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Abstract Background Aedes aegypti (L.) is the main vector of dengue, yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya viruses in many parts of the world, impacting millions of people worldwide each year. Insecticide-based interventions have been effective in controlling Aedes mosquito populations for several years, but in recent times, resistance to these compounds has developed, posing a global threat to the control of this mosquito. Methods Ovitraps were used to collect A. aegypti eggs in the cities of Tartagal and San Ramón de la Nueva Orán (Salta), Puerto Iguazú (Misiones), and Clorinda (Formosa). World Health Organization (WHO)-impregnated papers with the discriminating concentration (DC) of permethrin, 5X, 10X and pirimiphos methyl were used for the toxicological bioassays. We also genotyped each sample for the three kdr single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP): V410L, V1016I, and F1534C in individual TaqMan quantitative PCR (qPCR) reactions. Results All investigated A. aegypti populations were highly resistant to permethrin, as the mortality percentage with the permethrin 10×DC remained below 98%. However, all populations were 100% susceptible to pirimiphos-methyl. Kdr genotyping demonstrated the presence of the V410L mutation for the first time in Argentina in all the populations studied. A prevalence of the triple mutant genotype (LL + II + CC) was observed in the northeastern cities of Clorinda (83.3%) and Puerto Iguazú (55.6%). Conclusions This study demonstrates for the first time the presence and intensity of resistance to permethrin in different populations from Argentina, and correlates the observed phenotype with the presence of kdr mutations (genotype). Graphical Abstract

La presente investigación intenta dar cuenta de cu.les fueron las principales razones que explican el voto en Colombia durante las elecciones presidenciales del año 2018. Así, a través de un análisis teórico-estadístico, se exponen los diferentes componentes que explican el voto por los candidatos en la contienda electoral, poniendo marcada atención en las variables emociones y en qué medida y de qué manera estas jugaron un papel importante. Tomando como base el comportamiento político— electoral y el contexto político colombiano, que ha estado traspasado por diversos fenómenos de violencia, se concluye que la polarización izquierda-derecha en el pa.s fue determinante a la hora del ejercicio del voto por parte de la ciudadanía y generó emociones tanto positivas como negativas hacia los candidatos; una polarización que, a su vez, fue ocasionada por el uribismo como clivaje.

In this research, we compared thermochronological and traditional one-dimensional thermal models across the Middle Magdalena Valley (MMV), Eastern Cordillera, and Eastern Llanos Basins in Colombia. These models allow us to relate cooling/heating histories to exhumation events, subsidence, fault activities, and fluid flow. The Eastern Cordillera and Eastern Llanos Basins are discriminated as prospective zones for hydrocarbon (HC) generation. The De Armas Syncline at the MMV basin shows high thermal maturity (127°C), describing rocks completely depleted in terms of HC generation. The eastern zone of this syncline is buried until it reaches temperatures above 150°C. The contrast between thermal models in the Eastern Cordillera basin suggests a possible sediment supply scenario from the west to the east of the Soapaga Fault. In the Eastern Llanos basin, the thermal histories between both models explain the latest uplift and sediment supply processes from the hinterland zone of the Eastern Cordillera to the foothill zone of the Eastern Llanos basin. In terms of thermal evolution, the three basins are different, reaching different levels of burial and HC maturity. However, in terms of cooling events related to exhumation, the basins have similarities as they are controlled by the mountain building of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia.

BackgroundCongenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a pathology that affects various organs, including the testicles. The mechanisms by which this condition alters fertility is unknown. This study aimed at determining if experimental CH affects gonocyte differentiation and arrests meiosis; and the possible role of the Sertoli cell (SC) in this condition.Material and MethodsTwo groups of rats consisting of Control group and Methimazole (MMI) induced CH rats were formed. The induction of CH was achieved by the administration of MMI starting on day 16 postcoitum and continued until euthanized. Euthanasia was performed at 5, 8, 10, 16 and 64 days of age. Following this, the testicular tissue of each animal was extracted and processed for histopathological and ultrastructural analysis. In addition, the tissue was used for the determination of proteins and their transcriptions, events which are characteristics of gonocyte differentiation. The SC functionality proteins was determined immunohistochemically, while sperm parameters of the cauda epididymis were verified.ResultsCH caused a delay in the gonocyte differentiation, and arrested meiosis and spermiogenesis. These events had long-term repercussions on the quality of the seminiferous epithelium. The results show that CH induces alterations in the functional state of SCs that may have led to the deficiency in the synthesis and/or in the release of molecules necessary for gonocyte differentiation; as well as disorders in the process of meiosis that resulted in sperm absence.ConclusionThese results suggest that CH affects gonocyte differentiation and arrests meiosis, possibly through altering the functional status of SCs.

Abstract Sphaerellopsis species are putative hyperparasites of rust fungi and may be promising biological control agents (BCA) of rust diseases. However, few detailed studies limit potential BCA development in Sphaerellopsis. Here, we explored the biogeography, host-specificity, and species diversity of Sphaerellopsis and examined the early infection stage of one species, S. macroconidialis, to infer its trophic status. We randomly screened 5,621 rust specimens spanning 99 genera at the Arthur Fungarium for the presence of Sphaerellopsis. We identified 199 rust specimens infected with Sphaerellopsis species on which we conducted morphological and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses. Five Sphaerellopsis species were recovered, infecting a total of 122 rust species in 18 genera from 34 countries. Sphaerellopsis melampsorinearum sp. nov. is described as a new species based on molecular phylogenetic data and morphological features of the sexual and asexual morphs. Sphaerellopsis paraphysata was the most commonly encountered species, found on 77 rust specimens, followed by Sphaerellopsis macroconidialis on 56 and S. melampsorinearum on 55 examined specimens. The type species, Sphaerellopsis filum, was found on 12 rust specimens and Sphaerellopsis hakeae on a single specimen. We also recovered and documented for the first time, the sexual morph of S. macroconidialis, from a specimen collected in Brazil. Our data indicate that Sphaerellopsis species are not host specific and furthermore that most species are cosmopolitan in distribution. However, S. paraphysata is more abundant in the tropics, and S. hakeae may be restricted to Australia. Finally, we confirm the mycoparasitic strategy of S. macroconidialis through in-vitro interaction tests with the urediniospores of Puccinia polysora. Shortly after germination, hyphae of S. macroconidialis began growing along the germ tubes of P. polysora and coiling around them. After 12 days of co-cultivation, turgor loss was evident in the germ tubes of P. polysora, and appressorium-like structures had formed on urediniospores. The interaction studies indicate that Sphaerellopsis species may be more effective as a BCA during the initial stages of rust establishment.

El eructo es un evento fisiológico que permite la liberación de aire desde el esófago o estómago hasta la faringe. En algunos pacientes se puede tornar excesivo, molesto y de difícil control, y es uno de los motivos de consulta con el gastroenterólogo. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar una serie de casos de nuestra experiencia en un centro de referencia de motilidad gastrointestinal en el manejo de pacientes con eructo supragástrico con terapia de rehabilitación diafragmática y realizar una revisión de la literatura.

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects over 6 million people, mainly in Latin America. Two different clinical phases, acute and chronic, are recognised. Currently, 2 anti-parasitic drugs are available to treat the disease (nifurtimox and benznidazole), but diagnostic methods require of a relatively complex infrastructure and trained personnel, limiting its widespread use in endemic areas, and the access of patients to treatment. New diagnostic methods, such as rapid tests (RDTs) to diagnose chronic Chagas disease, or loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), to detect acute infections, represent valuable alternatives, but the parasite's remarkable genetic diversity might make its implementation difficult. Furthermore, determining the efficacy of Chagas disease treatment is complicated, given the slow reversion of serological anti-T. cruzi antibody reactivity, which may even take decades to occur. New biomarkers to evaluate early therapeutic efficacy, as well as diagnostic tests able to detect the wide variety of circulating genotypes, are therefore, urgently required. To carry out studies that address these needs, high-quality and traceable samples from T. cruzi-infected individuals with different geographical backgrounds, along with associated clinical and epidemiological data, are necessary. This work describes the framework for the creation of such repositories, following standardised and uniform protocols, and considering the ethical, technical, and logistic aspects of the process. The manual can be adapted according to the resources of each laboratory, to guarantee that samples are obtained in a reproducible way, favouring the exchange of data among different work groups, and their generalizable evaluation and analysis. The main objective of this is to accelerate the development of new diagnostic methods and the identification of biomarkers for Chagas disease.

Abstract Morphogenesis requires the coordination of cellular behaviors along developmental axes. In plants, gradients of growth and differentiation are typically established along a single longitudinal primordium axis to control global organ shape. Yet, it remains unclear how these gradients are locally adjusted to regulate the formation of complex organs that consist of diverse tissue types. Here we combine quantitative live imaging at cellular resolution with genetics, and chemical treatments to understand the formation of Arabidopsis thaliana female reproductive organ (gynoecium). We show that, contrary to other aerial organs, gynoecium shape is determined by two orthogonal, time-shifted differentiation gradients. An early mediolateral gradient controls valve morphogenesis while a late, longitudinal gradient regulates style differentiation. Local, tissue-dependent action of these gradients serves to fine-tune the common developmental program governing organ morphogenesis to ensure the specialized function of the gynoecium.

Objective. To obtain a comprehensive overview of organ donation, organ utilization, and discard in the entire donation process in Colombia. Methods. A retrospective study of 1 451 possible donors, distributed in three regions of Colombia, evaluated in 2022. The general characteristics, diagnosis, and causes of contraindication for potential donors were described. Results. Among the 1 451 possible donors, 441 (30.4%) fulfilled brain death criteria, constituting the potential donor pool. Families consented to organ donation in 141 medically suitable cases, while 60 instances utilized legal presumption, leading to 201 eligible donors (13.9%). Of those, 160 (11.0%) were actual donors (in whom operative incision was made with the intent of organ recovery or who had at least one organ recovered). Finally, we identified 147 utilized donors (10.1%) (from whom at least one organ was transplanted). Statistically significant differences were found between age, sex, diagnosis of brain death, and donor critical pathway between regions. A total of 411 organs were transplanted from 147 utilized donors, with kidneys being the most frequently procured and transplanted organs, accounting for 280 (68.1%) of the total. This was followed by 85 livers (20.7%), 31 hearts (7.5%), 14 lungs (3.4%), and 1 pancreas (0.2%). The discard rate of procured deceased donors was 8.1%. Conclusions. About one-tenth of donors are effectively used for transplantation purposes. Our findings highlight areas of success and challenges, providing a basis for future improvements in Colombia.

Objetivo: describir la experiencia de la inserción del stent duodenal en pacientes con obstrucción maligna del tracto de salida gástrico en un centro de referencia de tercer nivel de Cundinamarca. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional, serie de casos. Pacientes con obstrucción maligna del tracto de salida gástrico (OTSG) diagnosticados entre diciembre de 2019 y febrero de 2022 llevados a inserción de stent metálico autoexpandible duodenal en la unidad de Gastroenterología del Hospital Universitario de la Samaritana. Resultados: 17 pacientes fueron incluidos, de los cuales el 76 % eran hombres, con una edad promedio de 69 años (desviación estándar [DE]: 11 años). Se encontró adenocarcinoma gástrico confirmado por histología en el 82 % de los pacientes, y el 41 % tenía carcinomatosis peritoneal. El éxito técnico fue del 100 % y el éxito clínico fue del 88 % (15 pacientes). En cuanto al tamaño del stent utilizado, el 35 % (6 pacientes) fue de 12 cm, el 53 % (9 pacientes) de 9 cm y el 12 % (2 pacientes) de 6 cm. Se utilizó guía fluoroscópica y endoscópica en el 88 % de los casos. La sobrevida de los pacientes en el seguimiento fue en promedio de 84 días (2,8 meses; rango: 0-414 días) y actualmente 1 paciente continúa en vigilancia posterior a la inserción de stent en el tiempo descrito del estudio. Conclusión: el stent duodenal es una alternativa de manejo paliativo efectiva y segura en los pacientes con OTSG que permite mejorar los síntomas y, en especial, la tolerancia a la vía oral y el egreso hospitalario temprano en este grupo de pacientes con una enfermedad neoplásica avanzada terminal en fase de manejo paliativo, lo que disminuye la necesidad de manejo quirúrgico.

Introducción: el ultrasonido en el punto de atención (POCUS, según las siglas en inglés para point-of-care ultrasound) es una herramienta rápida y fácil de usar que permite correlacionar la anamnesis con hallazgos ecográficos. Ha tomado fuerza en distintos campos de la práctica médica y en nefrología ha sido utilizado para pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica, evidenciando alteraciones anatómicas y vasculares; aun así, se dispone de poca literatura sobre su utilización en pacientes trasplantados renales. Objetivo: exponer cómo el POCUS fue utilizado en una serie de pacientes de Colombiana de Trasplantes y el impacto en sus desenlaces clínicos, correlacionando los hallazgos con una revisión de la literatura actual. Presentación del caso: se reportaron tres casos de pacientes trasplantados renales en seguimiento por Nefrología, en quienes se utilizó POCUS para su valoración postrasplante, evidenciando hidronefrosis. Ante este hallazgo, se solicitó confirmación imagenológica por radiología con ecografía o pielografía y se indicó un tratamiento oportuno de derivación de las vías urinarias. En el seguimiento posterior al manejo, los pacientes presentaron una adecuada evolución clínica y de su función renal. Discusión y conclusión: los casos presentados soportan el beneficio del POCUS en el seguimiento de pacientes trasplantados, permitiendo una identificación y un manejo oportuno de hidronefrosis. Se considera que este estudio puede ser un primer paso en la utilización de esta herramienta de rutina en el seguimiento de esta población, pero aun así se hace énfasis en la necesidad de estudios con mayor tamaño de muestra que incluyan diferentes hallazgos ecográficos.

Abstract Persistent socket pain is a condition described in humans after enucleation of the eye. This report aims at describing this condition in dogs. A 10‐year‐old male‐neutered crossbreed was presented to the referral veterinary surgeon for enucleation of the right ocular globe. Anaesthesia and surgery were uneventful although during the postoperative period the dog was reluctant to open the mouth and to be explored by the referral veteterinary surgeon. Despite treatment with meloxicam, paracetamol and tramadol, no improvements were observed. Ten weeks after surgery, the dog was referred to the Dick White referrals for further investigations. Ophthalmic examination was normal, though palpation of the wound triggered an avoidance response. Magnetic resonance imaging showed changes compatible with orbital cellulitis. The area of interest was evaluated with the use of the mechanical Von Frey filaments. A response, characterised by sudden turning of the head and attempts to withdraw it, was evoked with filament 4.93 (8.0 g) during stimulation of the periorbital area. After induction of anaesthesia, an ultrasound‐guided injection containing levobupivacaine 0.5% and methylprednisolone was performed within the retrobulbar area. Three hours after recovery from anaesthesia, no discomfort was observed during palpation of the area. Re‐evaluation was performed with the Von Frey filaments; no response could be evoked during testing with all 20 filaments (from 2.36 to 6.65) applied on either side of the face. The patient was discharged with a course of gabapentin and, 3 weeks after the intervention, the dog showed no clinical signs of pain. Persistent socket pain is an unpleasant sensation at the level of the enucleated orbit, and it should be regarded as a challenging condition to diagnose and treat. The MRI findings appeared to be essential to select the most appropriate interventional treatment. The injection of local anaesthetic and steroid into the retrobulbar space was useful for both confirming the diagnosis and treating pain by reducing the peripheral signalling and decreasing the residual inflammation.

The study focuses on developing a prefabricated panel for non-structural purposes by optimizing mortar mix designs incorporating recycled microplastic (RMP) and construction demolition waste (CDW) at various ratios (0, 10, 20, 30, and 100%). Experimental procedures encompassed material characterization, mortar specimen manufacturing, compression resistance testing, and thermal/acoustic panel tests following Colombian technical standards. Results indicate that incorporating 20% CDW enhances material strength, with cylinder number 3 (20% of CDW) achieving a resistance of 31.45 MPa. Panels incorporating recyclable waste materials show improved acoustic and thermal insulation properties, with up to 39 dB reduction in sound transmission and a 21 °C decrease in thermal transmission observed (5.6% and 35% for panel and door, respectively). This research advances sustainable construction practices demonstrating the potential of prefabricated panels using recyclable materials, offering eco-friendly solutions with enhanced performance characteristics for construction applications.

Introducción: El ejercicio físico ha demostrado tener un impacto favorable en la salud del individuo. Su combinación con otros estilos de vida saludable, puede impactar de forma positiva diversas áreas entre las que se encuentra la calidad del sueño. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de somnolencia diurna excesiva en adultos mayores de un programa municipal de actividad física de Santiago de Cali, Colombia. Metodología: Estudio de corte trasversal que incluyó 605 adultos mayores de un programa comunitario de la Secretaría de Recreación y Deporte de la Ciudad de Cali, Colombia, durante octubre de 2018 y junio de 2019. Para determinar la presencia de somnolencia diurna excesiva se usó la escala de somnolencia Epworth. Resultados: El 81,5% de la población era de sexo femenino con una edad promedio de 73±8 años. La prevalencia de somnolencia diurna excesiva fue del 10,5%. Sólo se encontró diferencias significativas en la frecuencia de somnolencia diurna excesiva por estrato socioeconómico, siendo más habitual en el bajo (13% vs 4% P=0,03). Conclusión: La somnolencia diurna excesiva es un fenómeno que afecta los adultos mayores, sin embargo, su frecuencia puede ser menor en aquellos que realizan actividad física.

Introducción. En Colombia, solo un 24 % de los pacientes en lista recibieron un trasplante renal, la mayoría de donante cadavérico. Para la asignación de órganos se considera el HLA A-B-DR, pero la evidencia reciente sugiere que el HLA A-B no está asociado con los desenlaces del trasplante. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la relevancia del HLA A-B-DR en la sobrevida del injerto de los receptores de trasplante renal. Métodos. Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes trasplantados renales con donante cadavérico en Colombiana de Trasplantes, desde 2008 a 2023. Se aplicó un propensity score matching (PSM) para ajustar las covariables en grupos de comparación por compatibilidad y se evaluó la relación del HLA A-B-DR con la sobrevida del injerto renal por medio de la prueba de log rank y la regresión de Cox. Resultados. Se identificaron 1337 pacientes transplantados renales, de los cuales fueron mujeres un 38,7 %, con mediana de edad de 47 años y de índice de masa corporal de 23,8 kg/m2 . Tras ajustar por PSM las covariables para los grupos de comparación, la compatibilidad del HLA A-B no se relacionó significativamente con la pérdida del injerto, con HR de 0,99 (IC95% 0,71-1,37) para HLA A y 0,75 (IC95% 0,55-1,02) para HLA B. Solo la compatibilidad por HLA DR fue significativa para pérdida del injerto con un HR de 0,67 (IC95% 0,46-0,98). Conclusión. Este estudio sugiere que la compatibilidad del HLA A-B no influye significativamente en la pérdida del injerto, mientras que la compatibilidad del HLA DR sí mejora la sobrevida del injerto en trasplante renal con donante cadavérico.

This article explores the role “whiteness” takes on in Mexico, where colonial, religious, and social heritages elevate it as an aesthetic ideal, simultaneously denying its underlying racism. It argues that skin tone is one of many physical and nonphysical features that together shape the concept of whiteness in a context of fluid, relational, and intertwined categories of class and racial classifications. Women in particular are pressured to “whiten” their bodies in adherence to beauty standards that reflect the collective aspiration of the country’s ethnically mixed society. Using empirical evidence, the article outlines Mexicans’ aesthetic perceptions and explores their attempts to approach these through bodily presentations and adjustments. It then discusses how the local beauty industry acts as a practical tool and a discursive mediator toward racialized appearances. Possessing its own historical, political, and racial background deeply entangled with whiteness, this sector reinforces the subjective basis of discriminatory practices in Mexico.

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis), is a highly complex zoonosis that is present throughout South America, Central America, and Mexico. The transmission of this disease is influenced by various factors, including human activities like deforestation and land use changes, which may have altered the natural transmission cycles and their connection to the environment. In this study conducted in the Argentine Chaco region, we examined the transmission dynamics of T. cruzi by collecting blood samples from wild and domestic animals, as well as triatomine bugs from human dwellings, across five sites of varying anthropic intervention. Samples were analyzed for T. cruzi infection via qPCR, and we additionally examined triatomines for bloodmeal analysis via NGS amplicon sequencing. Our analysis revealed a 15.3% infection rate among 20 wild species (n = 123) and no T. cruzi presence in 9 species of domestic animals (n = 1359) or collected triatomines via qPCR. Additionally, we found chicken (34.28%), human (21.59%), and goat (19.36%) as the predominant bloodmeal sources across all sites. These findings suggest that anthropic intervention and other variables analyzed may have directly impacted the spillover dynamics of T. cruzi’s sylvatic cycle and potentially reduced its prevalence in human habitats.

Prickly pears (Opuntia ficus-indica) are potential sources of functional ingredients because they are rich in betalains and phenolic compounds. However, mentioned bioactives may degrade during storage when exposed to air, light, and heat which could limit their application. To increase the stability and bioaccessibility of prickly pear extracts, we compared the ultrasound-assisted freeze-dried microencapsulation of seven excipient mixtures. The physical and physico-chemical properties (humidity, hygroscopicity, thermal analysis and morphology) and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of betalains and phenolic compounds (measured by high performance liquid chromatography) were analysed in each microparticle formulation. Stability-improving factors such as low humidity and hygroscopicity were observed in all microparticles. However, microparticle morphology was influenced by the excipient formulation. Encapsulation efficiency was higher than 60% for betalains and phenolic acids, however, flavonoids encapsulation efficiency was 14–35%. Based on the previous, the three best microparticles were selected: 100% maltodextrin (E2); 50% maltodextrin, 25% microcrystalline cellulose, 15% hydroxyl‑propyl-methyl cellulose, and 10% xanthan gum (E5); and 100% β-cyclodextrin (E7). A static in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (INFOGEST method) was performed with these microparticles where the quantitative analysis of the bioactive compounds (HPLC) and their bioaccessibility was assessed. The bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in encapsulated prickly pear extracts was improved when compared to the control. Microparticles containing maltodextrin and microcrystalline cellulose (E2) had the highest bioaccessibility and showed potential for the future formulation of functional foods.

Estudios del comportamiento político indican que cuando un ciudadano elige una opción política lo puede hacer emocional y racionalmente. Basados en la teoría de la inteligencia afectiva y la valoración cognitiva, con esta investigación se trata de entender qué factores emocionales y racionales valoran los electores rionegreros. Para tal fin, se realizó un estudio cross-sectional con un nivel correlacional-explicativo, el cual establece modelos predictivos de la conducta racional a partir de las emociones. Los resultados muestran que hay emociones positivas que explican la elección, lo que concuerda con la teoría de la inteligencia afectiva; sin embargo, también se evidencia que emociones positivas conducen en los electores a comportamientos racionales.

A substantial proportion of HER2+ breast cancer patients do not benefit from HER2-targeted therapy. Here, the authors identify a population of cancer-associated fibroblasts involved in the suppression of trastuzumab-induced ADCC that can be pharmacologically targeted to raise treatment effectiveness in unresponsive tumors.

Strengthening food security, in places where land and natural resources are limited or no longer available, is challenging. This is especially true for the production of staple food carbohydrates. Unlike some alternative foods, such as cultured meats, producing food carbohydrates using conventional agri-food approaches requires many natural resources, which are not available in some regions such as Singapore. Therefore, we must develop new, sustainable methods to enhance the quantity and nutritional quality of foods rich in carbohydrates. In this article, we review current developments in food security in the city-state of Singapore and emphasize the essential role of food carbohydrates in the food security plan. We discuss technology developments (i.e., indoor vertical farming, urban farming) used to enhance crop quality and production. We also make a few recommendations such as exploring underutilized and unconventional crops that are resilient and nutrient-dense, identifying hidden resources in local ecosystems (i.e., revalorizing agri-food processing by-products), and producing alternative carbohydrates (i.e., microbial and synthetic carbohydrates). Experience and approaches developed in Singapore provide an example to other regions and may inspire creativity in securing food availability.

The Otún River watershed, located in the Colombian coffee region, provides water to over 700,000 inhabitants of the Risaralda department. Onion (Allium fistulosum) has been cultivated in this area since 1960, and it currently represents an important economic contribution for local farmers who have assimilated the models of intensive agricultural production with the common use of chemical inputs. The aim of this research paper is to identify management practices, and their potential impact on water quality for human supply in the Otún River. Using surveys conducted among local producers, a general farmers group with primary education was identified, who were not members of any producer association (≤9.1). Improper agricultural practices were identified in farms, where up to 1449 L ha−1 of diluted agrochemical supplies are used. Up to 70 different products with a large variety of toxicological categories (from a slightly toxic products class (III) to extremely toxic products (Ia)), for the management of pests and diseases of onion crops. With the Pesticide Impact Rating Index (PIRI) tool, a high impact of pesticide mobility toward water sources and risk to the ecosystem and humans was identified. In the water sources sampled, ten organochlorine pesticides and 16 organophosphate pesticides were detected.

Abstract Background In Europe, Babesia infections in cats are sporadic and only partial knowledge is currently available since the number of described cases including both the clinical presentation and the molecular identification of the Babesia species involved is limited. In the present case report, the clinical signs, the epidemiological data and the molecular results suggest that this is the first reported fatal case of feline babesiosis caused by Babesia canis. Case presentation A six month old female European shorthair cat from north-western Spain died after being hospitalized for two days. This animal was pregnant and showed anorexia, lethargy, weakness, jaundice and fever with increased respiratory and heart rates. Haematological analysis revealed haemolytic regenerative anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis. The presence of piroplasms was assessed using a PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.; the sample resulted positive and B. canis was identified by DNA sequence analysis. The possible existence of co-infections with other vector-borne pathogens such as Anaplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Cytauxzoon spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon canis, Mycoplasma spp. or Rickettsia spp. was excluded by qPCR. Conclusions Our results together with previous reports on Babesia infections in cats from Europe suggest that feline babesiosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of animals with anaemia, thrombocytopenia, anorexia and lethargy, especially in young or immunocompromised animals from endemic areas for canine babesiosis.

La deserción estudiantil universitaria es un fenómeno que se vio agudizado por la situación sanitaria de la pandemia por Covid-19; el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar los factores relacionados con la permanencia y la deserción en la población estudiantil de la Universidad de Nariño, durante la pandemia por Covid-19. La investigación fue de tipo descriptivo, con elementos de etnografía; se contó con la participación de 114 estudiantes, de primero a décimo semestre, adscritos a uno de los 23 programas de pregrado; se utilizó como técnicas de recolección de información: la encuesta y la entrevista semiestructurada. Los resultados indican que, en la formación académica con apoyo de herramientas virtuales, el principal factor de deserción fue el familiar, específicamente la situación económica, puesto que se vio limitado el acceso a dispositivos electrónicos y/o redes de internet, lo cual dificultó la continuidad en la formación. El factor más relevante para la permanencia fue el factor institucional (Universidad), debido a la implementación de estrategias que permitieron suplir necesidades económicas de las familias. Se concluye que la pandemia agudizó los factores de deserción, por lo cual es importante buscar estrategias para promover la permanencia, conservando los estándares de calidad y el bienestar estudiantil.

Introduction. The critical pathway for deceased donation offers a methodical framework for guiding the donation process. It not only serves to assess performance but also to identify areas of potential improvement. Therefore, the identification and selection of potential organ donors (POD) is a key process. This study aims to describe the critical pathway for deceased donation in a cohort of POD in three regions (CRT1, CRT2, and CRT5) of Colombia. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed data of POD assessed from January 2022 to December 2022. General characteristics of POD, diagnosis, contraindication causes, and organ procurement were described. Analysis was conducted using the Chi-squared test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney test for quantitative variables. Results. Within the cohort of 1451 assessed POD, 441 (30.3%) were diagnosed with brain death. Among potential donors after brain death, 198 (44.9%) were eligible donors (medically suitable). Of these, 157 donors (79.3%) became actual donors (undergoing operative incision for organ recovery), with 147 (96.3%) having at least one organ recovered (actual donors with organ recovery). Ultimately, 411 utilized organs were utilized. Additionally, there were observed differences in the characteristics of donors from different regions. Conclusion. This study reports the critical pathway for deceased donation in a cohort of POD in three regions of Colombia. This provides useful information and helps to gain insight and understanding into the process of organ donation and organ procurement in order to take actions that could improve the donation rates.

En el siguiente documento se presenta un sistema para el mejoramiento del proceso de obtención de energía mediante un biodigestor, se propone que el sistema realice la adquisición de datos de forma automática, permitiendo la visualización de las variables de temperatura, presión y potencial de hidrógeno. La automatización del proceso permite la toma de decisiones en el estudio de la fase de explotación y extracción de gases por medio de la adquisición de datos, sacando el máximo provecho de los residuos biosólidos producto de las actividades agropecuarias. Esta investigación se centra en la elaboración de un sistema de supervisión el cual permite analizar mediante un instrumento virtual las variables de temperatura, presión y pH involucradas en la adquisición de datos del sistema del Biodigestor, con el fin de nivelar la carga orgánica generada por los componentes de origen agropecuario, la cual generalmente se vierte de forma directa a los causes de agua y en campos a cielo abierto. El instrumento virtual permite la supervisión y el modelamiento de las variables medidas, el estudio de estas puede llevar al mejoramiento de los procesos de biodigestión de biomasa para la generación de gas metano.

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to understand the effect of governance structure alignment, property rights protection, and reputation in generating efficiency in dairy agro-industrial system in Paraná, Brazil, and Midi-Pyrénées, France. Design/methodology/approach – Descriptive qualitative research, comprising semi-structured interviews with producers, processors and key agents of the dairy agrindustrial system in Brazil and France, in 2016/2017. Findings – As a result, it was identified that measurement generates information about transacted dimensions and when it is shared can generate affect reputation in transactions that leads to system improvement. It was also observed that, in the dairy agro-industrial system, reputation acquired does not reduce all the measurement costs, as the product requires measurement in each all collection, regardless of the reputation created. Research limitations/implications – As a limitation of the study, there is a difference in the moments when the interviews were done. In 2016, in France, the context was low prices, while in 2017, in Brazil, there was a rise in prices. This difference could have influenced some responses to the interviews, mainly about efficiency by producers. Practical implications – Reputation, protecion of property rights by measurement and information sharing allows reduction costs (transaction, measurement and negotiation costs). This efficiency implies improvement to the system, in cases of milk producers and processors. Social implications – Improvements in the dairy system can have repercussions on several other improvements such as better distribution of income among agents in the chain; better-paid producers, which implies the improving quality of lives of these people; better products offered to consumers. Originality/value – From a complementary perspective of transaction cost economics and measurement cost economics, reputation and protection of property rights are discussed with a focus on efficiency. Empirically, the paper contains heterogeneous data collected from two countries: Brasil and France.

Varios factores intervienen en la calidad de los alimentos, como los físicos, químicos, nutricionales, sensoriales y microbiológicos. Este último es importante, ya que, afecta las propiedades organolépticas del producto terminado y, además, puede ocasionar riesgos de salud pública asociados a peligros microbiológicos. Colombia es un país rico en gastronomía, incluyendo alimentos fermentados de elaboración artesanal (AFEA), los cuales son una alternativa actual para sistemas agroalimentarios que buscan alimentos más naturales. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los criterios microbiológicos en AFEA y el cumplimiento de requisitos sanitarios para sensibilizar a productores de bebidas artesanales y revalorizar los productos. Se tomaron en cuenta 11 productores artesanales de Masato, Champús y Almidón agrio de yuca en zonas rurales del país, que voluntariamente aceptaron participar. Se midieron los parámetros de pH, humedad, sólidos solubles y recuentos microbiológicos. Con estos resultados, se pudo calcular el porcentaje de conformidad de los alimentos, de los cuales el 36 % de productos evaluados fueron aptos para el consumo. Se incumplieron los límites establecidos para Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus y Salmonella sp. Los análisis fisicoquímicos mostraron que el Masato y el Champús aportan condiciones abióticas para el crecimiento microbiano. Además, los productores Almidón agrio de yuca tuvieron mayor valoración en el cumplimiento de requisitos sanitarios y menor cumplimiento que los productores de Champús. Los análisis realizados indican que la mayoría de los alimentos incumplieron los límites permitidos por lo cual se debe capacitar a los productores en buenas prácticas de manufactura.

Chitosan (CHI) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are naturally sourced materials with excellent physical, chemical, and biological properties, which make them a promising tool for the development of different medical devices. In this research, CHI-CMC wound dressings were manufactured, by using different colloidal suspensions of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from the ligninolytic fungus Anamorphous Bjerkandera sp. R1, called CS and SN. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis were used to characterize AgNPs. The wound dressings were characterized, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy and their mechanical, antimicrobial, and biological properties were evaluated. The results of the different characterizations revealed the formation of spherical AgNPs with a mean size between 10 and 70 nm for the different mixtures worked. The mechanical properties of CHI-CMS-AgNPs doped with CS and SN suspensions showed superior mechanical properties with respect to CHI-CMC wound dressings. Compared to the latter, CHI-CMC-AgNPs wound dressings yielded better antibacterial activity against the pathogen Escherichia coli. In biological assays, it was observed that manufactured CHI-CMC-AgNPs wound dressings were not toxic when in contact with human skin fibroblasts (Detroit). This study, then, suggests that this type of wound dressings with a chitosan matrix and carboxymethyl cellulose doped with biologically synthesized nanoparticles from the fungus Bjerkandera sp., may be an ideal alternative for the manufacture of new wound dressings.

Este trabajo se enmarca en un proyecto que se propone reconstruir a través de entrevistas y otras fuentes, las historias de vida de las compañeras de la Carrera de Filosofía de la Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación (FaHCE) de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP) que fueron víctimas del terrorismo de Estado. El análisis de la situación de estas mujeres se basa en un marco teórico previo, que incorporando una perspectiva transfeminista y filosófica, procura aportar a la historia política del ámbito académico local, a la vez que esperamos pueda constituirse en fuente de información para futuras investigaciones sobre los crímenes de lesa humanidad.

Paraguay has been severely affected by emergent Zika and chikungunya viruses, and dengue virus is endemic. To learn more about the origins of genetic diversity and epidemiologic history of these viruses in Paraguay, we deployed portable sequencing technologies to strengthen genomic surveillance and determine the evolutionary and epidemic history of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses). Samples stored at the Paraguay National Central Laboratory were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Among 33 virus genomes generated, we identified 2 genotypes of chikungunya and 2 serotypes of dengue virus that circulated in Paraguay during 2014–2018; the main source of these virus lineages was estimated to be Brazil. The evolutionary history inferred by our analyses precisely matched the available travel history of the patients. The genomic surveillance approach used was valuable for describing the epidemiologic history of arboviruses and can be used to determine the origins and evolution of future arbovirus outbreaks.

Legumes processing involves large amounts of water to remove anti-nutrients, reduce uncomfortable effects, and improve organoleptic characteristics. This procedure generates waste and high levels of environmental pollution. This work aims to evaluate the galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) and general carbohydrate composition of legume wastewaters and assess their potential for growing lactic acid bacteria. Legume wastewater extracts were produced by soaking and/or cooking the dry seeds of chickpeas and lentils in distilled water and analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detection. GOS were present in all extracts, which was also confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). C-BW extract, produced by cooking chickpeas without soaking, provided the highest extraction yield of 3% (g/100 g dry seeds). Lentil extracts were the richest source of GOS with degree of polymerization ≥ 5 (0.4%). Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CIDCA 83114 was able to grow in de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) broth prepared by replacing the glucose naturally present in the medium with chickpeas’ and lentils’ extracts. Bacteria were able to consume the mono and disaccharides present in the media with extracts, as demonstrated by HPLC and FTIR. These results provide support for the revalorisation of chickpeas’ and lentils’ wastewater, being also a sustainable way to purify GOS by removing mono and disaccharides from the mixtures.

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En esta investigación se analiza la efectividad de las normas referentes a las medidas de protección para mujeres víctimas de violencia en la familia y en la pareja, en Medellín. Para ello se efectúa un análisis que parte de lo general hacia lo particular, es decir, desde la perspectiva nacional a la regional, en el cual se profundiza en torno a las cifras de violencia contra las mujeres en la familia y la pareja. Se realiza un recorrido jurídico e histórico de las medidas de protección establecidas desde las leyes 294 de 1996 y 575 de 2000 hasta la Ley 1257 de 2008 y el Decreto Reglamentario 4799 de 2011, normas que, según la literatura revisada no son sufiencientemente efectivas, ya que el contexto de violencia contra las mujeres persiste, a pesar de la existencia de mecanismos como la ruta regional para la atención de los casos de violencia basada en género.

Abstract Currently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) constitute an interesting field of study in medicine, catalysis, optics, among others. For this reason, it has been necessary to develop new methodologies that allow a more efficient production of AgNPs with better antimicrobial and biological properties. In this research growth time effects Anamorphous Bjerkandera sp. R1 and the silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentration over AgNPs synthesis were studied. Through the protocol used in this work, it was found that the action of the capping proteins on the surface of the mycelium played a determining role in the reduction of the Ag+ ion to Ag0 nanoparticles producing a particle size that oscillated between 10 and 100 nm. The progress of the reaction was monitored using visible UV–Vis spectroscopy and the synthesized AgNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared radiation (FTIR) spectroscopy. The best synthetic properties were found at 1 mM of AgNO3 concentration, growth time of 8 days, and reaction time of 144 h. Nanometals obtention from microorganisms could be considered as a new method of synthesis, due to reducing abilities of metal ions through its enzymatic system and represents low-cost synthesis that reduces the generation of harmful toxic wastes.

Studies of Trochila (Leotiomycetes, Helotiales, Cenangiaceae) are scarce. Here, we describe two new species based on molecular phylogenetic data and morphology. Trochila bostonensis was collected at the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, Massachusetts. It was found on the stem of Asclepias syriaca, representing the first report of any Trochila species from a plant host in the family Apocynaceae. Trochila urediniophila is associated with the uredinia of the rust fungus Cerotelium fici. It was discovered during a survey for rust hyperparasites conducted at the Arthur Fungarium, in a single sample from 1912 collected in Trinidad. Macro- and micromorphological descriptions, illustrations, and molecular phylogenetic analyses are presented. The two new species are placed in Trochila with high support in both our six-locus (SSU, ITS, LSU, rpb1, rpb2, tef1) and two-locus (ITS, LSU) phylogenetic reconstructions. In addition, two species are combined in Trochila: Trochila colensoi (formerly placed in Pseudopeziza) and T. xishuangbanna (originally described as the only species in Calycellinopsis). This study reveals new host plant families, a new ecological strategy, and a new country record for the genus Trochila. Finally, our work emphasizes the importance of specimens deposited in biological collections such as fungaria.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces the activation of dendritic cells (DCs) throughout the engagement of toll-like receptor 4. LPS-activated DCs show increased capacity to process and present pathogen-derived antigens to activate naïve T cells. DCs-based vaccines have been successfully used to treat some cancer types, and lately transferred to the field of infectious diseases, in particular against HIV. However, there is no vaccine or DC therapy for any parasitic disease that is currently available. The immune response against Trypanosoma cruzi substantially relies on T cells, and both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes are required to control parasite growth. Here, we develop a vaccination strategy based on DCs derived from bone marrow, activated with LPS and loaded with TsKb20, an immunodominant epitope of the trans-sialidase family of proteins. We extensively characterized the CD8+ T cell response generated after immunization and compared three different readouts: a tetramer staining, ELISpot and Activation-Induced Marker (AIM) assays. To our knowledge, this work shows for the first time a proper set of T cell markers to evaluate specific CD8+ T cell responses in mice. We also show that our immunization scheme confers protection against T. cruzi, augmenting survival and reducing parasite burden in female but not male mice. We conclude that the immunization with LPS-activated DCs has the potential to prime significant CD8+ T cell responses in C57BL/6 mice independently of the sex, but this response will only be effective in female, possibly due to mice sexual dimorphisms in the response generated against T. cruzi.

In the pathogen Typanosoma cruzi, the calcium ion (Ca2+) regulates key processes for parasite survival. However, the mechanisms decoding Ca2+ signals are not fully identified or understood. Here, we investigate the role of a hypothetical Ca2+-binding protein named TcCAL1 in the in vitro life cycle of T. cruzi. Results showed that the overexpression of TcCAL1 fused to a 6X histidine tag (TcCAL1-6xHis) impaired the differentiation of epimastigotes into metacyclic trypomastigotes, significantly decreasing metacyclogenesis rates. When the virulence of transgenic metacyclic trypomastigotes was explored in mammalian cell invasion assays, we found that the percentage of infection was significantly higher in Vero cells incubated with TcCAL1-6xHis-overexpressing parasites than in controls, as well as the number of intracellular amastigotes. Additionally, the percentage of Vero cells with adhered metacyclic trypomastigotes significantly increased in samples incubated with TcCAL1-6xHis-overexpressing parasites compared with controls. In contrast, the differentiation rates from metacyclic trypomastigotes to axenic amastigotes or the epimastigote proliferation in the exponential phase of growth have not been affected by TcCAL1-6xHis overexpression. Based on our findings, we speculate that TcCAL1 exerts its function by sequestering intracellular Ca2+ by its EF-hand motifs (impairing metacyclogenesis) and/or due to an unknown activity which could be amplified by the ion binding (promoting cell invasion). This work underpins the importance of studying the kinetoplastid-specific proteins with unknown functions in pathogen parasites.

La gestión de incidentes tecnológicos en las compañías de seguros requiere una asignación correcta y oportuna de estos a los equipos de resolución de problemas. La clasificación de tales incidentes por humanos demanda tiempo y conocimiento y, con frecuencia, se ejecuta de manera errónea. Este documento aborda este problema de clasificación desde un enfoque de aprendizaje automático. Se compara el desempeño de cinco métodos de aprendizaje supervisado (regresión logística, árboles de clasificación, bosque aleatorio, análisis lineal discriminante y máquinas de vectores de apoyo) en tres escenarios de inclusión de predictores: estructurado, textos y ambos. El uso de variables no estructuradas mejora considerablemente la precisión de los modelos (ej., Random Forest, muestra de validación: 0,709 con datos estructurados; 0,881 con datos de texto). Además, considerando las implicaciones prácticas de la tasa de clasificación humana correcta (66%) frente a la máquina (88%, Random Forest, SVM o regresión logística), la máquina favorece el ahorro de recursos en la organización. Este artículo es un caso exitoso del aprendizaje automático en la industria de seguros.

Objetivo. Reflexionar en cómo las transformaciones económicas desencadenadas por la implementación de políticas aperturistas en Colombia desde los años 70 hasta su consolidación en la década de los noventa del siglo XX, generaron un cambio tanto en la vocación productiva del territorio del Oriente de Antioquia, como en las configuraciones de sus núcleos familiares. Metodología. Se utilizó la revisión documental, tanto de artículos especializados, como de diferentes investigaciones desarrolladas por entidades nacionales e internacionales sobre el tema. Resultados. Dan cuenta de cómo las políticas económicas estructurales en épocas de globalización impactan hasta los núcleos sociales más primarios como el de la familia, transformando la clásica familia nuclear tradicional en el territorio.