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The dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission are influenced by a variety of factors, including social restrictions and the emergence of distinct variants. In this study, we delve into the origins and dissemination of the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron-BA.1 variants of concern in Galicia, northwest Spain. For this, we leveraged genomic data collected by the EPICOVIGAL Consortium and from the GISAID database, along with mobility information from other Spanish regions and foreign countries. Our analysis indicates that initial introductions during the Alpha phase were predominantly from other Spanish regions and France. However, as the pandemic progressed, introductions from Portugal and the United States became increasingly significant. The number of detected introductions varied from 96 and 101 for Alpha and Delta to 39 for Omicron-BA.1. Most of these introductions left a low number of descendants (

Abstract A recent approach to promote central nervous system (CNS) regeneration after injury or disease is direct conversion of somatic cells to neurons. This is achieved by transduction of viral vectors that express neurogenic transcription factors. In this work we propose adult human mucosal olfactory ensheathing glia (hmOEG) as a candidate for direct reprogramming to neurons due to its accessibility and to its well-characterized neuroregenerative capacity. After induction of hmOEG with the single neurogenic transcription factor NEUROD1, the cells under study exhibited morphological and immunolabeling neuronal features, fired action potentials and expressed glutamatergic and GABAergic markers. In addition, after engraftment of transduced hmOEG cells in the mouse hippocampus, these cells showed specific neuronal labeling. Thereby, if we add to the neuroregenerative capacity of hmOEG cultures the conversion to neurons of a fraction of their population through reprogramming techniques, the engraftment of hmOEG and hmOEG-induced neurons could be a procedure to enhance neural repair after central nervous system injury.

Thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP), utilizing Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) devices, has emerged as an effective strategy for heart recovery in donors declared dead by circulatory criteria (DCDD). After death declaration, TA-NRP restores heart activity by reperfusing the arrested heart with oxygenated blood at normothermia. Mechanical ventilation resumption in the donor enables weaning from ECMO and restores systemic circulation and oxygenation using the donor’s heart and lungs. However, if pre-existing conditions prevent the donor’s lungs from oxygenating blood post-cardiac activity restoration, weaning from veno-arterial ECMO may lead to systemic hypoxia, jeopardizing the restored cardiac function. Anticipating this scenario may guide planning a split ECMO circuit to facilitate earlier and more effective recovery of donor heart function post-ECMO weaning. This manuscript describes three cases of DCDD donors with hypoxic respiratory failure undergoing TA-NRP for heart recovery. By establishing a bridge in the arterial portion of the circuit, clamped out after weaning from veno-arterial ECMO, donor heart function was assessed exclusively with veno-venous ECMO support, leading to successful heart transplantation.

Currently, a global health crisis is being caused by microbial resistance, in which Acinetobacter baumannii plays a crucial role, being considered the highest-priority microorganism by the World Health Organization (WHO) for discovering new antibiotics. As a result, phytochemicals have emerged as a potential alternative to combat resistant strains, since they can exert antimicrobial activity through various mechanisms and, at the same time, represent a more natural and safe option. This study analyzes the antimicrobial effects of guava leaf extract in ten clinical isolates of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) A. baumannii, using the agar diffusion technique and the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Additionally, possible improvements in antimicrobial activity after the purification of polyphenolic compounds and potential synergy with the antibiotic gentamicin are examined in this research. Moreover, the effect of the plant extract in cell line A549 derived from lung tissue was also evaluated. The extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the strains studied, and the purification of polyphenols along with the combination with gentamicin improved the extract activity. The presence of the plant extract induced morphological changes in the lung cells after 24 h of exposure. Therefore, Psidium guajava L. leaf extract is a potential antimicrobial agent.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, which are related to substantial morbidity and mortality. The incidence of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance (PMQR) determinants has been previously reported in this bacterium. However, there is limited information regarding the presence of PMQR and carbapenemase-encoding genes simultaneously. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of these determinants on P. aeruginosa strain isolated from clinical patients in the State of Aguascalientes, Mexico. Fifty-two P. aeruginosa isolates from nosocomial patients were collected from Centenario Hospital Miguel Hidalgo. This is a retrospective observational study conducted at a single center. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested using the Vitek-2 system. Only carbapenem-resistant isolates were included in this study. Carbapenemase-encoding genes and PMQR determinants were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Resistance rates of 100% were found on tigecycline and ceftriaxone. Of the 52 isolates, 34.6% were positive for the qnr genes, 46.2% for the oqxA gene, and 25% for the aac-(6′)-lb gene. The most frequent carbapenemase genes found in the samples were blaOXA-51 (42.3%), blaOXA-1 (15.4%), and blaVIM (15.4%). blaOXA-51 co-carrying oqxA was detected in 21.1% of the isolates, blaOXA-51 co-carrying aac-(6’)-lb in 11.5%, blaVIM co-carrying aac-(6′)-lb in 3.8%, and blaKPC co-carrying oqxA in 5.8%. Systematic surveillance to detect carbapenemase-encoding genes and PMQR determinants, and rational prescription using the last-line drugs could help in preventing the dissemination of multidrug-resistant determinants.

In the last decades, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become the cornerstone of cellular therapy due to their unique characteristics. Specifically human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) are highlighted for their unique features, including ease to isolate, non-invasive techniques for large scale cell production, significant immunomodulatory capacity, and a high ability to migrate to injuries. Researchers are exploring innovative techniques to overcome the low regenerative capacity of Central Nervous System (CNS) neurons, with one promising avenue being the development of tailored mesenchymal stem cell therapies capable of promoting neural repair and recovery. In this context, we have evaluated hPMSCs as candidates for CNS lesion regeneration using a skillful co-culture model system. Indeed, we have demonstrated the hPMSCs ability to stimulate damaged rat-retina neurons regeneration by promoting axon growth and restoring neuronal activity both under normoxia and hypoxia conditions. With our model we have obtained neuronal regeneration values of 10%–14% and axonal length per neuron rates of 19-26, μm/neuron. To assess whether the regenerative capabilities of hPMSCs are contact-dependent effects or it is mediated through paracrine mechanisms, we carried out transwell co-culture and conditioned medium experiments confirming the role of secreted factors in axonal regeneration. It was found that hPMSCs produce brain derived, neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve-growth factor (NGF) and Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), involved in the process of neuronal regeneration and restoration of the physiological activity of neurons. In effect, we confirmed the success of our treatment using the patch clamp technique to study ionic currents in individual isolated living cells demonstrating that in our model the regenerated neurons are electrophysiologically active, firing action potentials. The outcomes of our neuronal regeneration studies, combined with the axon-regenerating capabilities exhibited by mesenchymal stem cells derived from the placenta, present a hopeful outlook for the potential therapeutic application of hPMSCs in the treatment of neurological disorders.

Existe una amplia variedad de medicamentos tópicos para el tratamiento de las afecciones de la piel perianal. No hay un consenso sobre cuál es la mejor opción. La dermatitis perianal inespecífica se presenta como ardor, prurito y dolor. La dermatosis no solo puede ser una enfermedad aislada, sino que también puede ser el síntoma de otra. El presente trabajo tiene el objetivo de dar una narrativa sobre los tratamientos tópicos que se utilizan con mayor frecuencia en la consulta de coloproctología para tratar afecciones cutáneas perianales.

Las especies de Ureaplasma son los microorganismos más frecuentemente relacionados con casos de parto prematuro espontáneo, rotura prematura de membranas o corioamnionitis.

Currently, a global health crisis is being caused by microbial resistance, in which Acinetobacter baumannii plays a crucial role, being considered the highest-priority microorganism by the World Health Organization (WHO) for discovering new antibiotics. As a result, phytochemicals have emerged as a potential alternative to combat resistant strains, since they can exert antimicrobial activity through various mechanisms and, at the same time, represent a more natural and safe option. This study analyzes the antimicrobial effects of guava leaf extract in ten clinical isolates of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) A. baumannii, using the agar diffusion technique and the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Additionally, possible improvements in antimicrobial activity after the purification of polyphenolic compounds and potential synergy with the antibiotic gentamicin are examined in this research. Moreover, the effect of the plant extract in cell line A549 derived from lung tissue was also evaluated. The extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the strains studied, and the purification of polyphenols along with the combination with gentamicin improved the extract activity. The presence of the plant extract induced morphological changes in the lung cells after 24 h of exposure. Therefore, Psidium guajava L. leaf extract is a potential antimicrobial agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP), utilizing Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) devices, has emerged as an effective strategy for heart recovery in donors declared dead by circulatory criteria (DCDD). After death declaration, TA-NRP restores heart activity by reperfusing the arrested heart with oxygenated blood at normothermia. Mechanical ventilation resumption in the donor enables weaning from ECMO and restores systemic circulation and oxygenation using the donor's heart and lungs. However, if pre-existing conditions prevent the donor's lungs from oxygenating blood post-cardiac activity restoration, weaning from veno-arterial ECMO may lead to systemic hypoxia, jeopardizing the restored cardiac function. Anticipating this scenario may guide planning a split ECMO circuit to facilitate earlier and more effective recovery of donor heart function post-ECMO weaning. This manuscript describes three cases of DCDD donors with hypoxic respiratory failure undergoing TA-NRP for heart recovery. By establishing a bridge in the arterial portion of the circuit, clamped out after weaning from veno-arterial ECMO, donor heart function was assessed exclusively with veno-venous ECMO support, leading to successful heart transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach to generate new neurons after central nervous system injury or disease is direct reprogramming of the individual's own somatic cells into differentiated neurons. This can be achieved either by transduction of viral vectors that express neurogenic transcription factors and/or through induction with small molecules, avoiding introducing foreign genetic material in target cells. In this work, we propose olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) as a candidate for direct reprogramming to neurons with small molecules due to its well-characterized neuro-regenerative capacity. After screening different combinations of small molecules in different culture conditions, only partial reprogramming was achieved: induced cells expressed neuronal markers but lacked the ability of firing action potentials. Our work demonstrates that direct conversion of adult olfactory ensheathing glia to mature, functional neurons cannot be induced only with pharmacological tools.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, which are related to substantial morbidity and mortality. The incidence of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance (PMQR) determinants has been previously reported in this bacterium. However, there is limited information regarding the presence of PMQR and carbapenemase-encoding genes simultaneously. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of these determinants on P. aeruginosa strain isolated from clinical patients in the State of Aguascalientes, Mexico. Fifty-two P. aeruginosa isolates from nosocomial patients were collected from Centenario Hospital Miguel Hidalgo. This is a retrospective observational study conducted at a single center. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested using the Vitek-2 system. Only carbapenem-resistant isolates were included in this study. Carbapenemase-encoding genes and PMQR determinants were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Resistance rates of 100% were found on tigecycline and ceftriaxone. Of the 52 isolates, 34.6% were positive for the qnr genes, 46.2% for the oqxA gene, and 25% for the aac-(6′)-lb gene. The most frequent carbapenemase genes found in the samples were blaOXA-51 (42.3%), blaOXA-1 (15.4%), and blaVIM (15.4%). blaOXA-51 co-carrying oqxA was detected in 21.1% of the isolates, blaOXA-51 co-carrying aac-(6')-lb in 11.5%, blaVIM co-carrying aac-(6′)-lb in 3.8%, and blaKPC co-carrying oqxA in 5.8%. Systematic surveillance to detect carbapenemase-encoding genes and PMQR determinants, and rational prescription using the last-line drugs could help in preventing the dissemination of multidrug-resistant determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil bird eggs from the Pleistocene of the Americas are rare. Previous records include Uruguay, Bermuda, California (USA) and Mexico, including reports of complete fossil eggs from extinct puffin (Fratercula dowi) from California, Tinamou (Tinamidae indet.) from Uruguay, Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) from Bermuda and Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) from México. The fossil record of flamingos in Mexico is restricted to palaeolakes in Central Mexico, which is very interesting because the current distribution of flamingos in North America is restricted to some areas of the Southeastern United States and Yucatan Peninsula, which are far from palaeontological sites. We report a fossil flamingo egg found during the construction of a new International Airport 'Felipe Angeles', Santa Lucía, State of México. This egg is the first Pleistocene fossil egg record for the family Phoenicopteridae, the first fossil egg record of this family in the Americas and the second record of a phoenicopterid fossil egg in the world. We re-identified the fossil eggs described by Martin del Campo in the 1940s, suggesting that they are also flamingo eggs. Using biogeographical and climate niche data for family Phoenicopteridae in North America, we infer the presence of a salinity and shallow palaeolake during the Late Pleistocene, with climatic condition being warmest and wetter than at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ureaplasma species are the most frequently isolated microorganisms in cases of spontaneous preterm labor, premature rupture of the membranes, or chorioamnionitis.

RESUMEN: La extracción artesanal de sal en las lagunas costeras de la zona central de Chile comenzó hace más de cuatrocientos años. Hoy en día, las Salinas de Cáhuil y Boyeruca son las únicas que sostienen una producción de carácter artesanal asociado a un emplazamiento costero en el país, donde casi la totalidad de la producción proviene de la explotación industrial de minas. Su singularidad se basa principalmente en su condición geográfica: son estuarios que funcionan al nivel del mar, que acumulan agua dulce entre los meses de abril y septiembre y que se conectan con el mar cuando sube la marea diaria, llenándose de agua salada como resultado de esefenómeno. El Paisaje de las Salinas de Boyeruca, se presenta así, como un caso paradigmático que evidencia la estrecha conexión que se establece en los Paisajes Productivos de carácter patrimonial, entre la actividad de extracción o producción y el sistema ecológico del territorio en el que se desarrollan. Mediante la comprensión de estas dinámicas productivas y ecológicas, es posible identificar una serie de relaciones que permiten llegar a evidenciar que la actividad productiva actúa como sustento del sistema ecológico del lugar, mientras modela el paisaje delmismo. El entendimiento de este territorio dinámico, complejo y cambiante aparece como una oportunidad a replicar en otros potenciales casos, contribuyendo a aportar enfoques y herramientas en la identificación, el reconocimiento y la posterior valorización de estos lugares, como ámbitos claves para la protección de estos Paisajes ProductivosCulturales. ABSTRACT: The artisanal extraction of salt in the coastal lagoons of the central zone of Chile began more than four hundred years ago. Today the Salinas of Cáhuil and Boyeruca are the only ones with this artisanal character and of coastal location that remain in the country, where almost the whole of the production comes from the industrial exploitation of mines. Its singularity is due to its geographical condition: they are estuaries that work at sea level, which are filled with fresh water between the months of April and September and that connect with the sea when the tide rises daily, filling of salt water as aresult. The landscape of the Salinas de Boyeruca, is presented as a paradigmatic case that demonstrates the close connection that occurs in the Productive Landscapes of a patrimonial nature between the activity of extraction or production and the ecological system of the territory in which they develop. By understanding these productive and ecological dynamics, it is possible to establish a series of relationships that allow us to prove that the productive activity acts as a support of the environmental system of the place, while modeling itslandscape. The understanding of this dynamic, complex and changing territory appears as an opportunity to replicate in other potential cases, contributing to provide approaches and tools in the identification, recognition and subsequent valorization of these places, as key areas for the protection of these cultural productivelandscapes.

El síndrome de Meigs (SM) es la asociación de ascitis, derrame pleural y neoplasias ovárica benigna, en el pseudo-Meigs se agrega CA-125 elevado. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 67 años con masa anexial derecha, marcadores tumorales negativos. Se realiza ooforectomía, reportan cistoadenofibroma seroso. Doce semanas posteriores con distensión abdominal, pérdida de peso, tomografía abdominal con carcinomatosis peritoneal, antígeno CA-125 de 1,063.4 U/l. Segunda visión laparoscopia, sin neoplasia, corroborada por histopatología. Realizar un diagnóstico de SM es sencillo, no así cuando se presenta un caso atípico de pseudo-Meigs. Los artículos mencionan mejoría significativa posterior al manejo quirúrgico.

Este artículo presenta los resultados de un estudio cualitativo sobre la campaña “Todos ABC Monseñor Leonidas Proaño (fase 1)”, cuyo objetivo fue determinar los discursos sobre el proceso de alfabetización de adultos. La propuesta metodológica parte de la investigación narrativa como ruta de construcción de conocimiento. Para ello se analizaron tres historias de vida de estudiantes -entre septiembre 2017 y octubre 2019- de diversas regiones del Ecuador. Los resultados refieren a la disonancia de discursos circunscritos a lo largo de la vida de las y los participantes que tienden a mantener o promover un orden con relación a la alfabetización. Por lo tanto, se concluye que la educación de adultos requiere de estrategias pedagógicas enfocadas en métodos biográficos para promover aprendizajes significativos y sostenidos en el tiempo. Al final, el artículo propone ciertas recomendaciones en el campo de la educación de adultos.

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the etiologic agent of porcine contagious pleuropneumonia, an important respiratory disease for the pig industry. A. pleuropneumoniae has traditionally been considered an obligate pig pathogen. However, its presence in the environment is starting to be known. Here, we report the A. pleuropneumoniae surviving in biofilms in samples of drinking water of swine farms from Mexico. Fourteen farms were studied. Twenty drinking water samples were positive to A. pleuropneumoniae distributed on three different farms. The bacteria in the drinking water samples showed the ability to form biofilms in vitro. Likewise, A. pleuropneumoniae biofilm formation in situ was observed on farm drinkers, where the biofilm formation was in the presence of other bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Acinetobacter schindleri. Our data suggest that A. pleuropneumoniae can inhabit aquatic environments using multi-species biofilms as a strategy to survive outside of their host.