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Laboratory surveillance of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes is crucial for the successful implementation of vaccines to prevent invasive pneumococcal diseases. The reference method of serotyping is the Quellung reaction, which is labor-intensive and expensive. In the last few years, the introduction of MALDI-TOF MS into the microbiology laboratory has been revolutionary. In brief, this new technology compares protein profiles by generating spectra based on the m/z ratio. We evaluated the performance of MALDI-TOF MS for typing serotypes of S. pneumoniae isolates included in the PCV13 vaccine using a machine learning approach. We challenged our classification algorithms with a total of new 215 isolates of S. pneumoniae from Argentinian nationwide surveillance. Our work involved a thorough evaluation and comparison of multiple machine learning models. Through this evaluation, we achieved high accuracy values, indicating the effectiveness of the approach taken in solving the problem. Additionally, we attained high kappa index values, indicating that the predictions made by the models were highly accurate and reliable. We also carefully considered the strengths and limitations of each model. As such, our results are highly valuable and have important implications for future research and applications.

Laboratory surveillance of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes is crucial for the successful implementation of vaccines to prevent invasive pneumococcal diseases. The reference method of serotyping is the Quellung reaction, which is labor-intensive and expensive. In the last few years, the introduction of MALDI-TOF MS into the microbiology laboratory has been revolutionary. In brief, this new technology compares protein profiles by generating spectra based on the m/z ratio. We evaluated the performance of MALDI-TOF MS for typing serotypes of S. pneumoniae isolates included in the PCV13 vaccine using a machine learning approach. We challenged our classification algorithms with a total of new 215 isolates of S. pneumoniaefrom Argentinian nationwide surveillance. Our work involved a thorough evaluation and comparison of multiple machine learning models. Through this evaluation, we achieved high accuracy values, indicating the effectiveness of the approach taken in solving the problem. Additionally, we attained high kappa index values, indicating that the predictions made by the models were highly accurate and reliable. We also carefully considered the strengths and limitations of each model. As such, our results are highly valuable and have important implications for future research and applications.

Objetivo: Analisar a aderência dos modelos de negócios, suportados por princípios e práticas da economia circular ao setor de hortifrúti no Oeste Catarinense, por meio da tipologia dos 10R’s. Método: A pesquisa se constitui de uma abordagem qualitativa com realização de entrevistas e visitas in loco, com 13 atores da cadeia de fornecimento de hortifruti nos elos de: produtores, varejistas e distribuidores, da região oeste de Santa Catarina. A análise dos dados, consistiu na técnica de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Entre os resultados, com uso do 10R’s aplicado ao objeto de estudo, a pesquisa identificou nos empreendimentos pesquisados, as práticas alinhadas aos modelos de negócios circulares. A aderência dos negócios às premissas da Economia Circular, encontra-se em estado incipiente sem que esta seja, porém, uma ação coordenada e conhecida entre produtores, varejistas e órgãos governamentais, na busca pela sustentabilidade no fornecimento dos alimentos. Existem práticas isoladas que são desenvolvidas pelos estabelecimentos pesquisados. Contribuições Contribui para a teoria com a ligação entre o cultivo e comercialização dos alimentos de forma regenerativa e local e o uso dos 10R’s para a circularidade dos recursos produtivos. Originalidade: Na investigação empírica sobre o uso dos 10R”s no setor de Hortifrutis, propondo de forma prática indicadores para os produtores utilizarem na análise de seu negócio frente a sustentabilidade.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar o perfil das publicações dos principais periódicos voltados à abordagem da Universidade Empreendedora. O Estudo foi conduzido pela técnica estatística da Bibliometria, seguindo suas Leis: Lei de Lotka, Lei de Brandford e Lei de Zipf, além de outras informações referentes à cerca da produção científica de 1983 até 2019. O estudo adotou abordagem quantitativa de natureza descritiva. A pesquisa resultou em uma amostra de 229 artigos nas bases de dados Web of Science, Scopus, Speel e EBSCO. Os resultados bibliométricos não confirmam as diretrizes estimadas pela Lei de Lotka, ou seja, não caracterizou elitismo entre os autores. A Lei de Brandford foi confirmada referente análises dos periódicos, da mesma forma a Lei de Zipf foi confirmada, um pequeno grupo de palavras ocorre muitas vezes e um grande número de palavras é de pequena frequência de ocorrência. O auge de publicações foi no ano de 2019 com mais de 18% das publicações, e o acumulado dos últimos cinco anos equivalem a 59,39% de toda amostra. Para além da bibliometria o estudo aponta a predominância de pesquisas empíricas qualitativas sobre o tema, sendo que o método de estudo de caso está entre os mais utilizados para investigação científica sobre a universidade empreendedora. A partir dos resultados encontrados sugere-se que a escala da comunidade universitária mundial vai em direção ao modelo da universidade empreendedora com aceleração exponencial, em busca da realização da terceira missão da universidade, voltada ao desenvolvimento econômico e social.

This article analyzes how the circularity of resources occurs in Brazilian craft breweries supported by innovation and proposes the creation of alternative craft breweries to promote circular economy. Data were collected through 11 interviews with entrepreneurs in the craft brewery segment, checklist application, and access to the website of the cases investigated. Our results expand the relationship with innovation suggesting that: a) the circularity of resources is still focused on several long-cycle practices; b) short cycles, which are the most desired for the retention of resource value in the production chain, are already present, but demand more attention from the enterprises surveyed; c) innovation practices can become barriers to or drivers for the feasibility of circular economy in the beer context; d) technical cycles are consolidated in most of the researched cases, while biological cycles still demand greater engagement from all stakeholders; e) the nature and content of circular practices imply different adoption stages in the cases investigated; f) companies invest in strengthening the relationship with consumers and suppliers in order to obtain support for current circular strategies in their ventures.

Laboratory surveillance of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes is crucial for the successful implementation of vaccines to prevent invasive pneumococcal diseases. The reference method of serotyping is the Quellung reaction, which is labor-intensive and expensive. In the last few years, the introduction of MALDI-TOF MS into the microbiology laboratory has been revolutionary. In brief, this new technology compares protein profiles by generating spectra based on the m/z ratio. We evaluated the performance of MALDI-TOF MS for typing serotypes of S. pneumoniae isolates included in the PCV13 vaccine using a machine learning approach. We challenged our classification algorithms in “real time” with a total of new 100 isolates of S. pneumoniae from Argentinian nationwide surveillance. Our best approach could correctly identify the isolates with a sensitivity of 58.33% ([95%IC 40.7–71.7]); specificity of 81.48% ([95%IC 53.6–79.7]); accuracy of 63.0% ([95%IC 61.9–93.7]); PPV of 80.77% ([95%IC 64.5–90.6]) and NPV of 59.46% ([95%IC 48.9–69.2]). In this work, it was possible to demonstrate that the combination of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and multivariate analysis allows the development of new strategies for the identification and characterization of Spn isolates of clinical importance.

Laboratory surveillance ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeserotypes is crucial for the successful implementation of vaccines to prevent invasive pneumococcal diseases. The reference method of serotyping is the Quellung reaction, which is labor-intensive and expensive.In the last few years, the introduction of MALDI-TOF MS into the microbiology laboratory has been revolutionary. In brief, this new technology compares protein profiles by generating spectra based on the mass to charge ratio (m/z).We evaluated the performance of MALDI-TOF MS for typing serotypes ofS. pneumoniaeisolates included in the PCV13 vaccine using a machine learning approach. We challenged our classification algorithms in “real time” with a total of new 100 isolates ofS. pneumoniaefrom Argentinian nationwide surveillance.Our best approach could correctly identify the isolates with a sensitivity of 58.33 % ([95%IC 40.7-71.7]); specificity of 81.48 % ([95%IC 53.6-79.7]); accuracy of 63.0% ([95%IC 61.9-93.7]); PPV of 80.77% ([95%IC 64.5-90.6]) and NPV of 59.46% ([95%IC 48.9-69.2]).In this work, it was possible to demonstrate that the combination of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and multivariate analysis allows the development of new strategies for the identification and characterization of Spn isolates of clinical importance; and we consider that by using AI, as more data becomes available the models will get better and more precise.

The objective of this study is to describe the compensatory reserve index (CRI) baseline values in a healthy cohort of healthy pediatric patients and evaluate the existing correlation with other physiological parameters that influence compensatory hemodynamic mechanisms. CRI is a computational algorithm that has been broadly applied to non-invasively estimate hemodynamic vascular adaptations during acute blood loss. So far, there is a lack of baseline values from healthy individuals, which complicates accurately estimating the severity of the hemodynamic compromise. Additionally, the application of this technology in pediatric populations is limited to a few reports, highlighting a marked variability by age, weight, and other physiological parameters. The CRI of 205 healthy subjects from 0 to 60 years of age were prospectively evaluated from January to February 2020 at several public outpatient clinics in El Salvador; vital signs and sociodemographic data were also collected during this period. After data collection, baseline values were classified for each age group. Multiple correlation models were tested between the CRI and the other physiological parameters. CRI value varies significantly for each age group, finding for patients under 18 years old a mean value lower than 0.6, which is currently considered the lower normal limit for adults. CRI presents strong correlations with other physiological variables such as age, weight, estimated blood volume, and heart rate (R > 0.8, R2 > 0.6, p

A definição de um modelo (framework) para universidade empreendedora (UE), em conjunto com a definição de elementos e características que levam à sua existência, têm sido amplamente discutidos na literatura. Este estudo visa identificar frameworks conceituais para UE prevalentes. A amostra inicial constitui-se de 181 pesquisas extraídas do banco de dados Web of Science e Scopus, a partir da seleção dos materiais realizamos uma análise de referências para identificação de estudos adicionais. Posteriormente foi realizada uma análise de conteúdo em 50 artigos, que tornou possível a identificação de doze frameworks distintos para UE desde 1998 à 2021. Entre as principais contribuições destaca-se: Reestruturação interna, inovação, internacionalização, hibridização, P&D, sustentabilidade, interação de forma globalizada com empresas, associações e instituições, metodologias ativas, pesquisa de alta intensidade, entre outros aspectos. Elementos esses que de forma conjunta elevam o patamar das instituições. Por fim, o ineditismo concentra-se na elaboração de um framework final, que sintetiza os modelos que a literatura apresenta, sendo que as abordagens teóricas em suma, seguem a teoria institucional e a teoria econômica e, implicitamente, são integrados por fatores ambientais formais e informais que influenciam positiva ou negativamente o processo de desenvolvimento da universidade em diferentes graus. com a RSL.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of severe invasive disease associated with high mortality and morbidity worldwide. To identify the serotypes most commonly associated with infection in adults in Argentina, 791 pneumococcal isolates from 56 hospitals belonging to 16 provinces and Buenos Aires city were serotyped. The isolates were submitted as part of a National Surveillance Program for invasive pneumococcal disease in adults, which started in 2013. Serotypes 3, 8, 12F, 7F and 1 were the most prevalent among adult patients. During the study period there was no significant difference in serotype distribution between the age groups studied (18-64 and ≥65 years old), except for serotype 1, 3 and 23A. Most prevalent serotypes in pneumonia were serotype 7F, 1, 12F, 8, and 3. When the clinical diagnosis was meningitis, serotype 3 and 12F were the most prevalent, whereas when the diagnosis was sepsis/bacteremia the most prevalent was serotype 8. In this work, for the 18-64-year-old group, PPSV23 and PCV13 serotypes accounted for 74.56% and 44.54% respectively of the cases in the studied period. On the other hand, for the ≥65-year-old group, these serotypes represented 72.30% and 41.42% respectively. The aim of this work was to establish the knowledge bases of the serotypes that cause invasive pneumococcal diseases in the adult population in Argentina and to be able to detect changes in their distribution over time in order to explore the potential serotype coverage of the vaccines in current use.

A pandemia (COVID-19) tem gerado impactos, rupturas e desafios para os setores da economia e da sociedade. Enfrentar as contingências impostas pela pandemia pode resultar em melhores resultados e reduzir os níveis de incerteza. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar as rupturas oriundas da pandemia gerada pela COVID-19 e propor encaminhamentos para superação/transição focados na ascensão/progresso organizacional em determinados elos da cadeia produtiva do agronegócio. Para tanto, desenvolveu-se um estudo de caso único, com unidades focais vinculadas ao agronegócio brasileiro, com abrangência regional, estadual e nacional. Nesse sentido, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com representantes de doze associações/entidades representativas. Os resultados da pesquisa mostraram que: contingências oriundas da pandemia Covid-19, afetam as organizações tanto direta quanto indiretamente, de forma não uniforme, gerando significativos impactos e rupturas. Em contraponto, foram constatadas ações positivas que se perpetuarão no pós-pandemia, decorrentes das lições aprendidas, tendo o trabalho remoto constituído um grande diferencial de resposta Como contribuições práticas deste estudo, oferecem-se aos gestores insights e evidências, possibilitando-lhes readequação com o intuito de manter o desempenho e possibilitar a manutenção de suas atividades econômicas mesmo que reduzida, assim como aos tomadores de decisões políticas de forma sincronizada e sem politização. O estudo gerou, ainda, contribuições teóricas para a Teoria da Contingência, provando, empiricamente, que os fatores organizacionais podem interferir no processo de tomada de decisão das empresas, assim como para a literatura sobre a Covid-19. Além disso, gerou base para futuros estudos voltados a formulações de políticas que promovam ações concretas de cunho prático, visando minimizar as externalidades negativas originadas da pandemia, além de encaminhamentos para superação.

The objective of this study is to describe the compensatory reserve index (CRI) baseline values in a healthy cohort of healthy pediatric patients and evaluate the existing correlation with other physiological parameters that influence compensatory hemodynamic mechanisms. CRI is a computational algorithm that has been broadly applied to non-invasively estimate hemodynamic vascular adaptations during acute blood loss. So far, there is a lack of baseline values from healthy individuals, which complicates accurately estimating the severity of the hemodynamic compromise. Additionally, the application of this technology in pediatric populations is limited to a few reports, highlighting a marked variability by age, weight, and other physiological parameters. The CRI of 205 healthy subjects from 0 to 60 years of age were prospectively evaluated from January to February 2020 at several public outpatient clinics in El Salvador; vital signs and sociodemographic data were also collected during this period. After data collection, baseline values were classified for each age group. Multiple correlation models were tested between the CRI and the other physiological parameters. CRI value varies significantly for each age group, finding for patients under 18 years old a mean value lower than 0.6, which is currently considered the lower normal limit for adults. CRI presents strong correlations with other physiological variables such as age, weight, estimated blood volume, and heart rate (R 0.8, R2 0.6, p 0.0001). There is significant variability in the CRI normal values observed in healthy patients based on age, weight, estimated blood volume, and heart rate.

Global HIV-1 genetic diversity forms a major obstacle to the development of an HIV vaccine. It may be necessary to employ subtype-specific HIV-1 vaccines in individual countries according to their HIV-1 subtype distribution. We estimated the global and regional need for subtype-specific HIV-1 vaccines. We took into account the proportions of different HIV-1 variants circulating in each country, the genetic composition of HIV-1 recombinants, and the different genome segments (gag, pol, env) that may be incorporated into vaccines. We modeled different scenarios according to whether countries would employ subtype-specific HIV-1 vaccines against (1) the most common subtype; (2) subtypes contributing more than 5% of HIV infections; or (3) all circulating subtypes. For therapeutic vaccines targeting the most common HIV-1 subtype in each country, 16.5 million doses of subtype C vaccine were estimated globally, followed by subtypes A (14.3 million) and B (4.2 million). A vaccine based on env required 2.6 million subtype E doses, and a vaccine based on pol required 4.8 million subtype G doses. For prophylactic vaccines targeting the most common HIV-1 subtype in each country, 1.9 billion doses of subtype A vaccine were estimated globally, followed by subtype C (1.1 billion) and subtype B (1.0 billion). A vaccine based on env required 1.2 billion subtype E doses, and a vaccine based on pol required 0.3 billion subtype G doses. If subtype-specific HIV-1 vaccines are also directed against less common subtypes in each country, vaccines targeting subtypes D, F, H, and K are also needed and would require up to five times more vaccine doses in total. We conclude that to provide global coverage, subtype-specific HIV-1 vaccines need to be directed against subtypes A, B, and C. Vaccines targeting env also need to include subtype E and those targeting pol need to include subtype G.

Purpose. The aim of this work was to evaluate and optimize the identification of Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis and Bordetella bronchiseptica (usually known as the classical Bordetella species) using Bruker Biotyper matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Methodology. A set of 106 previously characterized clinical isolates was used. The results were interpreted according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and, in addition, a new score value cutoff was used for species identification. Further, the 10 % rule (previously adopted by other authors) and the new 5 % breaking point (proposed in this work) were evaluated in order to optimize identification rates. Results/Key findings. Our results suggest that it is possible to distinguish different species of the classical Bordetella species by following a simple algorithm without additional testing being required. Conclusion. MALDI-TOF might be a reliable tool for the identification of this group of bacteria when a combination of cutoff scores is used. This procedure allows us to increase the identification rates for the classical Bordetella species significantly; however, more studies will be required to determine the applicability of the method to other difficult-to-distinguish organisms.

In Argentina, the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci infections are still not sufficiently known. A total of 846 respiratory and 10 ocular samples from patients with suspected human psittacosis were tested for C. psittaci from January 2010 to March 2015. Four samples of birds related to these patients were also studied. Forty-eight samples were positive for C. psittaci by a nested PCR. The molecular characterization of twelve C. psittaci PCR-positive samples received in the National Reference Laboratory INEI-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Buenos Aires, Argentina was performed. Eight positive samples from humans and four from birds were genotyped by ompA gene sequencing. C. psittaci genotype A was found in all human samples and in the related birds. This report contributes to our increasing knowledge of the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of C. psittaci to conduct effective surveillance of its zoonotic infections. En la Argentina, aún no se conocen suficientemente las características epidemiológicas y moleculares de las infecciones por Chlamydia psittaci. Entre enero del 2010 y marzo del 2015 se estudiaron 846 muestras respiratorias y 10 oculares de pacientes con sospecha de psitacosis para la búsqueda de C. psittaci. También se estudiaron 4 muestras de aves relacionadas con estos pacientes. De ese total, 48 muestras fueron positivas para C. psittaci mediante una reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) anidada. Posteriormente, se realizó en el INEI-ANLIS «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán» la caracterización molecular de 12 muestras positivas para C. psittaci, 8 de humanos y 4 de aves, que fueron genotipificadas por secuenciación del gen ompA. C. psittaci genotipo A se encontró en todas esas muestras. Este informe contribuye a mejorar nuestro conocimiento de las características epidemiológicas y moleculares de C. psittaci para lograr una vigilancia efectiva de la zoonosis que produce. Fil: Cadario, María E.. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas; Argentina Fil: Frutos, Maria Celia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología "Dr. J. M. Vanella"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina Fil: Arias, Maite B.. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas; Argentina Fil: Origlia, Javier Anibal. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; Argentina Fil: Zelaya, Vanina. Dirección Nacional de Instituto de Investigación. Administración Nacional de Laboratorio e Instituto de Salud “Dr. C. G. Malbrán”; Argentina Fil: Madariaga, Maria de Los Angeles. Departamento de Diagnóstico y Producción de Biológicos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentina Fil: Lara, Claudia S.. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas; Argentina Fil: Ré, Viviana Elizabeth. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología "Dr. J. M. Vanella"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina Fil: Cuffini, Cecilia Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología "Dr. J. M. Vanella"; Argentina

Sugar beet is a potential source of pectin, competitive with traditional sources, that has recently acquired great relevance for its interesting covalent gelling and applications in food and biomedical industries. Pectins from three Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) commercial cultivars (Cadet, Coronado large, and SV MEI) were grown under irrigated desertic conditions and the influence of cultivar, on pectin yield, composition, physicochemical and gelling characteristics was investigated. The composition and chemical properties of pectin from the three cultivars were in general, statistically different, especially in the Syngenta Cadet cultivar, presenting higher protein (10.3%), neutral sugars (21.6%), galacturonic acid (55%) and ferulic acid (5.5 mg/g) content, which are important parameters for gel formation. All pectins gelled via oxidative coupling and the main ferulic acid dimers found were 8-5&prime, and 8-O-4&prime, Pectin from Cadet cultivar formed gels with higher hardness (6.65 N) and adhesiveness (12.2 N) values than the other two varieties. The results indicate that pectin composition is affected by the sugar beet cultivars reported herein, especially in ferulic acid content, which confer the covalent gelling capability. Sugar beet cultivars grown under desert conditions could be a source of gelling ferulated pectins for the food industry, as valuable as those obtained in temperate conditions.

espanolCoqueluche, pertussis o tos convulsa es una enfermedad aguda de las vias respiratorias altamente contagiosa producida principalmente por Bordetella pertussis. Es una de las causas principales de morbi-mortalidad en la ninez. Esta enfermedad no siempre es clinicamente evidenciable en los adultos. El objetivo del trabajo fue describir la ocurrencia de casos de coqueluche en un grupo familiar en la ciudad de Mar del Plata. Se realizo un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de contactos intrafamiliares sintomaticos a partir de la deteccion de un caso confirmado de coqueluche en un lactante. A partir de la confirmacion del caso indice, se analizaron las caracteristicas clinico– epidemiologicas y los resultados de laboratorio de los contactos que fueron clasificados como casos confirmados por nexo epidemiologico. Los estudios de laboratorio consistieron en cultivo, PCR y serologia por tecnica de ELISA. Del estudio surgio que la fuente probable de contagio para el lactante formaba parte del nucleo familiar. De esta manera se resalta la importancia de sospechar y diagnosticar esta enfermedad en pacientes adolescentes y adultos. Se comprueba el rol del nucleo familiar en la transmision de la enfermedad, lo cual conduce a priorizar las estrategias de proteccion para los mas vulnerables a la enfermedad, como la vacunacion durante el embarazo, implementada en Argentina a partir del ano 2012. EnglishPertussis or whooping cough is a highly contagious acute disease of respiratory tract mainly produced by Bordetella pertussis. It is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in childhood. This disease is not always clinically evident in adults. The aim of this study was to describe the occurrence of cases of pertussis in the city of Mar del Plata. It consisted in an epidemiological-retrospective study of household contact of an confirmed case of pertussis in an infant. It was analysed the clinical-epidemiological characteristics and laboratory findings of the household contacts that were classified as cases confirmed by epidemiological link. Laboratory studies were performed by culture and PCR in respiratory samples. For the household contacts, also it was used serology by ELISA technique for detection of total antibodies anti-Bordetella spp. Of the study it could be inferred that the likely source of infection to the infant was part of the family. In this way highlights the importance of suspect and diagnose this disease in adults and adolescent patients. The role of the family in the transmission of the disease, leads to prioritize protection strategies for the most vulnerable to the disease, such as vaccination during pregnancy, implemented in Argentina from the year 2012.

Pectins are plant cell wall natural heteropolysaccharides composed mainly of α-1-4 d-galacturonic acid units, which may or may not be methyl esterified, possesses neutral sugars branching that harbor functional moieties. Physicochemical features as pH, temperature, ions concentration, and cosolute presence, affect directly the extraction yield and gelling capacity of pectins. The chemical and structural features of this polysaccharide enables its interaction with a wide range of molecules, a property that scientists profit from to form new composite matrices for target/controlled delivery of therapeutic molecules, genes or cells. Considered a prebiotic dietary fiber, pectins meetmany regulations easily, regarding health applications within the pharmaceutical industry as a raw material and as an agent for the prevention of cancer. Thus, this review lists many emergent pectin-based composite materials which will probably palliate the impact of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, aid to forestall actual epidemics, expand the ken of food additives and food products design.

The aim of the present study was to identify and characterize hemispheric lateralization for pain intensity perception. A sample of 351 healthy volunteers was tested by the immersion of the right hand for 10 s followed by the same test for the left hand (RL group; n = 199) or in a random sequence (RND group; n = 152) into a water bath (48 degrees C, 15 s). Pain intensity was self-reported by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The motor hemispherical Lateralization Index (LI) was obtained by the Edinburgh Inventory. Gender, hand skin fold, interstimulus time and menstrual cycle data in case of female subjects were recorded. The sample, 60.7% females and 39.3% males, 20.4 +/- 0.18 (mean +/- SEM) years old, showed 92.1% right-handed subjects. Left hand VAS was significantly higher than right hand VAS for RL (7.24 +/- 1.31 vs 6.74 +/- 1.52; p0.01) and RND (7.24 +/- 0.82 vs 6.73 +/- 1.25; p0.01) both for right- and left-handed subjects. A low but significant correlation for VAS scores and LI was found (r = 0.14; p0.05 or r = 0.18; p0.05, for left or right hand, respectively). Skin fold was statistically similar in both hands (p0.05) being highly correlated with each other (r = 0.68; p0.05). Pain subjective perception was not correlated to interstimulus time (r = -0.01; p0.05). Females showed significantly higher values than males for both left and right hand VAS scores. Periovulatory phase VAS value was significantly higher than luteal phase VAS only for the right hand test (7.57 +/- 0.20 vs 6.47 +/- 0.33; p0.01). The results of the present study suggest a lateralization of pain intensity perception to the right hemisphere not correlated with the motor hemispheric lateralization.

Introduction. Pertussis is a challenge for public health. Objectives: To describe pertussis-related morbidity and mortality and immunization coverage for the 2002-2011 period, profile of cases for 2011, and control strategies implemented by the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Argentina. Methods. Descriptive, epidemiological surveillance study. Morbidity data were obtained from the National Health Surveillance System, while mortality data were obtained from the MoH’s Health Statistics and Information Department and official jurisdictional reports. Administrative immunization coverage was used based on the data provided by the MoH’s jurisdictions. The Epi Info software, version 7.1.2, was used for analysis. Results. The number of reported cases of pertussis increased between 2002 and 2011, reaching its peak in 2011: an incidence of 16 x 100 000 inhabitants, and 76 deaths. Most deaths occurred in infants younger than 1 year old. Immunization coverage achieved at a national level with the third dose and the dose

Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable disease that affects people of all ages. Young adults who have lost their immunity to pertussis are the major source of infection in infants. Given the steady increase of pertussis cases, new prevention strategies are required. Objective. To assess pertussis seroprevalence in adult blood donors, post-partum women, and umbilical cords. Metod. Measurement of total titers of anti-Bordetella spp. (Bordetella) antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum samples from 103 donors, 101 post-partum women and 100 umbilical cords were analyzed. Titers

Introduction. Pertussis is a challenge for public health. Objectives: To describe pertussis-related morbidity and mortality and immunization coverage for the 2002-2011 period, profile of cases for 2011, and control strategies implemented by the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Argentina. Methods. Descriptive, epidemiological surveillance study. Morbidity data were obtained from the National Health Surveillance System, while mortality data were obtained from the MoH's Health Statistics and Information Department and official jurisdictional reports. Administrative immunization coverage was used based on the data provided by the MoH's jurisdictions. The Epi Info software, version 7.1.2, was used for analysis. Results. The number of reported cases of pertussis increased between 2002 and 2011, reaching its peak in 2011: an incidence of 16 × 100 000 inhabitants, and 76 deaths. Most deaths occurred in infants younger than 1 year old. Immunization coverage achieved at a national level with the third dose and the dose administered at the time of starting primary education was >90%, while the coverage achieved with the first booster dose was 80%-90%. In 2011, 2821 confirmed cases were reported (incidence of 7 × 100 000 inhabitants): 84% in infants, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas

BackgroundThe role of the recently discovered GB virus C (GBV-C)/hepatitis G virus in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) has been debated. Although GBV-C RNA has been detected in many cases of FHF, recent data suggest that the relation between GBV-C and FHF may be accidental.AimsTo retrospectively investigate the possible relation between the presence of GBV-C markers (RNA or antibodies to the GBV-C envelope 2 (E2) glycoprotein) and FHF.MethodsThe presence of GBV-C RNA was determined in serum samples from 58 patients diagnosed with FHF using a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Amplified genetic fragments were directly sequenced by the dideoxy chain termination method. Antibodies to GBV-C in serum samples were detected by enzyme immunoassay based on a recombinant GBV-C E2 protein.ResultsNine (16%) patients with FHF had GBV-C RNA and 14 (24%) had GBV-C E2 antibodies, which are higher frequencies than in healthy subjects (pConclusionsThe frequencies of both GBV-C RNA and antibodies are higher in patients with FHF than in healthy subjects. However, these increased frequencies may in many cases be explained by the use of contaminated blood and/or blood products given as therapy.

The use of phylogenetic analyses of partial NS5 and core regions for hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotyping was evaluated by analysing seven Honduran and 24 European HCV strains. Core primers were designed with which HCV genotypes 1, 2, and 3 were readily amplified. The reliability of phylogenetic analysis of a 111-bp core sequence was verified by comparing the typing results with those obtained using the whole core gene of 52 reference strains. Accordant genotypes (1a, 1b, 2b, and 3a) were obtained when phylogenetic analyses were undertaken on both the partial core and a 222-bp NS5 sequence in all of the European HCV strains. Genotypes 1a, 1b, and 3a were identified among the Honduran strains by phylogenetic analysis of the partial NS5 sequence. Interestingly, two of three Honduran type 3a strains, as determined by the NS5 sequence analysis, turned out to be type 1a by core sequence analysis. These two strains were also classified as type 1a, but not 3a, by a core type-specific PCR. Furthermore, the E2/NS1 regions were similar to HCV-PT, a representative strain of genotype 1a. The results indicate that chimeral HCV strains exist, although in most cases a good concordance is found when phylogenetic analysis of partial core and NS5 sequences are used for genotyping. This finding should be taken into account when HCV is genotyped by phylogenetic analysis of a partial HCV sequence from a single genomic region.

A randomized double-blind trial to evaluate the safety of a novel recombinant virus, ICP10deltaPK, for reduction or prevention of recurrent herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection was carried out in public hospitals in Mexico City. Persons having a minimum of 5 documented herpetic recurrences in the previous year were randomized for vaccination. Patients were examined within 72 hours of lesion occurrence. If accepted into the study, the patient was inoculated subcutaneously in the upper deltoid muscle area at days 7, 17, and 28 after initiation of lesion occurrence. Recurrences were recorded by patient diary and physician examination. During the observation period (extending from 10 to 180 days after the last booster dose), recurrences in the vaccine (V) group were prevented completely in 37.5% of the patients, whereas in the placebo (P) group, 100% of the patients had at least one recurrence (P = .068). Vaccinated patients had fewer recurrences (V, 1.58; P, 3.13 [P = .028]). The mean number of illness days was 10 for the vaccine group and 18 for the placebo group (P = .028). Further studies to evaluate this vaccine and its dosimetry for the treatment of genital herpes infections appear warranted.

The objective of this study was to assess the potential of phentolamine as a treatment of postmenopausal women with female arousal disorder (FSAD). Vaginal photoplethismography and a subjective questionnaire were used. Forty one women were enrolled and four treatments were tested: vaginal solutions 5 mg and 40 mg and an oral tablet each of 40 mg of phentolamine and placebo. Physiological readings were significantly different from placebo in the women using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with 40 mg of phentolamine in vaginal solution ( p = 0.0186). Subjective reports also were significantly different from placebo with the vaginal solution 40 mg and the oral tablet of 40 mg of phentolamine among hormone replacement users. No significant differences were found among women not receiving HRT. Results indicate that phentolamine may show promise as treatment for FSAD in estrongenized postmenopausal women.

We analyzed 224 and 163 serum samples from individuals in Sweden and Honduras, respectively, for the presence of the hepatitis G virus (HGV or GB virus-C) RNA. HGV infection in both Sweden and Honduras was related to common risk factors for blood-borne infections, despite a surprisingly high frequency in groups without known risk factors.

Mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis G virus (HGV [or GBV-C]) was studied in sera from 42 mothers at high risk for bloodborne infections and from their 45 infants (3 twin pairs). Seven (17%) of the mothers had HGV RNA in serum by a polymerase chain reaction assay. One of the 8 (12.5%) infants born to HGV-infected mothers became positive for HGV at 3 months of age. He remained HGV-infected throughout the study (42 months), with no signs of liver disease. His twin sister remained HGV-negative despite the presence of serum and salivary HGV in both the mother and the brother. Analysis of HGV sequences from the infected mother and the infected child confirmed a genetic link between the virus of the mother and the infected child. Thus, mother-to-infant transmission of HGV, presumably occurring at partus, may cause persistent HGV viremia.

The distribution of subtypes A through F of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in Honduras was analyzed in 120 HIV-1 positive serum samples by V3 peptide serotyping and HIV-1 cDNA sequencing. In the Honduran HIV-1 epidemic, subtype B was detected in 98 of 99 subtyped samples.The distribution of HIV-1 subtypes A through E in Honduras was analyzed in 120 HIV-1 positive serum samples by V3 peptide serotyping and HIV-1 cDNA sequencing. Serum samples from 100 HIV-1-seropositive Hondurans were obtained through the country's central AIDS reference laboratory as well as an additional 20 samples from HIV-1-seropositive cases from the Associacion Lucha Contra El SIDA of Tegucigalpa. These cases comprise 14% of all Honduran HIV-1 infection cases diagnosed in 1994. The samples from the country's central AIDS reference laboratory came from 46 males and 54 females aged 3.5-56 years of median age 30 years from all eight of the country's health districts. 49 patients were asymptomatic, 21 had AIDS-related complex, 25 had AIDS, and 5 were of unknown immunostatus. In the initial screening, it was possible to serotype 96 of the 120 samples, 95 of which were subtype B. An eventual 98 subtype B samples were detected among the 99 subtyped samples. One sample was identified as subtype A.