Genomic insights of S. aureus associated with bovine mastitis in a high livestock activity region of Mexico

José Roberto Aguirre-Sánchez,Nohemí Castro-del Campo,José Andrés Medrano-Félix,Alex Omar Martínez-Torres,Cristóbal Chaidez,Jordi Querol-Audi,Nohelia Castro-del Campo 대한수의학회 2024 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.25 No.4

Importance: Bovine mastitis, predominantly associated with gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, poses a significant threat to dairy cows, leading to a decline in milk quality and volume with substantial economic implications. Objective: This study investigated the incidence, virulence, and antibiotic resistance of S. aureus associated with mastitis in dairy cows. Methods: Fifty milk-productive cows underwent a subclinical mastitis diagnosis, and the S. aureus strains were isolated. Genomic DNA extraction, sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis were performed, supplemented by including 124 S. aureus genomes from cows with subclinical mastitis to enhance the overall analysis. Results: The results revealed a 42% prevalence of subclinical mastitis among the cows tested. Genomic analysis identified 26 sequence types (STs) for all isolates, with Mexican STs belonging primarily to CC1 and CC97. The analyzed genomes exhibited multidrug resistance to phenicol, fluoroquinolone, tetracycline, and cephalosporine, which are commonly used as the first line of treatment. Furthermore, a similar genomic virulence repertoire was observed across the genomes, encompassing the genes related to invasion, survival, pathogenesis, and iron uptake. In particular, the toxic shock syndrome toxin (tss-1) was found predominantly in the genomes isolated in this study, posing potential health risks, particularly in children. Conclusion and Relevance: These findings underscore the broad capacity for antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity by S. aureus, compromising the integrity of milk and dairy products. The study emphasizes the need to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotics in combating S. aureus infections.

Etiopathogenic role of ERK5 signaling in sarcoma: prognostic and therapeutic implications

Sánchez-Fdez Adrián,Matilla-Almazán Sofía,Del Carmen Sofía,Abad Mar,Arconada-Luque Elena,Jiménez-Suárez Jaime,Chinchilla-Tábora Luis Miguel,Ruíz-Hidalgo Mª José,Sánchez-Prieto Ricardo,Pandiella Atanas 생화학분자생물학회 2023 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.55 No.-

Sarcomas constitute a heterogeneous group of rare and difficult-to-treat tumors that can affect people of all ages, representing one of the most common forms of cancer in childhood and adolescence. Little is known about the molecular entities involved in sarcomagenesis. Therefore, the identification of processes that lead to the development of the disease may uncover novel therapeutic opportunities. Here, we show that the MEK5/ERK5 signaling pathway plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of sarcomas. By developing a mouse model engineered to express a constitutively active form of MEK5, we demonstrate that the exclusive activation of the MEK5/ERK5 pathway can promote sarcomagenesis. Histopathological analyses identified these tumors as undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas. Bioinformatic studies revealed that sarcomas are the tumors in which ERK5 is most frequently amplified and overexpressed. Moreover, analysis of the impact of ERK5 protein expression on overall survival in patients diagnosed with different sarcoma types in our local hospital showed a 5-fold decrease in median survival in patients with elevated ERK5 expression compared with those with low expression. Pharmacological and genetic studies revealed that targeting the MEK5/ERK5 pathway drastically affects the proliferation of human sarcoma cells and tumor growth. Interestingly, sarcoma cells with knockout of ERK5 or MEK5 were unable to form tumors when engrafted into mice. Taken together, our results reveal a role of the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in sarcomagenesis and open a new scenario to be considered in the treatment of patients with sarcoma in which the ERK5 pathway is pathophysiologically involved.

Early Management of Spinal Cord Injury: WFNS Spine Committee Recommendations

José Antonio Soriano-Sánchez,Salman Sharif,Francesco Costa,Jose Alberto Israel Romero Rangel,Carla Daniela Anania,Mehmet Zileli 대한척추신경외과학회 2020 Neurospine Vol.17 No.4

Scientific knowledge today is being generated more rapidly than we can assimilate thus requiring continuous review of gold-standards for diagnosis and treatment of specific pathologies. The aim of this paper is to provide an update on the best early management of spinal cord injury (SCI), in order to produce acceptable worldwide recommendations to standardize clinical practice as much as possible.The WFNS Spine Committee voted recommendations regarding management of SCI based on literature review of the last 10 years. The committee stated 9 recommendations on 3 main topics: (1) clinical assessment and classification of SCI; (2) emergency care and early management; (3) cardiopulmonary management. American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale, Spinal Cord Independence Measure, and International Spinal Cord Injury Basic Pain Data Set are considered the most useful and feasible in emergency evaluation and follow-up in case of SCI. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most indicated examination to evaluate patients with symptomatic SCI. In early phase, correction of hypotension (systolic blood pressure<90 mmHg), and bradycardia are strongly recommended. Surgical decompression should be performed as soon as possible with the ideal surgical time being within 8 hours for both complete and incomplete lesions.

Identification and Tuning Methods for PI Control Systems Based on Symmetric Send-on-delta Sampling

José Sánchez Moreno,María Guinaldo Losada,Antonio Visioli,Sebastián Dormido Bencomo 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2019 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.17 No.11

Two procedures for the definition of an autotuning algorithm for event-based proportional-integral (PI) control systems are proposed in this contribution. Firstly, a method for the identification of the most common transfer functions used for tuning PI controllers is explained. The rationale of the identification method is based on the limit cycles that the event-based sampler and a convenient tuning of the PI controller can produce in the closed loop. The identification method is designed for controller tuning, that is, fitting the behaviour of the process in the range of frequencies between ω−180◦ and ω−135◦ . Secondly, a new method for tuning the event-based PI controller is explained. The main control objective of the new tuning rule is to generate a set of parameters that introduces the process in a limit cycle at a user-specified inter-event time. However, by introducing an oscillation margin in the tuning rule, the method generalizes to produce controller parameters that avoid limit cycles with a certain robustness margin. Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the tuning rule to force the system to oscillate at a specified frequency as a consequence of the events triggered by the event-based sampler.

Impact of Education and Culture on Entrepreneurship

Guzmán Sánchez,Francisco José,Hanyang University,ang-Myung,Lee 보안공학연구지원센터 2016 International Journal of u- and e- Service, Scienc Vol.9 No.9

This paper explored the impact of secondary education level and national culture on the entrepreneurial activities. Specifically, we examine how higher education and one dimension of national culture (individualist-collectivist orientation) are related to the ratio of opportunity-entrepreneurship in a country. The research model is developed as: high education and individualism are positive determinants of the entrepreneurial activity, but only when the motivation for starting new ventures is opportunity or improvement and not when people do it for necessity. Our variables were developed with GEM data, World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report and Hofstede's cultural determinants for 57 countries for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011, and we test our hypothesis empirically. In addition to our testing independent variables, we added 3more control variables, economic freedom, and perception of corruption and property rights, in order to specify our findings. Our analysis proves that higher education and individualism are determinants for superior opportunity entrepreneurial activity. Education levels and individualism, however, do not show the interaction effect. Our results show that, after controlling for other entrepreneurship determinants variables borrowed from the institutional theory of entrepreneurship, education at the tertiary level i.e., university, college, etc., positively affects the choice of individuals to pursue opportunity driven entrepreneurship. Moreover, individualism is also found to positively affect entrepreneurs' choice. We hope this research contribute in expanding our understanding on global entrepreneurship activities.

DNA accumulation on single-anode microelectrode structures and its application in active microarray layout design

Javier Vázquez,JoséLuis Sánchez-Rojás 한국물리학회 2009 Current Applied Physics Vol.9 No.3

The present work investigates, using simulation computer tools and fluorescence microscopy experimental assays, the local distribution of short single-stranded oligonucleotide fragments accumulated on a single microelectrode after the switching of an external dc electrical stimulus for some seconds (up to 75 s). It contributes to fill the existing gap in active microelectronic DNA arrays, where due to the large number of microelectrodes contained in the devices, no or little attention has been given to the final coverage of the individual electrodes by the DNA probes transported onto them, and how it is influenced by the device geometry and other variables like the current magnitude and the transport time. All these parameters play a fundamental role in both the accumulation rate of DNA strands on a polarized electrode and the degree of symmetry of their final distribution, which is convenient to know prior to any active microarray layout design in order to optimize the device performance. The present work investigates, using simulation computer tools and fluorescence microscopy experimental assays, the local distribution of short single-stranded oligonucleotide fragments accumulated on a single microelectrode after the switching of an external dc electrical stimulus for some seconds (up to 75 s). It contributes to fill the existing gap in active microelectronic DNA arrays, where due to the large number of microelectrodes contained in the devices, no or little attention has been given to the final coverage of the individual electrodes by the DNA probes transported onto them, and how it is influenced by the device geometry and other variables like the current magnitude and the transport time. All these parameters play a fundamental role in both the accumulation rate of DNA strands on a polarized electrode and the degree of symmetry of their final distribution, which is convenient to know prior to any active microarray layout design in order to optimize the device performance.

Two new species from the Mexican Pacific Slope and new distributional records of Onthophagus Latreille, 1802 (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae)

Moctezuma Victor,Hernández Benjamín,Sánchez-Huerta José Luis,Lizardo Viridiana,Quiroz-Rocha Georgina Adriana,Navarrete-Heredia José Luis 한국응용곤충학회 2023 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.26 No.1

Two new species of Onthophagus Latreille, 1802 from the Pacific Slope of Mexico are described and illustrated: Onthophagus gonzaloi Moctezuma, Hernández & Sánchez-Huerta, sp. nov., and Onthophagus yescaensis Moctezuma, Hernández & Sánchez-Huerta, sp. nov. New records for Onthophagus browni Howden & Cartwright, 1963 from the Mexican states of Jalisco (the southernmost locality known to date) and Zacatecas are provided. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:51AA52C6-41BF-4A8B-9BC9-D78600EDB32E.

Analysis of virulence traits of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis in semi-intensive and family dairy farms

Jaquelina J. Guzmán-Rodríguez,Ma. Fabiola León-Galván,José E. Barboza-Corona,Mauricio Valencia-Posadas,Pedro D. Loeza-Lara,Mónica Sánchez-Ceja,Alejandra Ochoa-Zarzosa,Joel E. López-Meza,Abner J. Gutié 대한수의학회 2020 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.21 No.5

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main microorganisms that causes bovine mastitis, and its well-known virulence characteristics and interactions with the environment are used to aid the design of more efficient therapies. Objectives: To determine whether the virulence traits, such as antibiotic resistance and biofilm-forming and internalization abilities, of S. aureus isolated from bovine mastitis are related to dairy production system types. Methods: The study was performed in the Mexican states of Guanajuato and Michoacan. Semi-intensive dairy farms (SIDFs) and family dairy farms (FDFs) (454 and 363 cows, respectively) were included. The 194 milk samples from mastitis affected quarters were collected and 92 strains of S. aureus were isolated and identified by biochemical and molecular tests. Antibiotic resistance, biofilm and internalization assays were performed on 30 randomly selected isolated strains to determine virulence traits, and these strains were equally allocated to the 2 dairy production systems. Results: All 30 selected strains displayed a high degree of resistance (50%–91.7%) to the antibiotics tested, but no significant difference was found between SIDF and FDF isolates. S. aureus strains from SIDFs had an average biofilm forming capacity of up to 36% (18.9%–53.1%), while S. aureus strains from FDFs registered an average of up to 53% (31.5%–77.8%) (p > 0.05). Internalization assays revealed a higher frequency of internalization capacity for strains isolated from FDFs (33.3%) than for those isolated from SIDFs (6.7%) (p > 0.05). fnbpA gen was detected in 46.6% of FDF strains and 33.3% of SIDF strains, and this difference was significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings show that the virulence traits of S. aureus isolates analyzed in this study, depend significantly on several factors, such as phenotype, genotype, and environmental conditions, which are significantly related to dairy production system type and daily management practices.

Work Ability Index: Psychometric Testing in Aeronautical Industry Workers

González-Domínguez María Eugenia,Fernández-García Elena,Paloma-Castro Olga,González-López Regina María,Rivas Pérez María Paz,López-Molina Luis,García-Jiménez Jesús,Romero-Sánchez José Manuel 한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 2024 Safety and health at work Vol.15 No.1

Background The Work Ability Index (WAI) is an instrument that measures work ability. The wide dispersion of the WAI internationally has led to its adaptation for use in different countries. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the WAI. Methods A methodological design was used over an opportunistic sample of 233 workers in the aeronautical industry in Spain. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency. Factorial validity, known groups, and convergent validity were tested. Results The Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation indicated an adequate internal consistency. The confirmatory factor analysis, performed to evaluate the factorial validity, found adequate fit indices for a two-factor solution with a high correlation between the factors. Factor 1, “Subjectively estimated work ability and resources”, was composed of 3 subscales and factor 2, “Ill-health-related”, of 2 subscales. Subscales 4 and 6 had loading in both factors. Workers under 45 years of age obtained higher significant scores than older ones. Convergent validity was also evidenced since WAI was highly correlated with self-assessment of health status. Conclusions The Spanish version of the WAI has shown evidence of reliability and validity in this study, supporting its use in individual and collective health surveillance by occupational health professionals. The factorial solution that was found has previously been reported in another international context. However, further research is needed to resolve the discrepancies detected in the role of some subscales between other national and international studies. Background The Work Ability Index (WAI) is an instrument that measures work ability. The wide dispersion of the WAI internationally has led to its adaptation for use in different countries. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the WAI. Methods A methodological design was used over an opportunistic sample of 233 workers in the aeronautical industry in Spain. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency. Factorial validity, known groups, and convergent validity were tested. Results The Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation indicated an adequate internal consistency. The confirmatory factor analysis, performed to evaluate the factorial validity, found adequate fit indices for a two-factor solution with a high correlation between the factors. Factor 1, “Subjectively estimated work ability and resources”, was composed of 3 subscales and factor 2, “Ill-health-related”, of 2 subscales. Subscales 4 and 6 had loading in both factors. Workers under 45 years of age obtained higher significant scores than older ones. Convergent validity was also evidenced since WAI was highly correlated with self-assessment of health status. Conclusions The Spanish version of the WAI has shown evidence of reliability and validity in this study, supporting its use in individual and collective health surveillance by occupational health professionals. The factorial solution that was found has previously been reported in another international context. However, further research is needed to resolve the discrepancies detected in the role of some subscales between other national and international studies.

Nematicidal Effect of Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) Extracts Against Haemonchus contortus

Jesús Antonio Pineda-Alegría,José E Sánchez,Elsa Ventura-Zapata,Manases González-Cortazar,Liliana Aguilar-Marcelino 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.9

During the previous decades, the indiscriminate use of anthelmintics for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes has generated anthelmintic resistance in different parts of the world. It is necessary to search for new sustainable control alternatives, such as the use of extracts from plants and edible mushrooms. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the nematicidal activity of extracts and fractions of the edible mushroom Lentinula edodes against Haemonchus contortus eggs and infective larvae. The basidiomata of L. edodes ECS-401 were provided by the Tropical Fungi Laboratory of El Colegio de la Frontera Sur and were extracted with ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. Fractionation of the most active extract was carried out by open column chromatography. The bioassays were performed in 96-well microtiter plates using 100 eggs/larvae, a final volume of 100 μL, and different concentrations of extracts/fractions (n = 4). Bioassay readings were taken at 48 h for egg hatching inhibition (EHI) and at 24, 48 and 72 h for larval mortality (LM). The ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest percentage of EHI (100%). For the LM bioassay, the aqueous extract was the most active (69%), but its fractions did not show larvicidal activity. The chemical profile of the aqueous extract was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, which showed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, and terpenes. L. edodes extracts showed ovicidal and/or larvicidal activity.