Abstract Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to the achievements of modern medicine and one of the most effective measures to counteract it is antimicrobial use optimization programs (AMS), in which the microbiology laboratory is one of the main components. The effective application of information technology in the processes is fundamental, but there is little information in Latin America on the development and articulation of technological tools to support AMSs. This consensus makes recommendations on the management of microbiological data for decision making. In Part I, recommendations on the use of a computerized microbiological data management system in clinical practice, data and reporting requirements in the microbiology laboratory, as well as the contents of the advanced quality management system in the laboratory are presented. In Part II, the information requirements for AMS management in intermediate, initial, and advanced stages by the laboratory and pharmacy are discussed; as well as the integration of the AMS team with the Infection Prevention and Control Committee and the information for AMS management at the management level.

Resumen La resistencia antimicrobiana es una amenaza para los logros de la medicina moderna y una de las medidas más efectivas para contrarrestarla son los programas de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos (PROA), en el cual el laboratorio de microbiología es uno de los principales componentes. La aplicación efectiva de tecnología de la información en los procesos es fundamental, pero existe poca información en Latinoamérica sobre el desarrollo y la articulación de las herramientas tecnológicas para apoyar los PROA. Este consenso hace recomendaciones sobre la gestión de los datos microbiológicos para la toma de decisiones. En la Parte I, se presentan las recomendaciones en cuanto al uso de un sistema informatizado de gestión de datos microbiológicos en la práctica clínica, los requerimientos de datos y de reporte en el laboratorio de microbiología, y los contenidos del sistema de gestión de calidad avanzado en el laboratorio. En la Parte II, se discuten los requerimientos de información para la gestión de PROA en estadios intermedios, iniciales y avanzados por el laboratorio y la farmacia; así como la integración del equipo de PROA con el Comité de Prevención y Control de Infecciones y la información para la gestión de PROA a nivel gerencial.

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to the achievements of modern medicine and one of the most effective measures to counteract it is antimicrobial use optimization programs (AMS), in which the microbiology laboratory is one of the main components. The effective application of information technology in the processes is fundamental, but there is little information in Latin America on the development and articulation of technological tools to support AMSs. This consensus makes recommendations on the management of microbiological data for decision making. In the first part, recommendations on the use of a computerized microbiological data management system in clinical practice, data, and reporting requirements in the microbiology laboratory, as well as the contents of the advanced quality management system in the laboratory are presented. In the second part, the information requirements for AMS management in intermediate, initial, and advanced stages by the laboratory and pharmacy are discussed; as well as the integration of the AMS team with the Infection Prevention and Control Committee and the information for AMS management at the management level.

Resumen La resistencia antimicrobiana es una amenaza para los logros de la medicina moderna y una de las medidas más efectivas para contrarrestarla son los programas de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos (PROA), en los cuales el laboratorio de microbiología es uno de los principales componentes. La aplicación efectiva de tecnología de la información en los procesos es fundamental, pero existe poca información en Latinoamérica sobre el desarrollo y la articulación de las herramientas tecnológicas para apoyar los PROA. Este consenso, hace recomendaciones sobre la gestión de los datos microbiológicos para la toma de decisiones. En la Parte I, se presentan las recomendaciones en cuanto al uso de un sistema informatizado de gestión de datos microbiológicos en la práctica clínica, los requerimientos de datos y de reporte en el laboratorio de microbiología, así como y los contenidos del sistema de gestión de calidad avanzado en el laboratorio. En la Parte II, se discuten los requerimientos de información para la gestión de PROA en estadios intermedios, iniciales y avanzados por el laboratorio y la farmacia; así como la integración del equipo de PROA con el Comité de Prevención y Control de Infecciones y la información para la gestión de PROA a nivel gerencial.

Resumen Introducción: El uso frecuente de plaguicidas es considerado actualmente una causa de contaminación ambiental debido a las altas tasas de ingreso de estas sustancias a los agroecosistemas. Esta situación es un riesgo para las especies que habitan en estos ecosistemas, en particular los anuros cuyas características los hacen propensos a la exposición e interacción con contaminantes ambientales. Objetivo: Informar la presencia de anormalidades en larvas del sapo común Rhinella arenarum que habitan en estanques rodeados por un agroecosistema. Métodos: En dos primaveras consecutivas (2015 y 2016), se monitorearon los eventos reproductivos del sapo común proveniente de sistemas de estanques temporales ubicados en zonas agrícolas y no agrícolas, cerca de la ciudad de La Plata (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Se midieron los parámetros fisicoquímicos de los estanques y se registraron las etapas de cada evento reproductivo como el número de sapos adultos, amplexos y nidadas. En el laboratorio, las larvas fueron medidas y fotografiadas, se registró su estado de desarrollo y se examinó la morfología de cada una bajo microscopio estereoscópico. Se procesaron muestras representativas (normales y anormales) de cada estanque estudiado para análisis histopatológico. Resultados: En la población de R. arenarum que vive dentro de un agroecosistema, se observó un menor número de adultos reproductores y puestas en relación con la del estanque en la zona no agrícola. Se recolectaron un total de 1 910 larvas: 529 y 1 381 larvas de estanques ubicados en zonas no agrícolas y agrícolas, respectivamente. Las larvas del agroecosistema mostraron dos tipos de anormalidades: severa flexión de la cola y distensión abdominal. Además, se pudo determinar cinco grados de gravedad en relación con la distensión abdominal. Conclusiones: Una alta frecuencia y severidad de anormalidades en los estadios tempranos de larvas de R. arenarum que viven dentro de un agroecosistema proporciona evidencia del impacto negativo que las actividades agrícolas causan en los ecosistemas acuáticos rodeados por áreas de cultivo.

Abstract Introduction: The frequent use of pesticides is currently considered a cause of environmental pollution due to the high rate of entry of these substances into agroecosystems. This constitutes a risk for the species that inhabit these ecosystems, in particular anurans whose characteristics make them prone to exposure to and interaction with environmental pollutants. Objective: To report the occurrence of abnormalities in larvae of the common toad Rhinella arenarum inhabiting ponds surrounded by agroecosystems. Methods: In two consecutive springs (2015 and 2016), reproductive events of common toads were monitored in temporary pond systems in agricultural and non-agricultural areas, located near the city of La Plata (Buenos Aires, Argentina). The physicochemical parameters of the ponds were measured, and the stage of each reproductive event was recorded, such as the numbers of adult toads, amplexus and clutches. In the laboratory, the larvae were measured and photographed, their stage of development was recorded, and their morphology was examined under a stereomicroscope. Representative samples (normal and abnormal) from each pond studied were processed for histopathological analysis. Results: In the field studies carried out on a population of R. arenarum collected in an agroecosystem, a lower number of reproductive adults and clutches were observed in relation to the population of a non-agricultural pond. A total of 1 910 larvae were collected: 529 and 1 381 larvae from ponds located in non-agricultural and agricultural areas, respectively. Larvae from the agroecosystem showed two types of abnormalities: severe tail flexure and abdominal bloating. In addition, five degrees of severity could be determined in relation to abdominal bloating. Conclusions: This work reports the high frequency and severity of abnormalities observed in the early stages of R. arenarum larvae living within an agroecosystem, providing evidence of the negative impact that agricultural activities cause on aquatic ecosystems surrounded by farming areas.

RESUMO No semiárido brasileiro a ocorrência de fontes de águas com níveis elevados de sais se destaca como fator limitante para produção da maioria das culturas sob condições irrigadas. Desenvolveu-se esta pesquisa com o objetivo de avaliar a qualidade física e química de frutos de maracujazeiro-azedo sob estratégias de irrigação com água salobra e doses de potássio. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em condições de campo, utilizando-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 6 × 2, sendo os tratamentos constituídos de seis estratégias de irrigação com águas salobras (SE - irrigação com água de 1,3 dS m-1 durante todo ciclo; irrigação com água de 4,0 dS m-1 na fase vegetativa - VE; floração - FL; frutificação - FR; nas fases sucessivas vegetativa/floração - VE/FL; vegetativa/frutificação - VE/FR) e duas doses de potássio 60 e 100% (345 g de K2O por planta por ano) da recomendação, com quatro repetições e três plantas por parcela. A irrigação com água de 4,0 dS m-1 na fase de floração ou quando utilizada de forma contínua na fase vegetativa e de floração reduziu a produtividade e o tamanho dos frutos de maracujazeiro-azedo. Adubação com 60% da recomendação de K proporcionou a produção de frutos de maracujazeiro-azedo com maior diâmetro polar. É viável o cultivo de maracujazeiro-azedo sob irrigação com água de 4,0 dS m-1 nas fases de floração e frutificação e adubação com 60% da recomendação de K sem perdas nos teores de ácido ascórbico e açúcares solúveis totais.

ABSTRACT In the Brazilian semiarid region, the occurrence of water sources with high salt concentrations stands out as a limiting factor for the production of most crops under irrigated conditions. This research was conducted to evaluate the physical and chemical quality of sour passion fruit as a function of brackish water irrigation strategies and potassium doses. The experiment was carried out under field conditions using a randomized block design in a 6 × 2 factorial scheme, consisting of six strategies of irrigation with brackish water (irrigation with water of 1.3 dS m-1 throughout the cycle - WS; irrigation with water of 4.0 dS m-1 in the vegetative stage - VE; flowering stage - FL; fruiting stage - FR; in the successive vegetative/flowering stages - VE/FL; vegetative/fruiting stages - VE/FR) and two potassium doses: 60 and 100% (345 g of K2O per plant per year) of recommendation, with four replicates and three plants per plot. Irrigation with water of 4.0 dS m-1 in the flowering stage or continuously in the vegetative and flowering stages reduced the yield and size of sour passion fruit. Fertilization with 60% of K is recommended for the production of sour passion fruits with greater polar diameter. It is feasible to cultivate sour passion fruit under irrigation with 4.0 dS m-1 of water in the flowering and fruiting stages and fertilization with 60% of the K recommendation without losses in ascorbic acid and total soluble sugars.

ABSTRACT The curve of cumulative cases of individuals infected by COVID-19 shows similar growth to the logistic curve in the period referring to each epidemic “wave”, as each peak of active cases is called. Considering that in pandemic scenarios it is common to seek control measures based on previous experiences, in this paper we model the curve of cumulative cases through a logistic model with infected removal to include the control measures in the dynamics. This model is based on fractional differential equations to also include the memory effect. We study the scenario of the first two “waves” in the analyzed countries: Brazil, China, Italy, and Switzerland. Scenarios with and without control measures are compared, proving the importance of control measures such as isolation. Moreover, this model makes it possible to determine the portion of the population that did not participate in the dynamics of the spread of the disease, as well as to analyze how the number of infected people reduced in each country.

ABSTRACT The limited availability of low-salinity water for irrigation in the Northeastern semi-arid region has restricted food production, making it necessary to use strategies to reduce the effects of salt stress on plants. Among the alternatives, the foliar application of salicylic acid stands out. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of salicylic acid in mitigating salt stress on the gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, and growth of ‘Canindé’ okra in a hydroponic system. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, in Pombal - PB, using the Nutrient Film Technique - NFT hydroponic system. The experimental design used was completely randomized in a split-plot scheme, with four levels of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution - ECns (2.1, 3.6, 5.1, and 6.6 dS m-1) as the plots and four concentrations of salicylic acid - SA (0, 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 mM) as the subplots, with four replicates and two plants per plot. SA concentration of 3.6 mM was able to minimize the effect of nutrient solution salinity on chlorophyll a fluorescence and increase the synthesis of chlorophyll b in okra plants, 34 days after transplanting. Nutrient solution salinity above 2.1 dS m-1 negatively affected gas exchange, relative water content, photosynthetic pigments, and growth and increased electrolyte leakage in the leaf blade of okra plants.

RESUMO A limitada disponibilidade de água de baixa salinidade para irrigação no semiárido Nordestino tem restringido a produção de alimentos, fazendo necessário uso de estratégias para reduzir os efeitos do estresse salino sobre as plantas. Dentre as alternativas, destaca-se a aplicação foliar de ácido salicílico. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar os efeitos da aplicação foliar de ácido salicílico na mitigação do estresse salino nas trocas gasosas, fluorescência da clorofila a, pigmentos fotossintéticos e crescimento do quiabeiro ‘Canindé’ em sistema hidropônico. O trabalho foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em Pombal - PB, utilizando-se o sistema de cultivo hidropônico tipo Técnica de Fluxo Laminar de Nutrientes - NFT. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, sendo quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da solução nutritiva - CEsn (2,1; 3,6; 5,1 e 6,6 dS m-1) considerados as parcelas e quatro concentrações de ácido salicílico - AS (0; 1,2; 2,4 e 3,6 mM), as subparcelas, com quatro repetições e duas plantas por parcela. A concentração de 3,6 mM de AS foi capaz de minimizar o efeito da salinidade da solução nutritiva na fluorescência da clorofila a e promoveu aumento na síntese de clorofila b das plantas de quiabeiro, aos 34 dias após o transplantio. A salinidade da solução nutritiva acima de 2,1 dS m-1 afetou negativamente as trocas gasosas, o conteúdo relativo de água, os pigmentos fotossintéticos, o crescimento e elevou o extravasamento de eletrólitos no limbo foliar das plantas de quiabeiro.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common psychiatric condition classically characterized by obsessions (recurrent, intrusive and unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (excessive, repetitive and ritualistic behaviors or mental acts). OCD is heterogeneous in its clinical presentation and not all patients respond to first-line treatments. Several neurocircuit models of OCD have been proposed with the aim of providing a better understanding of the neural and cognitive mechanisms involved in the disorder. These models use advances in neuroscience and findings from neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies to suggest links between clinical profiles that reflect the symptoms and experiences of patients and dysfunctions in specific neurocircuits. Several models propose that treatments for OCD could be improved if directed to specific neurocircuit dysfunctions, thereby restoring efficient neurocognitive function and ameliorating the symptomatology of each associated clinical profile. Yet, there are several important limitations to neurocircuit models of OCD. The purpose of the current review is to highlight some of these limitations, including issues related to the complexity of brain and cognitive function, the clinical presentation and course of OCD, etiological factors, and treatment methods proposed by the models. We also provide suggestions for future research to advance neurocircuit models of OCD and facilitate translation to clinical application.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os efeitos das estratégias de manejo da irrigação com água salina e doses de potássio sobre os teores de pigmentos fotossintéticos, as trocas gasosas, e a produção de maracujazeiro amarelo ‘BRS GA1’. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida sob condições de campo, utilizando-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados, com tratamentos formados a partir de um esquema fatorial 6 × 2, relativos a seis estratégias de manejo da irrigação com água salina (irrigação com água de baixa salinidade durante todo ciclo de cultivo-SE; irrigação com água de alta salinidade na fase vegetativa-VE; de floração-FL; de frutificação-FR; nas fases sucessivas vegetativa/floração-VE/FL e vegetativa/frutificação -VE/FR) e duas doses de potássio (60 e 100% de K2O da recomendação), com quatro repetições. A dose de 100% da recommendação correspondeu a 345 g de K2O planta-1 ano-1. Utilizaram-se água com elevada condutividade elétrica (4,0 dS m-1) em diferentes fases fenológicas conforme tratamento, intercalada com água de baixa condutividade elétrica (1,3 dS m-1). A síntese de clorofila a e b, a condutância estomática, a eficiência instantânea de carboxilação e a eficiência no uso da água de maracujazeiro amarelo ‘BRS GA1’ foram reduzidas com irrigação com água de 4,0 dS m-1 em todas as estratégias adotadas. A adubação com 60% da recomendação de K promoveu maior número de frutos e produtividade do maracujazeiro amarelo. A irrigação com água de 4,0 dS m-1 nas fases vegetativa/floração e de floração reduziu a produtividade do maracujazeiro amarelo.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of saline water irrigation management strategies and potassium doses on the concentration of photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange, and fruit production of ‘BRS GA1’ yellow passion fruit. The experiment was carried out under field conditions using a randomized block design, with treatments based on a 6 × 2 factorial scheme, related to six management strategies for irrigation with saline water (irrigation with low-salinity water throughout the crop cycle-WS; irrigation with high-salinity water in the vegetative stage-VE; flowering stage-FL; fruiting stage-FR; and successively in vegetative/flowering stages-VE/FL and vegetative/fruiting stages-VE/FR) and two doses of potassium (60 and 100% of the recommendation), with four replicates. The dose of 100% recommendation corresponded to 345 g of K2O plant-1 year-1. High electrical conductivity irrigation water (4.0 dS m-1) was used in different phenological stages according to treatment, alternating with water of low electrical conductivity (1.3 dS m-1). The synthesis of chlorophyll a and b, stomatal conductance, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency and water use efficiency of ‘BRS GA1’ yellow passion fruit were reduced under irrigation with water of 4.0 dS m-1 in all strategies adopted. Fertilization with 60% of the K recommendation promoted greater number of fruits and yellow passion fruit yield. Irrigation with 4.0 dS m-1 water in the vegetative/flowering and flowering stages reduced the yield of yellow passion fruit.

Abstract Objective: To report experience in a hospital in Mexico regarding oncological results in overall survival (OS) and specific cancer survival (SCS), the presence of recurrence in the management of residual masses after chemotherapy with lymphadenectomy retroperitoneal for 15 years. Method: Between 2004 and 2019, a retrospective study was carried out in a single centre with patients with a germ cell tumor diagnosis who have received first or second line of chemotherapy and who present retroperitoneal residual mass were included have performed RPLND. Sociodemographic characteristics were analyzed, overall and histological survival. Results: 346 patients had inclusion criteria, mean age was 27.6 years, the most affected testis was the left, the most frequent testicular histology was mixed germline. The most frequent retroperitoneal location was paraortic, the most frequent type of RPLND was standard, the most frequent histology was necrosis. Recurrence occurred in 24.2%, mean of 17.1 months, when analyzing individual factors, the most significant was the type of RPLND. The clinical stage, histology of the retroperitoneal tumor and type of RPLND influence mortality. Global follow up of 141 months, OS was 85.5% and SCS was 86.1%, mean of 139.9 months and 141 months respectively. Conclusions: RPLND is effective in survival and recurrence in advanced disease in patients who present postchemotherapy retroperitoneal tumor and although there is a clear benefit in the resection of retroperitoneal tumors in teratoma, there are conditioning factors that must be analyzed individually.

Resumen Objetivo: Reportar nuestra experiencia en supervivencia y recurrencia en el manejo de masas residuales posquimioterapia con linfadenectomía retroperitoneal durante 15 años. Método: Estudio retrospectivo de 2004 a 2019. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de tumor de células germinales que habían recibido quimioterapia y presentaron una masa residual retroperitoneal en un solo centro y se les realizó linfadenectomía retroperitoneal. Se analizaron las características sociodemográficas, de supervivencia global e histológicas. Resultados: Cumplían los criterios de inclusión 346 pacientes, con una media de edad de 27.6 años. El testículo más afectado fue el izquierdo, y la histología testicular más frecuente fue germinal mixto. La localización retroperitoneal más frecuente fue paraaórtica, el tipo de linfadenectomía más frecuente fue la estándar y la histología más frecuente fue la necrosis. Se presentó recurrencia en el 24.2% de los pacientes, en una media de 17.1 meses; al analizar los factores individuales, el más significativo fue el tipo de linfadenectomía. El estadio clínico, la histología del tumor retroperitoneal y el tipo de linfadenectomía influyen en la mortalidad. El seguimiento global fue de 141 meses, la supervivencia global fue del 85.5% y la supervivencia específica del cáncer fue del 86.1%, con media de 139.9 y 141 meses, respectivamente. Conclusiones: La linfadenectomía retroperitoneal es efectiva en cuanto a supervivencia y recurrencia en la enfermedad avanzada en pacientes que presentan tumor retroperitoneal posquimioterapia, y aunque existe un claro beneficio en la resección de los tumores retroperitoneales en teratoma, existen factores condicionantes que deben ser analizados de manera individual.

ABSTRACT Treatment with antiviral drugs for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection causes a rapid reduction in plasma viral load. Viral decline occurs in several stages and provides information on important kinetic constants of virus replication in vivo and pharmacodynamic properties. We present a mathematical model that not only considers the intracellular phase of the viral life cycle, defined as the time between the infection of a cell and the production of new viral particles, but we also consider that this parameter together with the virus decay are interactive fuzzy numbers.

Abstract Background: At present, parathyroid hormone is the only existing anabolic bone therapy but produces hypercalcemia. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) has been suggested as a bone anabolic agent that allows bone modeling formation without producing hypercalcemia. This study aimed to corroborate these PGE1 properties. Methods: For 22 days, rabbits (n = 30) were divided into three groups (n = 10 each group) and received intravenous solutions: vehicle (control group), palate disjunction + vehicle (sham group), and palate disjunction + 50 mg of PGE1 (PGE1 group). On days 1, 3, and 22, palatine suture X-rays were taken. On day 22, bone formation markers were analyzed, and the rabbits were sacrificed. Bone palate undecalcified samples were processed. Histomorphometry software was used to analyze bone parameters, and the mineralization front was stained with toluidine blue. Scalloped lines reflect remodeling-based bone formation (RBF), and smooth lines reflect modeling-based formation (MBF). Results: X-rays showed more significant palatal disjunction in the PGE1 group; this group exhibited significant calcitriol serum increments. Hypercalciuria was observed in the PGE1 group, and resorption markers (N-telopeptides) remained stable. Sutural bones in the PGE1 group exhibited significant anabolism in structural parameters. RBF was 20%, and MBF was 6% in the sham group; in the PGE1 group, RBF was 8.6%, and MBF was 17%. In the PGE1 group, mineralization was significantly accelerated, but resorption remained stable. Conclusions: This model suggests that PGE1 favors palate disjunction, calcitriol synthesis, and shortens the mineralization. Therefore, PGE1 is an important bone anabolic molecule predominantly of modeling-based form and no hypercalcemia.

Resumen Introducción: La hormona paratiroidea es la única molécula anabólica ósea, pero ocasiona hipercalcemia. La prostaglandina E1 (PGE1) sugiere ser un anabólico óseo con formación por modelación predominante y generalmente no ocasiona hipercalcemia. El objetivo de este estudio fue corroborar estas propiedades de la PGE1. Métodos: Por 22 días, 30 conejos divididos en tres grupos (n = 10 cada grupo) recibieron una solución por vía intravenosa: vehículo (grupo control), disyunción palatina más vehículo (grupo sham) y disyunción palatina más 50 mg de PGE1 (grupo PGE1). A los días 1, 3 y 22 se obtuvieron radiografías de la sutura palatina. En el día 22 se analizaron los marcadores bioquímicos de formación ósea y se sacrificó a los conejos. Las suturas y los huesos suturales se procesaron sin descalcificar. La evaluación histomorfométrica fue digitalizada y el frente de mineralización ósea se tiñó con azul de toluidina. Las líneas irregulares reflejan resorción (remodelación) y las líneas rectas no resorción (modelación). Resultados: Radiográficamente, la disyunción palatina fue mayor en el grupo PGE1. Este grupo mostró una hipercalcitonemia significativa, pero la calcemia y los marcadores resortivos (N-telopéptidos) se mantuvieron estables. Por histomorfometría, los huesos suturales del grupo PGE1 mostraron anabolismo significativo en parámetros estructurales. En el grupo sham, la remodelación ósea fue del 20% y la modelación fue del 6%; en el grupo PGE1, la remodelación fue del 8.6% y la modelación fue del 17%. En este mismo grupo, la mineralización fue significativamente acelerada, pero la resorción se mantuvo igual. Conclusiones: Este modelo sugiere que la PGE1 favorece la disyunción palatina y el aumento del calcitriol, y acelera la mineralización y el anabolismo óseo por modelación predominante sin hipercalcemia.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue aislar e identificar a partir de cacao fermentado en Caldas Colombia, bacterias con potencial de aplicación en procesos biotecnológicos, como la detoxificación de cadmio (Cd(II)) y arsénico (As(III)) en el organismo humano. En total se recuperaron 36 aislados de los cuales se recuperaron 11 en presencia de 1,0 mg/L de Cd(II) y 25 en presencia de 0,1 mg/L de As(III). Su identificación molecular determinó que la mayoría de los aislados son del género Lactobacillus. Los ensayos de crecimiento en presencia de diferentes concentraciones de los elementos evaluados permitió determinar que gran parte de los aislamientos presentan resistencia a mayores concentraciones de As(III) (300 mg/L) que de Cd(II) (10 mg/L). En ensayos de tolerancia a la acidez (pH 2,5) se encontró que la cepa tipo Lactobacillus plantarum JCM 1055, junto con los aislamientos nativos L. plantarum A19, A26 y C16, mostraron la mayor tolerancia, por lo que se seleccionaron para evaluar su tolerancia a condiciones de salinidad. Las bacterias evaluadas mostraron crecimiento en concentraciones de hasta 4 g/L de sales biliares. Se concluye que los L. plantarum evaluados en este trabajo tienen un gran potencial para futuros ensayos en los que se busque demostrar la disminución de la bioaccesibilidad de Cd(II) y As(III) en condiciones in vitro del sistema digestivo humano debido a su resistencia a altas concentraciones de estos elementos y su tolerancia a condiciones de acidez y salinidad. Esto, junto con el reconocido potencial probiótico que tienen estos microorganismos, permitirá a futuro su uso en procesos biológicos de mitigación de Cd(II) y As(III).

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to isolate and identify from fermented cocoa in Caldas Colombia, bacteria with potential application in biotechnological processes such as detoxification of cadmium (Cd(II)) and arsenic (As(III)) in the human organism. In total, 36 isolates were obtained, from which 11 were recovered in the presence of 1.0 mg/L of Cd(II) and 25 in presence of 0.1 mg/L of As(III). Molecular identification showed most isolates belong to the genera Lactobacillus. Minimum inhibitory concentration assays, in presence of different concentrations of the elements, allowed to determine that the majority of isolates have resistance to higher concentration of As(III) (300 mg/L) than Cd(II) (10 mg/L). Acidity tolerance assays at pH 2.5 showed that type strain Lactobacillus plantarum JCM 1055, and native isolates L. plantarum A19, A26, and C16, presented the highest tolerance, thus they were selected to evaluate their tolerance to salinity conditions. The evaluated bacteria could grow in bile salts up to 4 g/L. It is concluded that the evaluated L. plantarum have great potential to be used in assays in which bioaccessibility of Cd(II) and As(III) is diminished under in vitro conditions of the human digestive system, due to its resistance to high concentrations of the elements and tolerance to acidic and high bile salt conditions. These facts, together with the recognized probiotic potential of these microorganisms, may allow their future use in biological processes to mitigate Cd(II) and As(III).