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Abstract Biodiversity loss is extreme in amphibians. Despite ongoing conservation action, it is difficult to determine where we stand in overcoming their extinction crisis. Among the most threatened amphibians are the 131 Neotropical harlequin toads. Many of them declined since the 1980s with several considered possibly extinct. Recently, more than 30 species have been rediscovered, raising hope for a reversing trend in the amphibian extinction crisis. We use past and present data available for harlequin toads (Atelopus), to examine whether the amphibian extinction crisis is still in an emergency state. Since 2004 no species has improved its population status, suggesting that recovery efforts have not been successful. Threats include habitat change, pathogen spread and climate change. More mitigation strategies need implementation, especially habitat protection and disease management, combined with captive conservation breeding. With harlequin toads serving as a model, it is clear that the amphibian extinction crisis is still underway.

The purpose of this research was to synthesize nanocomposites consisting of sulfur nanoparticles coated with eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils to determine the insecticidal effect in the control of nymphs of paratrioza (Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae)) in potato crops. A solution of thiosulfate was reduced to elemental sulfur, and the sulfur nanoparticles were coated with eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils with the three concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75%. The samples were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The insecticidal efficacy of the nanocomposites was evaluated in the entomology laboratory 24, 48, and 72 h after application. Furthermore, efficacy was compared to the commercial insecticide thiamethoxam (0.25%) and a control. The results show that eucalyptus nanocomposites with oil concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% and rosemary nanocomposites with an oil concentration of 0.5% have an insecticidal efficacy of 100% for the control of insect nymphs 24 h after application. The insecticidal efficacy of rosemary nanocomposites with oil concentrations of 0.25% and 0.75% increases over time and reaches 100% at 24 and 72 h, respectively. The synthesized nanocomposites are more effective in controlling nymphs of paratrioza than the commercial insecticide thiamethoxam; thus, they could be used for the development of new insecticides.

Introduction and Objectives: Hyponatremia is associated with ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, primary bacterial peritonitis, and increased mortality. However, the information about incidence and factors associated with hyponatremia in ambulatory patients with compensated cirrhosis is scarce. The aim of the study was to estimate the incidence and associated factors to the development of hypervolemic hyponatremia. Materials and Patients: Ambulatory patients with compensated cirrhosis seen at Medical Center Siglo XXI were selected. All variables included in Child-Pugh Index and in the MELD Score and the types of treatment diet were analyzed. Hyponatremia was considered when serum concentration of sodium was

Objetivo. Evaluar los factores laborales asociados con la ocurrencia de COVID-19 en el personal de salud expuesto a distinta magnitud de riesgo con el uso de la política de gestión de crisis de las Naciones Unidas para COVID-19. Métodos. Encuesta transversal realizada entre abril y mayo del 2021. Se consideraron como grupo de riesgo bajo (GRB) quienes tenían contacto mínimo con pacientes; de riesgo medio (GRM) a quienes tenían contacto con pacientes no-COVID-19 y no realizaban intervención instrumental de vías respiratorias; y de riesgo alto (GRA) a quienes atendían pacientes COVID-19 y realizaban intervención instrumental con generación de aerosoles. Se consideró como desenlace el antecedente de enfermedad diagnosticada de COVID-19 y la presencia de anticuerpos IgG positivos contra el SARS-CoV-2 medida con Elecsys® anti-SARS-CoV-2. Resultados. Desenlace en 43,8% en el GRB; 46,7% en el GRM (razón de momios [RM]: 1,125; intervalo de confianza de 95% [IC95%]: 0,896-1,414; p = 0,311); y 48,6% en el GRA (RM: 1,214; IC95%: 0,964-1,530; p = 0,10). Conclusión. Pertenecer al GRM y al GRA por el grado de exposición a pacientes confirmados de COVID-19 en el área de trabajo no se asoció con mayor ocurrencia de enfermedad o de seroconversión.

This article applies object detection to CCTV video material to investigate the potential of using machine learning to automate behavior tracking. This study includes video tapings of two captive Bornean orangutans and their behavior. From a 2 min training video containing the selected behaviors, 334 images were extracted and labeled using Rectlabel. The labeled training material was used to construct an object detection model using Create ML. The use of object detection was shown to have potential for automating tracking, especially of locomotion, whilst filtering out false positives. Potential improvements regarding this tool are addressed, and future implementation should take these into consideration. These improvements include using adequately diverse training material and limiting iterations to avoid overfitting the model.

Long Interspersed Element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) is an autonomous transposable element that accounts for 17% of the human genome. Strong correlations between abnormal L1 expression and diseases, particularly cancer, have been documented by numerous studies. L1PD (LINE-1 Pattern Detection) had been previously created to detect L1s by using a fixed pre-determined set of 50-mer probes and a pattern-matching algorithm. L1PD uses a novel seed-and-pattern-match strategy as opposed to the well-known seed-and-extend strategy employed by other tools. This study discusses an improved version of L1PD that shows how increasing the size of the k-mer probes from 50 to 75 or to 100 yields better results, as evidenced by experiments showing higher precision and recall when compared to the 50-mers. The probe-generation process was updated and the corresponding software is now shared so that users may generate probes for other reference genomes (with certain limitations). Additionally, L1PD was applied to other non-human genomes, such as dogs, horses, and cows, to further validate the pattern-matching strategy. The improved version of L1PD proves to be an efficient and promising approach for L1 detection.

Abstract Accurately measuring the ability of the K/HDEL receptor (ERD2) to retain the ER cargo Amy-HDEL has questioned earlier results on which the popular receptor recycling model is based upon. Here we demonstrate that ERD2 Golgi-retention, rather than fast ER export supports its function. Ligand-induced ERD2 redistribution is only observed when the C-terminus is masked or mutated, compromising the signal that prevents Golgi-to-ER transport of the receptor. Forcing COPI mediated retrograde transport destroys receptor function, but introducing ER-to-Golgi export or cis-Golgi retention signals re-activate ERD2 when its endogenous Golgi-retention signal is masked or deleted. We propose that ERD2 remains fixed as a Golgi gatekeeper, capturing K/HDEL proteins when they arrive and releasing them again into a subdomain for retrograde transport back to the ER. An in vivo ligand:receptor ratio far greater than 100 to 1 strongly supports this model, and the underlying mechanism appears to be extremely conserved across kingdoms.

A recent study published data on the growth performance, relative weights of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, liver histology, serum biochemistry, and hematological parameters for turkey poults fed an experimental diet contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and humic acids (HA) extracted from vermicompost. The negative effects of AFB1 (250 ng AFB1/g of feed) were significantly reduced by HA supplementation (0.25% w/w), suggesting that HA might be utilized to ameliorate the negative impact of AFB1 from contaminated diets. The present study shows the results of the remaining variables, as an extension of a previously published work which aimed to evaluate the impact of HA on the intestinal microbiota, gut integrity, ileum morphometry, and cellular immunity of turkey poults fed an AFB1-contaminated diet. For this objective, five equal groups of 1-day-old female Nicholas-700 turkey poults were randomly assigned to the following treatments: negative control (basal diet), positive control (basal diet + 250 ng AFB1/g), HA (basal diet + 0.25% HA), HA + AFB1 (basal diet + 0.25% HA + 250 ng AFB1/g), and Zeolite (basal diet + 0.25% zeolite + 250 ng AFB1/g). In the experiment, seven replicates of ten poults each were used per treatment (n = 70). In general, HA supplementation with or without the presence of AFB1 showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the number of beneficial butyric acid producers, ileum villi height, and ileum total area, and a significant reduction in serum levels of fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran (FITC-d), a marker of intestinal integrity. In contrast, poults fed with AFB1 showed a significant increase in Proteobacteria and lower numbers of beneficial bacteria, clearly suggesting gut dysbacteriosis. Moreover, poults supplemented with AFB1 displayed the lowest morphometric parameters and the highest intestinal permeability. Furthermore, poults in the negative and positive control treatments had the lowest cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity response. These findings suggest that HA supplementation enhanced intestinal integrity (shape and permeability), cellular immune response, and healthier gut microbiota composition, even in the presence of dietary exposure to AFB1. These results complement those of the previously published study, suggesting that HA may be a viable dietary intervention to improve gut health and immunity in turkey poults during aflatoxicosis.

Abstract Background Long interspersed element 1 (LINE-1 or L1) retrotransposons are mobile elements that constitute 17–20% of the human genome. Strong correlations between abnormal L1 expression and several human diseases have been reported. This has motivated increasing interest in accurate quantification of the number of L1 copies present in any given biologic specimen. A main obstacle toward this aim is that L1s are relatively long DNA segments with regions of high variability, or largely present in the human genome as truncated fragments. These particularities render traditional alignment strategies, such as seed-and-extend inefficient, as the number of segments that are similar to L1s explodes exponentially. This study uses the pattern matching methodology for more accurate identification of L1s. We validate experimentally the superiority of pattern matching for L1 detection over alternative methods and discuss some of its potential applications. Results Pattern matching detected full-length L1 copies with high precision, reasonable computational time, and no prior input information. It also detected truncated and significantly altered copies of L1 with relatively high precision. The method was effectively used to annotate L1s in a target genome and to calculate copy number variation with respect to a reference genome. Crucial to the success of implementation was the selection of a small set of k-mer probes from a set of sequences presenting a stable pattern of distribution in the genome. As in seed-and-extend methods, the pattern matching algorithm sowed these k-mer probes, but instead of using heuristic extensions around the seeds, the analysis was based on distribution patterns within the genome. The desired level of precision could be adjusted, with some loss of recall. Conclusion Pattern matching is more efficient than seed-and-extend methods for the detection of L1 segments whose characterization depends on a finite set of sequences with common areas of low variability. We propose that pattern matching may help establish correlations between L1 copy number and disease states associated with L1 mobilization and evolution.

Objective. Self-reported body silhouette is an anthropometric instrument that has been utilized as a screening tool for underweight, overweight, obesity, and other abnormal anthropometric variables. Herein, we analyzed the risk associated with the self-reported body silhouette in the scope of dyslipidemias, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, and hypertension. Methods. Adult participants of the Health Workers Cohort Study enrolled between March 2004 and April 2006 were included. Then, risk analysis was performed considering dyslipidemias as serum triglycerides, high total cholesterol, high LDL-C, low HDL-C, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, and hypertension. Results. A total of 2,297 males and 5,003 females were analyzed. The median ages of the studied population was 39 (30–49) and 41 (31–50) years for males and females, respectively. Overall, there is a stepwise increase in the risk of presenting dyslipidemias, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, and hypertension as the self-reported body silhouette number increases, this tendency was observed in both males and females. Conclusion. Self-reported body silhouette is a useful risk assessment tool for dyslipidemias, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, and hypertension in Mexican adults. Applications of questioners containing this silhouette might be considered a valuable public health instrument due to their low cost, relative simplicity, and absence of specialized equipment, training, or respondent knowledge.

El modelo actual de la medicina ha distanciado la atención médica, la docencia y la investigación, con impacto en el paciente: durante la atención, el médico omite aplicar el método científico, solo atiende la dolencia sin acompañar al paciente; el investigador médico busca respuestas a preguntas alejadas de las dolencias del paciente y, en el mejor de los casos, realiza investigación en especímenes provenientes de este; la díada estudiante-profesor se caracteriza por la transmisión de conocimiento y deja de lado la comprensión del paciente. Pacientes, médicos, investigadores y estudiantes son ajenos a la toma de decisiones y sin cuestionamientos solo siguen procesos. Una manera de abordar el problema es regresar al Modelo de Integración DIA-persona: “la preocupación y el hacer por la persona, acompañados por la integración de docencia, investigación y atención médica”, lo que permitiría el traslado del conocimiento, destrezas y beneficios de una actividad a otra. El modelo consiste en contrastar la condición del paciente con el conocimiento, realizar investigación durante y en paralelo al proceso de atención-docencia médica, así como aplicar el modelo arquitectónico de la investigación “descripción estructurada del juicio clínico”, como proceso de referencia y reflexión que integra las actividades de docencia-investigación y atención médica orientadas a la persona.

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Introduction & objectives: Liver cirrhosis is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Adequate diagnosis and treatment of decompensating events requires of both medical skills and updated technical resources. The objectives of this study were to search the demographic profile of hospitalized cirrhotic patients in a group of Latin American hospitals and the availability of expertise/facilities for the diagnosis and therapy of decompensation episodes. Methods: A cross sectional, multicenter survey of hospitalized cirrhotic patients. Results: 377 patients, (62% males; 58 ± 11 years) (BMI > 25, 57%; diabetes 32%) were hospitalized at 65 centers (63 urbans; 57 academically affiliated) in 13 countries on the survey date. Main admission causes were ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis/other infections. Most prevalent etiologies were alcohol-related (AR) (40%); non-alcoholic-steatohepatitis (NASH) (23%), hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) (7%) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) (6%). The most frequent concurrent etiologies were AR + NASH. Expertise and resources in every analyzed issue were highly available among participating centers, mostly accomplishing valid guidelines. However, availability of these facilities was significantly higher at institutions located in areas with population > 500,000 (n = 45) and in those having a higher complexity level (Gastrointestinal, Liver and Internal Medicine Departments at the same hospital (n = 22). Conclusions: The epidemiological etiologic profile in hospitalized, decompensated cirrhotic patients in Latin America is similar to main contemporary emergent agents worldwide. Medical and technical resources are highly available, mostly at great population urban areas and high complexity medical centers. Main diagnostic and therapeutic approaches accomplish current guidelines recommendations.

La colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) es uno de los procedimientos endoscópicos más complejos y ampliamente utilizados. El equipo encargado de realizar una CPRE debe ofrecer la máxima eficiencia y seguridad durante el procedimiento. Para lograr calidad en la realización de CPRE deben establecerse indicadores de calidad. El presente manuscrito es el consenso desarrollado por la AMEG sobre indicadores de calidad en atención de la salud al efectuar una CPRE. Dichos indicadores se establecen dentro de un marco conceptual que toma en cuenta la evidencia científica disponible en la actualidad y la disponibilidad de recursos en nuestro país.

BackgroundEarly identification of different COVID-19 clinical presentations may depict distinct pathophysiological mechanisms and guide management strategies.ObjectiveTo determine the aggressiveness of SARS-CoV-2 using symptom progression in COVID-19 patients.DesignHistoric cohort study of Mexican patients. Data from January-April 2020 were provided by the Health Ministry.SettingPopulation-based. Patients registered in the Epidemiologic Surveillance System in Mexico.ParticipantsSubjects who sought medical attention for clinical suspicion of COVID-19. All patients were subjected to RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2.MeasurementsWe measured the Period between initial symptoms and clinical progression to COVID-19 suspicion (PISYCS) and compared it to the primary outcomes (mortality and pneumonia).Results65,500 patients were included. Reported fatalities and pneumonia were 2176 (3.32%), and 11568 (17.66%), respectively. According to the PISYCS, patients were distributed as follows: 14.89% in 7 days. The distribution for mortality and pneumonia was 5.2% and 22.5% in 7 days, respectively (p7 days = 1.67 [1.44-1.94], p7 days = 1.57 [1.46-1.69], pLimitationsUsing a database fed by large numbers of people carries the risk of data inaccuracy. However, this imprecision is expected to be random and data are consistent with previous studies.ConclusionThe PISYCS shows a U-shaped SARS-CoV-2 aggressiveness pattern. Further studies are needed to corroborate the time-related pathophysiology behind these findings.

Michael Thomas,1,2 David R Spigel,3 Robert M Jotte,4 Michael McCleod,5 Mark A Socinski,6 Ray D Page,7 Laurent Gressot,8 Jeanna Knoble,9 Oscar Juan,10 Daniel Morgensztern,11 Dolores Isla,12 Edward S Kim,13 Howard West,14 Amy Ko,15 Teng Jin Ong,15 Nataliya Trunova,15 Cesare Gridelli16 On behalf of ABOUND.sqm investigators 1Department of Thoracic Oncology/Internal Medicine, Thoraxklinik im Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, 2Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; 3Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, 4Department of Medical Oncology/Hematology, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, Denver, CO, 5Florida Cancer Specialists, Fort Myers, 6Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, Orlando, FL, 7The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Fort Worth, 8North Cypress Cancer Center, Cypress, TX, 9The Mark H. Zangmeister Center, Columbus, OH, USA; 10Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitari i Politécnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain; 11Department of Medical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; 12Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain; 13Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, 14Thoracic Oncology Program, Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle, WA, 15Celgene Corporation, Summit, NJ, USA; 16Department of Oncology/Hematology, S.G. Moscati Hospital, Avellino, Italy Background: Longitudinal data on the impact of treatment on quality of life (QoL) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are limited. In this palliative setting, treatment that does not deteriorate QoL is key. Here we report longitudinal QoL in patients with squamous NSCLC, receiving ≤4 cycles of nab-paclitaxel/carboplatin combination chemotherapy. Methods: Patients received nab-paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 days 1, 8, 15 + carboplatin area under the curve 6 mg•min/mL day 1 (q3w) for four cycles. QoL was assessed by the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS) and Euro-QoL-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) at baseline and each cycle (day 1). Results: Two-hundred and six lesion-response-evaluable patients completed baseline + ≥1 postbaseline QoL assessment and were QoL evaluable. LCSS average total score and symptom burden index improved from baseline throughout four cycles. In the LCSS pulmonary symptoms score, 46% of patients reported clinically meaningful improvement (≥10 mm visual analog scale) from baseline. Individual EQ-5D-5L dimensions remained stable/improved in ≥83% of patients; ≈33% reported complete resolution of baseline problems at least once during four cycles. Generally, responders (unconfirmed complete/partial response) had higher scores vs nonresponders. Conclusion: In patients with squamous NSCLC, four cycles of nab-paclitaxel/carboplatin demonstrated clinically meaningful QoL improvements, with greater benefits in responders vs nonresponders. Keywords: nab-paclitaxel, non-small cell lung cancer, quality of life, response, squamous

Objective. To examine different health outcomes that are associated with specific lifestyle and genetic factors. Materials and methods. From March 2004 to April 2006, a sample of employees from three different health and academic institutions, as well as their family members, were enrolled in the study after providing informed consent. At baseline and follow-up (2010-2013), participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, a physical examination, and provided blood samples. Results. A total of 10 729 participants aged 6 to 94 years were recruited at baseline. Of these, 70% were females, and 50% were from the Mexican Social Security Institute. Nearly 42% of the adults in the sample were overweight, while 20% were obese. Conclusion. Our study can offer new insights into disease mechanisms and prevention through the analysis of risk factor information in a large sample of Mexicans.

Dolores Isla,1 Javier De Castro,2 Oscar Juan,3 Santiago Grau,4 Javier Orofino,5 Rocío Gordo,5 Carlos Rubio-Terrés,6 Darío Rubio-Rodríguez6 1Medical Oncology Department, Clinical Universitary Hospital Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, 2Medical Oncology Department, Universitary Hospital La Paz, Madrid, 3Medical Oncology Department, Universitary and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, 4Pharmacy Department, Del Mar Hospital, Barcelona, 5Roche Farma, S.A., Health Economics, 6Health Value, Health Economics, Madrid, Spain Objectives: Epidermal growth factor receptor–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are an established treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutation. According to published meta-analyses, no significant efficacy differences have been demonstrated between erlotinib and afatinib. However, the incidence of EGFR–TKI-related adverse events (AEs) was lower with erlotinib. This study compares the cost of management of the AEs associated with these two drugs from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System (NHS).Methods: The frequency of AEs was established from a recently published meta-analysis. In Spain, the daily cost of both drugs can be considered similar; as a result, only the costs of management of the AEs were considered. Costs and resource utilization in the management of the AEs were estimated by a panel of Spanish oncologists and from studies previously carried out in Spain. A probabilistic analysis was performed based on a Monte Carlo simulation.Results: The model generated 1,000 simulations. The total cost per patient treated with erlotinib and afatinib was €657.44 and €1,272.15, respectively. With erlotinib, the cost per patient and per AE of grades ≤2 and ≥3 was €550.86 and €106.58, respectively, whereas the cost with afatinib was €980.63 and €291.52, respectively. The reduction in the number of AEs with erlotinib could avoid a mean cost for the NHS of €614.71 (95% CI: €342.57–881.29) per patient.Conclusion: In advanced EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC patients, first-line treatment with erlotinib could reduce health care costs for the NHS, due to a decrease in the AE rate compared with afatinib. In long-term treatments, the avoidance of complications and the lowering of costs associated with the management of AEs are relevant factors that contribute to the sustainability of the health system. Keywords: adverse event, afatinib, cost analysis, erlotinib, non-small cell lung cancer

Pulmonary artery intimal sarcomas are rare and lethal malignant tumors that typically affect larger vessels: the aorta, inferior vena cava, and pulmonary arteries. Since symptoms and imaging of pulmonary arterial intimal sarcomas mimic pulmonary thromboembolism, the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with chest pain, dyspnea, and filling defect within the pulmonary arteries should include intimal sarcoma. Often right ventricular failure is observed due to pulmonary hypertension caused by the obstructive effect of the tumor and concomitant chronic thromboembolism. We report the case of a 72-year-old African-American male with arterial intimal sarcoma of the left and right pulmonary artery with extension through the right artery into the bronchus and right lung.

Fundamento: el síndrome de HELLP es una en ferme dad infrecuente, no rara, propia de la paciente obstétrica con enfermedad vascular hiperten siva del embarazo; es la expresión crítica de este proceso patológico y su aparición en la unidad de cuidados intensivos polivalente s constituye un reto por la posibilidad de una evolución fatal . Objetivo: caracterizar el comportamiento clínico del sí ndro me de HELLP en cuidados intensivos polivalente . Método: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de las m aternas hospitalizadas en la sala de cuidados intensivos polivalentes del Hospital Universitario Manuel Ascunce Domenech en un período de dos años, con el diagnóstico de síndrome de HELLP . Se tuvo en cuenta variables cualitativas y cuantitativas de las cuales se obtuvo distribución de frecuencia de cada una de ellas y los resultados obtenidos se vaciaron en una planilla creada al efecto y los resultados se ofrecieron en tablas de valores porcentuales. Resultados : el gr upo d e edad más preponderante fue el de 30 años de edad y más, con la condición obstétrica de gestantes fundamentalmente. La materna 476 añosa y multípara fue lo más sobresaliente en el gru po. El síndrome de preeclampsia - eclampsia fue la forma clínica , como comp licación , con más frecuen cia presentada. Las gestantes sufrieron más complicaciones que las puérperas. El síntoma más llamativo fue el dolor epigástrico. La trombopenia de ligera a moderada y la elevación ligera de las aminotransferasas fue lo más significativo. La letalidad en el grupo fue de 16 , 67 % . Conclusiones: la gestante añosa y multípara fue la condición mórbida más frecuente para la aparició n del síndrome de HELLP, la forma clínic a de presentación es el síndrome preeclampsia- eclampsia y el síntoma principal la epigastralgia.

The influence of obesity on maternal iron homeostasis and nutrition status during pregnancy remains only partially clarified. Our study objectives were (1) to describe how obesity influences broad iron nutrition spectrum biomarkers such as available or circulating iron (serum transferrin receptor (sTfr) and serum iron), iron reserves (ferritin), and functional iron (hemoglobin); and (2) to depict the regulating role of hepcidin. The above was carried out while considering influential factors such as initial iron nutrition status, iron intake, and the presence of inflammation. Ninety three non-anemic pregnant adult women were included, 40 with obesity (Ob) and 53 with adequate weight (AW); all took ≈30 mg/day of supplementary iron. Information on iron intake and blood samples were obtained at gestational weeks 13, 20, 27, and 35. A series of repeated measure analyses were performed using General Linear Models to discern the effect of obesity on each iron indicator; iron intake, hepcidin, and C-reactive protein were successively introduced as covariates. Available and circulating iron was lower in obese women: sTfr was higher (p = 0.07) and serum iron was lower (p = 0.01); and ferritin and hemoglobin were not different between groups. Hepcidin was higher in the Ob group (p = 0.01) and was a significant predictor variable for all biomarkers. Obesity during pregnancy dysregulates iron homeostasis, resembling “obesity hypoferremia„.

Ruminal lactic acidosis is one of the most important metabolic problems in feedlot cattle. Gradually transitioning cattle to finishing-feedlot diets may reduce the risk for ruminal acidosis by providing sufficient time for adaptation. This adaptation of feedlot cattle to high-concentrate diets may causes marked changes in the ruminal environment, and time is required to establish stable ruminal conditions. However, few studies have evaluated the ruminal adaptation in steers. A metabolism trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of two consecutive glucose challenges on rumen function in steers fed a high-energy finishing diet. Four Holstein steers (320 kg LW) with cannula in the rumen were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Four treatments were used and consisted of the time elapsed between both challenges of glucose (2, 4, 6 or 8 d). Ruminal fluid samples were taken at 0700 h (just prior the first glucose challenge), and from the second challenge (d 2, 4, 6, or 8) at 1 h before and 2, 4, 6, 8, 28, 52, 124, 196 and 268 h. As the time between fluctuation of energy intake increased, ruminal fluid pH (P 0.10). During the first 6 h following the second glucose challenge ruminal fluid pH decreased. No effects of treatments on ruminal pH were observed (P >0.10) among treatments from 3 days after the second challenge. Ruminal fluid osmotic pressure increased (P

OBJECTIVE: To construct a scale for assessing the quality of mealtime habits in a sample of urban Mexican adults, computing the contribution of a set of advisable and unadvisable mealtime habits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed an exploratory factor analysis among 7 472 adults participating in the baseline assessment of the Health Workers Cohort Study, to assess the mealtime habits quality. Likelihood ratio test for difference of two probabilities and test for the difference of two means were used to identify differences between low and high categories of the Mealtime Habits Quality Scale (MHQS) across variables of interest. RESULTS: Participants with the top quality of mealtime habits showed lower rates of overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated body fat. They were also more adherent to a prudent dietary pattern than a western dietary pattern, and consumed more fruits and vegetables. CONCLUSIONS: Anthropometric and dietary variables differed across MHQS categories. However, further validation of the scale, and assessment of their ability to predict weight gain or related diseases are needed, using prospective and intervention studies.OBJETIVO: Construir una escala para evaluar la calidad de los hábitos al comer, calculando la contribución de un grupo de hábitos recomendables y no recomendables, en población adulta urbana de México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Realizamos un análisis exploratorio de factores en 7 472 adultos participantes en el Estudio de Cohorte de Trabajadores de la Salud para evaluar la calidad de los hábitos al comer. Para identificar diferencias entre la baja y alta calidad de los hábitos al comer a través de las variables de interés, utilizamos la prueba de razón de probabilidades a fin de evaluar la diferencia entre dos proporciones y la prueba de comparación de medias. RESULTADOS: Los participantes clasificados en la categoría de alta calidad de los hábitos al comer presentaron prevalencias más bajas de sobrepeso, obesidad, obesidad abdominal y porcentaje de grasa corporal elevado. Además, mostraron mayor adherencia al patrón dietario prudente que al patrón dietario occidental, así como mayor consumo de frutas y verduras. CONCLUSIONES: Las variables antropométricas y de dieta muestran diferencias a través de las categorías de la escala de la calidad de hábitos al comer. Sin embargo, será necesario validar la escala y evaluar su capacidad para predecir ganancia de peso o enfermedades relacionadas, mediante estudios prospectivos o de intervención.

El derecho penal (y la pena) es la más gravosa de las instituciones sociales a cargo del Estado. Es tal la gravedad de la intromisión estatal en la vida del delincuente, y la abrupta limitación de sus derechos fundamentales, que esta intervención, o castigo, debe ser rigurosamente justificada desde el punto de vista ético y racional, especialmente en un estado social o liberal y democrático de derecho. En este trabajo se reactualizan algunos puntos de la discusión tradicional y se los sitúa en la moderna perspectiva de la filosofía y de la teoría penal contemporánea. Finalmente, se sugieren algunas ideas que podrían contribuir a una integración y superación del viejo y tradicional diferendo entre «retribucionistas» y «relativistas».

To estimate the prevalence of cognitive impairment (CI) among patients recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (RDD) and to identify any relationships between CI and RDD comorbidities.One thousand seven hundred twelve patients with RDD participated in a cross-sectional study. The patients' sociodemographic and clinical data were registered.The sample population had an average age of 51 ± 11 years, and 63.26% of the patients were female. CI was diagnosed in 38 patients (2.2%) and was more common among both females (2.8% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.063) and the elderly (0% at an age ≤ 30 years vs. 10.4% at an age > 70 years, p = 0.0001). Rheumatoid arthritis (present in 15.8% vs. absent in 2.1%) and asthma (13% vs. 2.1%) correlated significantly with CI based on the results of our logistic regression analysis.Age, female gender, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma are risk factors for CI in the setting of RDD.

Several standard protocols based on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have been employed for treatment of a variety of neurological disorders. Despite their advantages in patients that are retractable to medication, there is a lack of knowledge about the effects of rTMS on the autonomic nervous system that controls the cardiovascular system. Current understanding suggests that the shape of the so-called QRS complex together with the size of the different segments and intervals between the PQRST deflections of the heart could predict the nature of the different arrhythmias and ailments affecting the heart. This preliminary study involving 10 normal subjects from 20 to 30 years of age demonstrated that rTMS can induce changes in the heart rhythm. The autonomic activity that controls the cardiac rhythm was indeed altered by an rTMS session targeting the motor cortex using intensity below the subject’s motor threshold and lasting no more than 5 minutes. The rTMS activation resulted in a reduction of the RR intervals (cardioacceleration) in most cases. Most of these cases also showed significant changes in the Poincare plot descriptor SD2 (long-term variability), the area under the low frequency (LF) power spectrum density curve, and the low frequency to high frequency (LF/HF) ratio. The RR intervals changed significantly in specific instants of time during rTMS activation showing either heart rate acceleration or heart rate deceleration.

Objective. To examine the associations of dietary glycemic index (GI) and dietary glycemic load (GL) with blood lipid concentrations and coronary heart disease (CHD) in nondiabetic participants in the Health Worker Cohort Study (HWCS). Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional analysis was performed, using data from adults who participated in the HWCS baseline assessment. We collected information on participants' socio-demographic conditions, dietary patterns and physical activity via self-administered questionnaires. Dietary GI and dietary GL were measured using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric and clinical measurements were assessed with standardized procedures. CHD risk was estimated according to the sex-specific Framingham prediction algorithms. Results. IIn the 5,830 individuals aged 20 to 70 who were evaluated, dietary GI and GL were significantly associated with HDL-C, LDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, and triglycerides serum levels. Subjects with high dietary GI have a relative risk of 1.56 (CI 95%; 1.13–2.14), and those with high dietary GL have a relative risk of 2.64 (CI 95%; 1.15–6.58) of having an elevated CHD risk than those who had low dietary GI and GL. Conclusions. Our results suggest that high dietary GI and dietary GL could have an unfavorable effect on serum lipid levels, which are in turn associated with a higher CHD risk.

Introdução: as infecções cervicovaginais (CV) possuem relevância devido a suas potenciais complicações, tanto em pacientes obstétricas quantoem ginecológicas. Está bem estabelecido que a determinação do pH vaginal mediante fitas reativas é uma ferramenta simples e de baixo custo paraser utilizada nos diferentes níveis da atenção médica para a aproximação diagnóstica destas infecções. Objetivo: estabelecer os valores de sensibili-dade, especificidade e poderes preditivos por meio do auto-exame com o uso de uma luva com indicador do pH vaginal (Vagitest®), comparadocom a medição do pH mediante fitas reativas tradicionais realizada pelo médico.Métodos:estudaram-se, de maneira prospectiva, 181 mulheressintomáticas ou não entre 1ode agosto de 2006 e 30 de abril de 2007. Todas as pacientes incluídas utilizaram o Vagitest® antes de realizar a rotinamicrobiológica para infecções CV, que incluiu: exame clínico com especuloscopia, determinação do pH vaginal mediante o uso de fitas reativas tra-dicionais, teste de aminas (OHK 10%) e exame microscópico a fresco e após a coloração de Gram. Para o diagnóstico de vaginose bacteriana (VB),utilizaram-se critérios de Amsel e/ou de Nugent. Os valores obtidos pelas pacientes por meio do auto-exame, por meio da introdução do dedo indi-cador com o medidor do pH na luva e leitura imediata conforme a correspondência da cor na tabela de referência, foram depois comparados com osrealizados pelos profissionais mediante especuloscopia e considerados gold standardou padrão-ouro. Resultados: a média de idade das pacientesque ingressaram no estudo foi de 33,59 anos (intervalo: 16-70). Trinta e duas das 181 pacientes estavam grávidas, com idade gestacional superior a12 semanas. Diagnósticos microbiológicos mais freqüentes: 90 pacientes corresponderam a MH (49,72%), sendo VB a infecção vaginal mais preva-lente (48/181:26,51%), candidíase vulvovaginal em 18 casos (9,99%), microbiota intermédia 11 (6,07%) e tricomoníase em cinco pacientes(2,76%). Das 103 pacientes com pH elevado (> 4,5) com o uso de Vagitest®, 91 pacientes (88,3%) também tinham o pH elevado com o exame con-vencional mediante especuloscopia (verdadeiros-positivos) e só em 12 casos (11,6%) o pH foi menor que 4,5 (falsos-positivos). E das 78 mulheresque realizaram auto-exame com Vagitest® e o pH foi menor que 4,5, 60 delas (76.9%) resultaram também menores que 4,5 por exame tradicional(verdadeiros-negativos), no entanto, nas 18 restantes (23%), o pH resultou maior quando foi feito o exame com fitas reativas (falsos-negativos).Sensibilidade: 83,49% (IC 95%: 74,89-89,66), especificidade: 83.33% (IC 95%: 72,30-90,73), valor preditivo positivo (PPP): 88,35% (IC 95%:80,16-93,57) e valor preditivo negativo (PPN): 76,92% (IC 95%: 65,75-85,40).Conclusão: pode-se deduzir que este novo método de aproximaçãodiagnóstica é altamente confiável e seguro para ser aplicado à prática médica, tanto pelos profissionais quanto pelas próprias pacientes.Palavras-chave: infecções vaginais, pH vaginal, diagnóstico.

Introducción: El estado de mal asmático es considerado un episodio obstructivo bronquial refractario a la terapéutica tradicional.Objetivos: Determinar la morbimortalidad en los pacientes en status asmático que fueron tratados mediante ventilación artificial mecánica como parte del tratamiento.Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal para determinar la morbimortalidad de los pacientes en status asmáticos tratados por ventilación mecánica en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Provincial Docente “Manuel Ascunce Domenech” de Camaguey, en el periodo comprendido entre enero del 2002 y mayo del 2005. El universo comprendió 15 pacientes. Los mismos se distribuyeron según edad y sexo. Se identificaron las principales causas del estado crítico, modalidad ventilatoria según estadía de ventilación, comportamiento de los estadios de Bocles complicación más frecuente y estado al egreso.Resultados: Predominó el grupo etáreo entre 26 y 36 años en ambos sexos. La infección respiratoria fue la causa desencadenante más frecuente y la totalidad de los pacientes se encontraban en estadio III y IVde Bocles al inicio de la ventilación mecánica. La neumonía nosocomial fue la complicación más frecuente. Fueron las causas principales de muerte el shock séptico y la encefalopatía hipóxica.Conclusiones: La ventilación artificial mecánica (VAM) resultó un elemento importante en el tratamiento de los pacientes con status asmático. El momento de la indicación de la VAM es primordial para el éxito del tratamiento.

In experiment 1, 150 calf-fed Holstein steers (119 ± 6 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of level of supplemental condensed tannin (0, 14, and 28 g/kg diet DM) in a conventional steam-flaked corn-based growing-finishing diet on feedlot growth performance. There were no treatment effects on growth performance during the initial 56-d period. However, during the subsequent 56-d period, supplemental condensed tannin tended to increase average daily gain (ADG; linear effect, P = 0.09). The increase in ADG was consistent with the tendency for increased dry matter intake (DMI; linear effect, P = 0.08). Hence, differences in gain efficiency during the second 56-d period were not appreciably affected (P = 0.80). Supplemental condensed tannin did not affect overall (112-d) ADG, DMI, gain efficiency, or dietary NE. In a second experiment, six Holstein steers (179.4 ± 7.9 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design to evaluate treatment effects on characteristics of ruminal and total tract digestion. Treatments were the same as in Trial 1. Tannin supplementation decreased (linear effect, P = 0.03) ruminal OM digestion and tended to decrease (linear effect, P = 0.06) ruminal feed N degradation. Tannin supplementation decreased (linear effect, P = 0.03) ruminal pH, but did not affect (P > 0.20) ruminal molar proportions of volatile fatty acids and estimated methane production. In current study, supplemental tannin had marginal effects on overall growth performance of calf-fed Holstein steers, but reduced ruminal, postruminal, and total tract nitrogen digestion.

Introdución: la Vaginosis Bacteriana (VB) es una infección vaginal caracterizada por una alteración del medio ambiente vaginal con disminución en el contenido vaginal de Lactobacillus spp. e incremento de microorganismos Anaerobios, Gardenella vaginalis, Mobiluncus spp. y Micoplasmas. Se atribuyen a esta infección tanto complicaciones ginecológicas como obstétricas. En la actualidad el diagnóstico de esta infección se basa, ya sea en la utilización de los criterios de Amsel (clínico-microbiológicos) o bien en los criterios de Nugent (microbiológico). La medición del pH vaginal, mediante tiras reactivas, es una herramienta simple y de muy bajo costo para ser aplicado en los distintos niveles de atención médica; y teniendo en cuenta que es uno de los criterios para el diagnóstico de VB, su normalidad podría ser de utilidad para descartar la presencia de esta patología. Objetivo: estimar los valores de cribaje (sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos y razones de verosimilitud) del pH vaginal en pacientes con sospecha de infección cérvicovaginal para el diagnóstico de VB. Métodos: se evaluaron en forma retrospectiva a través de los datos obtenidos en las historias clínicas de las pacientes, derivadas del consultorio al consultorio de Control de Infecciones en Ginecología (CIG) con o sin síntomas de infección cervicovaginal para estudios microbiológicos. Se incluyeron en el estudio 633 pacientes del Servicio de Ginecología del Htal. Interzonal de Agudos Eva Perón y de la Obra Social del Personal de Maestranza. Se incluyeron pacientes evaluadas desde enero de 2002 a junio de 2004. Estudios microbiológicos: se realizaron en todos los casos toma de muestra del fondo de saco vaginal para estudios microscópicos, determinación del pH y prueba de aminas. Patrón Oro: para el diagnóstico de VB (positivos) se utilizaron los criterios de Amsel (flujo homogéneo, pH vaginal>4.5, prueba de aminas positiva y la presencia de clue cells). Para el diagnóstico de Flora habitual (FH), o sea los casos negativos, se utilizaron los criterios microbiológicos convencionales, que incluyeron pH (4.5 y Negativos: aquellas pacientes cuyo pH fuera

Sin resumen

Oropouche fever, a debilitating illness common in South America, is caused by Oropouche virus (OROV), an arbovirus. OROV belongs to the Peribunyaviridae family, a large group of RNA viruses. Little is known about the biology of Peribunyaviridae in host cells, especially assembly and egress processes. Our research reveals that the small GTPase Rab27a mediates intracellular transport of OROV induced compartments and viral release from infected cells. We show that Rab27a interacts with OROV glycoproteins and colocalizes with OROV during late phases of the infection cycle. Moreover, Rab27a activity is required for OROV trafficking to the cell periphery and efficient release of infectious particles. Consistently, depleting Rab27a's downstream effector, Myosin Va, or inhibiting actin polymerization also hinders OROV compartments targeting to the cell periphery and infectious viral particle egress. These data indicate that OROV hijacks Rab27a activity for intracellular transport and cell externalization. Understanding these crucial mechanisms of OROV's replication cycle may offer potential targets for therapeutic interventions and aid in controlling the spread of Oropouche fever. Author summary: Since its identification in the early 1960s, Oropouche virus (OROV) has caused over 30 epidemics in Central and South America, infecting an estimated half a million people. Environmental changes, urbanization, and increased travel increase the risk of OROV spreading beyond its endemic regions. The lack of vaccines and specific antiviral treatments highlights the urgent need to better understand OROV biology. Previous research shows that OROV assembles in the Golgi complex of human cells, forming vesicular compartments that transport viral particles to the cell periphery, leading to virus spread. Our findings reveal that OROV hijacks the Rab27 GTPase and its effector, the motor protein Myosin Va, to facilitate viral egress. Specifically, we show that Rab27a associates with OROV glycoproteins and, along with Myosin Va, is found in viral-induced compartments at late infection stages. Depleting Rab27a or Myosin Va, or expressing defective Rab27a mutants, compromises the release of infectious viral particles. We propose that vesicles containing OROV exploit Rab27a/Myosin Va-mediated transport to competently reach the cell periphery and fuse with the plasma membrane, enabling their release and viral transmission to other cells. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying OROV replication will be crucial for developing future anti-OROV drugs, which are currently unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nutrition research has traditionally promoted a nutrient-based approach; however, to evaluate population compliance with dietary recommendations, researchers have increasingly used dietary pattern analysis. Objective: To assess the relationship between dietary patterns and vitamin D and calcium intake in an adult Mexican population. Methods: We characterized the dietary patterns of 8,456 men and women aged 20-80 years who were participating in the Health Workers Cohort Study. Information on participants' sociodemographic conditions and physical activity was collected via self-administered questionnaires. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess diet. In a cross-sectional analysis, we examined dietary patterns in relation to vitamin D and calcium consumption. Results: Factor analysis revealed 3 major dietary patterns. Pattern 1, labeled as "prudent pattern", was characterized by high positive loads for the consumption of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, oils, and legumes. The second dietary pattern, named as "dairy and fish pattern", was positively correlated with intake of dairy foods, fish and other seafood, milk and whole grains. Finally, dietary pattern 3 was associated with higher intake of red meat, soft drinks, fats, eggs, white meat and alcoholic beverages. Of these, the "dairy and fish pattern" was positively and significantly associated with vitamin D and calcium consumption (r = 0.42, p < 0.001; and r = 0.20, p < 0.001 respectively). Conversely, the third dietary pattern was negatively associated with vitamin D and calcium intake (r = -0.28, p < 0.001; and r = -0.41, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: In summary, our findings show that dietary patterns represented by high consumption of milk, dairy products, whole grains, fish are associated with higher consumption of vitamin D and calcium in Mexican adult population. Additionally, our results highlight the importance of following an appropriate dietary pattern to achieve adequate consumption of nutrients.

Objective:To examine different health outcomes that are associated with specific lifestyle and genetic factors.Materials and methods:From March 2004 to April 2006, a sample of employees from three different health and academic institutions, as well as their family members, were enrolled in the study after providing informed consent. At baseline and follow-up (2010-2013), participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, a physical examination, and provided blood samples.Results:A total of 10 729 participants aged 6 to 94 years were recruited at baseline. Of these, 70% were females, and 50% were from the Mexican Social Security Institute. Nearly 42% of the adults in the sample were overweight, while 20% were obese.Conclusion:Our study can offer new insights into disease mechanisms and prevention through the analysis of risk factor information in a large sample of Mexicans.