ABSTRACT Objective: To aim at the preparation and characterization of a chitosan and betel leaf extract biopolymer followed by an assessment of mechanical and antibacterial properties. Material and Methods: A chitosan-betel leaf stock solution was prepared and dip-coated on thermoformed aligner cubes. The groups (five samples per group) involved were one control (only chitosan coating) and three test groups based on the duration of coating (coating with chitosan and betel extract coated for 5, 10, and 15 minutes, named B5, B10, and B15 respectively). The coating of the samples was confirmed by an FTIR test and anti-microbial properties were assessed by the disc diffusion method. Wear resistance assessment of the coating was carried out by scratch test. Results: Coating of the aligners with the extract was confirmed with FTIR. The zone of inhibition against S. mutans was noted to be the widest for aligners coated for 15 minutes (7± 0.5mm), and the intergroup difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The samples dip-coated for 15 minutes demonstrated the highest wear resistance (3.2 ±0.17 N) with statistically significant intergroup differences (p<0.05). Conclusion: Betel leaf extract prepared and incorporated with chitosan biopolymer was successfully coated on thermoformed aligners. A higher antibacterial activity and scratch resistance were evident with aligners dip-coated for 15 minutes, owing to the antibacterial activity of Piper betel. Objective Methods chitosanbetel dipcoated dip cubes five group only 5 10 1 B5 B B10 B1 respectively. respectively . respectively) antimicrobial anti microbial method Results S 7± 7 (7 0.5mm, 05mm mm 0.5mm , 0 5mm 0.5mm) p<0.05. p005 p p<0.05 05 (p<0.05) 3.2 32 3 2 (3. 017 17 ±0.1 N Conclusion ( p00 p<0.0 (p<0.05 3. (3 01 ±0. p0 p<0. (p<0.0 ±0 p<0 (p<0. ± p< (p<0 (p< (p

RESUMO: A ensilagem de grãos de milho reidratados (RC) tem sido usada para melhorar o valor nutricional e facilitar o armazenamento na fazenda. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de inoculantes microbianos de quitosana e ácido lático na microbiologia de silagem de milho reidratada, perfil e perdas de fermentação, composição química, degradação in vitro e estabilidade aeróbia. Quarenta silos experimentais foram utilizados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado para avaliar os seguintes tratamentos: 1) Controle (CON): silagem RC sem aditivos; 2) Quitosana (CHI): silagem de RC com 6 g/kg de matéria seca (MS) de quitosana; 3) Lactobacillus buchneri (LB): RC ensilados com 5 × 105 unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC) de L. buchneri por grama na alimentação; e 4) Lactobacillus plantarum e Pediococcus acidilactici (LPPA): RC ensilado 1,6 × 105 de L. plantarum e 1,6 × 105 P. acidilactici por grama na alimentação. Os aditivos aumentaram as bactérias láticas e a concentração de ácido lático e propiônico, diminuíram a contagem de fungos e leveduras e as perdas gasosas e fermentativas e melhoraram a recuperação da MS. Os silos CHI apresentaram menores pH da silagem, concentração de N amoniacal, perdas fermentativas e maior concentração de ácido acético em comparação com silos inoculados microbianos. Além disso, CHI e LB reduziram pH e temperatura da silagem após a exposição ao ar. Embora os tratamentos mostrem pequenos efeitos sobre o valor nutricional do RC, a CHI melhoroua a estabilidade aeróbia e diminui as perdas por fermentação. RESUMO (RC fazenda reidratada fermentação química 1 CON (CON) 2 (CHI) gkg g kg MS (MS 3 (LB) 10 UFC (UFC L alimentação 4 LPPA (LPPA) 16 1, P propiônico amoniacal disso ar (CON (CHI (LB (LPPA

ABSTRACT: Ensilage of rehydrated corn kernels (RC) has been used to improve nutritional value and facilitate on-farm storage. This study evaluated the effects of chitosan and lactic acid microbial inoculants on rehydrated corn silage microbiology, fermentation profile and losses, chemical composition, in vitro degradation, and aerobic stability. Forty experimental silos were used in a completely random design to evaluate the following treatments: 1) Control (CON): RC silage without additives; 2) Chitosan (CHI): RC silage with 6 g/kg dry matter (DM) of chitosan; 3) Lactobacillus buchneri (LB): RC ensiled with 5 × 105 colony forming units (CFU) of L. buchneri per gram fresh weight; and 4) Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici (LPPA): RC ensiled 1.6 × 105 of L. plantarum and 1.6 × 105 P. acidilactici per gram fresh weight. Additives increased lactic acid bacteria and concentration of lactic and propionic acid, decreased mold and yeast count and gas and fermentative losses, and improved DM recovery. The CHI-silos had lower silage pH, Ammonia-N concentration, fermentative losses, and higher acetic acid concentration compared to microbial inoculated-silos. In addition, CHI and LB decreased silage pH and temperature after aerobic exposure. Although, treatments showed slight effects on the nutritional value of RC, CHI improved aerobic stability and decreaseds fermentation losses. ABSTRACT (RC onfarm farm storage microbiology losses composition degradation 1 CON (CON) additives 2 (CHI) gkg g kg (DM 3 (LB) 10 CFU (CFU L weight 4 LPPA (LPPA) 16 1. P recovery CHIsilos AmmoniaN Ammonia N inoculatedsilos. inoculatedsilos inoculated silos. inoculated-silos addition exposure Although (CON (CHI (LB (LPPA

ABSTRACT Purpose: The microbiology pattern of neonatal conjunctivitis has changed over time, and the incidence of gonococcal conjunctivitis is almost nil. This study aimed to determine the etiology of neonatal conjunctivitis cases referred to a tertiary health center in Brazil. Methods: From 2017 to 2020, conjunctival swabs were taken from neonates with clinical signs of conjunctivitis and tested with bacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Results: A total of 51 neonates were included in the 3-year study. Chlamydial conjunctivitis was diagnosed in 39 (76.5%) patients, and microbial growth was detected in 13 (25.5%) patients. The most isolated bacterium was Staphylococcus epidermidis (n=6, 11.8%), followed by other coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (n=4, 7.8%) and S. aureus (n=2, 3.9%). One S. aureus isolate was resistant to oxacillin. There were no cases of gonococcal conjunctivitis. Ten (19.6%) patients showed polymerase chain reaction-negative C. trachomatis and negative bacterial culture test results. Conclusion: Findings show that C. trachomatis is the most common pathogen causing neonatal conjunctivitis. The high prevalence of C. trachomatis infection highlights the importance of screening and treating pregnant woman. Purpose time nil Brazil Methods 201 2020 Results 5 3year year 3 76.5% 765 76 (76.5% 1 25.5% 255 25 (25.5% n=6, n6 n 6 (n=6 11.8%, 118 11.8% , 11 8 11.8%) coagulasenegative coagulase n=4, n4 4 (n=4 7.8% 78 7 S n=2, n2 2 (n=2 3.9%. 3.9% . 9 3.9%) oxacillin 19.6% 196 19 (19.6% reactionnegative C results Conclusion woman 20 202 76.5 (76.5 25.5 (25.5 n=6 (n= 11.8 n=4 7.8 n=2 3.9 19.6 (19.6 76. (76. 25. (25. n= (n 11. 7. 3. 19. (19. (76 (25 (19 (7 (2 (1 (

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent bacterial infections, necessitating rapid and accurate diagnosis for timely treatment. Conventional culture techniques, such as cystine lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) agar, can delay treatment and contribute to inappropriate antibiotic use. Not much is known about alternatives such as chromogenic UTI agar. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the performance of chromogenic UTI agar compared to conventional methods for identifying uropathogens, especially in polymicrobial infections, and to determine its sensitivity, specificity, time efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for UTI diagnosis. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2024 to June 2024 in the Microbiology Department of M.P. Shah Government Medical College in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. Urine samples from patients with suspected UTIs (n = 250) were processed using both chromogenic UTI agar and CLED agar. The performance of chromogenic UTI agar was assessed for pathogen identification, detection of polymicrobial infections, time to results, and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: Chromogenic UTI agar detected single bacterial growth in 63/250 (25.2%) samples, and mixed bacterial growth in 24/250 (9.6%) samples, whereas CLED agar showed single bacterial growth in 67/250 (26.8%) samples and mixed bacterial growth in 10/250 (4%). The chromogenic medium provided preliminary results 5.5 h earlier (p < 0.001) and final results 24 h earlier (p < 0.001) than conventional methods. Cost analysis revealed a 33% reduction per-test cost using chromogenic UTI agar (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Chromogenic UTI agar demonstrated excellent performance in the rapid and accurate diagnosis of UTIs, including improved detection of polymicrobial infections. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: When it comes to diagnosing UTIs, chromogenic UTI agar has several benefits over traditional techniques, such as high accuracy, enhanced detection of polymicrobial infections, and cost-effectiveness. The research backs up the inclusion of chromogenic medium in standard UTI diagnosis procedures.

Resumen Introducción. El empleo de bioformulados de rizobacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal es una alternativa para reducir la dependencia de pesticidas en la agricultura, por su acción biocontroladora de patógenos y solubilizadora de nutrientes. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de los bioformulados sobre la viabilidad celular de las rizobacterias y su influencia en Theobroma cacao L. Materiales y métodos. La investigación se desarrolló de enero a diciembre del año 2020 en los laboratorios de Microbiología y Biología Molecular de la Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo y en la finca Ignolia, La Maná, Ecuador. Se evaluaron: las características potenciales de las bacterias para ser consideradas como rizobacterias; la identificación del gen chiA por reacción de la cadena de la polimerasa; el efecto de los bioformulados sobre la viabilidad celular de rizobacterias y su aplicación a campo para evaluar productividad y estado fitosanitario de T. cacao. Resultados. Las rizobacterias tuvieron la capacidad de solubilizar nutrientes, producir enzimas hidrolíticas y generadoras de biopelículas. El 80 % de las cepas presentaron el gen chiA, con actividad antifúngica contra hongos patógenos. El bioformulado BIO-QPGPRs, con A. calcoaceticus, E. asburiae, S. marcescens, P. protegens y P. veronii, mostró mayor persistencia celular (1,83E+5, 1,80E+5, 1,63E+5 y 1,63E+5) durante los 26 días. Su aplicación edáfica e inyección en temporada lluviosa incrementó las emisiones foliares con 100 y 108; además, redujo la incidencia de Phytophthora spp. y mejoró el rendimiento del grano seco (1270,6 kg/ha). Conclusiones. BIO-QPGPRs conservó las rizobacterias con viabilidad celular durante 26 días. Su aplicación en campo incrementó el número de emisiones foliares, redujo la incidencia de Phytophthora spp. en mazorcas y aumentó el rendimiento del cultivo.

Abstract Introduction. The use of bioformulated plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria is an alternative to reduce the dependence on pesticides in agriculture, due to their pathogen biocontrol and nutrient solubilizing action. Objective. To evaluate the effect of bioformulates on the cell viability of rhizobacteria and their effect on Theobroma cacao L. Materials and methods. The research was conducted from January to December 2020 in the Microbiology and Molecular Biology laboratories of the Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo and at the Ignolia farm, located in La Maná, Ecuador. The following were evaluated: the potential characteristics of bacteria to be considered as rhizobacteria; the identification of the chiA gene through polymerase chain reaction; the effect of bioformulations on the cell viability of rhizobacteria; and their field application to assess the productivity and phytosanitary status of Theobroma cacao. Results. Rhizobacteria had the capacity to solubilize of nutrients, producers of hydrolytic and biofilm-generating enzymes. Eighty percent of the strains presented the chiA gene, with antifungal activity against pathogenic fungi. The BIOQPGPRs bioformulated with A. calcoaceticus, E. asburiae, S. marcescens, P. protegens and P. veronii showed greater cell persistence (1.83E+5, 1.80E+5, 1.63E+5 and 1.63E+5) during the 26 days. Its edaphic application and injection in the rainy season increased leaf emissions with 100 and 108, and reduce the incidence of Phytophthora spp. and its edaphic application of the bacterial consortium improve dry grain yield (1270.6 kg/ha). Conclusions. BIOQPGPRs preserved rhizobacteria with cell viability for 26 days. Its field application increased the number of foliar emissions, reduced the incidence of Phytophthora spp. on pods, and improved crop yield.

RESUMEN Introducción: La colonización temprana de bacterias periodontopatógenas representa un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de una disbiosis en el periodonto. Esta disbiosis, cuando se manifiesta en pacientes ingresados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), puede agravar su condición sistémica. Objetivo: Determinar la presencia de bacterias periodontopatógenas en niños hospitalizados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de un hospital infantil durante el período enero-diciembre de 2023. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Se recolectaron muestras del biofilm subgingival del primer molar inferior permanente en 26 niños hospitalizados en UCI y 30 niños sanos que acudieron a la clínica de Odontopediatría de la Universidad de Cartagena. Las muestras se procesaron mediante PCR convencional utilizando primers específicos para Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Treponema denticola (Td) y Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn). Para el análisis estadístico se empleó la prueba exacta de Fisher con un nivel de significancia p < 0,05. Resultados: De las 26 muestras de niños hospitalizados, 19 (73%) presentaron bacterias periodontopatógenas mientras que 7 (27%) resultaron negativas. En 2 pacientes se detectaron tres especies bacterianas simultáneamente (Tf, Pg, Fn) y en 11 pacientes se identificaron dos especies. En el grupo de niños no hospitalizados (n=30), 20 (66,6%) mostraron presencia bacteriana y 10 (33,3%) fueron negativos. Dieciséis niños presentaron tres especies bacterianas (Td, Pg, Fn), destacando la ausencia de Tf en este grupo. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas según sexo o edad (p > 0,05). Conclusiones: Los resultados demuestran una importante colonización temprana de bacterias periodontopatógenas en ambos grupos estudiados, sugiriendo la necesidad de implementar protocolos de vigilancia y prevención periodontal, especialmente en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Early colonization of periodontopathogenic bacteria represents a risk factor for the development of dysbiosis in the periodontium. This dysbiosis, when manifested in patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), can aggravate their underlying condition. Objective: To determine the presence of periodontopathogenic bacteria in children hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit of a children's hospital during the January-December 2023 time period. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study. Subgingival biofilm samples were collected from the first permanent lower molar in 26 children hospitalized in the ICU and 30 healthy children who attended the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of the University of Cartagena. The samples were processed by conventional PCR using specific primers for Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Treponema denticola (Td) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn). For statistical analysis, Fisher's exact test was used with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Of the 26 samples from hospitalized children, 19 (73%) presented periodontopathogenic bacteria while 7 (27%) were negative. In 2 patients, three bacterial species were detected simultaneously (Tf, Pg, Fn) and in 11 patients, two species were identified. In the group of non-hospitalized children (n=30), 20 (66.6%) showed bacterial presence and 10 (33.3%) were negative. Sixteen children presented three bacterial species (Td, Pg, Fn), highlighting the absence of Tf in this group. No statistically significant differences were found according to sex or age (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results show a significant early colonization of periodontopathogenic bacteria in both groups studied, suggesting the need to implement periodontal surveillance and prevention protocols, especially in hospitalized pediatric patients.

Abstract Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) comprise a group of over 190 species described to date and can produce a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. Although the prevalence of these infections is increasing globally, their diagnosis and treatment remain a challenge. Aim: To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of infections caused by NTM in a 21-year period in Chile. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive analysis based on all NTM-positive cultures analyzed by the Microbiology Laboratories at Red de Salud UC-CHRISTUS, between May 2000 and October 2021. Results: A total of 260 positive NTM cultures were found in the study period, 163 (62.7%) originated from pulmonary and 97 (37.3%) from extrapulmonary sources. Slow-growing species accounted for 188 (72.3%) and fast-growing species accounted for 49 (19.8%) of the isolates. Mycobacterium avium (45.2%) and M. abscessus (26.5%) were the most frequent species in each group, respectively. The odds of having a structural lung disease (OR 24.20, IC 95% 3.23-181.00), a chronic respiratory disease (OR 12.60, IC 95% 3.75-42.30), a chronic cardiovascular disease (OR 4.71, IC 95% 1.89-11.80) or a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (OR 4.69, IC 95% 1.35-16.30) were significantly higher in patients with pulmonary NTM disease than in patients with extra-pulmonary NTM disease. Patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) had a significantly higher risk of bacteriemia (OR 11.60, IC 95% 4.74-28.30) but a lower risk of pulmonary disease (OR 0.22, IC 95% 0.11-0.42), than those nonHIV-infected. Conclusions: M. avium and M. abscessus were the most frequent species in NTM infections. Furthermore, structural pulmonary diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, chronic cardiovascular diseases, GERD and HIV infection were identified as significant associations for specific clinical presentations.

Resumen Introducción: Las micobacterias no tuberculosas (MNT) comprenden un grupo de más de 190 especies descritas a la fecha y pueden producir un amplio espectro de presentaciones clínicas. Si bien la prevalencia de estas infecciones se encuentra en aumento globalmente, su diagnóstico y tratamiento aún representan un desafío. Objetivos: Describir el perfil clínico y epidemiológico de infecciones por MNT en un período evolutivo de 21 años en Chile. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo con análisis a partir de todos los cultivos positivos para MNT procesados por el Laboratorio de Microbiología de la Red de Salud UC-CHRISTUS, entre mayo de 2000 y octubre de 2021. Resultados: De los 260 cultivos positivos observados, 163 (62,7%) fueron de procedencia pulmonar y 97 (37,3%) extrapulmonar. Del total, 188 (72,3%) fueron especies de MNT de crecimiento lento y 49 (19,8%) de crecimiento rápido. Mycobacterium avium (45,2%) y M. abscessus (26,5%) fueron las especies más frecuentes en cada grupo, respectivamente. La probabilidad de tener enfermedad pulmonar estructural crónica (OR 24,20, IC 95% 3,23-181,00), enfermedad respiratoria crónica (OR 12,60, IC 95% 3,75-42,30), patología cardiovascular (OR 4,71, IC 95% 1,89-11,80) y enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE) (OR 4,69, IC 95% 1,35-16,30) fue significativamente mayor en los participantes con compromiso pulmonar respecto a aquellos con compromiso extrapulmonar por MNT. El subgrupo de personas que viven con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) presentó una asociación significativamente mayor de bacteriemia (OR 11,60, IC 95% 4,74-28,30) pero menor de compromiso pulmonar (OR 0,22, IC 95% 0,11-0,42), respecto a los participantes sin coinfección por VIH. Conclusiones: Este estudio destaca M. avium y M. abscessus como las especies más frecuentes en infecciones por MNT. Además, identifica patologías crónicas pulmonares estructurales, respiratorias y cardiovasculares, ERGE y la infección por VIH como asociaciones significativas para presentaciones específicas.

Resumen Las infecciones relacionadas con catéteres representan una significativa fuente de morbilidad, mortalidad y prolongación de la estancia hospitalaria. El diagnóstico bacteriológico puede abordarse mediante diversas metodologías. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la sensibilidad y especificidad de las técnicas comúnmente empleadas en el laboratorio de microbiología. Se analizaron 180 catéteres por medio de las técnicas de Maki, sonicación (técnica de Sherertz) y vórtex (técnica de Brun-Buisson). Cada técnica fue aplicada en primer, segundo y tercer lugar, en un orden sistemático. La sensibilidad y especificidad del método de Maki fueron del 67% y 75% respectivamente, mientras que para las técnicas cuantitativas de Brun-Buisson y Sherertz fueron del 78% y 83%, y del 56% y 88% respectivamente. Se observó que la técnica de Brun-Buisson funcionó mejor cuando se aplicó en primer lugar, la de Sherertz en segundo lugar y la de Maki en tercer lugar.

Abstract Catheter-related infections represent a significant source of morbidity, mortality and prolongation of hospital stay. Bacteriological diagnosis can be approached using various methodologies. This study aimed at evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of the techniques commonly used in the microbiology laboratory. One hundred and eighty catheters were analysed using the Maki, sonication (Sherertz technique) and vortex (Brun-Buisson technique) techniques. Each technique was applied first, second and third, in a systematic order. The sensitivity and specificity of the Maki method were 67% and 75% respectively, while for the Brun-Buisson and Sherertz quantitative techniques they were 78% and 83%, and 56% and 88% respectively. It was observed that the Brun-Buisson technique performed best when applied first, the Sherertz technique second, and the Maki technique third.

Resumo As infecções relacionadas ao cateter representam uma fonte significativa de morbidade, mortalidade e prolongamento da internação hospitalar. O diagnóstico bacteriológico pode ser abordado por meio de diversas metodologias. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a sensibilidade e especificidade das técnicas comumente utilizadas no laboratório de microbiologia. Foram analisados 180 cateteres pelas técnicas de Maki, sonicação (técnica de Sherertz) e vórtice (técnica de Brun-Buisson). Cada técnica foi aplicada em primeiro, segundo e terceiro lugar, em ordem sistemática. A sensibilidade e especificidade do método Maki foram de 67% e 75% respectivamente, enquanto que para as técnicas quantitativas de Brun-Buisson e Sherertz foram de 78% e 83%, e de 56% e 88% respectivamente. Observou-se que a técnica de Brun-Buisson teve melhor desempenho quando aplicada em primeiro lugar, a de Sherertz em segundo e a de Maki em terceiro.

RESUMEN Introducción: el examen de laboratorio más importante para el estudio de la fertilidad masculina lo constituye la evaluación del semen. Los micoplasmas urogenitales son considerados patógenos humanos de gran importancia como agentes de transmisión sexual. Objetivo: describir la frecuencia de aislados de micoplasmas urogenitales en líquido seminal de pacientes con o sin síntomas y su resistencia a los antimicrobianos. Métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva y transversal en el Laboratorio de Microbiología del Hospital Provincial Gineco-Obstétrico Universitario “Mariana Grajales” de octubre de 2014 a marzo de 2017. La población estuvo constituida por 189 muestras seminales que fueron analizadas por el sistema MYCOPLASMA SISTEM Plus como procedimiento de laboratorio. Resultados: se aislaron, con mayor frecuencia, las especies de Ureaplasma spp. (128, 67,7%) y de Mycoplasma hominis (48, 25,4%). Se mostraron elevada resistencia a ofloxacino (15, 31,3%) y tetraciclina (11, 22,9%) en Mycoplasma hominis y 40 (31,3%) y 22 (17,2%) en Ureaplasma spp. Se detectaron en mayor número de casos asintomáticos (138, 73%) sobre los sintomáticos. Conclusiones: prevaleció Ureaplasma spp ., lo que sugiere vigilancia de la resistencia a ofloxacino en pacientes fundamentalmente asintomáticos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the most important laboratory test for the study of male fertility is the evaluation of semen. Urogenital mycoplasmas are considered human pathogens of great importance as agents of sexual transmission. Objective: to describe the frequency of isolates of urogenital mycoplasmas in seminal fluid of patients with or without symptoms and their resistance to antimicrobials. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in the Microbiology Laboratory of the Mariana Grajales University Gynecological-Obstetric Provincial Hospital in October of the 2014 to March 2017. The population consisted of 189 seminal samples, which were analyzed by the MYCOPLASMA SISTEM Plus system as a laboratory procedure. Results: Ureaplasma spp. were the most isolated species (128;67.7%), followed by Mycoplasma hominis (48;25.4%). Both showed high resistance to ofloxacin and tetracycline with 15 (31.3%) and 11 (22.9%) in M. hominis and 40 (31.3%) and 22 (17.2%) in Ureaplasma spp. It manifested itself in a greater number of asymptomatic cases (138;73%) than symptomatic cases. Conclusions: Ureaplasma spp. prevailed, suggesting surveillance for resistance to ofloxacin in essentially asymptomatic patients.

RESUMEN Introducción: el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana se descubrió en 1983 y forma parte de la familia Retroviridae. El desarrollo de la terapia antirretroviral de gran actividad constituye uno de los progresos más relevantes en el enfrentamiento a la epidemia del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana/síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida. Entre los métodos de evolución de la enfermedad se encuentran la carga viral y el conteo de linfocitos TCD4. Objetivo: caracterizar los niveles de carga viral plasmática de virus de inmunodeficiencia humana en pacientes con tratamiento antirretroviral de la Provincia de Villa Clara. Método: se realizó una investigación descriptiva transversal en el Laboratorio de Carga Viral del Centro Provincial de Higiene Epidemiología y Microbiología de Villa Clara en el período de diciembre de 2021 a diciembre de 2022. Se realizó muestreo probabilístico sistemático Resultados: en la muestra predominaron los hombres entre 41 y 50 años (57, 22,8%) y, según la orientación sexual, los homosexuales (157, 62,8%). Prevalecieron los pacientes en tratamiento con tenofovir, lamivudine y dolutegravir (167, 66,8%). La línea de tendencia se encontraba entre los que tenían 400 y 500 células por milímetros cúbicos. La carga viral se pudo observar con una tendencia de valores cercanos a cero, suprimida en el 91,1% de los pacientes en tratamiento con tenofovir, lamivudine y dolutegravir. Conclusiones: se observó un predominio de los pacientes con carga viral no detectada y sin inmunodeficiencia. La mayoría de los que recibieron tratamiento con tenofovir, lamivudine y dolutegravir tenían la carga viral suprimida.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The human immunodeficiency virus was discovered in 1983 and is part of the Retroviridae family. The development of highly active antiretroviral therapy is one of the most important advances in the fight against the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic. Methods for the evolution of the disease include viral load and CD4 T cell count. Objective: to characterize the levels of plasma viral load of human immunodeficiency virus in patients with antiretroviral treatment in the Province of Villa Clara. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Viral Load Laboratory of the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology of Villa Clara in the period from December 2021 to December 2022. Systematic probabilistic sampling was carried out Results: In the sample, men between 41 and 50 years of age predominated (57, 22.8%) and, according to sexual orientation, homosexuals (157, 62.8%). Patients on treatment with tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir prevailed (167, 66.8%). The trend line was between those with 400 and 500 cells per cubic millimeter. The viral load could be observed with a trend of values close to zero, suppressed in 91.1% of patients on treatment with tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir. Conclusions: There was a predominance of patients with undetected viral load and no immunodeficiency. Most of those treated with tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir had suppressed viral load.

Resumen Introducción: La resistencia antimicrobiana incrementa la mortalidad hospitalaria y es un problema de salud pública. Objetivo: Determinar las características de microorganismos aislados en pacientes hospitalizados y detallar los perfiles de sensibilidad antimicrobiana. Métodos: Estudio transversal en un hospital de la selva peruana durante el año 2021; se identificó el tipo de microorganismo, sensibilidad antimicrobiana (VITEK ® 2 bioMérieux), fuente de aislamiento, edad del paciente y servicio de hospitalización. Resultados: 477 cultivos positivos en 453 pacientes. Las muestras procedieron de secreción bronquial: 54.9 %, sangre 35.2 %, orina 6.5 % y otras 3.4 %. Los servicios hospitalarios de procedencia fueron emergencia 49.9 %, unidad de cuidados intensivos 40.0 %, medicina 9.6 % y cirugía 0.5 %. Se aislaron bacterias gramnegativas (74.6 %), bacterias grampositivas (16.4 %) y hongos (9 %). Los microorganismos más frecuentemente aislados fueron Acinetobacter baumannii complex (32.7 %), Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. (16.8 %) y Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.4 %). La resistencia antimicrobiana para los microorganismos más frecuentemente aislados fue: Acinetobacter baumannii complex, XDR en 88.5 %; Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp., MDR en 56.3 %; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, XDR en 54.7 %; Staphylococcus epidermidis, MDR en 92.3 %; y Staphylococcus haemolyticus, MDR en 100 %. Conclusiones: Las bacterias gramnegativas son las más prevalentes y las más afectadas, las áreas críticas hospitalarias; se encontró un elevado porcentaje de resistencia antimicrobiana.

Abstract Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance increases hospital mortality and is a public health problem. Objective: To determine the characteristics of microorganisms isolated from hospitalized patients and to detail antimicrobial sensitivity profiles. Methods: A cross-sectional study in a hospital in the Peruvian Jungle during 2021. The type of microorganism, antimicrobial sensitivity (VITEK ® 2 bioMérieux), source of isolation, patient age and hospitalization service were identified. Results: 477 positive cultures were included in 453 patients. The samples came from bronchial secretion 54.9%, blood 35.2%, urine 6.5% and others 3.4%. The hospital services of origin were emergency 49.9%, intensive care unit 40.0%, medicine 9.6% and surgery 0.5%. Gram negative bacteria (74.6%), Gram positive bacteria (16.4%) and fungi (9%) were isolated. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were Acinetobacter baumannii complex (32.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. (16.8%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.4%). Antimicrobial resistance for the most frequently isolated microorganisms was: Acinetobacter baumannii complex, XDR in 88.5%; Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp., MDR in 56.3%; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, XDR in 54.7%; Staphylococcus epidermidis, MDR in 92.3%; and Staphylococcus haemolyticus, MDR in 100%. Conclusions: Gram-negative bacteria were the most prevalent, and critical hospital areas were the most affected, finding a high percentage of antimicrobial resistance.

Resumen Objetivo Presentar dos casos clínicos inusuales de osteomielitis crónica en mandíbula, su resolución quirúrgica y destacar los aspectos clínicos, radiológicos e histológicos más relevantes. Casos clínicos Se reportaron dos casos clínicos de pacientes con osteomielitis crónica en mandíbula que acudieron al Servicio de Odontología del Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Eva Perón”. El primero fue un raro caso de osteomielitis ubicada de forma aislada en el cóndilo mandibular izquierdo. El tratamiento consistió en la resección quirúrgica del cóndilo mandibular afectado, seguido de terapia antibiótica a largo plazo. El segundo caso clínico se trató de un paciente con pericoronaritis asociado a un tercer molar inferior impactado. El tratamiento se basó en el desbridamiento quirúrgico más la colocación de drenaje, seguido de terapia antibiótica. En ambos pacientes el diagnóstico de osteomielitis se confirmó mediante el estudio histológico de las muestras quirúrgicas, y tras seguimiento de 24 y 12 meses para el caso 1 y 2 respectivamente, no se han reportado recurrencias de la patología.

Abstract Aim To present two unusual cases of chronic mandibular osteomyelitis, its surgical resolution and highlight the most relevant clinical, radiological and histological aspects. Clinical cases Two clinical cases of patients with chronic mandibular osteomyelitis who attended the Dentistry Service of the “Eva Perón” Interzonal General Acute Hospital were reported. The first was a rare case of osteomyelitis located isolated in the left mandibular condyle. Treatment consisted of surgical resection of the affected mandibular condyle, followed by long-term antibiotic therapy. The second clinical case was a patient with pericoronitis associated with an impacted lower third molar. Treatment was based on surgical debridement and drain placement, followed by antibiotic therapy. In both patients the diagnosis of osteomyelitis was confirmed by histological study of the surgical samples, and after follow-up of 24 and 12 months for cases 1 and 2 respectively, no recurrences of the pathology have been reported.

Resumen Introducción. En los trasplantes de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas de médula ósea (CPH-MO) con incompatibilidad mayor de grupo sanguíneo una depleción de glóbulos rojos (GR) eficiente es fundamental para minimizar los efectos adversos durante y posterior a la infusión del producto. Distintos procedimientos se utilizan para la reducción de GR en estos casos, particularmente la técnica de sedimentación con hidroxietil almidón (HES) es ampliamente utilizada, pero es muy laboriosa y requiere de personal experimentado. En este trabajo presentamos los resultados de nuestro laboratorio en la validación de otra metodología para este propósito, el procesamiento con el equipo automatizado Sepax 2, utilizando el protocolo SmartRedux v314. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluaron 9 productos de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas de MO. Se obtuvieron datos de recuperación post procesamiento de células nucleadas (CN) y células CD34+, resultados de viabilidad, estudios microbiológicos y tiempo de procesamiento, además de las reacciones adversas durante la infusión de los productos y datos del injerto de los mismos. Resultados. Se obtuvo una media para la reducción de GR de 92,5% (88,2 - 95,4%), una recuperación de CN de 74,1% (60,1 - 84,3%) y una recuperación de células CD34+ de 83,6% (62,6 - 99,5%). La media de viabilidad de células CD45+ fue 93,3% (87% - 98%) y la de células CD34+ 97% (94% - 99%). Todos los resultados de microbiología fueron negativos. Luego del procesamiento los productos se infundieron todos a pacientes de nuestra institución sin reacciones adversas relevantes, siendo la mediana de recuperación hematopoyética de 15 días para neutrófilos absolutos y de 28 días para plaquetas. Todos lograron quimerismo completo. Discusión. Ante la posibilidad de implementar una nueva metodología para el procesamiento de productos de células progenitoras de MO con incompatibilidad mayor de grupo sanguíneo se validó el procedimiento según establecen las normas de INCUCAI y los estándares voluntarios. Se plantea una opción para el procesamiento de estos productos, con ventajas y desventajas. Cada centro deberá evaluar y validar el procedimiento que mejor se ajuste a sus necesidades.

Abstract Introduction. In major blood group incompatible bone barrow hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC-BM) transplant efficient red blood cells (RBC) depletion is essential to minimize adverse effects during and after the product infusion. Different procedures are used to reduce RBC in this case, particularly the hydroxyethyl starch sedimentation (HES) technique is widely used but is very laborious and requires experienced personnel. In this work we show the results of our laboratory in the validation of another methodology for this purpose; processing with Sepax 2 automated equipment, using the SmartRedux v314 protocol. Materials and methods. We evaluated 9 BM hematopoietic progenitor cell products. Data of post processing recovery nucleated cells (NC) and CD34+ cells, viability results, microbiological studies and processing time were obtained. Besides the adverse reactions during the infusion of the products and their engraftment. Results. A mean reduction of GR of 92.5% (88.2 - 95.4%), a recovery of NC of 74.1% (60.1 - 84.3%) and a recovery of CD34+ cells of 83.6% (62.6 - 99.5%) was obtained. The mean viability of CD45+ cells was 93.3% (87% - 98%) and of CD34 cells was 97% (94% - 99%). All microbiology results were negative. After processing, the products were all infused to patients at our institution without relevant adverse reactions, with the median hematopoietic recovery being 15 days for absolute neutrophils and 28 days for platelets. All achieved complete chimerism. Discussion. Having the possibility of implementing a new methodology for the processing of BM progenitor cell products with major blood group incompatibility, the procedure was validated according to the INCUCAI regulations and voluntary standards. An option is proposed for the processing of these products, with advantages and disadvantages. Each center must evaluate and validate the procedure with best adjustment to its needs.

Resumen Introducción. Una de las patologías más frecuentes del pericardio es la pericarditis, que puede presentarse como pericarditis aguda, subaguda o crónica, derrame pericárdico, taponamiento cardíaco o pericarditis constrictiva. Sin embargo, es una condición infrecuente en la población pediátrica. Métodos. Presentamos una serie de casos de pacientes con pericarditis que fueron llevados a pericardiotomía, drenaje pericárdico y pericardiectomía parcial anterior, entre julio de 2014 y junio de 2023. Se recolectaron las variables demográficas y clínicas, se evaluaron los aislamientos microbiológicos y el manejo recibido. Resultados. Un total de 12 pacientes fueron llevados a manejo quirúrgico mínimamente invasivo; de estos, 58 % pertenecían a comunidades indígenas y residían en zonas rurales. La mitad tenían neumonía asociada. En la mayoría de los casos no se obtuvo aislamiento microbiológico. Conclusión. La necesidad de manejo quirúrgico está determinada por la repercusión en las variables hemodinámicas relacionadas con el derrame y el compromiso pericárdico. La pericardiectomía parcial por toracoscopia es una alternativa en estos casos.

Abstract Introduction. One of the most common pathologies of the pericardium is pericarditis, which can present as acute, subacute or chronic pericarditis, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade or constrictive pericarditis. However, it is a rare condition in the pediatric population. Methods. A series of cases of patients with pericarditis who were taken to pericardiotomy, pericardial drainage and anterior partial pericardiectomy, between July 2014 and June 2023 is presented. Demographic and clinical variables were collected, microbiological isolates and the management received were evaluated. Results. A total of 12 patients underwent minimally invasive surgical management; of these, 58% belonged to indigenous communities and lived in rural areas. Half had associated pneumonia. In most cases, no microbiological isolation was obtained. Conclusion. The need for surgical management is determined by the impact on the hemodynamic variables related to the effusion and pericardial compromise. Partial pericardiectomy by thoracoscopy is an alternative in these cases.