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Data on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in rural communities is scarce or non-existent. A previous cross-sectional study in middle-aged and older adults enrolled in the Atahualpa Project Cohort demonstrated that 45% of participants had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, 77% of whom were symptomatic. Here, we assessed the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the above-mentioned rural population. One month after baseline testing, 362 of 370 initially seronegative individuals were re-tested to assess incidence of seroconversion and associated risk factors. Twenty-eight of them (7.7%) became seropositive. The overall incidence rate ratio was 7.4 per 100 person months of potential virus exposure (95% C.I.: 4.7–10.2). Six seroconverted individuals (21.4%) developed SARS-CoV-2-related symptomatology. The only covariate significantly associated with seroconversion was the use of an open latrine. Predictive margins showed that these individuals were 2.5 times more likely to be infected (95% C.I.: 1.03–6.1) than those using a flushing toilet. Therefore, along one month, approximately 8% of seronegative individuals became infected, even after almost half of the population was already seropositive. Nevertheless, a smaller proportion of incident cases were symptomatic (21% versus 77% of the earlier cases), and no deaths were recorded. Whether this decreased clinical expression resulted from a lower viral load in new infections cannot be determined. Increased seroconversion in individuals using latrines is consistent with a contributory role of fecal-oral transmission, although we cannot rule out the possibility that latrines are acting as a proxy for poverty or other unknown interacting variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave heating in white corn (Zea mays L.) against Sitotroga cerealella was applied as a post-harvest treatment. Power levels of 293, 390 or 475 W were applied to batches of 250 g until reaching the target temperature of 50 °C in the grain centre and held for 3 min, followed by air-forced cooling during 3.5 min. One batch was left as a control without treatment. Thermocouples and thermal infrared camera were used to know the temperature and evaluate the heating uniformity. Heating times were 56, 40 and 37 s, for 293, 390 and 475 W, respectively, during which 100% of mortality in fourth instar larvae was achieved. The quality of treated white corn was followed throughout moisture content, water activity, bulk density, hardness, colour and germination ability. The proposed microwave treatments were effective for post-harvest corn disinfestation against S. cerealella, without affecting the quality of the grains, especially at 475 W. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of depth on properties in V-notch welds with multiple passes. Base metal and commercial electrodes were used (ASTM A36 and AWS E7014) and four different conditions were used to develop the wet welds, which were depths of 10, 20, 30 and 40 m. A pressurized chamber with 30 atmospheres was used to simulate depth, flooded with fresh water. The welds were performed by an underwater welder. The cross-sectional properties - using Charpy V-notch toughness tests, macro-etching and tensile stress tests - were determined by correlation. The mechanical tests that yielded the best results were those with the 20 m depth condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a leading causes of secondary epilepsy worldwide. There is increasing evidence on the epileptogenic role of NCC, and the presence of edema, calcified scars, gliosis and hippocampal sclerosis support this phenomenon. Areas covered: We summarized principles of antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy as well as risk factors associated with seizure recurrence after AED withdrawal in patients with NCC. Expert commentary: First-line AED monotherapy is effective as a standard approach to control seizures in most NCC patients. Risks and benefits of AED withdrawal have not been systematically studied, and this decision must be individualized. However, a seizure-free period of at least two years seem prudent before attempting withdrawal. Risk factors for seizure recurrence after AED withdrawal include a history of status epilepticus, poor seizure control during treatment, neuroimaging evidence of perilesional gliosis, hippocampal sclerosis and calcified lesions, as well as persistence of paroxysmal activity in the EEG. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mexican psychiatry initiated since pre-Hispanic times. Historically, treatments were a mixture of magic, science and religion. Ancient Nahuas had their own medical concepts with a holistic view of medicine, considering men and cosmos as a whole. The first psychiatric hospital appeared in 1566 and a more modern psychiatric asylum emerged until 1910. International exchanges of theoretical approaches started in the National University with the visit of Pierre Janet. There were other important figures that influenced Mexican psychiatry, such as Erich Fromm, Henri Ey, Jean Garrabé and Yves Thoret. Regarding Mexican psychiatrists, some of the most important contributors to Mexican psychiatry were José Luis Patiño Rojas, Manuel Guevara Oropeza and Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz. This article includes excerpts from "Clinical Psychiatry", a book by Patiño Rojas where he tries to understand and describe the inner world experienced by patients with schizophrenia; also, the thesis conducted by Guevara Oropeza ("Psychoanalisis"), which is a critical comparison between the theories of Janet and Freud. Finally, we include "The study of consciousness: current status" by Ramón de la Fuente, which leads us through the initial investigations concerning consciousness, its evolution, and the contributions made by psychology, philosophy and neurobiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: A recent hypothesis suggested that in many cases cysticercal granulomas represent recently established Taenia solium metacestodes rapidly destroyed by the host's immune system. Here, we attempted to determine whether patients with cysticercal granulomas are younger than those with other forms of parenchymal brain cysticercosis. Methods: Series of 185 patients with single parenchymal brain cysticercus, classified according to the stage of the parasite at the moment of diagnosis in cysts without inflammation, cysts with inflammation, granular lesions, and calcifications. We correlated the age of the patients with the parasite evolutive stage. Results: Patients with cysticercus granulomas were significantly younger than those with vesicular cysts (17.7±12.9 versus 36.8±15.1 years, P<0.005) or calcifications (17.7±12.9 versus 40.8±19.7 years, P<0.0001). There was also a non-significant trend for patients with granulomas to be younger than those with coloidal cysts (17.7±12.9 versus 26.7±15.6 years, P=0.367). Conclusions: Results from this study argued against the classical hypothesis that granulomas are the end result from long-established vesicular cysts destroyed by the host's immune system. Vesicular (viable) cysticerci must be treated with cysticidal drugs as it is unlikely that they will be spontaneously destroyed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the professional achievements of Mexican psychiatrist Ramon de la Fuente Muniz, who was born in 1921. It states that Muniz was closely associated with the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and contributed to creation of department like Department of Medical Psychology, Psychiatry and Mental Health of the Faculty of Medicine, and mentions that he chaired the National Academy of Medicine in 1972. It notes the Award of Medical Merit from President received by him.

Thin-capped fibroatheroma is the morphology that most resembles plaque rupture. Detection of these vulnerable plaques in vivo is essential to being able to study their natural history and evaluate potential treatment modalities and, therefore, may ultimately have an important impact on the prevention of acute myocardial infarction and death. Currently, conventional grayscale intravascular ultrasound, virtual histology and palpography data are being collected with the same catheter during the same pullback. A combination of this catheter with either thermography capability or additional imaging, such as optical coherence tomography or spectroscopy, would be an exciting development. Intravascular magnetic resonance imaging also holds much promise. To date, none of the techniques described above have been sufficiently validated and, most importantly, their predictive value for adverse cardiac events remains elusive. Very rigorous and well-designed studies are compelling for defining the role of each diagnostic modality. Until we are able to detect in vivo vulnerable plaques accurately, no specific treatment is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]