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Abstract Objective To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of imprisoned patients with epilepsy seen at Samaritana University Hospital (HUS) in Bogotá D.C., between January 2017 and November 2020. Methods Cross‐sectional cohort study of inmate patients over 18 years of age seen at HUS between January 2017 and November 2020, with a discharge diagnosis of epilepsy. A descriptive univariate analysis of patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics was carried out. Results Overall, 92 patients were included, 95.7% were males with a median age of 32 years (IQR: 26–44); 65% were assessed in the outpatient clinic; median hospital length of stay was 2 days (IQR: 0) and 7.6% required admission to the intensive care unit; 75% had focal onset epilepsy, 63.04% with undetermined etiology 31.52% with structural causes. Polytherapy was found in 53.3%, valproic acid being the most frequently used antiseizure medication in 59.78%; lack of adherence was reported in 15.22% and inadequate seizure control in 81.52%; status epilepticus occurred in 5.34%. A total of 31 EEG recordings and 53 brain images were performed, of which, 29% and 39.62%, respectively, were abnormal. Non‐epileptic paroxysmal events were diagnosed in 5.34%, while organic or psychiatric comorbidities were found in 25%, and the use of psychoactive substances was documented in 17.39%. Upon discharge, 93.47% had no disability, and only 45.65% returned for outpatient follow‐up. Significance The clinical profile was of men in the fourth decade of life with focal onset epilepsy characterized by high seizure frequency, most of whom were receiving antiseizure medication, with a high proportion of polytherapy. The results are a point of departure for prospective studies designed to identify points to intervene and improve healthcare for inmates with epilepsy. Plain Language Summary Inmates are a vulnerable proportion of persons with epilepsy. In this group there are significant differences compared to the general population, especially with greater psychiatric comorbidity and worse control of epileptic seizures due to difficulties in accessing medical care, antiseizure medication and diagnostic tests. We found that the most characteristic population is made up of men in the fourth decade of life with a high frequency of seizures, most of whom were receiving multiple antiseizure medication This study is the first of its kind in Latin America and it is an initial approach to epilepsy in inmates.

key Clinical Message Constrictive Pericarditis is a rare fibrotic conversion of the pericardium that results in non‐specific clinical symptoms such as hepatomegaly, ascites, pleural effusions, and lower extremity edema. A multi‐modal diagnostic approach with cardiac imaging tools, cardiac hemodynamic measurements, and tissue biopsy can be used to diagnose Constrictive Pericarditis. Abstract Constrictive Pericarditis is a rare complication resulting in the fibrotic conversion of the pericardium secondary to idiopathic, infective, post‐surgical, or post‐radiation etiologies. The rigid and restrictive nature of the pericardium can result in non‐specific symptoms of volume overload that can mimic liver cirrhosis or congestive heart failure. We present the case of a 73‐year‐old female with constrictive pericarditis who presented with vague symptoms of abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, and bilateral lower extremity edema. This case report highlights the clinical manifestation, invasive, and non‐invasive diagnostic work‐up, and management of constrictive pericarditis.

Background The implementation of preventive therapies among patients with stroke remains inadequately explored, especially when compared with patients with myocardial infarction (MI), despite sharing similar vascular risk profiles. We tested the hypothesis that participants with a history of stroke have a worse cardiovascular prevention profile in comparison to participants with MI. Methods and Results In cross‐sectional analyses within the UK Biobank and All of Us Research Program, involving 14 760 (9193 strokes, 5567 MIs) and 7315 (2948 strokes, 4367 MIs) participants, respectively, we evaluated cardiovascular prevention profiles assessing low‐density lipoprotein (

Abstract Background Both obesity and sleep disorders are common among women during pregnancy. Although prior research has identified a relationship between obesity and sleep disorders, those findings are from women later in pregnancy. Objective To explore the relationships between self‐reported sleep duration, insufficient sleep and snoring with body mass index (BMI) among multiethnic women at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)in early pregnancy. Methods Cross‐sectional study of baseline data from women at risk of GDM enrolled in the Treatment of BOoking Gestational diabetes Mellitus (TOBOGM) multicentre trial across 12 Australian/Austrian sites. Participants completed a questionnaire before 20 weeks’ gestation to evaluate sleep. BMI 5 days/month was higher in class II and class III obesity (1.38 (1.03–1.85) and 1.34 (1.01–1.80), respectively), and the risk of snoring increased as BMI increased (1.59 (1.25–2.02), 2.68 (2.07–3.48), 4.35 (3.21–5.88) to 4.96 (3.65–6.74), respectively)). Conclusions Obesity is associated with insufficient sleep among pregnant women at risk of GDM. Snoring is more prevalent with increasing BMI.

Abstract Reference conditions are difficult to find in the Anthropocene but essential for effective biodiversity conservation. Aquatic ecosystems in the Andes‐Amazon transition zone of Colombia are now at high risk due to expanded human activities after peace agreements in 2016 ended armed conflict because lands formerly controlled by FARC and other armed groups are now prone to agricultural and urban expansion. Particularly, expanding human land use may reduce fish diversity across the altitudinal gradient, especially in the premontane streams (i.e., 500 m) and continuous altitude. Strong differences in fish community structure among sites occurred as a function of altitude. Fish communities exhibit altitudinal biodiversity gradients that are consistent in space and time, and that need to be accounted for conservation and management considerations. Our results provide a reference to identify short‐ and long‐term changes due to impending human land use at a critical moment for the conservation of tropical fish diversity. Similar studies in other areas of the upper Amazon Basin are needed to evaluate effects of subsequent human activities on diversity patterns and our study area to compare to reference conditions reported here.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) is recognised as an infrequent complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This syndrome occurs following COVID-19 infection in some individuals and is characterised by inflammation of multiple organ systems, such as the heart, liver, bowel, and lymph nodes. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viraemia is associated primarily with immunosuppression. In COVID-19 patients, it has been reported in severe and critical cases. We present a case of an adult patient diagnosed with MIS-A and concomitant CMV viraemia.

Abstract Objective Sinus disease is prevalent in persons with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) and may be a reservoir of airway infection in postlung transplant (pTx) patients. The microbial composition of cystic fibrosis sinuses and its associations with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is relatively unexplored. We aimed to examine the sinus and lower airway microbiome and their associations with CRS in PwCF and pTxPwCF. Study Design Prospective single‐centre study. Setting A total of 31 sex and age (±2 years) matched PwCF and pTxPwCF. Methods Demographic and clinical data along with sinus swabs and sputum were collected. CRS was assessed using Sinonasal Outcome Test‐22 (SNOT‐22) (patient reported outcome) and Lund‐McKay (computed tomography sinus) scores. Samples underwent MiSeq Illumina sequencing of the universal 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Results A total of 31 PwCF (15 pTxPwCF) were included. Aggregate airways microbiome composition was dominated by Pseudomonas (46%), Haemophilus (14%), Staphylococcus (11%), Streptococcus (10%), and Fusobacterium (6%). α‐diversity was significantly lower in post‐Tx samples across both sputum and sinus samples (P = .005). β‐diversity was significantly different between sputum (P = .004), but not sinus (P = .75) samples by transplant status. While there was a trend in higher β‐diversity associated with lower SNOT‐22 score at time of first visit, this did not reach significance (P = .05). Conclusion Sinus and airway microbiomes differed in PwCF and pTxPwCF, but the prevalent organisms remained consistent. Elucidating the relationship of the microbiome with clinical status to better understand when to intervene accordingly is needed to optimize sinus disease management in PwCF.

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a self-limited zoonotic infection transmitted by felines caused by the Gram-negative bacillus Bartonella henselae. It usually presents with lymphadenopathy and constitutional symptoms that resolve within eight weeks, with, or without antibiotic treatment. The diagnosis is made by serology, molecular diagnosis in a biopsy, or a positive culture. The recurrence or reactivation of B. henselae has rarely been reported. We present the case of a 45-year-old man with a history of CSD two years before who presented to the clinic with groin lymphadenopathy. The patient had a history of close contact with felines though no known risk exposure was reported. The diagnosis was made with a positive serology suggestive of recent infection along with histopathological changes suggestive of CSD. Subsequently, azithromycin was administered with complete resolution of symptoms.

Abstract Background Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is an exceedingly rare head and neck malignancy. No consensus exists on treatment for metastatic disease. Case A 56‐year‐old female was diagnosed with SNUC after endorsing sinus congestion, diplopia, and right orbital pain. Initially treated with surgery and radiation, she later developed significant metastatic disease. She demonstrated progression of her hepatic metastases under pembrolizumab therapy. However, the addition of ipilimumab and a COX‐2 inhibitor resulted in significant improvement in her lesions as well as an ongoing durable response. Her regimen was complicated by immune‐related adverse events successfully treated with steroids. Conclusion Dual checkpoint inhibition deserves consideration when treating metastatic SNUC, especially after single agent therapy has failed. The positive effect of this treatment may be augmented by IDO1 inhibition.

Abstract In the context of requirements specification in Global Software Development, aspects such as differences in culture, language and schedule affect software development teams; however, we do not know the effect of these issues. Compare the native language requirements with the foreign language requirements concerning external quality. We conducted a controlled experiment of one‐factor two treatments within‐subjects with 17 experimental subjects. Wilcoxon test indicates that there is evidence to reject the null hypothesis (p‐value = 0.008); there is a statistically significant difference. The external quality value obtained with native language requirements is superior to the external quality produced with the foreign language. The effect size equals an absolute value of 0.45, which corresponds to a medium effect. The language used in the requirements specification influences the external quality; using the native language in the requirements specification significantly increases the external quality. The result obtained in this research should be considered to evaluate the roles and English language skills of GSD team members and their effect on external software quality. We also suggest considering the English language skills of the experimental subjects in the experimental laboratories since language could influence the results of the experiments.

Abstract Incorporating archaeology within the ecosystem services (ES) framework can offer decision‐makers lessons from the past and a broader sustainability perspective. Given the claimed archaeology‐ES link, the island of Sardinia (Italy) offers an unparalleled opportunity where a unique archaeological heritage occurs in an area of high biodiversity value. More than 5000 nuraghi, megalithic edifices distinctive of the Nuragic civilization (1700–580 BCE), are still present on the island. By crossing the map of Vegetation Series (VS) with nuraghi occurrences, we aimed at acquiring a long‐term perspective on the interactions between Nuragic people and the vegetation as ES provider, so as to enrich our understanding of the past and the present, and potentially inform future practice for the region of Sardinia. A VS is here intended as a hypothesis of a succession of plant communities that can potentially succeed each other over time in a particular land unit. The vegetation‐derived ES represented a driving force in the land occupation strategies of the Nuragic people, who preferred, for their settlements, the mesophiluos cork oak VS and secondary the deciduous broad‐leaved ones, which, with fresh climatic conditions on fertile substrates and gentle slopes on effusive magmatic rocks, can provide land for grazing and agriculture. Conversely, the Nuragic land occupation strategies shaped the VS, transforming the landscape into agro‐silvo‐pastoral systems. Our results suggest that the origin of the present agro‐silvo‐pastoral landscapes (i.e. Pascolo arborato/Dehesa) in Sardinia could be traced back to the Nuragic civilization. The interaction between humans and vegetation in Sardinia is ancient, reciprocal and dynamic. This interaction is crucial for the survival of the present agro‐silvo‐pastoral landscapes that represent important suppliers of provisioning, regulating and cultural ES. Among others, these landscapes are a good example of intimate and sustainable relationships between people and nature and provide a marked sense of place and identity for Sardinia inhabitants. This transdisciplinary approach linking plant ecology with archaeology offered archaeology a better understanding of the environmental settings and subsistence of the Nuragic civilization and provided plant ecology with a long‐term perspective on human‐vegetation interactions. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Abstract This study evaluates cover crop (CC) effects on microbial community structure in a winter wheat–sorghum–fallow rotation with pea, oat, and canola; mixtures of pea and oat; pea and canola; pea, oat, and canola; and six species mixture (SSM) of pea, oat, canola, hairy vetch, forage radish, and barley as CCs, and fallow as treatments. Soil microbial community structure was analyzed at CC termination (phase I), 36 days (phase II), and a year (phase III) after termination using an ester‐linked fatty acid methyl ester analysis. Total microbial biomass (TMB) under oats was significantly greater than under canola (by 47%) in phase I (p ≤ 0.05). The TMB was >48% under pea, pea + canola, and SSM, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was 70%–93% more under pea, canola, and their mixtures than fallow in phase II. While microbial abundance varied with CCs at and after 36 days post‐termination, these effects did not persist for a year. Long fallow period after cropping or cover cropping appears detrimental to microbial community proliferation.

Abstract Background Promoter hypermethylation is one of the enabling mechanisms of hallmarks of cancer. Tumor suppressor genes like RARB and GSTP1 have been reported as hypermethylated in breast cancer tumors compared with normal tissues in several populations. This case–control study aimed to determine the association between the promoter methylation ratio (PMR) of RARB and GSTP1 genes (separately and as a group) with breast cancer and its clinical‐pathological variables in Peruvian patients, using a liquid biopsy approach. Methods A total of 58 breast cancer patients and 58 healthy controls, matched by age, participated in the study. We exacted cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) from blood plasma and converted it by bisulfite salts. Methylight PCR was performed to obtain the PMR value of the studied genes. We determined the association between PMR and breast cancer, in addition to other clinicopathological variables. The sensitivity and specificity of the PMR of these genes were obtained. Results A significant association was not found between breast cancer and the RARB PMR (OR = 1.90; 95% CI [0.62–6.18]; p = 0.210) or the GSTP1 PMR (OR = 6.57; 95% CI [0.75–307.66]; p = 0.114). The combination of the RARB + GSTP1 PMR was associated with breast cancer (OR = 2.81; 95% CI [1.02–8.22]; p = 0.026), controls under 50 years old (p = 0.048), patients older than 50 (p = 0.007), and postmenopausal (p = 0.034). The PMR of both genes showed a specificity of 86.21% and a sensitivity of 31.03%. Conclusion Promoter hypermethylation of RARB + GSTP1 genes is associated with breast cancer, older age, and postmenopausal Peruvian patients. The methylated promoter of the RARB + GSTP1 genes needs further validation to be used as a biomarker for liquid biopsy and as a recommendation criterion for additional tests in asymptomatic women younger than 50 years.

Abstract Biodiversity conservation is a complex and transdisciplinary problem that requires engagement and cooperation among scientific, societal, economic, and political institutions. However, historical approaches have often failed to bring together and address the needs of all relevant stakeholders in decision‐making processes. The Tropical Andes, a biodiversity hotspot where conservation efforts often conflict with socioeconomic issues and policies that prioritize economic development, provides an ideal model to develop and implement more effective approaches. In this study, we present a co‐design approach that mainstreams and improves the flow of biodiversity information in the Tropical Andes, while creating tailored outputs that meet the needs of economic and societal stakeholders. We employed a consultative process that brought together biodiversity information users and producers at the local, national, and regional levels through a combination of surveys and workshops. This approach identified priority needs and limitations of the flow of biodiversity information in the region, which led to the co‐design of user‐relevant biodiversity indicators. By leveraging the existing capacities of biodiversity information users and producers, we were able to co‐design multiple biodiversity indicators and prioritize two for full implementation ensuring that the data was findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable based on the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles. This approach helped address limitations that were identified in the stakeholder engagement process, including gaps in data availability and the need for more accessible biodiversity information. Additionally, capacity‐building workshops were incorporated for all producers of biodiversity information involved, which aimed to not only improve the current flow of biodiversity information in the region but also facilitate its future sustainability. Our approach can serve as a valuable blueprint for mainstreaming biodiversity information and making it more inclusive in the future, especially considering the diverse worldviews, values, and knowledge systems between science, policy, and practice.

Abstract Premise A comparison of methods using different materials to exclude light from stems to prevent stem CO2 exchange (i.e., photosynthesis), without affecting stem conductance to water vapor, surface temperature, and relative humidity, was conducted on stems of avocado trees in California. Methods and Results The experiment featured three materials: aluminum foil, paper‐based wrap, and mineral‐based paint. We examined stem CO2 exchange with and without the light exclusion treatments. We also examined stem surface temperature, relative humidity, and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) under the cover materials. All materials reduced PAR and stem CO2 exchange. However, aluminum foil reduced stem surface temperature and increased relative humidity. Conclusions Methods used to study stem CO2 exchange through light exclusion have historically relied on methods that may induce experimental artifacts. Among the methods tested here, mineral‐based paint effectively reduced PAR without affecting stem surface temperature and relative humidity around the stem.

Abstract Deterministic earthquake prediction remains elusive, but time‐dependent probabilistic seismicity forecasting seems within reach thanks to the development of physics‐based models relating seismicity to stress changes. Difficulties include constraining the earthquake nucleation model and fault initial stress state. Here, we analyze induced earthquakes from the Groningen gas field, where production is strongly seasonal, and seismicity began 3 decades after production started. We use the seismicity response to stress variations to constrain the earthquake nucleation process and calibrate models for time‐dependent forecasting of induced earthquakes. Remarkable agreements of modeled and observed seismicity are obtained when we consider (a) the initial strength excess, (b) the finite duration of earthquake nucleation, and (c) the seasonal variations of gas production. We propose a novel metric to quantify the nucleation model's ability to capture the damped amplitude and the phase of the seismicity response to short‐timescale (seasonal) stress variations which allows further tightening the model's parameters.

Abstract Background The role of ERG‐status molecular subtyping in prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa) is still under debate. In this study, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) according to ERG‐status to explore their enriched pathways and implications in prognosis in Hispanic/Latino PCa patients. Methods RNA from 78 Hispanic PCa tissues from radical prostatectomies (RP) were used for RNA‐sequencing. ERGhigh/ERGlow tumor groups were determined based on the 1.5‐fold change median expression in non‐tumor samples. DEGs with a False Discovery Rate (FDR) 2 were identified between ERGhigh and ERGlow tumors and submitted to enrichment analysis in MetaCore. Survival and association analyses were performed to evaluate biochemical recurrence (BCR)‐free survival. Results The identification of 150 DEGs between ERGhigh and ERGlow tumors revealed clustering of most of the non‐BCR cases (60%) into de ERGhigh group and most of the BCR cases (60.8%) in ERGlow group. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed a worst BCR‐free survival for ERGlow patients, and a significant reduced risk of BCR was observed for ERGhigh cases (OR = 0.29 (95%CI, 0.10–0.8)). Enrichment pathway analysis identified metabolic‐related pathways, such as the renin‐angiotensin system and angiotensin maturation system, the linoleic acid metabolism, and polyamines metabolism in these ERG groups. Conclusions ERGlow tumor cases were associated with poor BCR‐free survival in our Hispanic/Latino patients, with metabolism‐related pathways altered in the BCR progression. Impact Our findings suggest the need to dissect the role of diet, metabolism, and lifestyle as risk factors for more aggressive PCa subtypes.

Abstract The problem of global amphibian declines has prompted extensive research over the last three decades. Initially, the focus was on identifying and characterizing the extent of the problem, but more recently efforts have shifted to evidence‐based research designed to identify best solutions and to improve conservation outcomes. Despite extensive accumulation of knowledge on amphibian declines, there remain knowledge gaps and disconnects between science and action that hamper our ability to advance conservation efforts. Using input from participants at the ninth World Congress of Herpetology, a U.S. Geological Survey Powell Center symposium, amphibian on‐line forums for discussion, the International Union for Conservation of Nature Assisted Reproductive Technologies and Gamete Biobanking group, and respondents to a survey, we developed a list of 25 priority research questions for amphibian conservation at this stage of the Anthropocene. We identified amphibian conservation research priorities while accounting for expected tradeoffs in geographic scope, costs, and the taxonomic breadth of research needs. We aimed to solicit views from individuals rather than organizations while acknowledging inequities in participation. Emerging research priorities (i.e., those under‐represented in recently published amphibian conservation literature) were identified, and included the effects of climate change, community‐level (rather than single species‐level) drivers of declines, methodological improvements for research and monitoring, genomics, and effects of land‐use change. Improved inclusion of under‐represented members of the amphibian conservation community was also identified as a priority. These research needs represent critical knowledge gaps for amphibian conservation although filling these gaps may not be necessary for many conservation actions.

Abstract The diversity of specialized molecules produced by plants radiating along ecological gradients is thought to arise from plants' adaptations to local conditions. Therefore, closely related species growing in similar habitats should phylogenetically converge, or diverge, in response to similar climates, or similar interacting animal communities. We here asked whether closely related species in the genus Haplopappus (Asteraceae) growing within the same elevation bands in the Andes, converged to produce similar floral odors. To do so, we combine untargeted analysis of floral volatile organic compounds with insect olfactory bioassay in congeneric Haplopappus (Asteraceae) species growing within the same elevation bands along the Andean elevational gradient. We then asked whether the outcome of biotic interactions (i.e., pollination vs. seed predation) would also converge across species within the same elevation. We found that flower odors grouped according to their elevational band and that the main floral visitor preferred floral heads from low‐elevation band species. Furthermore, the cost–benefit ratio of predated versus fertilized seeds was consistent within elevation bands, but increased with elevation, from 6:1 at low to 8:1 at high elevations. In the light of our findings, we propose that climate and insect community changes along elevation molded a common floral odor blend, best adapted for the local conditions. Moreover, we suggest that at low elevation where floral resources are abundant, the per capita cost of attracting seed predators is diluted, while at high elevation, sparse plants incur a higher herbivory cost per capita. Together, our results suggest that phytochemical convergence may be an important factor driving plant–insect interactions and their ecological outcomes along ecological gradients.

Abstract Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most frequent non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma subtype, is characterized by strong biological, morphological, and clinical heterogeneity, but patients are treated with immunochemotherapy in a relatively homogeneous way. Here, we have used a customized NanoString platform to analyze a series of 197 homogeneously treated DLBCL cases. The platform includes the most relevant genes or signatures known to be useful for predicting response to R‐CHOP (Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisone) in DLBCL cases. We generated a risk score that combines the International Prognostic Index with cell of origin and double expression of MYC/BCL2, and stratified the series into three groups, yielding hazard ratios from 0.15 to 5.49 for overall survival, and from 0.17 to 5.04 for progression‐free survival. Group differences were highly significant (p < 0.0001), and the scoring system was applicable to younger patients (

Abstract To examine the association of Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence during pregnancy with maternal and neonatal lipid, glycemic, and inflammatory markers. This study included 152 women from the GESTAFIT trial and a subsample of 35 newborns. The Mediterranean Diet Score, derived from food frequency questionnaires, was employed to assess MD adherence. Total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), triglycerides, and glucose were assessed in the mother (at the 16th and 34th gestational weeks [g.w.]) and in cord arterial and venous serum with standard procedures using an autoanalyzer. Pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]−6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐1beta, interferon gamma, and tumour necrosis factor alpha [TNF‐α]) were measured with Luminex xMAP technology. A greater MD adherence was associated with higher HDL‐C and lower LDL‐C, LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio, triglycerides, triglycerides/HDL‐C ratio, and TNF‐α in the mother at the 16th and the 34th g.w. (|β|: 0.191–0.388, p 0.05). A greater MD adherence during pregnancy, driven by a higher intake of whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables and fish, and a lower intake of sweets, was positively associated with the maternal lipid and inflammatory serum markers throughout gestation. MD adherence during pregnancy was not associated with cord serum markers.

Abstract The data set represents the Regional Meteoric Water Line (RMWL) for the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico), a region with karstic aquifers but little knowledge of the isotopic composition of meteoric water. This data paper comprises the isotopic composition of meteoric water collected from November 2018 to November 2019 as monthly composite samples expressed as weighted monthly mean precipitation from 16 locations across the Yucatan Peninsula. The RMWL was δ2H = 7.803 δ18O + 12.075, with a slope and intercept suggesting precipitation from air that has undergone condensation, air masses with variable moisture or recycled moisture. The average δ18O is −2.57‰ (−12.23 to 1.2‰) and δ2H is −7.94‰ (−83.39 to 18.32‰). This data set was collected by the implementation of an isotopic monitoring network, gathering information useful as a tool for better understanding of the hydrology and hydrogeochemistry of karstic aquifers, and to develop proxies for paleohydrology, ecohydrology, climate change and paleoclimate studies in the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Caribbean Area.

Abstract Ecuador has both high richness and high endemism, which are increasingly threatened by anthropic pressures, including roads. Research evaluating the effects of roads remains scarce, making it difficult to develop mitigation plans. Here, we present the first national assessment of wildlife mortality on roads that allow us to (1) estimate roadkill rates per species, (2) identify affected species and areas, and (3) reveal knowledge gaps. We bring together data from systematic surveys and citizen science efforts to present a dataset with 5010 wildlife roadkill records from 392 species, and we also provide 333 standardized corrected roadkill rates calculated on 242 species. Systematic surveys were reported by ten studies from five Ecuadorian provinces, revealing 242 species with corrected roadkill rates ranging from 0.03 to 171.72 ind./km/year. The highest rates were for the yellow warbler Setophaga petechia in Galapagos (171.72 ind./km/year), the cane toad Rhinella marina in Manabi (110.70 ind./km/year), and the Galapagos lava lizard Microlophus albemarlensis (47.17 ind./km/year). Citizen science and other nonsystematic monitoring provided 1705 roadkill records representing all 24 provinces in Ecuador and 262 identified species. The common opossum Didelphis marsupialis, the Andean white‐eared opossum Didelphis pernigra, and the yellow warbler Setophaga petechia were more commonly reported (250, 104, and 81 individuals, respectively). Across all sources, we found 15 species listed as “Threatened” and six as “Data Deficient” by the IUCN. We recommend stronger research efforts in areas where the mortality of endemic or threatened species could be critical for populations, such as in Galapagos. This first country‐wide assessment of wildlife mortality on Ecuadorian roads represents contributions from academia, members of the public, and government, underlining the value of wider engagement and collaboration. We hope these findings and the compiled dataset will guide sensible driving and sustainable planning of infrastructure in Ecuador and, ultimately, contribute to reduce wildlife mortality on roads.

Abstract Background The prognostic relevance of prostate cancer (PCa) molecular subtypes remains controversial, given the presence of multiple foci with the possibility of different subtypes in the same patient. Aim To determine the clonal origin of heterogeneity in PCa and its association with disease progression, SPOP, ERG(+), EZH2, NKX3.1, and SPINK‐1 subtypes were analyzed. Methods A total of 103 samples from 20 PCa patients were analyzed; foci of adjacent non‐tumor prostate tissue, HGPIN, GL3, GL4, GL5, and LN were examined to determine the presence of the TMPRSS2‐ERG fusion and ERG, EZH2, NKX3.1, and SPINK‐1 expression levels, using RT‐PCR. Mutations in exons 6 and 7 of the SPOP gene were determined by sequencing. The presence of subtypes and molecular patterns were identified by combining all subtypes analyzed. To establish the clonal origin of multifocal PCa, molecular concordance between different foci of the same patient was determined. Association of these subtypes with histopathological groups and time to biochemical recurrence (BCR) was assessed. Results No mutation was found in SPOP in any sample. The ERG(+) subtype was the most frequent. The molecular pattern containing all four PCa subtypes was only detected in 3 samples (4%), all LN, but it was the most frequent (40%) in patients. Molecular discordance was the predominant status (55%) when all analyzed molecular characteristics were considered. It was possible to find all subtypes, starting as a preneoplastic lesion, and all but one LN molecular subtype were ERG(+) and NKX3.1 subtypes. Only the expression of the NKX3.1 gene was significantly different among the histopathological groups. No association was found between BCR time in patients and molecular subtypes or molecular concordance or between clinicopathological characteristics and molecular subtypes of ERG, EZH2, and SPINK‐1. Conclusion The predominance of molecular discordance in prostatic foci per patient, which reflects the multifocal origin of PCa foci, highlights the importance of analyzing multiple samples to establish the prognostic and therapeutic relevance of molecular subtypes in a patient. All the subtypes analyzed here are of early onset, starting from preneoplastic lesions. NKX3.1 gene expression is the only molecular characteristic that shows a progression pattern by sample.

Plukenetia volubilis (“sacha inchi”) is a perennial plant that produces edible seeds with a remarkable lipid composition that is highly concentrated in polyunsaturated essential fatty acids. Inca nut seeds have potential use for lowering malnutrition, enhancing sustainable food production systems, reforestation, and the pharmaceutical industry. The establishment of genetic variability, through spontaneous mutations or induced mutations, can bring desirable and undesirable agronomic traits. Our research focused on studying the impact of gamma radiation on P. volubilis seeds during their germination and vegetative growth. For this purpose, we exposed seeds to different doses of gamma irradiation (0, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, and 900 Gy) and planted them under in vitro and greenhouse conditions following a completely random design. Our findings showed that gamma radiation treatments did not affect the germination of P. volubilis seeds but affected its root tip growth. An analysis on morphological and physiological parameters revealed a reduction in seedling size and weight when the irradiation doses were increased. Also, the pattern of plant organ development changed as its gamma irradiation was increased. Finally, our analysis found that median lethal dose (LD50) for P. volubilis L. seeds is 618.78 Gy. Our findings can be used as an important reference for plant breeding in this species.

One of the essential tasks required from a mobile robot is the autonomous and safe navigation of its working environment. However, in many cases, a model of the environment or map is not available to execute this task. Indeed, navigation requires a permanent estimation of the location for a map, which is not available for unknown environments. In such a scenario, the robot must have extended capabilities to solve, concurrently, the problems of localization and mapping. The simultaneous solution of these two problems is known as SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) and is a complex problem, not yet fully solved by the scientific community. This is due to the fact that localization requires a map that is not yet available since it is still under construction. In turn, the elaboration of a map requires the estimation of the robot’s location. This is the reason why SLAM has been categorized as similar to the chicken and egg problem. In the case of a robot facing an unknown environment, it would be something like what to solve first, localization or mapping? The answer to this question is that the robot will have to solve both problems at the same time. This article presents a study of some of the most representative open source visual SLAM (vSLAM) methods, beginning from an analysis of their characteristics and presenting criteria selection for an experimental design that allows contrasting their advantages and disadvantages. Two of the most representative algorithms for solving vSLAM were considered (RTAB-Map and ORB-SLAM2). The experiments were validated with a robotic system designed for this purpose, which is fully compatible with ROS (robot operating system).

Alcohol and cigarettes are the psychoactive substances that adolescents use most frequently. When both addictions are combined, they carry the worst burden of disease globally. The objective of this study was to identify whether socioeconomic factors correlate with alcohol and tobacco consumption in Mexican adolescents aged 10 years or more and to establish the relationship in the consumption between the two substances. This ecological study utilized data describing alcohol and tobacco consumption among adolescents aged 10–16 years (n = 48,837 ≈ N = 11,621,100). Having ever consumed any alcohol-containing beverage constituted alcohol consumption. Smoking a cigarette within 30 days constituted cigarette consumption. For both variables, the state-level percentages reported in the survey were used. Diverse socioeconomic variables were collected from official sources. Data on the prevalence of tobacco use and alcohol consumption were entered into an Excel database estimated for each of the states of the Mexican Republic, as well as the socioeconomic variables. We performed the analysis using Stata 14. Consumption prevalence was 15.0% for alcohol and 4.2% for tobacco. Alcohol consumption was not correlated with any studied socioeconomic variable (p>0.05). The prevalence of tobacco consumption among elementary school students correlated (p

Purpose. Recent evidence has shown that retinal inflammation is a key player in diabetic retinopathy (DR) pathogenesis. To further understand and validate the metabolic biomarkers of DR, we investigated the effect of intravitreal proinflammatory cytokines on the retinal structure, function, and metabolism in an in vivo hyperglycemic mouse model. Methods. C57Bl/6 mice were rendered hyperglycemic within one week of administration of a single high-dose intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, while control mice received vehicle injection. After confirming hyperglycemia, the mice received an intravitreal injection of either proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) or vehicle. Similarly, control mice received an intravitreal injection of either proinflammatory cytokines or vehicle. The retinal structure was evaluated using fundus imaging and optical coherence tomography, and retinal function was assessed using a focal electroretinogram (ERG), two days after cytokine injection. Retinas were collected for biochemical analysis to determine key metabolite levels and enzymatic activities. Results. Hyperglycemic mice intraocularly injected with cytokines developed visible retinal vascular damage and intravitreal and intraretinal hyper-reflective spots two days after the cytokines injection. These mice also developed a significant functional deficit with reduced a-wave and b-wave amplitudes of the ERG at high light intensities compared to control mice. Furthermore, metabolic disruption was evident in these mice, with significantly higher retinal glucose, lactate, ATP, and glutamine levels and a significant reduction in glutamate levels compared with control mice. Minimal or no metabolic changes were observed in hyperglycemic mice without intraocular cytokines or in control mice with intraocular cytokines at 2 days post hyperglycemia. Conclusions. Proinflammatory cytokines accelerated the development of vascular damage in the eyes of hyperglycemic mice. Significant changes were observed in retinal structure, function, and metabolic homeostasis. These findings support the idea that with the onset of inflammation in DR, there is a deficit in metabolism. Therefore, early intervention to prevent inflammation-induced retinal changes in diabetic patients may improve the disease outcome.

Abstract Glycans are ubiquitously expressed sugars, coating the cell and protein surfaces. They are found on many proteins as either short and branched chains or long chains sticking out from special membrane proteins, known as proteoglycans. This sugar cushion, the glycocalyx, modulates specific interactions and protects the cell. Here it is shown that both the expression of proteoglycans and the glycans expressed on the surface of both the host and virus proteins have a critical role in modulating viral attachment to the cell. A mathematical model using SARS‐Cov‐2 as an archetypical virus to study the glycan role during infection is proposed. It is shown that this occurs via a tug‐of‐war of forces. On one side, the multivalent molecular recognition that viral proteins have toward specific host glycans and receptors. On the other side, the glycan steric repulsion that a virus must overcome to approach such specific receptors. By balancing both interactions, viral tropism can be predicted. In other words, the authors can map out the cells susceptible to virus infection in terms of receptors and proteoglycans compositions.