RESUMEN: La mareína es un compuesto flavonoide que reduce la glucosa y los lípidos en sangre y tiene un efecto protector en la diabetes. Sin embargo, no se han dilucidado el efecto y los mecanismos de la mareína sobre la transición endotelial- mesenquimatosa renal en la enfermedad renal diabética (ERD). En este estudio, los datos de secuenciación unicelular sobre DKD se analizaron utilizando un método de bioinformación y los datos se sometieron a una agrupación de dimensiones reducidas. Se descubrió que las células endoteliales podían dividirse en cinco subgrupos. La secuencia de desarrollo de los subgrupos fue 0, 1, 4, 2 y 3, de los cuales el subgrupo 3 tenía el fenotipo más intersticial. La expresión de la proteína marcadora mesenquimatosa: vimentina (VIM), fibronectina (FN1) y receptor del factor de crecimiento de fibroblastos. 1 (FGFR1) aumentó con la conversión de subgrupos. En ratones db/db de 13 a 14 semanas de edad, que desarrollan complicaciones de DKD después de las 8 a 12 semanas de edad, la mareína redujo los niveles sanguíneos de glucosa, creatinina y nitrógeno ureico, mejoró el daño estructural en el tejido renal y redujo la deposición y expresión de colágeno de FN1 y VIM. Marein también aumentó el marcador de autofagia: Cadena ligera 3II/I (LC3II/I) y disminuyó la expresión de FGFR1 en el tejido renal. En un modelo de transición endotelial-mesenquimal, un nivel alto de glucosa indujo un cambio fenotípico en las células endoteliales de la vena umbilical humana. Marein disminuyó la migración de células endoteliales, mejoró la morfología de las células endoteliales y disminuyó la expresión de VIM y FN1. El uso del inhibidor de FGFR1, AZD4547, y del inhibidor de la autofagia, 3-metiladenina (3-MA), demostró aún más el efecto inhibidor de la mareína en la transición endotelial-mesenquimal inducida por niveles altos de glucosa al reducir la expresión de FGFR1 y regular positivamente la proteína marcadora de autofagia. , LC3II/I. En conclusión, este estudio sugiere que la mareína tiene un efecto protector sobre la transición endotelial-mesenquimatosa renal en la ERC, que puede estar mediada por la inducción de autofagia y la regulación negativa de la expresión de FGFR1.

SUMMARY: Marein is a flavonoid compound that reduces blood glucose and lipids and has a protective effect in diabetes. However, the effect and mechanism(s) of marein on renal endothelial-mesenchymal transition in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) have not been elucidated. In this study, single-cell sequencing data on DKD were analyzed using a bioinformation method, and the data underwent reduced dimension clustering. It was found that endothelial cells could be divided into five subclusters. The developmental sequence of the subclusters was 0, 1, 4, 2, and 3, of which subcluster 3 had the most interstitial phenotype.The expression of mesenchymal marker protein:Vimentin(VIM), Fibronectin(FN1), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) increased with the conversion of subclusters. In db/db mice aged 13-14 weeks, which develop DKD complications after 8-12 weeks of age, marein reduced blood levels of glucose, creatinine, and urea nitrogen, improved structural damage in kidney tissue, and reduced collagen deposition and the expression of FN1 and VIM. Marein also up-regulated autophagy marker:Light chain 3II/I(LC3II/I) and decreased FGFR1 expression in renal tissue. In an endothelial-mesenchymal transition model, a high glucose level induced a phenotypic change in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Marein decreased endothelial cell migration, improved endothelial cell morphology, and decreased the expression of VIM and FN1. The use of the FGFR1 inhibitor, AZD4547, and autophagy inhibitor, 3-Methyladenine(3-MA), further demonstrated the inhibitory effect of marein on high glucose-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition by reducing FGFR1 expression and up-regulating the autophagy marker protein, LC3II/I. In conclusion, this study suggests that marein has a protective effect on renal endothelial- mesenchymal transition in DKD, which may be mediated by inducing autophagy and down-regulating FGFR1 expression.

Abstract Objective To generalise the features of PANP in case of potential clinical and pathological pitfall of diagnosis. Methods Thirteen patients diagnosed as PANP were retrospectively analyzed in the Pathology Department of Capital Medical University from August 2014 to December 2019. Immunohistochemical staining with CD34, CK, Vim, Calponin, Ki67, Bcl-2, and STAT-6 was performed with envision-two steps method. Results PANP is a benign tumor presenting with gross variegated tan to gray soft fleshy tissue with foci of obvious hemorrhage and necrosis. The imaging shows internal heterogeneous hyperintensity with a peripheral hypointense rim while postcontrast images display a strong nodular and patchy enhancement. Vimentin (Vim) stain was consistently positive, while negative for CD34, STAT-6 and Bcl-2 (focal positive in two cases). Calponin and CK stain was positive in nine cases, respectively. Conclusion PANP is a clinically rare tumor which may simulate malignancy lesion. Recognizing of characteristic features in these thirteen patients would be beneficial to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary aggressive treatment. Level of evidence: This work was Level 2 of evidence according to the Guide for Authors. diagnosis 201 2019 CD34 CD Vim Ki67 Ki Bcl2, Bcl2 Bcl 2, STAT6 STAT 6 STAT- envisiontwo envision method necrosis enhancement (Vim Bcl- focal cases. cases . cases) respectively lesion treatment Authors 20 CD3 Ki6

Resumen El panel BCID2 de BioFire® (BioFire, Salt Lake City, EE.UU.) utiliza un análisis de PCR múltiple a partir de hemocultivos positivos con resultados en una hora. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el desempeño del método a partir de hemocultivos positivos de pacientes sépticos en 5 hospitales de la Argentina. Se incluyeron 121 pacientes y 124 episodios. Con respecto a la identificación microbiana, la sensibilidad global y la correspondiente a los microorganismos incluidos en la base de datos fue del 94% y 97% respectivamente. La sensibilidad del BCID2 para detectar CTX-M, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, mecA/C, vanA/B fue del 100% y la especificidad fue del 99% para NDM y VIM y del 100% para el resto. Esto llevó a cambios en el tratamiento antimicrobiano en 57/98 episodios (58%). El panel BCID2 es una herramienta importante para la adecuación del tratamiento antimicrobiano de pacientes con sepsis.

Abstract The BioFire® BCID2 panel (BioFire, Salt Lake City, UT) uses multiplex PCR analysis from positive blood cultures with results within one hour. The objective of this study was to determine the performance of the method from positive blood cultures of septic patients in 5 hospitals in Argentina. A total of 121 patients and 124 episodes were included. With regard to microbial identification, the global sensitivity and that corresponding to the microorganisms included in the database was 94% and 97%, respectively. The sensitivity of BCID2 to detect CTX-M, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, mecA/C, vanA/B was 100% and the specificity was 99% for NDM and VIM and 100% for the rest. This led to changes in antimicrobial treatment in 57/98 episodes (58%). The BCID2 panel is an important tool for the adequacy of antimicrobial treatment of patients with sepsis.

Resumo Estudo multicêntrico argentino sobre a utilidade do painel BCID2 do Sistema FilmArray™ na detecção de bacteremia O painel BCID2 de BioFire® B (BioFire, Salt Lake City, EUA) utiliza uma análise de PCR múltipla de hemoculturas positivas com resultados em uma hora. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o desempenho do método a partir de hemoculturas positivas de pacientes sépticos em 5 hospitais da Argentina. Cento e vinte e um pacientes e 124 episódios foram incluídos. No que se refere à identificação microbiana, a sensibilidade global e correspondente aos microrganismos incluídos na base de dados foi de 94% e 97%, respectivamente. A sensibilidade do BCID2 para detectar CTX-M, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, mecA/C, vanA/B foi de 100% e a especificidade foi de 99% para NDM e VIM e 100% para o resto. Isso levou a mudanças no tratamento antimicrobiano em 57/98 episódios (58%). O painel BCID2 é uma ferramenta importante para a adequação do tratamento antimicrobiano de pacientes com sepse.

Resumen El panel BCID2 de BioFire® (BioFire, Salt Lake City, EE.UU.) utiliza un análisis de PCR múltiple a partir de hemocultivos positivos con resultados en una hora. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el desempeño del método a partir de hemocultivos positivos de pacientes sépticos en 5 hospitales de la Argentina. Se incluyeron 121 pacientes y 124 episodios. Con respecto a la identificación microbiana, la sensibilidad global y la correspondiente a los microorganismos incluidos en la base de datos fue del 94% y 97% respectivamente. La sensibilidad del BCID2 para detectar CTX-M, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, mecA/C, vanA/B fue del 100% y la especificidad fue del 99% para NDM y VIM y del 100% para el resto. Esto llevó a cambios en el tratamiento antimicrobiano en 57/98 episodios (58%). El panel BCID2 es una herramienta importante para la adecuación del tratamiento antimicrobiano de pacientes con sepsis.

Abstract The BioFire® BCID2 panel (BioFire, Salt Lake City, UT) uses multiplex PCR analysis from positive blood cultures with results within one hour. The objective of this study was to determine the performance of the method from positive blood cultures of septic patients in 5 hospitals in Argentina. A total of 121 patients and 124 episodes were included. With regard to microbial identification, the global sensitivity and that corresponding to the microorganisms included in the database was 94% and 97%, respectively. The sensitivity of BCID2 to detect CTX-M, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, mecA/C, vanA/B was 100% and the specificity was 99% for NDM and VIM and 100% for the rest. This led to changes in antimicrobial treatment in 57/98 episodes (58%). The BCID2 panel is an important tool for the adequacy of antimicrobial treatment of patients with sepsis.

Resumo Estudo multicêntrico argentino sobre a utilidade do painel BCID2 do Sistema FilmArray™ na detecção de bacteremia O painel BCID2 de BioFire® B (BioFire, Salt Lake City, EUA) utiliza uma análise de PCR múltipla de hemoculturas positivas com resultados em uma hora. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o desempenho do método a partir de hemoculturas positivas de pacientes sépticos em 5 hospitais da Argentina. Cento e vinte e um pacientes e 124 episódios foram incluídos. No que se refere à identificação microbiana, a sensibilidade global e correspondente aos microrganismos incluídos na base de dados foi de 94% e 97%, respectivamente. A sensibilidade do BCID2 para detectar CTX-M, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, mecA/C, vanA/B foi de 100% e a especificidade foi de 99% para NDM e VIM e 100% para o resto. Isso levou a mudanças no tratamento antimicrobiano em 57/98 episódios (58%). O painel BCID2 é uma ferramenta importante para a adequação do tratamento antimicrobiano de pacientes com sepse.

Abstract Metallo-p-lactamases (MBL) producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates have been well characterized. Quinolones are commonly used in the treatment of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa infections; however, data about PMQR in this species are scarce. The objective of this study was to report the simultaneous presence of qnrS and blaV|M-n in P. aeruginosa, and to characterize the qnrS-harboring plasmid. Thirty-eight carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates were recovered from a hospital in Buenos Aires during 2012. Screening forMBL was assessed by the double disk synergy test using EDTA and carbapenem discs. Plasmid DNA extraction was performed by a method using phenol-chloroform. PCR followed by sequencing was carried out to determine each MBL and PMQR allele. PCR-BseGI-RFLP was performed to detect aac-(6')-Ib-cr. The gyrA-QRDR was sequenced in those PMQR-harboring isolates. Plasmid incompatibility groups and addiction systems were characterized by PCR. The PMQR-carrying plasmid was sequenced using Illumina technology, annotated using RAST and manually curated. Eleven/38 isolates were VIM producers (blaVIM-2 and blaVIM-11) while 1/38 harbored blaIMP-13. One isolate harbored blaVIM-11 and the PMQR qnrSI; however, both markers were located in different plasmids. The qnrSí-harboring plasmid (pP6qnrS1) was 117 945 bp in size, presented 154 CDS and corresponded to the IncR group. In addition to qnrSI, it harbored several aminoglycoside resis-tance markers. Although pP6qnrS1 was non-conjugative, it presented an oriT which made it possible for this plasmid to be transferable. This is the first report on P. aeruginosa carrying both blaVIM-11 and qnrSI, plus the first detection of an IncR plasmid in Argentina.

Resumen Las quinolonas son comúnmente utilizadas en el tratamiento de las infecciones producidas por Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistentes a carbapenems (PARC); aun así, la información sobre la resistencia a quinolonas mediada por plásmidos (PMQR) en esta especie es escasa. El objetivo de este trabajo fue reportar la presencia simultánea de los genes qnrS y blaVIM-11 en PARC y caracterizar el plásmido portador de qnrS. Durante 2012 se recuperaron 38 PARC en un hospital de Buenos Aires. El tamizaje para detectar producción de metalo-beta-lactamasas (MBL) se llevó a cabo mediante sinergia de doble disco utilizando EDTA y carbapenems. El ADN plasmídico fue extraído utilizando fenolcloroformo. Para determinar los alelos de los genes implicados en la síntesis de MBL y de PMQR, se llevó a cabo PCR-secuenciación. Para la detección de aac-(6')-Ib-cr se realizó PCR-BseGI-RFLP. En aquellos aislamientos portadores de PMQR se secuenció el gen gyrA. Los grupos de incompatibilidad y sistemas de adicción fueron caracterizados por PCR. El plásmido portador de PMQR fue secuenciado completamente y curado manualmente. De 38 aislamientos, 11 fueron productores de VIM (blaVIM-2 y blaVIM-11), mientras que uno contenía blaIMP-13. Si bien un aislamiento fue portador de blaVIM-11 y de qnrSI, dichos marcadores se encontraban en distintos plásmidos. El plásmido portador de qnrSI (pP6qnrS1) presentó un tamaño de 117.945 pby 154 secuencias codificantes (CDS); este correspondió al grupo de incompatibilidad IncR. Además de qnrSI, el plásmido portaba diversos marcadores de resistencia a aminoglucósidos. Aun cuando pP6qnrS1 no resultó conjugativo, presentó un oriT, de modo que posiblemente sea transferible. Este es el primer informe acerca de PARC portadora de blaVIM-11 y de qnrSI en simultáneo, además, es la primera descripción de un plásmido IncR en Argentina.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa es una de las especies aisladas con mayor frecuencia en las infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud, con un importante rol como patógeno. Se determinó la relación clonal de P. aeruginosa productora de metalo-β-lactamasas (MBLs), aisladas de pacientes recluidos en el Complejo Hospitalario Universitario “Ruiz y Páez”, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela, durante los años 2008 al 2014. Se evaluó una colección de 10 aislados de P. aeruginosa productoras de MBLs. La susceptibilidad a los antimicrobianos se realizó mediante difusión con discos. La producción de MBLs se detectó fenotípicamente a través del método de discos de carbapenemos combinados con ácido etilendiaminotetraacético-mercaptoacético de sodio, y mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa se investigó la presencia de los genes que codifican para las MBLs de las familias IMP, VIM y SPM. Se determinó la relación clonal mediante la Amplificación Aleatoria de ADN Polimórfico (RAPD). Todas las cepas fueron multirresistentes y se comprobó la presencia de MBLs de tipo VIM. Mediante RAPD se logró clasificar las cepas en tres grupos clonales distintos, pero altamente relacionados entre sí, demostrándose su diseminación y persistencia clonal.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the species most frequently isolated in associated health care infections with an important role as pathogen. The clonal relation of P. aeruginosa producing metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) isolated from patients hospitalized at the Hospital Universitario “Ruiz y Páez” Complex of Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela, for the years 2008 to 2014, was determined. A set of 10 isolates of P. aeruginosa producing MBLs were evaluated. The antimicrobial susceptibility was performed by the disk diffusion test. MBLs production was determined by the method of carbapenem disks combined with ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid-sodium mercapto-acetic. By means of the polymerase chain reaction test the presence of the genes encoding for MBLs of the families: IMP, VIM and SPM were investigated. Clonal spread by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was investigated. All strains were multiresistant and the presence of VIM type MBLs was demonstrated. By the RAPD the different strains were classified into three distinct clonal groups, highly related. In conclusion, all strains of P. aeruginosa were multiresistant, producing VIM type MBL and the clonal dissemination and persistence were demonstrated.

Resumo A Mucograft(r) é uma matriz reabsorvível, de origem suína, composta de colágenos do tipo I e III, utilizada para aumento de tecido mole em regeneração óssea guiada. Este estudo in vitro teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento biológico da Mucograft(r), em fibroblastos gengivais humanos, bem como a indução da síntese de matriz extracelular. Seis matrizes reabsorvíveis de Mucograft(r) (MCG) foram cortadas em retângulos e quadrados medindo 3 x 2 mm e 5 x 5 mm e alocadas em placas de 96 e 24 poços, respectivamente. O grupo controle (CTRL) consistiu no plaqueamento celular em poliestireno, sem MCG. Após um, dois, três e sete dias, a proliferação e a viabilidade celular foram avaliadas utilizando o corante vital azul de Trypan e o teste MTT, respectivamente. Além disso, a expressão de colágeno tipo III (COL 3A1) e vimentina (VIM) foi avaliada após 10 e 14 dias, por meio de Western-blotting. Após análise estatística (Anova e pós teste de Bonferroni), pode-se observar que os fibroblastos gengivais humanos, cultivados sobre MCG, apresentaram proliferação e viabilidade semelhantes em comparação às células que foram cultivadas apenas no poliestireno (CTRL). Após 14 dias, notou-se uma diminuição significativa da expressão de COL 3A1 (p<0,05) quando as células foram cultivadas sobre a MCG. A expressão da VIM não mostrou diferença significativa em nenhum dos períodos estudados (p>0,05). No presente estudo in vitro pode-se concluir que apesar de não ter sido observado aumento da síntese de matriz extracelular, a Mucograft(r) apresentou compatibilidade celular, sendo uma opção de biomaterial em casos que o arcabouço é necessário.

Mucograft(r) is a resorbing porcine matrix composed of type I and type III collagen, used for soft tissue augmentation in guided tissue bony regeneration procedures. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the biological behavior of Mucograft(r) in human gingival fibroblasts, as well as the ability of the matrix to induce production of extracellular matrix. Six resorbing Mucograft(r) matrices (MCG) were cut into 3 x 2 mm rectangles and 5 x 5 mm squares and were placed in 96- and 24-well plates, respectively. The control group (CTRL) consisted of cells plated on polystyrene without the MCG. After one, two, three and seven days, cell proliferation and viability were assessed using the Trypan exclusion method and MTT test, respectively. Type III collagen (COL 3A1) and vimentin (VIM) expression were also evaluated at 10 and 14 days, using Western blotting. Statistical analysis, using ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni test, revealed that human gingival fibroblasts from MCG showed similar results (p>0.05) for proliferation and viability as the cells cultured on CTRL. After 14 days, a significant decrease in COL 3A1 expression (p<0.05) was observed when cultured with the MCG. VIM expression showed no significant difference at any time period (p>0.05). Although no increase in extracellular matrix secretion was observed in this in vitro study, Mucograft(r) presented cellular compatibility, being an option for a scaffold whenever it is required.

An integral solution of the forward DC geoelectric response for three-dimensional target-bodies in a half-space, based on Green's functions, is introduced. The first algorithm presented is based on a volume integral method (VIM); here, only the primary electrical current is involved to compute the electric potential. The second one employs the surface integral method (SIM), and it is assumed the induced charge is due to the primary electrical field. Both algorithms are a combination of boundary and volume integrals. This paper shows the applicability of these algorithms to generate resistivity profile images reproducing some electrode arrays for traditional synthetic examples, and then these images were compared with already published results. Finally, the comparison between results shows the concept of induced charge used in SIM produces a better approach than VIM scheme in computing the electrical potential.

Se introduce una solución integral para el problema directo de la respuesta geoeléctrica DC para cuerpos tri-dimensionales en un semi-espacio, mediante las funciones de Green. El primer algoritmo que se presenta se basa en el método integral de volumen (MIV); aquí, únicamente la corriente eléctrica primaria se utiliza para calcular el potencial eléctrico. El segundo caso emplea el método integral de superficie (MIS), en donde se asume que la carga inducida es debida al campo eléctrico primario. Ambos algoritmos son una combinación de integrales de volumen y de condiciones de frontera. Este artículo muestra la aplicabilidad de estos algoritmos para generar imágenes de perfiles de resistividad que reproducen algunos arreglos de electrodos para ejemplos sintéticos tradicionales, y posteriormente estas imágenes se comparan con resultados ya publicados en la literatura. Finalmente, la comparación entre estos resultados muestra que el concepto de carga inducida utilizada en MIS produce una mejor aproximación, que el esquema MIV en el cálculo del potencial eléctrico.

Introducción. Pseudomonas aeruginosa es un patógeno oportunista causante de múltiples infecciones en pacientes hospitalizados. Este microorganismo desarrolla fácilmente resistencia a diversos antimicrobianos, incluidos los carbapenémicos, considerados como la última opción terapéutica frente a estas infecciones. En P. aeruginosa la resistencia a los carbapenémicos está mediada por diferentes mecanismos: carbapenemasas de clases B (MBL) y A, alteraciones en la expresión de OprD e hiperexpresión de las bombas de expulsión Mex. Objetivo. Describir la presencia de carbapenemasas en aislamientos de P. aeruginosa resistentes a carbapenémicos procedentes de siete departamentos . Materiales y métodos. De septiembre de 2012 a marzo de 2013 se recibieron 57 aislamientos de P. aeruginosa en el Grupo de Microbiología del Instituto Nacional de Salud. Su identificación y perfil de sensibilidad se confirmó por Vitek2 ® y técnica de difusión de disco (Kirby-Bauer) y los resultados se interpretaron según las guías del Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute del 2013. Las carbapenemasas se detectaron fenotípicamente con el test modificado de Hodge y la prueba de sinergia para MBL usando los inhibidores EDTA-SMA, y genotípicamente con PCR convencional para los genes bla KPC, bla VIM, bla IMP y bla NDM. Resultados. De los 57 aislamientos remitidos, dos fueron sensibles a carbapenémicos y, de los 55 restantes, en 43 se confirmó la presencia de carbapenemasas; el mayor porcentaje de sensibilidad se presentó frente a la colistina (96,4 %; n=53). Los 43 aislamientos productores de carbapenemasas presentaron perfil de multirresistencia: 76,7 % fue positivo con el test modificado de Hodge y 79,1 % presentó sinergia con MBL. Treinta y tres aislamientos fueron positivos para bla VIM, nueve para bla KPC y un aislamiento fue productor tanto de carbapenemasas KPC como de VIM. Ningún aislamiento amplificó para bla IMP y bla NDM. Conclusiones. La carbapenemasa más frecuente fue la VIM seguida de la KPC en una relación aproximada de 3:1.

Introduction: Pse udomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes multiple infections in hospitalized patients. This microorganism has developed resistance to several antimicrobial agents, including carbapenems, which are considered to be the last therapeutic option against these infections. Carbapenem resistance of P. aeruginosa is mediated by different mechanisms: Carbapenemases class B (MBL) and A, alterations in the OprD expression and overexpression of the Mex efflux pump. Objective: To describe the presence of carbapenemases in P. aeruginosa isolates from seven Colombian provinces. Materials and methods: A total of 57 P. aeruginosa isolates were collected between September 2012 and March 2013 from national surveillance in Colombia and were sent to the Grupo de Microbiología at the Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) for evaluation. Iidentification and antimicrobial susceptibility were confirmed through automated method (Vitek ® 2) and disk diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, CLSI, 2013. Phenotypic and genotypic confirmation was determined using the modified Hodge test (MHT), a synergism test using imipenem, EDTA-SMA and meropenem, and conventional PCR to detect the bla KPC, bla VIM, bla IMP and bla NDM genes. Results: Of the 57 isolates, two showed sensitivity to carbapenems. Forty-three isolates were positive for carbapenemases with a high percentage of sensitivity to colistin (76.4%, n=42). The 43 isolates producing carbapenemases showed multiple drug resistance: 72.1% were positive in the MHT and 79.1% showed MBL synergism. PCR amplification confirmed that 33 isolates were positive for bla VIM, nine were positive for bla KPC and one isolate expressed both KPC and VIM carbapenemases. No isolates showed amplified products with bla IMP and bla NDM primers. Conclusions: The most frequent carbapenemase was VIM, followed by KPC in an approximate ratio of 3:1.

We analyzed 17 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to carbapenems isolated in four hospitals in eastern and southern Venezuela collected between 2007 and 2010. Combined disk method showed production of metallo־β־lactamases (MBLs) in all strains. PCR and sequencing of genes encoding IMP, VIM and SPM metallo־β־lactamase families confirmed the presence of VIM-2 MMBL in all strains. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis classified the strains into three similarity groups. The largest group, group A included 13 strains with over 83% similarity between them and was found in four hospitals. Two strains of Cumana hospital formed the group B and other two the Group C with similitary of 73% and 65% respectively with Group A. These results confirmed that hospitals in eastern and southern Venezuela, circulating strains of P. aeruginosa producing VIM-2 type MBLs with a common clonal origin. On the other hand, carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa circulating in Cumana city hospital had polyclonal origin.

Se analizaron 17 cepas de Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistentes a carbapenémicos aisladas en cuatro hospitales del oriente y sur de Venezuela colectadas entre los años 2007 y 2010. En todas las cepas se demostró la producción de metalo-β-lactamasas (MBLs) por el método de discos combinados. Mediante la amplificación por la reacción de polimerasa en cadena (RPC) de los genes que codifican para las metalo-β-lactamasas de las familias IMP, VIM y SPM, y su posterior secuenciación, se confirmó la presencia de MBLs de tipo VIM-2 en todas las cepas. Mediante la electroforesis de campos pulsantes (ECP), las cepas se clasificaron en tres grupos de similaridad. El grupo dominante (A) estuvo constituido por 13 cepas provenientes de los cuatro hospitales, con similaridad superior al 83% entre ellas. Dos cepas del hospital de Cumaná conformaron el Grupo B y otras dos el Grupo C con similaridad de 73 y 65%, respectivamente, con el Grupo A. Estos resultados confirmaron que en los hospitales del oriente y sur de Venezuela, circulan cepas de P. aeruginosa productoras de MBLs de tipo VIM-2, con un origen clonal común. Asimismo, en el hospital de Cumaná circulan cepas de origen policlonal.

In this paper, variational iteration (VIM) and parametrized perturbation (PPM) methods have been used to investigate non-linear vibration of Euler-Bernoulli beams subjected to the axial loads. The proposed methods do not require small parameter in the equation which is difficult to be found for nonlinear problems. Comparison of VIM and PPM with Runge-Kutta 4th leads to highly accurate solutions.

Uma vez que muitos dos aspectos envolvidos na patogenia dos processos desmielinizantes do sistema nervoso central (SNC) são ainda pouco esclarecidos e que os astrócitos parecem estar envolvidos na mediação de tais processos, este estudo analisou morfologicamente a participação astrocitária na desmielinização do SNC por meio da marcação imunoistoquímica de duas proteínas dos filamentos intermediários astrocitários - a proteína glial fibrilar ácida (GFAP) e a vimentina (VIM) -, comparando amostras de cerebelo e de tronco encefálico de oito cães com cinomose e de dois cães normais, de diferentes raças e com idades entre um e quatro anos. Cortes histológicos dos tecidos foram submetidos à marcação pelo método indireto da avidina-biotina-peroxidase (ABC) e a reatividade astrocitária, observada em microscopia de luz, foi quantificada em um sistema computacional de análise de imagens. Observou-se, na maioria dos cortes de animais doentes, a presença de lesões degenerativas compatíveis com desmielinização. A marcação para a GFAP e para a VIM foi mais intensa nos animais com cinomose do que nos animais normais, especialmente nas regiões circunventriculares e nas adjacentes às áreas de degeneração tecidual. Não houve diferença significativa entre a imunomarcação (GFAP e VIM) dos animais com cinomose com e sem infiltração inflamatória da substância branca do cerebelo. O aumento da imunorreatividade dos astrócitos para a GFAP e a reexpressão de VIM nas áreas lesionais indicam o envolvimento astrocitário na resposta do tecido nervoso às lesões desmielinizantes induzidas pelo vírus da cinomose (CDV) no SNC.

Considering that many aspects involved in the pathogenesis of the central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases are still poorly understood and that astrocytes seem to mediate such processes, this study analyzed the participation of astrocytes in the demyelinating processes of CNS by using immunohistochemical staining of two astrocytic proteins - glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin (VIM) -, comparing samples of cerebellum and brainstem from eight dogs with canine distemper and from two healthy dogs, from different breeds and ages varying from 1 to 4 years old. Histological sections were submitted to the avidin-biotin-peroxidase indirect method of immmunohistochemical staining (ABC) and the astrocytic reactivity, observed in light microscopy, was quantified in a computer system for image analysis. It was possible to notice, on most of the sections from sick animals, degenerative lesions that indicate demyelination. The immunostaining for GFAP and VIM was more intense on animals with canine distemper, specially around the ventricules and near degenerated sites. There was no significant difference between the immunostaining (GFAP and VIM) of animals with canine distemper with and without inflammatory infiltrate of the cerebellar white matter. The increased immunoreactivity of astrocytes for GFAP and the VIM reexpression in injured areas indicate the astrocytic involvement on nervous tissue response to the demyelinating lesions induced by the canine distemper virus (CDV) in the CNS.