cholerae with MIC values of 62·5 µg ml-1 . Moreover, seawater pH of treated tanks (8·66) was significantly lower (P < 0·01) than pH of the control tanks (9·02), whereas the visibility of treated tanks (37·08 cm) was significantly higher (P < 0·01) as compared to control tanks (35·37 cm). Likewise, V. cholerae load was significantly reduced (P < 0·01) from 4·7 × 104 to 3·1 × 103 CFU per ml in tanks treated with M. oleifera seed powder. Altogether, this study demonstrates the antimicrobial activity of M. oleifera against V. cholerae in shrimp culture.
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Antiinfecciosos , Moringa oleifera , Penaeidae , Vibrio cholerae , Vibrio , Animales , PolvosRESUMEN
This study attempted to determine the associations between metabolic imbalances and lameness or hoof injuries in high-producing Holstein × Gir cows, and to determine whether the metabolic profile affects the occurrence of lameness. Eighty cows were followed from -60 to 60 days relative to calving and hoof injuries were reported on days -60, 7 and 60. Locomotion score (LS), body condition score (BCS), the concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids, ß-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase were determined at days -42, -21, -7, 0, 7, 21 and 42. The McNemar and Chi-square tests were used to compare frequencies of lameness and hoof injuries over time and to verify the associations between lameness, BCS, hoof injuries, and metabolic disorders. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used considering groups (non-lame × lame cows) and variations of BCS and metabolites over time. Lameness and hoof injuries increased between days -60 (20% and 66.3%) and 60 (44.7% and 98.6%). Excessive postpartum loss of BCS (P=0.017) and subclinical hypocalcemia (P=0.012) were associated with lameness on day 60. In general, the metabolic profile did not differ between lame and non-lame cows but cholesterol, albumin, BUN and magnesium concentrations were higher in non-lame cows. The postpartum decrease in BCS can affect the occurrence of lameness, and the metabolic profile of lame cows shows little difference from that of non-lame cows.
Este estudo objetivou verificar as associações entre desequilíbrios metabólicos e claudicação ou lesões nos cascos em vacas mestiças Holandesa × Gir de alta produção e determinar se o perfil metabólico afeta a ocorrência de claudicação. Oitenta vacas foram acompanhadas de -60 a 60 dias em relação ao parto e as lesões nos cascos foram avaliadas nos dias -60, 7 e 60. O escore de locomoção (EL), o escore de condição corporal (ECC), as concentrações de ácidos graxos não esterificados, ß-hidroxibutirato, glicose, colesterol, albumina, proteína total, nitrogênio ureico no sangue (BUN), cálcio, fósforo e magnésio e a atividade da aspartato aminotransferase foram determinados nos dias -42, -21, -7, 0, 7, 21 e 42. Os testes de McNemar e de Qui-quadrado foram empregados para comparar as frequências de claudicação e de lesões nos cascos ao longo do tempo e para verificar as associações entre claudicação, ECC, lesões nos cascos e distúrbios metabólicos. A análise de variâncias de medidas repetidas bifatorial foi usada considerando-se grupos (vacas com claudicação × vacas sem claudicação) e variações de BCS e de metabólitos ao longo do tempo. A claudicação e as lesões nos cascos aumentaram entre os dias -60 (20% e 66,3%) e 60 (44,7% e 98,6%). A perda excessiva de ECC no pós-parto (P=0,017) e a hipocalcemia subclínica ao parto (P=0,012) foram associadas com claudicação no dia 60. Em geral, o perfil metabólico não diferiu entre vacas com e sem claudicação, mas as concentrações de colesterol, albumina, BUN e magnésio foram maiores em vacas sem claudicação. A redução do ECC no periodo pós-parto pode afetar a ocorrência de claudicação, e o perfil metabólico das vacas claudicantes apresenta pouca diferença em relação ao das vacas não claudicantes.
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Animales , Femenino , Embarazo , Bovinos , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/etiología , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/metabolismo , Enfermedades del Pie/veterinaria , Pezuñas y Garras/lesiones , Cojera Animal/etiología , Brasil , Bovinos/metabolismoRESUMEN
Bone loss is a potential adverse consequence of rapid and sustained weight loss after bariatric surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bone mass, body fat distribution, and metabolic parameters in women submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The study included the following three groups: one group of lean women (control [C] group) and two groups of obese women, one evaluated one year (B1) and the other five years (B5) after RYGB. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging were used to determine bone mineral density (BMD; lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck) and abdominal fat content (subcutaneous [SAT] and visceral [VAT] adipose tissues, and intrahepatic lipids [IHL]). The BMD/body mass index ratio was lower in the B5 compared with the C group at all sites. Serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) levels were higher in the B1 and B5 groups compared with the C group. Individuals submitted to RYGB showed greater SAT but similar VAT and IHL values compared with those in the C group. However, the B5 group had higher mean parathyroid hormone levels compared with the other two groups. Individuals submitted to RYGB presented increased levels of CTX and low BMD for body weight than those in the C group, suggesting that bone catabolism is a persistent alteration associated with RYGB. In conclusion, the long-lasting metabolic benefits obtained with RYGB in obesity are counterbalanced by a persistent catabolic effect of the procedure on bone and mineral metabolism.
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Enfermedades Óseas Metabólicas , Derivación Gástrica , Obesidad Mórbida , Absorciometría de Fotón , Densidad Ósea , Huesos , Femenino , Derivación Gástrica/efectos adversos , Humanos , Obesidad Mórbida/cirugíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Due to the high cost of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy, payer type may be an important factor in determining eligibility. How payer type influences outcomes after LVAD implantation is unclear. We, therefore, aimed to study the association of health insurance payer type with outcomes after durable LVAD implantation. METHODS: Using STS-INTERMACS (Society of Thoracic Surgeons-Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support), we studied nonelderly adults receiving a durable LVAD from 2016 to 2018 and compared all-cause mortality and postindex hospitalization adverse event episode rate by payer type. Multivariable Fine-Gray and generalized linear models were used to compare the outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 3251 patients included, 26.0% had Medicaid, 24.9% had Medicare alone, and 49.1% had commercial insurance. Compared with commercially insured patients, mortality did not differ for patients with Medicaid (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.75-1.34], P=0.99) or Medicare (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.84-1.41], P=0.52). Medicaid was associated with a significantly lower adjusted incidence rate (incidence rate ratio, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.78-0.99], P=0.041), and Medicare was associated with a significantly higher adjusted incidence rate (incidence rate ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.03-1.30], P=0.011) of adverse event episodes compared with commercially insured patients. CONCLUSIONS: All-cause mortality after durable LVAD implantation did not differ significantly by payer type. Payer type was associated with the rate of adverse events, with Medicaid associated with a significantly lower rate, and Medicare with a significantly higher rate of adverse event episodes compared with commercially insured patients.
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Insuficiencia Cardíaca/terapia , Corazón Auxiliar/efectos adversos , Corazón Auxiliar/economía , Seguro de Salud , Medicare/economía , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Insuficiencia Cardíaca/fisiopatología , Hospitalización/economía , Humanos , Incidencia , Seguro de Salud/economía , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Sistema de Registros , Estudios Retrospectivos , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
SUMMARY: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a malignant disorder with rapid evolution and severe prognosis in adults and most produce cortisol and androgen. Estrogen-secreting adrenocortical carcinomas are extremely rare, especially in women, tend to be larger and have worse prognosis compared with other types of ACCs. We report the case of a 58-year-old woman who presented with bilateral breast enlargement and postmenopausal genital bleeding. She presented high estradiol (818 pg/mL - 25 times above upper normal limit for postmenopausal women) and testosterone (158 ng/dL - 2 times above upper normal limit) levels and no suppression of cortisol after overnight 1 mg dexamethasone test (12.5 µg/dL; normal reference value: < 1.8 µg/dL). The patient had no clinical features of cortisol excess. MRI showed a 12 cm tumor in the right adrenal. Clinical findings of bilateral breast enlargement and postmenopausal genital bleeding with no signs of hypercortisolism associated with hormonal findings of elevated estradiol and testosterone levels would indicate either an ovarian etiology or an adrenal etiology; however, in the context of plasma cortisol levels non-suppressive after dexamethasone test and the confirmation of an adrenal tumor by MRI, the diagnosis of an adrenal tumor with mixed hormonal secretion was made. The patient underwent an open right adrenalectomy and pathological examination revealed an ACC with a Weiss' score of 6. Estradiol and testosterone levels decreased to normal range soon after surgery. She was put on mitotane treatment as adjuvant therapy, but due to side effects, we were unable to up-titrate the dose and she never achieved serum mitotane dosage above the desired 14 µg/mL. The patient remained in good health without any local recurrence or metastasis until 5 years after surgery, when increased levels of estradiol (81 pg/mL - 2.5 times above upper normal limit) and testosterone (170 ng/dL - 2.1 times above upper normal limit) were detected. MRI revealed a retroperitoneal nodule measuring 1.8 × 1.2 cm. The pathological finding confirmed the recurrence of the estrogen-secreting ACC with a Weiss' score of 6. After the second procedure, patient achieved normal estrogen and androgen serum levels and since then she has been followed for 3 years. The overall survival was 8 years after the diagnosis. In conclusion, although extremely rare, a diagnosis of an estrogen-secreting ACC should be considered as an etiology in postmenopausal women presenting with bilateral breast enlargement, genital bleeding and increased pure or prevailing estrogen secretion. LEARNING POINTS: Estrogen-secreting adrenocortical carcinomas are exceedingly rare in adults and account for 1-2% of adrenocortical carcinomas. Estrogen-secreting adrenal tumors can be present in females, but are even more rare, we found few cases described in the literature. In women, they present with precocious puberty or postmenopausal bleeding. Feminization in the context of an adrenal tumor is considered almost pathognomonic of malignancy. Feminizing ACCs tend to be larger and with worse prognosis compared with nonfeminizing ACCs.
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Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens, the N2-fixing symbiont of soybean, has two independent flagellar systems: a single subpolar flagellum and several lateral flagella. Each flagellum is a very complex organelle composed of 30 to 40 different proteins located inside and outside the cell whereby flagellar gene expression must be tightly controlled. Such control is achieved by a hierarchy of regulators that ensure the timing of synthesis and the allocation of the different flagellar substructures. Previously, we analyzed the gene organization, expression, and function of the lateral flagellar system. Here, we studied the role of the response regulator FlbD and its trans-acting regulator FliX in the regulation of subpolar flagellar genes. We found that the LP-ring, distal rod, and hook of the subpolar flagellum were tightly controlled by FlbD and FliX. Furthermore, we obtained evidence for the existence of cross-regulation between these gene products and the expression of LafR, the master regulator of lateral flagella. In addition, we observed that extracellular polysaccharide production and biofilm formation also responded to these flagellar regulators. In this regard, FlbD might contribute to the switch between the planktonic and sessile states.IMPORTANCE Most environmental bacteria switch between two free-living states: planktonic, in which individual cells swim propelled by flagella, and sessile, in which bacteria form biofilms. Apart from being essential for locomotion, the flagellum has accessory functions during biofilm formation. The synthesis of flagella is a highly regulated process, and coordination with accessory functions requires the interconnection of various regulatory networks. Here, we show the role of class II regulators involved in the synthesis of the B. diazoefficiens subpolar flagellum and their possible participation in cross-regulation with the lateral flagellar system and exopolysaccharide production. These findings highlight the coordination of the synthetic processes of external structures, such as subpolar and lateral flagella, with exopolysaccharides, which are the main component of the biofilm matrix.
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Proteínas Bacterianas/metabolismo , Bradyrhizobium/metabolismo , Flagelos/metabolismo , Regulación Bacteriana de la Expresión Génica , Polisacáridos Bacterianos/biosíntesis , Proteínas Bacterianas/genética , Bradyrhizobium/genética , Flagelos/genética , Transactivadores/genética , Transactivadores/metabolismoRESUMEN
The present study suggests that insulin resistance has no association with bone quantity, but quality. INTRODUCTION: The literature has contradictory results concerning the influence of insulin resistance on bone. The present study sought to evaluate the association of insulin resistance and adipose tissue with either bone mineral density or the trabecular bone score. METHODS: The study included 56 individuals (36 women and 20 men): age = 46.6 ± 14.2 years, weight = 67.8 ± 10.9 kg, height = 1.65 ± 0.10 m and BMI = 24.8 ± 3.9 kg/m2. The investigational protocol included biochemical determinations and bone assessment by dual X-ray absorptiometry for evaluation of bone mineral density and trabecular bone score. Magnetic resonance was employed to estimate visceral, subcutaneous and bone marrow adipose tissues, as well as intrahepatic lipids. RESULTS: The bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip were not associated with insulin resistance-related parameters [visceral adipose tissue, intrahepatic lipids and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)]. In contrast, there was a negative relationship between the trabecular bone score and all these components. The association between the trabecular bone score and HOMA-IR was reinforced after adjustment for age and BMI. Marrow adipose tissue was negatively associated with both bone mineral density and trabecular bone score. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that the trabecular bone score is negatively associated with marrow adipose tissue, insulin resistance, visceral adipose tissue and intrahepatic lipid measurements. Additionally, there was a negative relationship between saturated lipids in marrow adipose tissue and the trabecular bone score. These results encourage further studies to investigate the role of the trabecular bone score exam in the clinical evaluation of osteoporosis in conditions of insulin resistance.
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Tejido Adiposo/diagnóstico por imagen , Densidad Ósea , Hueso Esponjoso/diagnóstico por imagen , Resistencia a la Insulina , Absorciometría de Fotón , Adulto , Médula Ósea , Femenino , Humanos , Grasa Intraabdominal , Lípidos/análisis , Hígado/química , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Masculino , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Lithium borate glass matrices doped with Dy3+ and Yb3+, containing silver nanoparticles in different concentrations are synthesized and characterized in this work. The Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy confirms formation of silver nanoparticles in the samples. Absorption spectra of the samples show the presence of a broadband spectrum associated due to the surface plasmon effect of the silver nanoparticles. A strong surface plasmon band bellow 400 nm appears after the annealing process, due to the formation of silver nanoparticles with radius of 5-15 nm. The transition peaks of Dy3+ are also observed at 386, 446, 798, 917, 1088, 1265 and 1669 nm. Additionally, a large peak at 976 nm belonging to the absorption band corresponding to the Yb3+ is observed. Emission spectra under 406 nm pumping show two prominent bands at 506 and 590 nm belonging to the Dy3+ transitions 4F9/2 â 6H15/2 and 4F9/2 â 6H13/2, respectively. The fluorescence in the 480 nm and 525 nm spectral ranges enhanced with the silver nanoparticles contained in the samples. Is the first time, the luminescence studies of the lithium borate matrix doped with Dy3+ and Yb3+ containing silver nanoparticles is done. The basic parameters defining the lasing-amplifying potential of the glass matrices as a function of silver nanoparticles concentration are calculated. The Thermoluminescence response to UV irradiation also exhibits significant enhancement with the increment of silver nanoparticles in the samples.
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Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens is a soil alphaproteobacterium that possesses two evolutionarily distinct flagellar systems, a constitutive subpolar flagellum and inducible lateral flagella that, depending on the carbon source, may be expressed simultaneously in liquid medium and used interactively for swimming. In each system, more than 30 genes encode the flagellar proteins, most of which are well characterized. Among the exceptions is FliL, which has been scarcely studied in alphaproteobacteria and whose function in other bacterial classes is somewhat controversial. Because each B. diazoefficiens flagellar system contains its own fliL paralog, we obtained the respective deletions ΔfliLS (subpolar) and ΔfliLL (lateral) to study their functions in swimming. We determined that FliLL was essential for lateral flagellum-driven motility. FliLS was dispensable for swimming in either liquid or semisolid medium; however, it was found to play a crucial role in upregulation of the lateral flagellum regulon under conditions of increased viscosity/flagellar load. Therefore, although FliLS seems to be not essential for swimming, it may participate in a mechanosensor complex that controls lateral flagellum induction.IMPORTANCE Bacterial motility propelled by flagella is an important trait in most environments, where microorganisms must explore the habitat toward beneficial resources and evade toxins. Most bacterial species have a unique flagellar system, but a few species possess two different flagellar systems in the same cell. An example is Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens, the N2-fixing symbiont of soybean, which uses both systems for swimming. Among the less-characterized flagellar proteins is FliL, a protein typically associated with a flagellum-driven surface-based collective motion called swarming. By using deletion mutants in each flagellar system's fliL, we observed that one of them (lateral) was required for swimming, while the other (subpolar) took part in the control of lateral flagellum synthesis. Hence, this protein seems to participate in the coordination of activity and production of both flagellar systems.
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Proteínas Bacterianas/genética , Proteínas Bacterianas/metabolismo , Bradyrhizobium/genética , Bradyrhizobium/metabolismo , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Proteínas de la Membrana/metabolismo , Bradyrhizobium/clasificación , Bradyrhizobium/ultraestructura , Flagelos , Regulación Bacteriana de la Expresión Génica , Mutación , FilogeniaRESUMEN
Cattle lameness is an important welfare concern that also has an economic impact on the dairy industry. It can be a significant problem among pasture-based herds. Our objectives were to identify cow- and herd-level factors related to lameness and hoof lesions in dairy cows grazing year-round in Minas Gerais, Brazil. We performed a cross-sectional study in 48 pasture-based dairy herds, visiting each farm in a single visit. We evaluated 2,262 cows for mobility score (0-3) and 392 cows for hoof lesions. We used a questionnaire and checklist to capture herd management data. All information obtained was used to build multivariable models. The factors associated with lameness were low body condition score, longer time spent in the corral, being kept in paddocks during the drought period, and poor hygiene. For hoof lesions, track features were the most significant factor in determining the likelihood of heel horn erosion, white line fissure, and sole hemorrhage-by more than 3 times. Different factors related to unhygienic conditions such as leg cleanliness, frequency of cleaning, and longer time spent in the corral were associated with infectious hoof lesions. Poor human-animal relationship was related to sole hemorrhage, but patient handling of cows on the track was a protective factor against interdigital hyperplasia. The results of this study suggest that improving hygiene conditions, track features, and cow handling can improve dairy cattle mobility scores in pasture-based farms under tropical conditions. These findings also represent a first step toward planning actions aimed at decreasing lameness and hoof lesions in the studied region.
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Enfermedades de los Bovinos/etiología , Industria Lechera/métodos , Pezuñas y Garras/patología , Cojera Animal/etiología , Crianza de Animales Domésticos/métodos , Crianza de Animales Domésticos/normas , Animales , Brasil/epidemiología , Bovinos , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/epidemiología , Lista de Verificación , Estudios Transversales , Ambiente , Granjas/clasificación , Granjas/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino , Marcha , Manejo Psicológico , Higiene , Cojera Animal/epidemiología , Modelos Logísticos , Registros/veterinaria , Factores de Riesgo , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Clima TropicalRESUMEN
Fuel and lubricating oil leaks produce an oily wastewater that creates an environmental problem for industries. Dissolved air flotation (DAF) has been successfully employed for the separation of oily contaminants. Collectors constitute an auxiliary tool in the DAF process that enhances the separation efficiency by facilitating the adhesion of the contaminant particles. The use of biosurfactants as collectors is a promising technology in flotation processes, as these biomolecules are biodegradable and non-toxic. In the present study, a biosurfactant was produced from the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa UCP 0992 cultivated in 0.5% corn steep liquor and 4.0% vegetable oil residue in a bioreactor at 225 rpm for 120 h, resulting in a surface tension of 26.5 mN/m and a yield of 26 g/L. The biosurfactant demonstrated stability when exposed to different temperatures, heating times, pH values and salt and was characterised as a glycolipid with a critical micelle concentration of 600 mg/L. A central composite rotatable design was used to evaluate the effect of the crude biosurfactant added to a laboratory DAF prototype on the removal efficiency of motor oil. The isolated and formulated forms of the biosurfactant were also tested in the prototype after the optimisation of the operational conditions. The results demonstrated that all forms of the biosurfactant increased the oil separation efficiency of the DAF process by 65 to 95%. In conclusion, the use of biosurfactants is a promising alternative as an auxiliary tool in flotation processes for the treatment of oily waters generated by industrial activities.
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Petróleo , Tensoactivos , Biodegradación Ambiental , Glucolípidos , Tensión SuperficialRESUMEN
For years, mammals of the order Pilosa have been considered Leishmania reservoirs. But while most studies have focused on sloth species, anteaters have been overlooked, and in many Leishmania endemic countries like Mexico, no studies have been carried out. The aims of this work were to identify the presence of Leishmania spp. in tissue samples from road-killed northern tamanduas (Tamandua mexicana), using PCR amplification and sequencing of ITS1 DNA, and to discuss the role of Pilosa mammals as reservoirs of Leishmania based on available scientific records. This is the first study that identifies Leishmania in T. mexicana, from 1 of 16 individuals analyzed, so the estimated prevalence (CI 95%) of infection was 6.3% (0.3-27.2). Amplified sequence exhibited a 98.9% (727/735) similarity with L. mexicana, and phylogenetic analysis grouped the species in the L. mexicana-amazonensis cluster. The literature review revealed 241 cases of Leishmania spp. infection among 1219 Pilosa mammals evaluated, with prevalence between studies ranging from 3.5% in the brown-throated three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus) to 78% in the Hoffman's two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni). Current scientific information indicates that C. hoffmanni sloths are reservoirs of Leishmania, and further studies are needed in order to clarify if other Pilosa species play a role in Leishmania transmission.
Asunto(s)
Reservorios de Enfermedades/parasitología , Leishmania mexicana/aislamiento & purificación , Leishmaniasis/epidemiología , Leishmaniasis/veterinaria , Perezosos/parasitología , Xenarthra/parasitología , Animales , ADN Protozoario/genética , Leishmania mexicana/genética , México/epidemiología , FilogeniaRESUMEN
RATIONALE: The gene deletion (5)(q22q35) is reported in 10-20% of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cases and is associated with response to lenalidomide and favorable prognosis. The authors report here a clinical case of MDS transformation to B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) with an associated accrual of an additional mutation following treatment with lenalidomide. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 69-year-old man presented with progressive anemia, normal white blood cell count, and thrombocytopenia consistent with MDS. He was administered lenalidomide for 27 months, then developed acute B-cell lymphocytic leukemia and acquired a previously unreported mutation in the gene enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). DIAGNOSES: After 27 months of therapy with lenalidomide, a surveillance bone marrow aspiration (BMA) revealed 90% cellularity with persistent multilineage dysplasia and a population of blasts comprising 54% of all bone marrow elements by morphology, consistent with B-ALL, even though the patient was asymptomatic. Conventional karyotype showed no signs of del(5)(q22q35) MDS, however bone marrow next-generation sequencing (NGS) demonstrated the accrual of a nonsense mutation (c.211del pL71*) in exon 3 of EZH2. A confirmatory BMA yielded 70% blasts and clinical features indicative of B-ALL. INTERVENTIONS: Mini-hyper-CVD (cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone at 50% dose reduction, no anthracycline, methotrexate at 75% dose reduction, cytarabine at 0.5âg/mâ×â4 doses) was administered for 21 days. OUTCOMES: A follow-up BMA was performed 2 months after mini-hyper-CVD therapy, showing dysplastic features with 25% ring sideroblasts, but no evidence of B-ALL. The patient is currently receiving monthly-low dose decitabine, ofatumumab, and dexamethasone, and is transfusion independent and asymptomatic after 7 cycles. LESSONS: The present study shows an extremely rare progression of del(5)(q22q35) MDS to B-ALL with accompanying NGS data and a newly described acquisition of an EZH2 frameshift mutation. This case highlights the importance of NGS as a diagnostic and surveillance tool for MDS.
Asunto(s)
Linfocitos B/patología , Proteína Potenciadora del Homólogo Zeste 2/genética , Síndromes Mielodisplásicos/genética , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células Precursoras/genética , Anciano , Anemia/complicaciones , Inhibidores de la Angiogénesis/uso terapéutico , Antineoplásicos Alquilantes/uso terapéutico , Antineoplásicos Hormonales/uso terapéutico , Médula Ósea/patología , Deleción Cromosómica , Ciclofosfamida/administración & dosificación , Ciclofosfamida/uso terapéutico , Dexametasona/administración & dosificación , Dexametasona/uso terapéutico , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Humanos , Lenalidomida/administración & dosificación , Lenalidomida/uso terapéutico , Masculino , Mutación , Síndromes Mielodisplásicos/complicaciones , Síndromes Mielodisplásicos/tratamiento farmacológico , Síndromes Mielodisplásicos/patología , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células Precursoras/tratamiento farmacológico , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células Precursoras/patología , Trombocitopenia/complicaciones , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
The need to remediate areas contaminated by petroleum products has led to the development of novel technologies for treating such contaminants in a non-conventional manner, that is, without the use of chemical or physical methods. Biosurfactants are amphipathic biomolecules produced by microorganisms that can be used in bioremediation processes in environments contaminated by petroleum products due to their excellent tensioactive properties. The aim of the present study was to produce a biosurfactant from Pseudomonas aeruginosa UCP 0992 cultivated in 0.5% corn steep liquor and 4.0% vegetable oil residue in a 1.2-L bioreactor employing a central composite rotatable design to optimize the cultivation conditions for maximum yield. The best results were achieved with aeration rate of 1.0 vvm and 3.0% inoculum at 225 rpm for 120 h, resulting in a surface tension of 26.5 mN/m and a biosurfactant yield of 26 g/L. Kinetic and static assays were then performed with the biosurfactant for the removal of motor oil adsorbed to sand, with removal rates around 90% and 80%, respectively, after 24 h. Oil degradation experiments with the bacterium and the combination of the bacterium and biosurfactant were also conducted to simulate the bioremediation process in sand and seawater samples (duration: 75 and 30 days, respectively). In both cases, oil degradation rates were higher than 90% in the presence of the biosurfactant and the producing species, indicating the potential of the biomolecule as an adjuvant in petroleum decontamination processes in the marine environment.
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Tensoactivos/química , Contaminación del Agua/análisis , Adsorción , Análisis de Varianza , Biodegradación Ambiental , Interacciones Hidrofóbicas e Hidrofílicas , Cinética , Petróleo , Contaminación por Petróleo/análisis , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/metabolismo , Agua de MarRESUMEN
The aim of the present study was to investigate the separation of oil from water using a bench-scale DAF prototype with the addition of biosurfactants isolated from Pseudomonas cepacia CCT6659 and Bacillus cereus UCP1615. The best operating conditions for the DAF prototype were determined using a central composite rotatable design. The results demonstrated that the biosurfactants from P. cepacia and B. cereus increased the oil separation efficiency from 53.74% (using only microbubbles) to 94.11 and 80.01%, respectively. The prediction models for both DAF-biosurfactant systems were validated, showing an increase in the efficiency of the DAF process from 53.74% to 98.55 and 70.87% using the formulated biosurfactants from P. cepacia and B. cereus, respectively. The biosurfactant from P. cepacia was selected as the more promising product and used for the treatment of oily effluent from a thermoelectric plant, achieving removal rates ranging between 75.74 (isolated biosurfactant) and 95.70% (formulated biosurfactant), respectively.
Asunto(s)
Residuos Industriales/análisis , Tensoactivos , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/aislamiento & purificación , Purificación del Agua/métodos , Aire , Bacillus cereus/clasificación , Burkholderia cepacia/química , Diseño de Equipo , Aceites Industriales/análisis , Tensoactivos/aislamiento & purificación , Eliminación de Residuos Líquidos/instrumentación , Eliminación de Residuos Líquidos/métodos , Purificación del Agua/instrumentaciónRESUMEN
Digital dermatitis (DD) is one of the main causes of lameness in dairy cattle worldwide, and it is frequently reported in high-yielding, free stall dairy herds from regions with a temperate climate. However, DD is also observed with high prevalence in grazing cattle with a low milk yield in tropical regions. To clarify whether these differences have an impact on the etiology of the disease, we studied DD lesions from all year round grazing cattle of mixed breed in Brazil using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and fluorescent in situ hybridization. The study included samples from 66 skin lesions and 5 healthy skins collected from five farms. Both techniques showed Treponema spp. to be the most abundant bacteria, present in all but one of the samples with minimal epidermal alterations. We identified eleven different Treponema strains belonging to the six major phylotypes of Treponema which have all previously been identified in DD lesions. Furthermore, we identify Dichelobacter nodosus in DD lesions by gene sequencing and also by fluorescent in situ hybridization in almost half of biopsy specimens in areas with mild epithelial damage and together with Treponema. The present data support the hypothesis that Treponema constitutes the main pathogen responsible for DD, independent of the environment and region where cows are kept, and it further suggests D. nodosus as another potentially important pathogen.