Título del artículo:

Implementation of safety management systems and health at work (case study in a telecommunications company)

Colombian legislation requires all companies to develop a health and safety at work program in order to preserve, maintain and improve the individual and collective health of workers and avoid work accidents and occupational diseases. The design of a management system focused on safety and health at work that provides safety, care and education to employees must involve audit-based evaluation activities. This leads to programs that reduce work accidents and prevent occupational diseases, and that also optimize the productivity of the company. The process must involve the development of criteria for analyzing the tasks or functions of each person. It is vital to anticipate dangerous or harmful events or incidents, to identify potentially dangerous tasks, and prioritize and apply corrective action. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate a methodology based on ohsas 18001 for the implementation of a management system at a telecommunications company. In the methodological scope, sufficient and necessary information will be gathered to detect the shortcomings of the administrative and management areas that support the proposal on the alternative design. It describes the situation observed and analyse the documents that will support the proposal to carry it out in accordance with the established norms.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Título del artículo:

Frequency of Neospora caninum in double purpose cattle on herds at the State of Guárico, Venezuela

It was carried out an investigation to determine the frequency of Neospora caninum in double purpose cattle. Blood samples (n= 890) were collected in four age groups: 0-6 mo, 6-12 mo, 12-24 mo and >24 mo. The presence of antibodies was determined by an indirect ELISA kit, and the results were classified as positive and negative. The seroprevalence was 21 % in cattle, and 76.6 % in the herds evaluated. Regarding to the age group, no statistical association was found (P>0.05); however, the risk of being seropositive increased with age, indicating the high probability of horizontal transmission of N. caninum in the herd. There was no statistical association with respect to sex (P>0.05). Regarding reproductive status, a statistical association (P<0.05) was found with respect to abortion. Although all the groups were positive, cows with a history of abortion showed higher seroconversion, indicating that the risk of abortion increased with increasing levels of antibodies against the parasite. From the total positive farms (76.6 %), higher seroconversion (100 %) were observed in those with the highest number of dogs (>7 dogs), and this result indicates that a higher number of dogs, a higher prevalence of N. Caninum, since dogs are the main source of horizontal transmission. It is concluded that there is antigenic circulation of N. caninum associated to abortions in double purpose cattle of the State of Guarico, and that could be controlled improving the sanitary conditions of the herds.

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Revista Mexicana De Ciencias Pecuarias

Título del artículo:

Effect of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet on food and alcohol cravings, physical and sexual activity, sleep disturbances, and quality of life in obese patients

Psychological well-being and hunger and food control are two relevant factors involved in the success of weight-loss therapy in treating obesity. Thus, this study aims to evaluate food and alcohol cravings, physical and sexual activity, sleep, and life quality (QoL) in obese patients following a very low-calorie ketogenic (VLCK) diet, as well as the role of weight lost and ketosis on these parameters. A battery of psychological test was performed in twenty obese patients (12 females, 47.2 ± 10.2 year and BMI of 35.5 ± 4.4) through the course of a 4-month VLCK diet on four subsequent visits: baseline, maximum ketosis, reduced ketosis, and endpoint. Each subject acted as their own control. Relevantly, the dietary-induced changes in body composition (7.7 units of BMI lost, 18 kg of fat mass (1.2 kg of visceral fat mass)) were associated with a statistically significant improvement in food craving scores, physical activity, sleepiness, and female sexual function. Overall, these results also translated in a notable enhancement in QoL of the treated obese patients. Therefore, the rapid and sustained weight and fat mass (FM) loss induced by the VLCK diet is associated with good food control and improvements in the psychological well-being parameters in obese subjects, which could contribute to the long-term success of this therapy.

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Nutrients

Título del artículo:

Induction of programmed cell death in Trypanosoma cruzi by Lippia alba essential oils and their major and synergistic terpenes (citral, limonene and caryophyllene oxide)

Background: Chagas Disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases (NTD), without an effective therapy for the successful parasite eradication or for the blocking of the disease\'s progression, in its advanced stages. Due to their low toxicity, wide pharmacologic spectrum, and potential synergies, medicinal plants as Lippia alba, offer a promising reserve of bioactive molecules. The principal goal of this work is to characterize the inhibitory properties and cellular effects of the Citral and Carvone L. alba chemotype essential oils (EOs) and their main bioactive terpenes (and the synergies among them) on T. cruzi forms. Methods: Twelve L. alba EOs, produced under diverse environmental conditions, were extracted by microwave assisted hydrodistillation, and chemically characterized using gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry. Trypanocidal activity and cytotoxicity were determined for each oil, and their major compounds, on epimastigotes (Epi), trypomastigotes (Tryp), amastigotes (Amas), and Vero cells. Pharmacologic interactions were defined by a matrix of combinations among the most trypanocidal terpenes (limonene, carvone; citral and caryophyllene oxide). The treated cell phenotype was assessed by fluorescent and optic microscopy, flow cytometry, and DNA electrophoresis assays. Results: The L. alba EOs displayed significant differences in their chemical composition and trypanocidal performance (p=0.0001). Citral chemotype oils were more trypanocidal than Carvone EOs, with Inhibitory Concentration 50 (IC50) of 14±1.5μg/mL, 22±1.4μg/mL and 74±4.4μg/mL, on Epi, Tryp and Amas, respectively. Limonene exhibited synergistic interaction with citral, caryophyllene oxide and Benznidazole (decreasing by 17 times its IC50) and was the most effective and selective treatment. The cellular analysis suggested that these oils or their bioactive terpenes (citral, caryophyllene oxide and limonene) could be inducing T. cruzi cell death by an apoptotic-like mechanism. Conclusions: EOs extracted from L. alba Citral chemotype demonstrated significant trypanocidal activity on the three forms of T. cruzi studied, and their composition and trypanocidal performance were influenced by production parameters. Citral, caryophyllene oxide, and limonene showed a possible induction of an apoptotic-like phenotype. The best selective anti-T. cruzi activity was achieved by limonene, the effects of which were also synergic with citral, caryophyllene oxide and benznidazole.

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BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Título del artículo:

Polypill: an affordable strategy for cardiovascular disease prevention in low–medium-income countries

The simplification of fixed dose medications by using a single ‘polypill’ is an attractive strategy to improve adherence to medications which has shown benefit to cardiovascular risk factor control and cardiovascular disease prevention or delay in the progression of these diseases. We review the evidence obtained from a series of clinical trials demonstrating an improvement in adherence to the polypill compared to the use of each compound separately, and found similar or better control of the classical cardiovascular risk factors and a similar safety profile. These results suggest that the use of the polypill could have a beneficial impact in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, the polypill has the potential to improve cost effectiveness and is simple to use. However, before recommending the implementation of the polypill in programs aimed at primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention, we are awaiting the results of several current clinical trials aimed at measuring the impact on the frequency of major cardiovascular outcomes, particularly in low–medium-income countries.

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Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease

Título del artículo:

Serological status of IBR, BVD, leucosis, Leptospira and Neospora caninum in bovine females of the department of Santander, Colombia

Objetivo. Conocer el estado serológico de hembras bovinas a IBR, DVB, leucosis, leptospira y Neospora caninum en el departamento de Santander, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un muestreo por conveniencia en 460 fincas ganaderas de 23 municipios de Santander (Colombia), los sueros colectados fueron analizados mediante diferentes kits comerciales de ELISA siguiendo las instrucciones del fabricante. Resultados. En todas las enfermedades estudiadas se encontraron animales seroreactores, correspondiendo la prevalencia general a Leucosis 21.8%, Leptospira 26.1%, DVB 29.7%, IBR 48.2% y Neospora 63%. Conclusiones. En el departamento de Santander las enfermedades analizadas se encuentran en la población bovina con prevalencias que fluctúan entre medio a alto, lo cual requiere medidas de control oficial.

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Revista MVZ Cordoba

Título del artículo:

Co-circulation and simultaneous co-infection of dengue, chikungunya, and zika viruses in patients with febrile syndrome at the Colombian-Venezuelan border

Background: In Colombia, the dengue virus (DENV) has been endemic for decades, and with the recent entry of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) (2014) and the Zika virus (ZIKV) (2015), health systems are overloaded because the diagnosis of these three diseases is based on clinical symptoms, and the three diseases share a symptomatology of febrile syndrome. Thus, the objective of this study was to use molecular methods to identify their co-circulation as well as the prevalence of co-infections, in a cohort of patients at the Colombian-Venezuelan border. Methods: A total of 157 serum samples from patients with febrile syndrome consistent with DENV were collected after informed consent and processed for the identification of DENV (conventional PCR and real-time PCR), CHIKV (conventional PCR), and ZIKV (real-time PCR). DENV-positive samples were serotyped, and some of those positive for DENV and CHIKV were sequenced. Results: Eighty-two patients were positive for one or more viruses: 33 (21.02%) for DENV, 47 (29.94%) for CHIKV, and 29 (18.47%) for ZIKV. The mean age range of the infected population was statistically higher in the patients infected with ZIKV (29.72 years) than in those infected with DENV or CHIKV (21.09 years). Both co-circulation and co-infection of these three viruses was found. The prevalence of DENV/CHIKV, DENV/ZIKV, and CHIKV/ZIKV co-infection was 7.64%, 6.37%, and 5.10%, with attack rates of 14.90, 12.42, and 9.93 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. Furthermore, three patients were found to be co-infected with all three viruses (prevalence of 1.91%), with an attack rate of 4.96 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the simultaneous co-circulation of DENV, CHIKV, ZIKV and their co-infections at the Colombian-Venezuelan border. Moreover, it is necessary to improve the differential diagnosis in patients with acute febrile syndrome and to study the possible consequences of this epidemiological overview of the clinical outcomes of these diseases in endemic regions.

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BMC Infectious Diseases

Título del artículo:

Trends in psychological intervention and psychotherapy in Norte de Santander-Colombia

The present systematic review study analyzes the results of research in psychology taking into account the contributions in psychological intervention and psychotherapy of the last 10 years in the Norte de Santander region. To fulfill this objective, university databases of the region were reviewed, including educational institutions: University of Pamplona, Simón Bolívar University, Santander University, Antonio Nariño University and National University open and distance, as well as the review of Scopus databases, Proquest and Google Scholar. Generic aspects such as Psychotherapy and Psychological Intervention were taken into account as descriptors; as well as the specific fields of education, clinical, social, organizational, legal, forensic and health. A review of qualitative and quantitative studies is presented, which generate contributions in: 1). Understanding of the psychological state of the inhabitants of the region, 2). Analysis of psycho-social variables related to the psychological state of the North-Andean population and 3). We reviewed therapeutic methods and their effects in the improvement of mental health.

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Archivos Venezolanos de Farmacologia y Terapeutica

Título del artículo:

Acanthamoeba spp. And naegleria spp. isolated from pamplonita river, metropolitan area of cucuta, colombia

Introduction: Acanthamoeba and Naegleria are genus of free-living amoeba (AVL) resistant to extreme changes in temperature and pH, isolated from different environments (soil, air and water). Due to the number of inhabitants that benefit from the waters of Pamplonita River, the lack of knowledge about its presence in the region and the increase of diseases related to water consumption, it is necessary to carry out studies on its distribution. Objective: To identify Acanthamoeba spp and Naegleria spp in the water of the main course of Pamplonita River, in the metropolitan area of Cúcuta, Colombia. Methods: The search for the amoebas of interest was performed by direct examination and culture at 28, 37 and 42 °C on non-nutritive agar from 21 water samples from seven sectors of Pamplonita River. Additionally, pH and temperature were measured in situ and the coliforms´ load was also determined. Results: It was found that 76.2% of the samples were positive for some of the amoebas, with Acanthamoeba being the most frequently isolated. 28.6% of the cultures incubated at 42 °C were positive mainly for Naegleria spp, indicating that these thermotolerant isolates could have pathogen potential. Conclusions: Acanthamoeba spp and Naegleria spp are frequent in waters of Pamplonita River which are areas of important human intervention. The finding of thermotolerant amoebas warns about the health risk for the population that is exposed to this water source

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Revista Cubana de Medicina Tropical

Título del artículo:

Factores de riesgo asociados a desordenes musculo esqueléticos en una empresa de fabricación de refrigeradores

Objective To establish the risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders in operative workers of a refrigerator manufacturing company in Barranquilla, Colombia. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional, descriptive research. A convenience sampling was carried out, consisting of 79 workers. The instruments used were: PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire), BMI (Body Mass Index), Nordic questionnaire and REBA method. Results Of the total population surveyed, 60.8% reported some musculoskeletal symptoms; 48.1% said they had a single body segment affected, 10.1% had 2 segments affected, and 1.3% had 3 or 4 segments involved. The most involved body segment was the thoracolumbar segment, which was related to positions such as assembly operator, veneer operator, injection operator and welder. Conclusion The group of workers in the areas of assembly, veneer, injection and welding is especially exposed to risk factors that increase the likelihood of suffering discomfort and musculoskeletal damage. Moving the upper limbs repeatedly and handling 57015loads manually are some of the ergonomic risks and demands for attention, while psychosocial risks to which this group is exposed include high work rates and short deadlines. In addition, the body mass index is an important factor for the onset of musculoskeletal disorders.

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Revista de Salud Publica

Título del artículo:

Addictive disorders such as brain diseases: Analysis of the evidence and practical implications

In the last decades, neuroscientific research has supported the fact that addictions are diseases of the brain such as epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease. The punitive approach to manage addictions has not yielded satisfactory results, therefore the basic and clinical research provides growing evidence that addiction could be better considered and treated as an acquired brain disease which constitute the brain disease model of addictions. With the development of this model, significant progress has been achieved in the implementation of prevention and more effective treatment strategies and also better informed public health policies. However, the concept of addiction as a brain disease is still being questioned. This article presents arguments to consider substance use disorder as a disease caused by alterations in the structure and functioning of specific areas of the brain, as well as to visualize the clinical implications and the public policies of this disease model.

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Salud Uninorte

Título del artículo:

Comparison of the efficiency of biopolymer derived from melocactus sp and aluminum polichloride (pac) in the process of crude water flocculation

Beginning to use new coagulants and flocculants for the treatment of drinking water is a necessity, to diminish the remains of metals in drinking water and in the residual sludges of the purification process; Aluminum sulfate, iron chloride and aluminum polychloride are currently used for the coagulation and flocculation processes of the water, of these compounds the aluminum polychloride (PAC) is the one that has shown less affectation of metal residues in water and sludge Residual, it is additionally a compound that does not significantly change the pH, this causes the removal of color and turbidity of the water, with minimal changes in the process. Different tests have been carried out with natural plant extracts, including species such as Moringa oleifera, Aloe vera, Melocactus sp, Opuntia sp and other plants, demonstrating that they are efficient in the removal of turbidity and color of natural water. In the present study, a comparison between an extract of Melocactus sp and Aluminum Polychloride (PAC) is presented in the jar test tests, determining its removal capacity, in order to comply with the Colombian drinking water standard. The capacity of a natural flocculant obtained from a species of cactus (Melocactus sp) to remove turbidity and color present in raw water was evaluated, contrasting the result with that obtained with aluminum polychloride (PAC). The data collected during jar tests carried out in the environmental engineering laboratories of the Universidad de Santander UDES, Bucaramanga Sede, are shown. After being analyzed this information served to confirm the efficiency as flocculant of this extract of Melocactus sp; In addition, these final measurements of turbidity, color and pH were compared with the values accepted by the regulations in Colombia. The obtained results allowed to conclude that the conditions managed during the tests were able to remove the turbidity and the color, using only small doses of the natural coagulant, extract of Melocactus sp, the pH remained unaltered, thus demonstrating that the flocculant obtained From a species of cactus I do not alter this parameter.

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Chemical Engineering Transactions

Título del artículo:

Análisis de la duración del desempleo y el destino de los desempleados en la República Bolivariana de Venezuela

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Cepal Review

Título del artículo:

Mendelian Genes and Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Small-Vessel Ischemic Stroke in Sporadic Cases

Background and Purpose-Mendelian strokes are rare genetic disorders characterized by early-onset small-vessel stroke. Although extensively studied among families with syndromic features, whether these genes affect risk among sporadic cases is unknown. Methods-We sequenced 8 genes responsible for Mendelian stroke in a case-control study of sporadic stroke cases (≤70 years). Participants included 1251 primary stroke cases of small-vessel pathology (637 intracerebral hemorrhage and 614 small-vessel ischemic stroke cases) and 1716 controls from the INTERSTROKE study (Study of the Importance of Conventional and Emerging Risk Factors of Stroke in Different Regions and Ethnic Groups of the World). Results-Overall, the prevalence of canonical disease-causing mutations was 0.56% in cases and 0.23% in controls (odds ratio=1.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-7.57; P=0.33). CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathies with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathies) mutations were more frequent among cases (0.48%) than controls (0.23%) but were not significantly associated with stroke risk (odds ratio=2.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-8.02; P=0.27). Next, we included all rare nonsynonymous mutations to investigate whether other types of mutations may contribute to stroke risk. Overall, 13.5% of cases and 14.2% of controls were carriers of at least one rare nonsynonymous mutation among the 8 Mendelian stroke genes. Mutation carriers were not at elevated risk of stroke (odds ratio=0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-1.16; P=0.55). Conclusions-In the absence of syndromic features and family history of stroke, screening for Mendelian mutations among small-vessel stroke patients is unlikely to have high diagnostic utility.

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Stroke

Título del artículo:

Not everything is Zika: Congenital toxoplasmosis, still prevalent in Colombia?

Congenital toxoplasmosis continues to be a public health threat. Even existing guidelines, publicly known, its implementation and lack of appropriate interpretation of serological tests in pregnancy is often observed. This leds to failure in opportunities for positive and known interventions to decrease the fetal risk due to Toxoplasma gondii infection. We reported herein a case series, with variable neurological and systemic compromise (respiratory distress, hepatosplenomegaly, enterocolitis, brain calcifications, thrombocytopenia, ascites, shock), even fatal, calling for awareness about the fact that despite the Zika epidemics in 2015-2016 in Brazil, Colombia and other countries, precisely toxoplasmosis, is a differential diagnosis still prevalent in these territories, that can leds to severe consequences, with neurological disability and risk of ocular damage, even lately. Additionally, with varieties of T. gondii with more aggressive patterns in Latin America, which make worse those cases, including also a higher risk of death.

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Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Publica

Título del artículo:

Comparative metagenomic analysis of PAH degradation in soil by a mixed microbial consortium

In this study, we used a taxonomic and functional metagenomic approach to analyze some of the effects (e.g. displacement, permanence, disappearance) produced between native microbiota and a previously constructed Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH)-degrading microbial consortium during the bioremediation process of a soil polluted with PAHs. Bioaugmentation with a fungal-bacterial consortium and biostimulation of native microbiota using corn stover as texturizer produced appreciable changes in the microbial diversity of polluted soils, shifting native microbial communities in favor of degrading specific populations. Functional metagenomics showed changes in gene abundance suggesting a bias towards aromatic hydrocarbon and intermediary degradation pathways, which greatly favored PAH mineralization. In contrast, pathways favoring the formation of toxic intermediates such as cytochrome P450-mediated reactions were found to be significantly reduced in bioaugmented soils. PAH biodegradation in soil using the microbial consortium was faster and reached higher degradation values (84% after 30 d) as a result of an increased co-metabolic degradation when compared with other mixed microbial consortia. The main differences between inoculated and non-inoculated soils were observed in aromatic ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases, laccase, protocatechuate, salicylate and benzoate-degrading enzyme genes. Based on our results, we propose that several concurrent metabolic pathways are taking place in soils during PAH degradation.

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Journal of Hazardous Materials

Título del artículo:

Results from Colombia\'s 2016 report card on physical activity for children and youth

Background: Physical activity (PA) is vital to the holistic development of young people. Regular participation in PA is associated with substantial benefits for health, cognitive function, and social inclusion. Recognizing the potential of PA in the context of the current peace process in Colombia, the purpose of this article is to present the methodology and results of Colombia\'s second Report Card on PA for children and youth. Methods: A group of experts on PA graded 14 PA indicators based on data from national surveys and policy documents. Results: National and departmental policy indicators received a grade of B, while organized sport participation, overweight, obesity, community influence, and nongovernment initiatives indicators received a grade of C. Overall PA levels, active transportation, sedentary behaviors, and school influence received a grade of D. Active play, low physical fitness, and family influence received an Incomplete grade. Conclusion: PA levels are low and sedentary behaviors are high in Colombian children and youth, with notable geographic differences. A broad policy framework translated into specific actions could provide unique opportunities to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, and contribute to social integration goals in a postconflict setting.

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Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Título del artículo:

Main drivers of human capital, learning and performance

The aim of this study was to show the relationships between the enablers for knowledge creation and human capital (HC); the effect of HC on feedback and feedforward; and the influence of these learning flows on organizational performance. To achieve this, we developed a novel theoretical model of relationships and tested this model empirically. We quantitatively test this model using data from firms in the Spanish biotechnology sector. Results show strong relationships between HC and enablers for knowledge creation (redundancy, trust, and autonomy); HC and learning flows (feedback and feedforward); and learning flows and organizational performance. The originality of this study lies in linking—theoretically, empirically, and through a novel model—independent theories of HC, learning, and knowledge creation.

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Journal of Technology Transfer

Título del artículo:

Sensory aspects in myasthenia gravis: A translational approach

Myasthenia gravis is a paradigmatic muscle disorder characterized by abnormal fatigue and muscle weakness that worsens with activities and improves with rest. Clinical and research studies done on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have advanced our knowledge of the muscle involvement in myasthenia. Current views still state that sensory deficits are not “features of myasthenia gravis”. This article discusses the gap that exists on sensory neural transmission in myasthenia that has remained after > 300 years of research in this neurological disorder. We outline the neurobiological characteristics of sensory and motor synapses, reinterpret the nanocholinergic commonalities that exist in both sensory and motor pathways, discuss the clinical findings on altered sensory pathways in myasthenia, and propose a novel way to score anomalies resulting from multineuronal inability associated sensory troubles due to eugenic nanocholinergic instability and autoimmunity. This medicine-based evidence could serve as a template to further identify novel targets for studying new medications that may offer a better therapeutic benefit in both sensory and motor dysfunction for patients. Importantly, this review may help to re-orient current practices in myasthenia.

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Journal of the Neurological Sciences

Título del artículo:

Use of molecular tools to monitor microbial communities during the bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-contaminated soils

One of the priority environmental pollutants, because of its high toxicity and persistence, are the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are recalcitrant compounds exhibiting high hydrophobicity and therefore readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, also having a rapid distribution in a variety of tissues with a marked tendency to fatty deposits. Because of its importance as environmental pollutants, soil contamination with PAHs is a priority environmental issue. In recent years, there have been great advances in the understanding of the mechanisms of degradation of PAHs and the techniques for the monitoring of these processes in polluted soils. However, the validation and performance of a bioremediation strategy should be based not only on the effect of the microorganisms in soil (biodegradation of the contaminant), but also in the detection and monitoring of the inoculated microorganisms. This review presents an overview of the strategies for the bioremediation of soils contaminated with PAHs, focusing on the molecular biology methods that can be used for the monitoring of these soils in the field.

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Journal of Industrial Pollution Control

Título del artículo:

A new multiplex-PCR for urinary tract pathogen detection using primer design based on an evolutionary computation method

This work describes a new strategy for optimal design of Multiplex-PCR primer sequences. The process is based on the Particle Swarm Optimization-Simplex algorithm (Mult-PSOS). Diverging from previous solutions centered on heuristic tools, the Mult-PSOS is selfconfigured because it does not require the definition of the algorithm’s initial search parameters. The successful performance of this method was validated in vitro using Multiplex-PCR assays. For this validation, seven gene sequences of the most prevalent bacteria implicated in urinary tract infections were taken as DNA targets. The in vitro tests confirmed the good performance of the Mult-PSOS, with respect to infectious disease diagnosis, in the rapid and efficient selection of the optimal oligonucleotide sequences for Multiplex-PCRs. The predicted sequences allowed the adequate amplification of all amplicons in a single step (with the correct amount of DNA template and primers), reducing significantly the need for trial and error experiments. In addition, owing to its independence from the initial selection of the heuristic constants, the Mult-PSOS can be employed by non-expert users in computational techniques or in primer design problems.

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Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology

Título del artículo:

The Link between Fetal Programming, Inflammation, Muscular Strength, and Blood Pressure

Hypertension affects one billion individuals worldwide and is considered the leading cause of cardiovascular death, stroke, and myocardial infarction. This increase in the burden of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is principally driven by lifestyle changes such as increased hypercaloric diets and reduced physical activity producing an increase of obesity, insulin resistance, and low-grade inflammation. Visceral adipocytes are the principal source of proinflammatory cytokines and systemic inflammation participates in several steps in the development of CVD. However, maternal and infant malnutrition also persists as a major public health issue in low- to middle-income regions such as Latin America (LA). We propose that the increased rates of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in these countries could be the result of the discrepancy between a restricted nutritional environment during fetal development and early life, and a nutritionally abundant environment during adulthood. Maternal undernutrition, which may manifest in lower birth weight offspring, appears to accentuate the relative risk of chronic disease at lower levels of adiposity. Therefore, LA populations may be more vulnerable to the pathogenic consequences of obesity than individuals with similar lifestyles in high-income countries, which may be mediated by higher levels of proinflammatory markers and lower levels of muscle mass and strength observed in low birth weight individuals.

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Mediators of Inflammation

Título del artículo:

Identification and characterization molecular of Burkholderia glumae, causal agent of bacterial panicle blight in rice

The aim of this study was to identify and molecularly characterize isolates of Burkholderia glumae from rice plants with evidence of putrescence. Burkholderia glumae is the causal agent of bacterial blight of panicle rice, with a high incidence causing considerable losses in crop production in Colombia. Since its identification is difficult, it is important to implement an evaluation system to quickly and accurately identify this pathogen. Sixty four isolates were obtained, 41 of which were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as Burkholderia glumae. The molecular characterization with MB1 and BOX-PCR markers showed genetic variability in most isolates, but allowed the grouping according to its geographical origin. The high genetic diversity suggests a high degree of variability within individuals of this species.

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Informacion Tecnologica

Título del artículo:

Nonlinear digital signal processing in mental health: Characterization of major depression using instantaneous entropy measures of heartbeat dynamics

Nonlinear digital signal processing methods that address system complexity have provided useful computational tools for helping in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of pathologies. More specifically, nonlinear measures have been successful in characterizing patients with mental disorders such as Major Depression (MD). In this study, we propose the use of instantaneous measures of entropy, namely the inhomogeneous point-process approximate entropy (ipApEn) and the inhomogeneous point-process sample entropy (ipSampEn), to describe a novel characterization of MD patients undergoing affective elicitation. Because these measures are built within a nonlinear point-process model, they allow for the assessment of complexity in cardiovascular dynamics at each moment in time. Heartbeat dynamics were characterized from 48 healthy controls and 48 patients with MD while emotionally elicited through either neutral or arousing audiovisual stimuli. Experimental results coming from the arousing tasks show that ipApEn measures are able to instantaneously track heartbeat complexity as well as discern between healthy subjects and MD patients. Conversely, standard heart rate variability (HRV) analysis performed in both time and frequency domains did not show any statistical significance. We conclude that measures of entropy based on nonlinear point-process models might contribute to devising useful computational tools for care in mental health.

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Frontiers in Physiology

Título del artículo:

Participation of valine 171 in α-helix 5 of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab δ-endotoxin in translocation of toxin into Lymantria dispar midgut membranes

The Cry1Ab δ-endotoxin V171C mutant protein exhibits a 25-fold increase in toxicity against Lymantria dispar, which correlates with a faster rate of partitioning into the midgut membrane and slightly decreased protein stability. This is an insect-specific mechanism; similar results were not observed in Manduca sexta, another Cry1Ab δ-endotoxin-susceptible insect. Copyright © 2010, American Society for Microbiology.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Applied and Environmental Microbiology