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Abstract Low-cost sensors (LCS) for suspended particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 microns (PM2.5) have attracted worldwide attention for crowdsourcing air quality data. Here, we analyze one year’s worth of PM2.5 data from light-scattering LCS deployed in Monterrey, Mexico, one of the most polluted conurbations of Latin America. We also tested the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm for classification and field calibration of the PM2.5 data derived from the LCS. Regression model performance increased from a low baseline (compared to other studies) of R 2 ≈ 0.3 to R 2 ≈ 0.5, with XGBoost outperforming the other machine learning algorithms tested. Differences in local climate and emission conditions emphasize the significance of considering regional distinctions when interpreting and comparing LCS responses and field calibration efforts. When using rank-level confusion matrices, True Positive air quality classification of predicted PM2.5 levels by XGBoost rated between 71% and 88%.

Sweet oranges have long been an integral part of global health and culinary practices, offering a wealth of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Ensuring the authenticity of these citrus fruits is essential for maintaining consumer confidence, promoting transparency in sourcing, and protecting producers' reputations in the marketplace. In this study, we explored the feasibility of using multi-element profiling combined with pattern recognition algorithms to trace the origin of sweet orange samples. To achieve this, we employed an optimized microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES) method to analyze the elemental composition (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn) of 183 orange samples from four production regions in northeastern Argentina. Support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and gradient boosting tree (GBT) models were then built using the collected data to identify elemental tracer's indicative of origin. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of overall accuracy, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and area under the curve (AUC), the GBT model demonstrated the best classification performance, achieving a 96.5 % correct prediction rate on test samples, as confirmed by the ROC curve (AUC = 0.973). Consequently, this approach provides compelling evidence for the potential utility of MP-AES combined with supervised modeling to determine the geographic origin of sweet oranges produced in Argentina, thereby contributing to consumer protection against fraud.

Abstract Background Neoadjuvant cisplatin‐based chemotherapy (NAC) followed by cystectomy is the standard of care for patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Pathologic complete response (pCR) is associated with favorable outcomes, but only 30%–40% of patients achieve that response. The aim of this study is to investigate the role played by the Tumor and Immune Microenvironment (TIME) in association with the clinical outcome of patients with MIBC undergoing NAC. Methods Nineteen patients received NAC and were classified as pCR (n = 10) or non‐pCR (n = 9). Bulk RNA‐seq and immune protein evaluations using Digital Spatial Profiling (DSP) were performed on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tumor biopsies collected before NAC (baseline). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) evaluation focused on CD3 and CD20 expression was performed on baseline and end‐of‐treatment (EOT) FFPEs. Baseline peripheral blood was assessed for lymphocyte and neutrophil counts. Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox PH regression models were used for survival analyses (OS). Results In the periphery, pCR patients showed lower neutrophil counts, and neutrophil/ lymphocyte ratio (NLR) when compared to non‐pCR patients. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), gene expression analysis and protein evaluations highlighted an abundance of B cells and CD3+ T cells in pCR versus non‐pCR patients. On the contrary, increased protein expression of ARG1+ cells, and cells expressing immune checkpoints such as LAG3, ICOS, and STING were observed in the TME of patients with non‐pCR. Conclusions In the current study, we demonstrated that lower NLR levels and increased CD3+ T cells and B cell infiltration are associated with improved response and long‐term outcomes in patients with MIBC receiving NAC. These findings suggest that the impact of immune environment should be considered in determining the clinical outcome of MIBC patients treated with NAC.

La carencia de un sistema de registro de asistencias eficiente representa un desafío tanto para los educadores como para las instituciones educativas, generando disrupciones en la planificación de clases y sus horarios, así como inquietudes acerca de la seguridad de la información del personal docente. Este estudio propone el desarrollo de una aplicación móvil para el control de asistencias docentes, integrando autenticación biométrica y verificación de geolocalización para fortalecer la seguridad en el registro. La evaluación de la aplicación, realizada con 24 participantes en la Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, revela un 95% de precisión en la autenticación biométrica y una significativa reducción en el tiempo de registro, con un tiempo promedio de 32,68 segundos. Además, los resultados de una encuesta reflejan una percepción positiva en cuanto a la seguridad por parte de los usuarios, consolidando la aceptación y confianza en la implementación de esta innovadora solución tecnológica.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to present our experience with three patients who underwent a neonatal Yasui procedure, and to show the new decision-making algorithm. Methods: This is a series of three neonates operated on at our hospital between 2017 and 2022. Results: All the patients underwent a primary Yasui. The duration of cardiopulmonary bypass was 275, 249 and 391 min, in patient 1, 2 and 3, respectively. After surgery, the Intensive Care Unit stay of patients 1, 2 and 3 was 29, 22 and 24 days, respectively. The patients were discharged in good condition. Subsequent complications during follow-up included the need for percutaneous intervention in patient 1 for the implantation of a stent in the right pulmonary branch (at 6 months postoperatively) and a stent in the right ventricle-pulmonary artery conduit (at 42 months). Patient 2 required right ventricle-pulmonary artery conduit replacement and repair of moderate-severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction at 16 months postoperatively. Patient 3 needed a reoperation at 3 months postoperatively due to aortic arch stenosis at different levels and a residual ventricular septal defect. Currently, all patients are alive with adequate echocardiographic biventricular function. Conclusions: In experienced centers, primary Yasui repair can be performed in the neonatal period with satisfactory results. Resumen: Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio es presentar nuestra experiencia con tres pacientes sometidos a un procedimiento de Yasui neonatal, y mostrar el nuevo algoritmo de toma de decisiones. Métodos: Se trata de una serie de tres neonatos, operados en nuestro hospital entre 2017 y 2022. Resultados: Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a un Yasui primario. La duración del bypass cardiopulmonar fue de 275, 249 y 391 minutos, en los pacientes 1, 2 y 3, respectivamente. Tras la cirugía, la estancia en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de los pacientes 1, 2 y 3 fue de 29, 22 y 24 días, respectivamente. Los pacientes fueron dados de alta en buenas condiciones. Las complicaciones posteriores durante el seguimiento incluyeron, la necesidad de intervención percutánea en el paciente 1 para la implantación de un stent en la rama pulmonar derecha (a los seis meses del posoperatorio), y un stent en el conducto ventrículo-pulmonar derecho (a los 42 meses). El paciente 2, requirió la sustitución del conducto ventrículo-pulmonar derecho, y la reparación de la obstrucción moderada-grave del tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo, a los 16 meses del posoperatorio. El paciente 3, necesitó una reoperación a los tres meses del posoperatorio, debido a una estenosis del arco aórtico a diferentes niveles, y a una comunicación interventricular residual. Actualmente, todos los pacientes están vivos con una función biventricular ecocardiográfica adecuada. Conclusiones: En centros con experiencia, se puede realizar la reparación primaria de Yasui en el periodo neonatal con resultados satisfactorios.

To the Editor, The advances made in surgical techniques followed by the best candidate selection process possible and optimal preparation of patients eligible for surgery have contributed to reducing early postoperative mortality in patients treated with the Fontan procedure.1 However, the balance provided by the Fontan procedure is precarious and can fail for multiple reasons that can be resolved through interventional catheterizations (IC).2-4 This study describes the experience of our center performing IC and focuses on the type of interventional procedures performed and predictors of these. We conducted a retrospective study of all patients < 18 years-old who underwent a Fontan procedure from January 2000 through December 2021 and were treated with IC due to suspected anatomical injury detected by echocardiography (annually) or magnetic resonance imaging (at 10 years and then every 3 years) or complications like protein-losing enteropathy, plastic bronchitis or hepatopathy. Since 2017, scheduled catheterizations are performed 10 years after the Fontan procedure. All patients gave their prior written informed consent, and the study was approved by the hospital ethics committee. Possible sex and gender variables have been considered in accordance with the SAGER guidelines. Descriptive statistics of the demographic, anatomical, hemodynamic, and surgical variables was used. Normally distributed variables were expressed as...

Objective. To compare the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from inpatient and outpatient samples in Ecuador. Methods. A secondary analysis was done of data on bacteria isolated from inpatient and outpatient samples. Data were taken from the 2018 national antimicrobial resistance surveillance database of the National Reference Center for Antimicrobial Resistance. The variables included were: age, sex, inpatient versus outpatient setting, type of specimen, bacterial species identified, pattern of resistance to antibiotics, and geographic area. Results. Data from 57 305 bacterial isolates were included in the study: 48.8% were from hospitalized patients, 55.7% were from women, and 60.1% were from patients older than 45 years. Urine (42.9%) and blood (12.4%) were the most common clinical samples. Overall, 77.1% of bacterial isolates were gram-negative (83% and 71% in outpatients and inpatients, respectively). The most common gram-positive and gram-negative species were Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. Antimicrobial resistance levels were high (up to 80% for some antimicrobial drugs), and were higher in hospitalized patients compared with outpatients. A variety of carbapenemases were found to confer resistance to carbapenems (antibiotics of last resort) in gram-negative bacteria. Conclusions. The study findings provide an important baseline on antimicrobial resistance in Ecuador. This will allow the strengthening of guidelines of the surveillance system, the creation of public policies for standardization of laboratory methodologies, the proper handling of information, and the development of empirical therapy guidelines based on local epidemiology.

Given rising traders and consumers concerns, the global food industry is increasingly demanding authentic and traceable products. Consequently, there is a heightened focus on verifying geographical authenticity as food quality assurance. In this work, we assessed pattern recognition approaches based on elemental predictors to discern the provenance of mandarin juices from three distinct citrus-producing zones located in the Northeast region of Argentina. A total of 202 samples originating from two cultivars were prepared through microwave-assisted acid digestion and analyzed by microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES). Later, we applied linear discriminant analysis (LDA), k-nearest neighbor (k-NN), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF) to the element data obtained. SVM accomplished the best classification performance with a 95.1% success rate, for which it was selected for citrus samples authentication. The proposed method highlights the capability of mineral profiles in accurately identifying the genuine origin of mandarin juices. By implementing this model in the food supply chain, it can prevent mislabeling fraud, thereby contributing to consumer protection.

El propósito de este documento es facilitar un análisis de distintas fuentes bibliográficas sobre el uso de las herramientas del cambio organizacional en distintas áreas de una empresa. La metodología Prisma se aplicó a documentos recientemente publicados en revistas de alto nivel que capturan el uso de herramientas en el cambio organizacional. Los resultados indican que el uso de herramientas como la capacitación del personal, gestión del conocimiento y otras identificadas en este artículo, está asociado con la preparación para un cambio organizacional. Esto no implica que estas herramientas sean las más rápidas de implementar, sino que gracias a sus buenos resultados siguen siendo usadas hasta el día de hoy.

El uso de asistentes virtuales es común en los procesos de atención de distintas universidades alrededor del mundo. En la actualidad, se ofrecen varias herramientas de inteligencia artificial como procesadores de lenguaje natural para el desarrollo más eficiente de este servicio. El artículo expone la implementación y evaluación de usabilidad de un chatbot basado en el modelo de lenguaje GPT-3.5-Turbo para la atención a estudiantes de primer ciclo de Ingeniería de Sistemas de la Universidad Nacional de Trujillo. El diseño de la investigación fue pre-experimental y se aplicó el cuestionario de usabilidad de chatbot o CUQ como instrumento de investigación. Los resultados obtenidos fueron que el chatbot presenta un nivel de usabilidad percibida aceptable y el 93% de estudiantes estuvieron de acuerdo de que las respuestas brindadas por el asistente virtual fueron útiles. El agente conversacional destacó en la facilidad de uso y navegación, además, se exhibió problemas en entender las preguntas realizadas por el usuario y de brindar respuestas de forma natural.

This paper introduces a method for determining the authenticity of commercial cereal bars based on trace element fingerprints. In this regard, 120 cereal bars were prepared using microwave-assisted acid digestion and the concentrations of Al, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sn, Sr, V, and Zn were later measured by ICP-MS. Results confirmed the suitability of the analyzed samples for human consumption. Multielemental data underwent autoscaling preprocessing for then applying PCA, CART, and LDA to input data set. LDA model accomplished the highest classification modeling performance with a success rate of 92%, making it the suitable model for reliable cereal bar prediction. The proposed method demonstrates the potential of trace element fingerprints in distinguishing cereal bar samples according to their type (conventional and gluten-free) and principal ingredient (fruit, yogurt, chocolate), thereby contributing to global efforts for food authentication.

En México los índices de pobreza alcanzan a más de la mitad de la población y los empleos que se crean, en un alto porcentaje requieren solamente estudios de primaria o secundaria, lo que acentúa el desempleo para personas con educación media y superior. De ahí que gran número de personas con estudios profesionales, no logra insertarse al mercado laboral. El objetivo que esta investigación persigue es identificar estrategias y acciones que de manera emergente requieren implementar el Estado e instituciones públicas de educación superior para fortalecer el ecosistema y la formación de capital humano para el emprendimiento social. La metodología consistió en revisión de literatura especializada sobre emprendimiento a nivel empresarial y social, identificando sus principales características y elementos diferenciales; un análisis multidimensional y multisectorial del ecosistema para el emprendimiento en México y una exploración sobre la formación a nivel profesional de emprendedoras y emprendedores sociales. Entre los resultados se encontró que frecuentemente estas personas se guían por ideales más que por conocimientos; el ecosistema precisa mayor vinculación entre sus actores y apoyos financieros; y la preparación profesional requiere considerar aspectos de personalidad, académicos y de investigación. En las conclusiones destacan como necesidades apremiantes a cubrir por Estado y las instituciones de educación superior el desarrollar un ecosistema que posibilite alianzas estratégicas y brinde a quienes buscan emprender acceso a asesoría y financiamiento de capital de riesgo para la creación de empresas sociales, a la par de formar capital humano para el emprendimiento social, consensuando los aspectos a considerar en planes y programas de estudio.

The use of the Melody® (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) biological prosthesis in mitral position has shown acceptable short-term results. Furthermore, it allows its expansion with a balloon when the patient grows up, and this procedure can be performed by a venous catheterization through transseptal approach through an interatrial communication or puncturing the septum. Patients with complex congenital heart disease undergoing multiple surgical and percutaneous interventions may present with vascular complications such as thrombosis of the femoral venous system that make percutaneous access impossible. In this situation, the transhepatic approach is a very useful alternative to access the heart.

Scimitar syndrome is a rare constellation of cardiovascular anomalies consisting of partial right anomalous pulmonary venous drainage to the inferior vena cava, hypoplasia of the right lung, cardiac dextroposition, and in many cases, one or more aortopulmonary collaterals from the descending aorta to the hypoplastic lung. The “infantile form” commonly presents with significant heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Stenosis of the left pulmonary veins associated with scimitar syndrome is a rare but well-described combination, usually associated with a poor prognosis. We describe two patients with this association in whom the left pulmonary vein stenosis manifested months after the initial diagnosis as a progressive lesion that complicated the course of the disease due to severe pulmonary hypertension. Both patients were successfully treated with a combination of surgical, percutaneous, and hybrid treatment.

BackgroundVascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) is the most commonly used biomarker for diagnosing lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). However, lung biopsy is often necessary as well; therefore, defining new biomarkers for LAM is crucial. The aim of this study was to describe the diagnostic accuracy of a variety of biomarkers.MethodsWe assessed 13 analytes in serum related to extracellular matrix remodeling, lymphatic involvement and angiogenesis in a cohort of patients with LAM, comparing them with patients with other cystic lung diseases (OCLD) and healthy women. A scoring method based on the cut-point of each VEGF-D and metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the marker combination.ResultsA total of 97 subjects were recruited: 59 (61%) LAM patients, 18 (19%) OCLD patients, and 20 (20%) healthy female controls. MMP-2 was the only extracellular matrix remodeling biomarker able to differentiate LAM patients from OCLD and healthy patients. Serum MMP-2 was higher in LAM patients [median 578 (465–832) ng/ml] than in patients with OCLD and healthy controls [medians 360 (314–546) and 427 (365–513) ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.0001)]. The area under ROC curve (AUC) of MMP-2 was 0.785 and that of VEGF-D 0.815 (p = 0.6214). The sensitivity/specificity profiles of each biomarker (54/92% for MMP-2, 59/95% for VEGF-D) yielded a composite score (−6.36 + 0.0059 × VEGF-D + 0.0069 × MMP-2) with higher accuracy than each component alone (AUC 0.88 and sensitivity/specificity 79/87%).ConclusionCombining MMP-2 and VEGF-D may increase diagnostic accuracy for LAM.

Ecuador has a high diversity of orchids, but little is known about levels of genetic diversity for the great majority of species. Understanding how orchids might adapt to changes is crucial as deforestation and fragmentation of forest ecosystems threaten the survival of many epiphytic orchids that depend on other species, such as fungi and their host trees, for germination, growth, and establishment. Overcollection and the illegal trade are also major concerns for the survival of wild populations of orchids. Despite increasing awareness, effective interventions are often limited by a lack of data concerning the impacts that overexploitation might have. To fill this gap, we tested the effects of overcollection in the genetic diversity and structure of Masdevallia rosea, a narrow distributed epiphytic orchid historically collected in Ecuador, in comparison with the widely distributed Pleurothallis lilijae. Genotyping based on AFLPs showed reduced levels of diversity in wild populations but most especially in the overcollected, M. rosea. Overall, genetic admixture was high in P. lilijae segregating populations by altitude levels while fewer genetic groups were found in M. rosea. Genetic differentiation was low in both species. A spatial genetic structure was found in P. lilijae depending on altitude levels, while no spatial genetic structure was found in M. rosea. These results suggest different scenarios for the two species: while gene flow over long distance is possible in P. lilijae, the same seems to be unlikely in M. rosea possibly due to the low levels of individuals in the known populations. In situ and ex situ conservation strategies should be applied to protect the genetic pool in these epiphytic orchid species, and to promote the connectivity between wild populations. Adopting measures to reduce overexploitation and to understand the impacts of harvesting in wild populations are necessary to strengthen the legal trade of orchids.

Here, we report the chemical composition and optical properties of the fine particles (PM2.5) and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) of these particles. Additionally, the potential sources of WSOC emission were determined through the study on fluorescence excitation–emission matrix spectra and parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC). Samples were collected in an urban site of the Monterrey Metropolitan Area in Mexico during summer and winter and characterized using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), ultraviolet-visible-near infrared-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis-NIR-DRS), fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The ATR-FTIR analyses allowed the identification of inorganic ions (e.g., CO32−, SO42−, and NO3−), organic functional groups [e.g., carbonyls (C=O), organic hydroxyl (C-OH), carboxylic acid (COOH)], and aromatic and unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons. The results obtained by XRD and XPS revealed the presence of organic and inorganic chemical species in PM2.5. The diffuse reflectance spectra of PM2.5 provided the absorption bands in the UV region for CaSO4, CaCO3, and aluminosilicates. The absorption coefficient at 365 nm (Abs365) and Ångström absorption exponent (AAE) values obtained for the aqueous extracts suggest that many of the water-soluble organic compounds corresponded to brown carbon (BrC) chromophores. The mass absorption efficiency values at 365 nm (MAE365) were higher in the winter than summer samples, suggesting the presence of more BrC compounds in the winter samples. The fluorescence indices combined with EEM-PARAFAC analysis showed that the WSOC fraction was mainly composed of humic-like substances (HULIS) which are both of terrestrial and microbial origin.

Microbial communities are known to play a principal role in petroleum degradation. This study tries to determine the composition of bacteria in selected crude oil-contaminated soil from Tabasco and Tamaulipas states, Mexico. We determined the microbial populations living under these conditions. We evaluated the structure and diversity of bacterial communities in the contaminated soil samples. The most abundant phylum is proteobacteria. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis of the sampled soils from both states revealed that this phylum has the most relative abundance among the identified bacteria phyla. The heatmap represented the relative percentage of each genus within each sample and clustered the four samples into two groups. Moreover, this allowed us to identify many genera in alkaline soil from Tamaulipas, such as Skermanella sp., Azospirillum sp. and Unclassified species from the Rhodospirillaceae family in higher abundance. Meanwhile, in acidic soil from Tabasco, we identified Thalassospira, Unclassified members of the Sphingomonadaceae family and Unclassified members of the Alphaproteobacteria class with higher abundance. Alpha diversity analysis showed a low diversity (Shannon and Simpson index); Chao observed species in both Regions. These results suggest that the bacteria identified in these genera may possess the ability to degrade petroleum, and further studies in the future should elucidate their role in petroleum degradation.

Abstract Background Drug susceptibility testing (DST) patterns of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) from patients with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) or multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB; or resistant to rifampicin and isoniazid (INH)), are important to guide preventive therapy for their household contacts (HHCs). Methods As part of a feasibility study done in preparation for an MDR-TB preventive therapy trial in HHCs, smear, Xpert MTB/RIF, Hain MTBDRplus, culture and DST results of index MDR-TB patients were obtained from routine TB programs. A sputum sample was collected at study entry and evaluated by the same tests. Not all tests were performed on all specimens due to variations in test availability. Results Three hundred eight adults with reported RR/MDR-TB were enrolled from 16 participating sites in 8 countries. Their median age was 36 years, and 36% were HIV-infected. Routine testing on all 308 were confirmed as having RR-TB, but only 75% were documented as having MDR-TB. The majority of those not classified as having MDR-TB were because only rifampicin resistance was tested. At study entry (median 59 days after MDR-TB treatment initiation), 280 participants (91%) were able to produce sputum for the study, of whom 147 (53%) still had detectable MTB. All but 2 of these 147 had rifampicin DST done, with resistance detected in 89%. Almost half (47%) of the 147 specimens had INH DST done, with 83% resistance. Therefore, 20% of the 280 study specimens had MDR-TB confirmed. Overall, DST for second-line drugs were available in only 35% of the 308 routine specimens and 15% of 280 study specimens. Conclusions RR-TB was detected in all routine specimens but only 75% had documented MDR-TB, illustrating the need for expanded DST beyond Xpert MTB/RIF to target preventive therapy for HHC.

Summary: Background: Molecular diagnostics are considered the most promising route to achievement of rapid, universal drug susceptibility testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). We aimed to generate a WHO-endorsed catalogue of mutations to serve as a global standard for interpreting molecular information for drug resistance prediction. Methods: In this systematic analysis, we used a candidate gene approach to identify mutations associated with resistance or consistent with susceptibility for 13 WHO-endorsed antituberculosis drugs. We collected existing worldwide MTBC whole-genome sequencing data and phenotypic data from academic groups and consortia, reference laboratories, public health organisations, and published literature. We categorised phenotypes as follows: methods and critical concentrations currently endorsed by WHO (category 1); critical concentrations previously endorsed by WHO for those methods (category 2); methods or critical concentrations not currently endorsed by WHO (category 3). For each mutation, we used a contingency table of binary phenotypes and presence or absence of the mutation to compute positive predictive value, and we used Fisher's exact tests to generate odds ratios and Benjamini-Hochberg corrected p values. Mutations were graded as associated with resistance if present in at least five isolates, if the odds ratio was more than 1 with a statistically significant corrected p value, and if the lower bound of the 95% CI on the positive predictive value for phenotypic resistance was greater than 25%. A series of expert rules were applied for final confidence grading of each mutation. Findings: We analysed 41 137 MTBC isolates with phenotypic and whole-genome sequencing data from 45 countries. 38 215 MTBC isolates passed quality control steps and were included in the final analysis. 15 667 associations were computed for 13 211 unique mutations linked to one or more drugs. 1149 (7·3%) of 15 667 mutations were classified as associated with phenotypic resistance and 107 (0·7%) were deemed consistent with susceptibility. For rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, fluoroquinolones, and streptomycin, the mutations' pooled sensitivity was more than 80%. Specificity was over 95% for all drugs except ethionamide (91·4%), moxifloxacin (91·6%) and ethambutol (93·3%). Only two resistance mutations were identified for bedaquiline, delamanid, clofazimine, and linezolid as prevalence of phenotypic resistance was low for these drugs. Interpretation: We present the first WHO-endorsed catalogue of molecular targets for MTBC drug susceptibility testing, which is intended to provide a global standard for resistance interpretation. The existence of this catalogue should encourage the implementation of molecular diagnostics by national tuberculosis programmes. Funding: Unitaid, Wellcome Trust, UK Medical Research Council, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

El Sistema de Auditoría de Datos (AUDAT) constituye un software de aplicación para la gestión del proceso de auditorías de la Contraloría General de la República (CGR). Desde el lanzamiento oficial del AUDAT v2.0, última versión estable liberada y utilizada por la CGR, ha resultado de interés por otros de clientes; pero no cuenta con ningún mecanismo para su adecuada comercialización.La presente investigación se enmarca en la descripción de la propuesta de diseño del mecanismo de licenciamiento para el sistema AUDAT, con el objetivo de extender su uso a otros clientes. Para el desarrollo del mecanismo diseñado se propuso mantener la arquitectura base de las versiones del producto de software desarrolladas, sobre la basedel uso de tecnologías libres empleando para el modelado la herramienta Visual Paradigm for UML 8.0, como lenguaje de modelado UML v2.0,para el diseño de prototipos no funcionales Axure v7.0, para el diseño de interfaces la librería SWING de Java, para el diseño de base de datos el sistema gestor de bases de datos SQLite v3.0, lenguaje de programación Java 8 y NetBeans IDE v8.1como entorno de desarrollo integrado. Para guiar el proceso de desarrollo se propone la metodología AUP-UCI.El desarrollo de la presente investigación permitirá que el sistema AUDAT sea comercializable mediante un mecanismo de licenciamiento; a partir de la gestión y otorgamiento de licencias a productos de software definiendo la licencia de tiempo como esquema de licenciamiento y para el cifrado de los datos el algoritmo simétrico AES-256.

El Sistema de Auditoría de Datos AUDAT permite realizar la auditoría a los sistemas de gestión que están instalados en las entidades auditadas. La presente investigación se centra en el desarrollo del Editor de ecuaciones como componente del sistema AUDAT. Para guiar el proceso de desarrollo se utilizó la metodología AUP-UCI, lenguaje de modelado UML v2.0, la herramienta de modelado Visual Paradigm para UML v8.0 y en el diseño de prototipos Axure v7.0; para la implementación de la solución Java 1.8 como lenguaje de programación, como sistema gestor de bases de datos SQLite 3.0 y como entorno de desarrollo integrado NetBeans IDE v8.1. Para verificar el correcto funcionamiento del componente se definió y ejecutó la estrategia de pruebas, haciendo uso de las herramientas JUnit, manual de usuario, casos de prueba y lista de chequeo. El componente desarrollado permite a los auditores a través de la administración de las ecuaciones, operadores y funciones soportadas ejecutar funcionalidades asociadas al filtrado de registros y manejos de los campos, así como extracciones directas e indexadas como parte de la manipulación de los campos o registros de las tablas. Además permite definir los criterios de búsqueda, como parte del trabajo con la población y muestra, elemento clave para el filtrado de registros y el muestreo aleatorio estratificado.

En la actualidad existen diferentes sistemas diseñados para el proceso de auditoría de datos, pero estos presentan como limitante ser propietarias o que sus funcionalidades son muy genéricas. La presente investigación se centra en el desarrollo de un software de aplicación para la gestión del proceso de auditorías de la Contraloría General de la República (CGR), el cual proporciona un aumento en la calidad del proceso auditor, optimizando el trabajo al minimizar la carga manual actual y, por ende, facilitando la toma de decisiones. Para su desarrollo se tuvo en cuenta el uso de tecnologías libres empleando para el modelado la herramienta Visual Paradigm for UML 8.0, para el diseño de interfaces la librería SWING de Java, para el diseño de base de datos el sistema gestor de bases de datos SQLite, lenguaje de programación Java 8 y NetBeans como entorno de desarrollo. El sistema implementado garantiza el soporte informático necesario para el tratamiento de la información en el proceso de auditoría de datos realizado en la CGR, logrando la optimización de este proceso. Permite que los auditores puedan manipular las fuentes de datos de los sistemas auditados a partir de la importación de datos desde diferentes ficheros como: SQLite, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, dBase y CSV y de los gestores de base de datos PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server y Oracle. Muestra de forma gráfica los resultados de filtros o extracciones de registros. Además de realizar diferentes análisis estadísticos como muestreos aleatorios y sistemáticos.

Rice is an important source of nutrition and energy consumed around the world. Thus, quality inspection is crucial for protecting consumers and increasing the rice’s value in the productive chain. Currently, methods for rice labeling depending on grain quality features are based on image and/or visual inspection. These methods have shown subjectivity and inefficiency for large-scale analyses. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an analytical technique showing attractive features due to how quick the analysis can be carried out and its capability of providing spectra that are true fingerprints of the sample’s elemental composition. In this work, LIBS performance was evaluated for labeling rice according to grain quality features. The LIBS spectra of samples with their grain quality numerically described as Type 1, 2, and 3 were measured. Several spectral processing methods were evaluated when modeling a k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) classifier. Variable selection was also carried out by principal component analysis (PCA), and then the optimal k-value was selected. The best result was obtained by applying spectrum smoothing followed by normalization by using the first fifteen principal components (PCs) as input variables and k = 9. Under these conditions, the method showed excellent performance, achieving sample classification with 94% overall prediction accuracy. The sensitivities ranged from 90 to 100%, and specificities were in the range of 92–100%. The proposed method has remarkable characteristics, e.g., analytical speed and analysis guided by chemical responses; therefore, the method is not susceptible to subjectivity errors.

Varón de 6 años y 25 kg de peso con diagnóstico de fístula de coronaria derecha (CD) a ventrículo derecho (VD). Debido a la dilatación progresiva de la CD, se decidió su cierre percutáneo. Se canalizaron la arteria y la vena femorales con introductores de 5 y 6 Fr, respectivamente. Se realizó una coronariografía derecha en la que se detectaron una CD proximal a la fístula de 7,1 mm, una fístula con un aneurisma bilobulado de 11,2 × 7,2 mm con un orificio de salida al VD de 2,1 mm, y una coronaria distal a la fístula de diámetro normal (figura 1, figura 2 y vídeo 1 del material adicional). Figura 1. Figura 2. Se sondó la fístula con una guía de coronaria que se avanzó hasta la pulmonar, donde se capturó con un lazo y se creó un asa arteriovenosa. Desde el lado venoso de esta asa se avanzó un catéter balón Apex Monorail (Boston Scientific, Estados Unidos) de 4 × 8 mm, que se infló en la salida de la fístula en el VD durante 10 minutos sin observar isquemia. Considerando el riesgo de dilatación progresiva del aneurisma si se cerrase la fístula en su extremo distal, así como la ausencia de espacio...

This is the case of a 55-pound 6-year-old male diagnosed with right coronary artery (RCA) fistula draining into the right ventricle (RV). Due to progressive dilatation of the RCA, percutaneous closure was decided. The femoral artery and veins were canalized using 5-Fr and 6-Fr introducer sheaths, respectively. A right coronary angiography revealed the presence of a RCA proximal to the 7.1 mm fistula—a fistula with a 11.2 mm × 7.2 mm bilobulated aneurysm with a 2.1 mm right ventricular outflow tract—and a coronary artery distal to the fistula of normal diameter (figure 1, figure 2, and video 1 of the supplementary data). Figure 1. Figure 2. The fistula was catheterized with a coronary guidewire that was advanced towards the pulmonary artery where it was captured with a snare creating an arteriouvenous loop. From the venous side of this loop a 4 mm × 8 mm Apex Monorail balloon catheter (Boston Scientific, United States) was advanced and then inflated in the ostium of the fistula in the RV for 10 minutes without any signs of ischemia. Considering the risk of progressive aneurysmal dilatation if the fistula was closed in its distal edge and given the lack of space to fit a device in its proximal edge,...

Abstract Background We determined the frequency of genetic polymorphisms in three anti‐TB drug metabolic proteins previously reported: N‐acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and arylacetamide deacetylase (AADAC) within a Peruvian population in a cohort of TB patients. Methods We genotyped SNPs rs1041983, rs1801280, rs1799929, rs1799930, rs1208, and rs1799931 for NAT2; rs3813867 and rs2031920 for CYP2E1; and rs1803155 for AADAC in 395 participants completed their antituberculosis treatment. Results Seventy‐four percent of the participants are carriers of slow metabolizer genotypes: NAT2*5, NAT2*6, and NAT2*7, which increase the sensitivity of INH at low doses and increase the risk of drug‐induced liver injuries. Sixty‐four percent are homozygous for the wild‐type CYP2E1*1A allele, which could increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. However, 16% had a NAT2 fast metabolizer phenotype which could increase the risk of acquiring resistance to INH, thereby increasing the risk of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) or treatment failure. The frequency of rs1803155 (AADAC*2 allele) was higher (99.9%) in Peruvians than in European American, African American, Japanese, and Korean populations. Conclusions This high prevalence of slow metabolizers for isoniazid in the Peruvian population should be further studied and considered to help individualize drug regimens, especially in countries with a great genetic diversity like Peru. These data will help the Peruvian National Tuberculosis Control Program develop new strategies for therapies.

In recent years, immunotherapy has become a powerful therapeutic option against multiple malignancies. The unique capacity of natural killer (NK) cells to attack cancer cells without antigen specificity makes them an optimal immunotherapeutic tool for targeting tumors. Several approaches are currently being pursued to maximize the anti-tumor properties of NK cells in the clinic, including the development of NK cell expansion protocols for adoptive transfer, the establishment of a favorable microenvironment for NK cell activity, the redirection of NK cell activity against tumor cells, and the blockage of inhibitory mechanisms that constrain NK cell function. We here summarize the recent strategies in NK cell-based immunotherapies and discuss the requirement to further optimize these approaches for enhancement of the clinical outcome of NK cell-based immunotherapy targeting tumors.

Objetivo. Determinar la incidencia de pérdida en el seguimiento (PEES) en pacientes tratados por tuberculosis (TB) resistente a rifampicina o multidrogorresistente (TB-RR/MDR) y los factores asociados a esta condición de egreso en Ecuador. Métodos. Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de pacientes con TB-RR/MDR tratados con el esquema de 18 a 24 meses de la Organización Mundial de la Salud en 2014 y 2015 notificados al Ministerio de Salud del Ecuador. Se determinó la incidencia de PEES y se compararon las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los casos egresados como PEES versus los egresados como éxito de tratamiento. Se analizó la sobrevida con regresión de Cox para evaluar factores asociados a PEES. Resultados. De 328 casos, 270 (82,3%) fueron analizados porque tuvieron condición de egreso notificada. El egreso como PEES fue 39,6% y el éxito de tratamiento 50,4%. Los factores de riesgo asociados a PEES fueron: antecedente de egreso como PEES en episodio previo de TB, cociente de riesgos instantáneos (HR, por sus siglas en inglés): 2,96 (1,53-5,73), P < 0,001; adicción al alcohol o drogas, HR: 2,82 (1,10-7,23), P = 0,031 y tener diagnóstico por la prueba Xpert® (TB-RR), HR: 1,53 (1,0-2,35), P = 0,048. Del total de PEES, 43% ocurrió después de nueve meses de tratamiento. Conclusión. La incidencia de PEES en pacientes con TB-RR/MDR en Ecuador está por encima del promedio en la Región de las Américas. Los tres factores identificados refuerzan la implementación de regímenes acortados y atención centrada en el paciente, siguiendo la Estrategia Fin a la Tuberculosis.

Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia nacional y regional de la comorbilidad tuberculosis (TB) y diabetes mellitus (DM) e identificar los factores asociados con esta comorbilidad en Paraguay. Métodos. Estudio transversal en pacientes con TB notificada en 2016 y 2017 y registrados en la base de datos del Programa Nacional de Control de la TB. La prevalencia de DM, definida por autonotificación, se estimó en pacientes con TB. Para conocer los factores asociados con la comorbilidad TB-DM se empleó un modelo multivariante de regresión binomial para ajustar las razones de prevalencia (RP) según los errores estándar por el clúster de región sanitaria. Resultados. Entre 2016 y 2017 se notificaron 5 315 casos de TB. La prevalencia de la comorbilidad TB-DM fue 6,3% en 2016, 6,0% en 2017 y 6,2% en ambos años. Fue más alta en Itapúa (9,2%), Alto Paraguay (8,0%), Alto Paraná (7,5%), Central (7,4%) y Asunción (7,2%). La mediana de edad de personas con DM fue más alta que la de las que no tenían DM (55 y 33 años; P < 0,001). Tener una edad mayor de 45 años (RP = 18,3), antecedente de hipertensión arterial (HTA) (RP = 2,17), baciloscopía de diagnóstico de tres cruces (RP 1,98), y antecedente de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) (RP 1,68) estuvieron asociados con mayor comorbilidad. En cambio, se asociaron con menor comorbilidad pertenecer a la población indígena (RP = 0,26), la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (RP = 0,44), historia de adicción a drogas (RP = 0,49), el sexo masculino (RP = 0,64), y la TB extrapulmonar (RP = 0,75). Conclusiones. La prevalencia de la comorbilidad de TB y DM en Paraguay, por autonotificación, fue 6,2% en el periodo 2016-2017 y varió entre las regiones sanitarias. La edad, el sexo, una alta carga bacilar al diagnóstico y la comorbilidad con HTA y EPOC se asociaron a una mayor comorbilidad. Estos hallazgos permitirán priorizar grupos de población para aumentar rendimiento del cribado, diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención de la comorbilidad TB-DM en Paraguay.

In this study, nanostructured ZnO arrays were synthesized by an accessible thermal oxidation (TO) methodology. The Zn films were chemically etched with nitric acid (HNO3) and then oxidized in a furnace at 500 °C for 5 h. Two different morphologies were achieved by modifying the HNO3 concentration in the etching process: (a) ZnO grass-like nanostructures and (b) rod-like nanostructures, with an etching process in HNO3 solution at 2 and 8 M concentration, respectively. The physical and chemical properties of the samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman spectroscopy. Both morphologies were functionalized with hemoglobin, and a difference was found in the efficiency of functionalization, which was monitored by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The sample with the highest efficiency was the ZnO grass-like nanostructures. Afterward, the capture of carbon dioxide was evaluated by monitoring a sodium carbonate solution interacting with the as-functionalized samples. The evaluation was analyzed by UV–Vis spectroscopy and the results showed a CO2 capture of 98.3% and 54% in 180 min for the ZnO grass-like and rod-like nanostructures, respectively.

Seven-year-old male with single ventricle in the postoperative of a fenestrated extracardiac Fontan procedure. The echocardiography performed 7 days after the procedure confirmed the presence of a 20 mm pedunculated thrombus attached to the wall of the inferior vena cava (video 1 of the supplementary data). Due to the risk of systemic embolism through the Fontan fenestration, the percutaneous extraction of the thrombus was attempted using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II (AVP II) device (Abbott, United States). A 6-Fr introducer sheath and a 10-Fr sheath were used for the catheterization of the right jugular vein and right femoral vein, respectively. The fenestration was found in the Fontan conduit using an angiography (figure 1). It was catheterized via jugular access and occluded by inflating the balloon of a 6-Fr Wedge-Pressure Catheter (Arrow, United States) to protect an eventual paradoxical embolism (figure 2). The transesophageal echocardiography performed revealed the location of the thrombus in the inferior vena cava and the diameter of the cava was measured at that level (15 mm). The introducer sheath was advanced via femoral access until it landed right underneath the insertion of the thrombus. Through this sheath a folded 16 mm AVP II device was advanced inside an 8-Fr...

Varón de 7 años con ventrículo único en el posoperatorio de Fontan extracardiaco fenestrado. En la ecocardiografía realizada a los 7 días de la intervención se observó un trombo pediculado de 20 mm adherido a la pared de la vena cava inferior (vídeo 1 del material adicional). Debido al riesgo de embolia sistémica a través de la fenestración de Fontan, se decidió realizar una extracción percutánea del trombo con un dispositivo Amplatzer Vascular Plug II (AVP II) (Abbott, Estados Unidos). Se canalizó la vena yugular derecha con un introductor de 6 Fr y la vena femoral derecha con una vaina de 10 Fr. Mediante angiografía en el Fontan se localizó la fenestración (figura 1). Por vía yugular se sondó la fenestración y se ocluyó inflando el balón de un Wedge-Pressure Catheter de 6 Fr (Arrow, Estados Unidos) para proteger de una eventual embolia paradójica (figura 2). Mediante ecocardiografía transesofágica se localizó el trombo en la vena cava inferior y se midió el diámetro de la cava a ese nivel (15 mm). Se avanzó la vaina introducida por vía femoral hasta situarla justo por debajo de la inserción del trombo. A través de dicha vaina se avanzó un dispositivo AVP II de 16...

Sphingobium yanoikuyae S72 was isolated from the rhizosphere of sorghum plant in Mexico and we evaluated its survival and role in the degradation of some selected monoaromatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using minimal medium (Bushnell Hass medium (BH)) in which each of the hydrocarbons (naphthalene, phenanthrene, xylene, toluene, and biphenyl) served as sole carbon source. Gas column chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis was used to evaluate the effect of S72’s growth in the medium with the hydrocarbons. The genome of the S72 was sequenced to determine the genetic basis for the degradation of the selected hydrocarbon in S72. The genome was assembled de novo with Spades assembler and Velvet assembler and the obtained contigs were reduced to 1 manually using Consed software. Genome annotation was carried out Prokka version 1.12, and gene calling and further annotation was carried out with NCBI PGAAP. Pangenome analysis and COG annotation were done with bacteria pangenome analysis tool (BPGA) and with PATRIC online server, respectively. S72 grew effectively in the culture medium with the hydrocarbon with concentration ranging from 20–100 mg/mL for each hydrocarbon tested. S72 degraded biphenyl by 85%, phenanthrene by 93%, naphthalene by 81%, xylene by 19%, and toluene by 30%. The sequenced S72 genome was reduced to 1 contig and genome analysis revealed the presence of genes essential for the degradation of hydrocarbons in S72. A total of 126 unique genes in S72 are associated with the degradation of hydrocarbons and xenobiotics. S72 grew effectively in the tested hydrocarbon and shows good degradation efficiency. S72 will therefore be a good candidate for bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soil.

Xenobiotic contamination, a worldwide environmental concern, poses risks for humans, animals, microbe health, and agriculture. Hydrocarbons and heavy metals top the list of toxins that represent a risk to nature. This review deals with the study of Azospirillum sp., widely reported as plant growth-promoting bacteria in various cultures. However, its adaptation properties in adverse environments make it a good candidate for studying remediation processes in environments polluted with hydrocarbons and heavy metals. This review includes studies that address its properties as a plant growth promoter, its genomics, and that evaluate its potential use in the remediation of hydrocarbons and heavy metals.

Objetivo: describir los principales factores asociados a la mortalidad en una cohorte de pacientes hospitalizados por neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 en un hospital público de Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo con muestreo no aleatorio por conveniencia. Se incluyó pacientes adultos con sospecha clínica o confirmados para SARS-CoV-2 con pruebas rápidas y/o moleculares. Se identificaron variables demográficas, clínicas, de laboratorio, tomográficas y de tratamiento. Se emplearon técnicas de estadística descriptiva, análisis bivariado y de regresión de Poisson para determinar el riesgo relativo (RR) ajustado. Resultados: se incluyó 122 pacientes, 70,5% del sexo masculino, edad promedio de 55,8 años, con antecedentes de obesidad (25,4%) e hipertensión arterial (HTA 13,1%). El análisis multivariado de los factores clínicos identificó que la edad (RR ajustado [RRa] 1,03; IC 95%: 1,00-1,06, p=0,021), el índice de masa corporal (IMC, RRa 1,03; IC 95%: 1,01-1,05; p=0,006), la HTA (RRa 1,68; IC 95%: 1,09-2,56; p=0,017), el índice de PaO2/FiO2 (RRa 0,99; IC 95%: 0,99-1,00; p

La enfermedad producida por el SARS-CoV-2 constituye una pandemia declarada con alta contagiosidad y letalidad en grupos de riesgo. En menos de tres meses la humanidad ha tenido que lidiar con este virus sin saber mucho de su patogenia y tratamiento. Se presentan cinco casos atendidos en el Hospital de Emergencias Villa El Salvador (HEVES) en Lima, Perú. Se destaca la importancia de la clasificación clínica en cuatro estadios: leve, moderado, severo y crítico y revisamos el tratamiento antiviral, inmunomodulador y antitrombótico consecuente a tal clasificación. La terapia antiviral con hidroxicloroquina y azitromicina obtuvo resultados favorables en cuatro casos: sobre todo, cuando se inició en los primeros días de enfermedad. Sin embargo, su eficacia es aún controversial y se esperan resultados de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados. Mientras tanto, su uso en fase temprana de la enfermedad, en estadios leves o moderados, debería mantenerse.

KL-6 is an antigen produced mainly by damaged type II pneumocytes that is involved in interstitial lung disease. Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) after lung transplantation (LT) is a major concern for LT clinicians, especially in patients with restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS). We investigated KL-6 levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as a potential biomarker of the RAS phenotype. Levels of KL-6 in serum and BALF were measured in 73 bilateral LT recipients, and patients were categorized into 4 groups: stable (ST), infection (LTI), bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), and RAS. We also studied a healthy cohort to determine reference values for serum KL-6. The highest levels of KL-6 were found in the serum of patients with RAS (918 [487.8-1638] U/mL). No differences were found for levels of KL-6 in BALF. Using a cut-off value of 465 U/mL serum KL-6 levels was able to differentiate RAS patients from BOS patients with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 75%. Furthermore, higher serum KL-6 levels were associated with a decline in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) at 6 months after sample collection. Therefore, KL-6 in serum may well be a potential biomarker for differentiating between the BOS and RAS phenotypes of CLAD in LT recipients.

In this work, carbon dots were created from activated and non-activated pyrolytic carbon black obtained from waste tires, which were then chemically oxidized with HNO3. The effects caused to the carbon dot properties were analyzed in detail through characterization techniques such as ion chromatography; UV–visible, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy; ζ potential; transmission electron microscopy (TEM); and spectrofluorometry. The presence of functional groups on the surface of all carbon dots was revealed by UV–visible, FTIR, XPS, and Raman spectra. The higher oxidation degrees of carbon dots from activated precursors compared to those from nonactivated precursors resulted in differences in photoluminescence (PL) properties such as bathochromic shift, lower intensity, and excitation-dependent behavior. The results demonstrate that the use of an activating agent in the recovery of pyrolytic carbon black resulted in carbon dots with different PL properties. In addition, a dialysis methodology is proposed to overcome purification obstacles, finding that 360 h were required to obtain pure carbon dots synthesized by a chemical oxidation method.

Cities have high demand and limited availability of water and energy, so it is necessary to have adequate technologies to make efficient use of these resources and to be able to generate them. This research focuses on developing and executing a methodology for an urban living lab vocation identification for a new water and energy self-sufficient university building. The methods employed were constructing a technological roadmap to identify global trends and select the technologies and practices to be implemented in the building. Among the chosen technologies were those for capturing and using rain and residual water, the generation of solar energy, and water and energy generation and consumption monitoring. This building works as a living laboratory since the operation and monitoring generate knowledge and innovation through students and research groups that develop projects. The insights gained from this study may help other efforts to avoid pitfalls and better design smart living labs and off-grid buildings.

The use of statistical models and machine-learning techniques along satellite-derived aerosol optical depth (AOD) is a promising method to estimate ground-level particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), mainly in urban areas with low air quality monitor density. Nevertheless, the relationship between AOD and ground-level PM2.5 varies spatiotemporally and differences related to spatial domains, temporal schemes, and seasonal variations must be assessed. Here, an ensemble multiple linear regression (EMLR) model and an ensemble neural network (ENN) model were developed to estimate PM2.5 levels in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area (MMA), the second largest urban center in Mexico. Four AOD-SDSs (Scientific Datasets) from MODIS Collection 6 were tested using three spatial domains and two temporal schemes. The best model performance was obtained using AOD at 0.55 µm from MODIS-Aqua at a spatial resolution of 3 km, along meteorological parameters and daily scheme. EMLR yielded a correlation coefficient (R) of ~0.57 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of ~7.00 μg m−3. ENN performed better than EMLR, with an R of ~0.78 and RMSE of ~5.43 μg m−3. Satellite-derived AOD in combination with meteorology data allowed for the estimation of PM2.5 distributions in an urban area with low air quality monitor density.

The problems related to the increase in the generation of discarded tires demonstrate the need for profitable, efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable processes for their waste management. In particular, the valorization of pyrolytic solids for energy storage applications is of interest. In this study, four processes were performed: (1) pyrolysis; (2) chemical activation and pyrolysis; (3) pyrolysis and physical activation; and (4) chemical activation, pyrolysis, and physical activation. The process consisting of chemical activation, pyrolysis, and physical activation yielded 52% solid material with the highest electrical conductivity (2.43 Ω–1 cm–1) and a surface area of 339 m2/g with an average pore size of 3.6 nm. In addition, it was found that pore size had a greater effect on the conductivity than surface area. Liquid and gas fraction compositions were modified by the presence of chemical activation: aromatization reactions were favored, and limonene was not observed in the liquid fraction, while an increase on the CH4 concentration caused an increment in the heating value of the gas fraction. It was demonstrated that chemical and physical activation enhance the properties of the pyrolytic solid product derived from waste tires that make it suitable for the partial substitution of materials for electric energy storage applications.

Soils harbour enormously diverse bacterial communities that interact specifically with plants generating beneficial interactions between them. This study was the first approach to assess bacterial communities before sowing with three cotton genotypes, including both transgenic and conventional ones. The structure of bacterial communities was identified using the next generation sequencing analysis, ion torrent PGM (Personal Genome Machine™) sequencer technology, based on the V2-V3 16S rRNA gene region. Quantitative insights into microbial ecology pipeline were used to identify the structure and diversity of bacterial communities in bulk soil samples collected in the northeast of Mexico. Bulk soil textures and chemical properties, including most nutrients, were homogeneous in these bulk soil samples. Relative abundance analysis showed similar bacterial community structures. Dominant taxonomic phyla were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes and Bacteroidetes, whereas the main families were Bacillaceae, Chitinophagaceae and Rhodospirillaceae with an abundance average of BS1 (bulk soil sample), BS2 and BS3 (24.85, 19.74 and 19.71%, respectively). Alpha diversity analysis showed a high diversity (Shannon and Simpson index) and a large value of the observed species found in bulk soils samples. These results allowed establishing the previous bacterial structural community in an unused soil before sowing it with a transgenic crop for the first time.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the first cause of death by an infectious agent in the world, the incidence in the population is declining very slowly and drug resistance is currently considered an international crisis. In Peru, the recent TB Prevention and Control Act in Peru (Law 30287) declares the fight against TB of national interest. In recent years, the Ministry of Health’s (MINSA) National Health Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis (ESNPCT) has achieved significant progress in the control of this disease; however, challenges still remain to be addressed. This article reviews the epidemiological situation of TB in Peru, systematizes the progress achieved during the management of the ESNPCT team between the years 2011 and 2015 from the biomedical approach, public management and social determinants of health, also posing challenges to achieving TB control under law 30287 and the “End of TB” strategy of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The aim of this study was to determine practice patterns and inter-institutional variability in how acute vasoreactivity testing (AVT) is performed and interpreted in pediatrics throughout the world. A survey was offered to physicians affiliated with the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Disease Taskforce of the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute (PVRI), the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network (PPHNET), or the Spanish Registry for Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension (REHIPED), from February to December 2016. The survey requested data about the site-specific protocol for AVT and subsequent management of pediatric patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) or heritable PAH (HPAH). Twenty-eight centers from 13 countries answered the survey. AVT is performed in most centers using inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). Sitbon criteria was used in 39% of the centers, Barst criteria in 43%, and other criteria in 18%. First-line therapy for positive AVT responders in functional class (FC) I/II was calcium channel blocker (CCB) in 89%, but only in 68% as monotherapy. Most centers (71%) re-evaluated AVT-positive patients hemodynamics after 6–12 months; 29% of centers re-evaluated based only on clinical criteria. Most centers (64%) considered a good response as remaining in FC I or II, with near normalization of pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance, but a stable FC I/II alone was sufficient criteria in 25% of sites. Protocols and diagnostic criteria for AVT, and therapeutic approaches during follow-up, were highly variable across the world. Reported clinical practice is not fully congruent with current guidelines, suggesting the need for additional studies that better define the prognostic value of AVT for pediatric IPAH patients.

Source attribution of airborne particulate matter (PM) relies on a host of different chemical species. Organic molecular markers are a set of particularly useful marker compounds for estimating source contributions to the fine PM fraction (i.e., PM2.5). Although there are many source apportionment studies based on organic markers, these studies heavily rely on the few studies that report region-specific emission profiles. Source attribution efforts, particularly those conducted in countries with emerging economies, benefit from ad hoc information to conduct the corresponding analyses. In this study, we report organic molecular marker source profiles for PM2.5 emitted from 12 major sources types from five general source categories (meat cooking operations, vehicle exhausts, industries, biomass and trash burning, and urban background) for the Monterrey Metropolitan Area (Mexico). Source emission samples were obtained from a ground-based source-dominated sampling approach. Filter-based instruments were utilized, and the loaded filters were chemically characterized for organic markers by GC-MS. Levoglucosan and cholesterol dominate charbroiled-cooking operation sources while methoxyphenols, PAHs and hopanes dominate open-waste burning, vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, respectively. A statistical analysis showed values of the Pearson distance < 0.4 and the similarity identity distance > 0.8 in all cases, indicating dissimilar source profiles. This was supported by the coefficient of divergence average values that ranged from 0.62 to 0.72. These profiles could further be utilized in receptor models to conduct source apportionment in regions with similar characteristics and can also be used to develop air pollution abatement strategies.