Publications by authors named "Rodrigo Vera"

has emerged as a significant human pathogen, acquiring multiple antibiotic resistance genes, including carbapenemases. This study focuses on characterizing the plasmids harboring the and (Y) genes in two carbapenem-resistant isolates (UCO-553 and UCO-554) obtained in Chile during the COVID-19 pandemic. : Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted on UCO-553 and UCO-554.

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  • Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is a major public health concern in Chile, mainly linked to ventilator-associated pneumonia, with limited molecular epidemiological data available.
  • A study characterized the phylogenomics and molecular characteristics of ST654 CRPA isolates collected between 2016 and 2022, involving 89 samples from various hospitals.
  • Results showed that 38.2% of the strains belonged to the high-risk ST654 clone, primarily associated with KPC production, a broad resistome, and specific virulence factors, highlighting the need for ongoing molecular surveillance.
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Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, infections continue to surge globally. Presently, the most effective strategies to curb the disease and prevent outbreaks involve fostering immunity, promptly identifying positive cases, and ensuring their timely isolation. Notably, there are instances where the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains infectious even after patients have completed their quarantine.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the genomic features of a carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKp) isolate (K-2157) collected in Chile. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and hybrid assembly were performed, using data generated on the Illumina and Nanopore platforms.

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  • The brain works like a complicated system where many neurons connect in random ways, which can lead to chaotic behavior.
  • When a person is put to sleep by anesthesia, it changes how the brain operates, which scientists have studied in new ways.
  • This article talks about how understanding these changes can help doctors do better when giving anesthesia and caring for patients.
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The variant of concern (VOC) SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1529) has been described as a highly contagious variant but less virulent than the current variant being monitored (VBM) Delta (B.

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The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a concern and keeps global health authorities on alert. The RT-PCR technique has been the gold-standard assay for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, rapid antigen tests (RATs) have been widely used to increase the number of tests faster and more efficiently in the population.

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  • * Continuous RT-qPCR testing and genomic surveillance helped to identify a case of reinfection in a homeless individual 58 days after initial diagnosis, with different viral variants involved.
  • * It highlights the need for intensive genomic surveillance, particularly for vulnerable groups like homeless populations in Chile, who face health care access challenges and poor viral traceability.
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  • Vaccine administration is key in the fight against COVID-19, but emerging variants like B.1.621 (Mu) can challenge vaccine-induced immunity.
  • A study from Santiago, Chile, compares four fully vaccinated patients (with CoronaVac) who exhibited varying symptoms of COVID-19 to four unvaccinated patients, revealing that the unvaccinated had more severe symptoms.
  • The findings indicate that vaccinated individuals generally experience milder symptoms, suggesting that the CoronaVac vaccine provides protective effects against the B.1.621 (Mu) variant.
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Conjugation of cytostatic drugs to nanomaterials seeks to improve their low bioavailability and selectivity to overcome the important associated side effects. In this work, we aimed to synthesize water-soluble gold nanoparticles as transporters for synthetic cyclic peptides with a potential anticancer activity but with a limited bioavailability. The highly water-soluble nanoparticles (2.

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Introduction: basic training in healthy food-nutrition during teaching qualification training may be of interest for two reasons: it may lead to possible improvements in the knowledge and the dietary habits that will be transmitted in the future once professional practice starts. Objectives: to evaluate and seek to improve some healthy eating knowledge and habits that occur with educational intervention. Methods: the study, with pre- and post-test measures, took place over 4 months in three consecutive courses.

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Background: Atrial septal defect and Impella have been proposed for left ventricular unloading in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients. This work aims at evaluating the haemodynamic changes in venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients after Impella implantation or atrial septal defect realization by a simulation study.

Methods: A lumped parameter model of the cardiovascular system was adapted to this study.

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Development of fluorometholone-loaded PEG-PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) for the treatment of ocular inflammatory disorders. Synthesized polymers and peptides were used for elaboration of functionalized NPs, which were characterized physicochemically. Cytotoxicity and ability to modulate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines were evaluated using human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-2).

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Background: Enteric pathogens have developed mechanisms to disrupt tight junctions and increase gut permeability. Many studies have analysed the ability of live probiotics to protect intestinal epithelial cells against tight junction damage caused by bacterial pathogens. Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is among the probiotics that positively modulates the intestinal epithelial barrier by regulating expression and distribution of tight junction proteins.

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Background: Low cost of raw materials and good process yields are necessary for future lignocellulosic biomass biorefineries to be sustainable and profitable. A low cost feedstock will be diverse, changing as a function of seasonality and price and will most likely be available from multiple sources to the biorefinery. The efficacy of the bioconversion process using mixed biomass, however, has not been thoroughly investigated.

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Milk acts as a mean for transporting many essential substances from the mother to the child. In human beings, milk includes several predominant bacteria, such as staphylococci, streptococci, micrococci, lactobacilli, enterococci, lactococci and bifidobacteria. Besides, its intake favors the predominance of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the child's intestinal microbiota.

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