Search

Management of hyper-virulent generalist pathogens is an emergent global challenge, yet for most disease systems we lack a basic understanding as to why some host species suffer mass mortalities, while others resist epizootics. We studied two sympatric species of frogs from the Colombian Andes, which coexist with the amphibian pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), to understand why some species did not succumb to the infection. We found high Bd prevalence in juveniles for both species, yet infection intensities remained low. We also found that bacterial community composition and host defense peptides are specific to amphibian life stages. We detected abundant Bd-inhibitory skin bacteria across life stages and Bd-inhibitory defense peptides post-metamorphosis in both species. Bd-inhibitory bacteria were proportionally more abundant in adults of both species than in earlier developmental stages. We tested for activity of peptides against the skin microbiota and found that in general peptides did not negatively affect bacterial growth and in some instances facilitated growth. Our results suggest that symbiotic bacteria and antimicrobial peptides may be co-selected for, and that together they contribute to the ability of Andean amphibian species to coexist with the global pandemic lineage of Bd.

Introduction:New strategies have been arisen to set a rapid and effective screening for selection of microorganism with bioactive potential. This study suggests that combination of physicochemical pretreatments and taxonomic dereplication of microbial collections through MALDI-TOF MS, facilitates the detection of low abundance actinobacteria with potential as a source of antimicrobial agents.Material and Methods:An unstudied microbial community from a tropical river sediment in Colombian Orinoquía is described, applying an extended cultivation strategy using physicochemical pretreatments, biological screenings and taxonomic dereplication through MALDI-TOF MS approach.Results:Actinobacteria-like isolates (790) were growth and their antimicrobial activity was assessed against methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, Vancomycin-resistantEnterococcus faecium, extended-spectrum β-lactamaseKlebsiella pnumoniae, and clinical isolates ofCladosporium cladosporioidesandEpicoccum nigrum.Seventy-eight isolates, belonging to the Streptomycetaceae family according to 16S rDNA analysis were found to have antimicrobial activity and were categorized as low abundance actinobacteria by MALDI-TOF MS.Conclusion:The results suggest that combination of physicochemical pretreatments and taxonomic dereplication of microbial collections through MALDI-TOF MS, facilitates the detection of low abundance actinobacteria with potential as a source of antimicrobial agents.

El presente artículo muestra la evaluación de la aclimatación y rendimiento de 20 cultivares de brócoli (Brassica oleracea L. Var Itálica.), en Guayllabamba, Cantón Chambo, Provincia de Chimborazo; la metodología utilizada fue ADEVA del diseño de Bloques Completos al Azar (BCA), estableciendo parcelas con 20 cultivares de brócoli y tres repeticiones. Los cultivares que mejor se aclimataron a las condiciones de Guayllabamba fueron Interoc 010 (T17), Interoc 006 (T14), Hot Bro (T8), y Avenger (T19) por sus características morfológicas y fisiológicas.; Interoc 010 (T17) e Interoc 006 (T14) presentaron la mayor altura de planta con 91,18 cm y 85,74 cm respectivamente, el mayor número de hojas presentaron los cultivares Interoc 001 (T11) e Interoc 006 (T14) con 17,67 y 17,63 hojas; para número de días a inicio de la cosecha Hot Bro (T8) fue el cultivar más precoz con 78 días y Steel (T18) se consideró como un cultivar tardío con 84,33 días; los mayores diámetros de pella presentaron los cultivares Legacy (T20) e Interoc 001 (T11) con 18,08 y 17,87 cm respectivamente; las mejores características de la pella (forma, compactación, granulometría y color) presentaron los cultivares 25-455 (T2), Interoc 010 (T17), Avenger (T19) y Legacy (T20); los mayores rendimientos en campo por ha presentaron los cultivares Hot Bro (T8) e Interoc 010 (T17), con 37390 kg y 37220 kg respectivamente y en agroindustria los cultivares Interoc 010 (T17), Avenger (T19) con 25870 kg y 25390 kg respectivamente; para el rendimiento industrial procesado los mejores cultivares fueron Interoc 009 (T16) e Interoc 001 (T11) con 75,24 % y 74,37% respectivamente; económicamente el cultivar Interoc 010 (T17) presentó el mayor beneficio neto por hectárea con 4353, 89 USD y una tasa de retorno marginal de 1513,94 %.

Introduction: The arbuscular mycorrhizal association is the symbiosis between fungi and the roots of plants, which contributes to maintaining ecosystems in a sustainable manner. Objectives: To describe the colonization of three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculated in two tree legumes and to determine the morphological type of the symbiotic association. Materials and methods: The seeds of Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. and Platymiscium diadelphum S. F. Blake were inoculated with three pure strains of AMF: Rhizophagus manihotis (R. H. Howeler, Sieverd. & N. C. Schenck) C. Walker & A. Schusler, Funneliformis mosseae (T. H. Nicolson & Gerd.) C. Walker & A. Schusler y Scutellospora heterogama (T. H. Nicolson & Gerd.) C. Walker & F. E. Sanders. At 105 days, the secondary roots were sampled, clarified and stained with acid fuchsin and trypan blue. The fungal structures were observed under an optical microscope and the colonization percentage was determined. Results and discussion: The colonization of the AMF was greater than 60 %. Thin, transparent and cenocitic hyphae, as well as hylopodia and arbuscules, were observed. In P. dulce, S. heterogama tends to produce more arbuscules. In P. diadelphum, the percentages of colonization and fungal structures of the AMF were similar. The morphological association in the two arboreal species was mainly from the Paris type, with occasional presence of the type Arum. Conclusion: The inocula of the AMF established high symbiotic association with the legumes studied. The applied techniques evidenced the structures of the AMF inside the root and allowed to identify the morphological association of the symbionts.

Background: Candida auris is a recently reported Candida species that is phenotypically similar to Candida haemulonii and related to hospital outbreaks. This organism can be misidentified as Candida haemulonii, Candida famata, Candida catenulata, or Rhodotorula glutinis by phenotypic approaches. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and DNA sequence analysis using internal transcribed spacer rDNA bar-coding provide an accurate identification. Case reports: Three cases of C. auris infection in patients with risk factors for fungal infection (one admitted to the intensive care unit, one with lymphoma, and one with HIV; all three with previous antibiotic use) are reported; these infections were not epidemiologically related. Yeast isolates were recovered from blood, ocular secretion, and bronchoalveolar lavage and were misidentified as C. catenulata and Candida albicans by the phenotypic MicroScan method. The isolates were confirmed to be C. auris by means of MALDI-TOF MS and DNA sequence analysis. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed on these C. auris isolates, which exhibited high minimum inhibitory concentrations to triazoles and amphotericin B. One patient survived and the other two died. Only one of these deaths was related to fungemia. Conclusions: C. auris is an emerging and opportunistic multidrug-resistant human pathogen. It is necessary to strengthen measures to achieve an accurate and quick identification and also to avoid its dissemination. This will require improvements in health and infection control measures, as well as the promotion of antifungal stewardship in healthcare facilities. Keywords: Candida auris, Multidrug resistance, Sporadic, Fungal, Colombia

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTI) cause severe losses to the swine industry worldwide and uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are the main agent isolated from UTI in sows. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the virulence genes, assess the phylogenetic background, clonal diversity, and the pattern of resistance to antimicrobials in 186 isolates of UPEC isolated from sows in Brazil. Materials and methods: Urine samples from 300 sows of three herds with clinical signs from São Paulo State (Brazil) were screened for UTI; samples with suggestive results were submitted to bacterial isolation. E. coli strains isolated were characterized using disk diffusion technique, polymerase chain reaction and Single-enzyme amplification fragment length polymorphism (SE-AFLP). Results: Virulence genes focH and papC were present in 78.5% and 58% of strains, respectively, followed by cnf1 (23.2%), afa (13.4%), sfa (11.3%), iucD (6.9%), and hlyA (1.6%). No clonal relatedness was found by SE-AFLP. A total of 98% of isolates (182/186) were multidrug resistant, and the highest levels of resistance were to sulfonamides, tetracycline, florfenicol, and ampicillin. Isolates were classified in phylogenetic group B1 (34.4%), followed by D (33.9%), E (30.1%) and A (1.6%). Conclusions: The data obtained suggest that pigs from clinically affected herds may serve as a reservoir of uropathogenic and multidrug-resistant E. coli strains.

Objectives: Research on how major disruptive events – pandemics, wars, and economic recessions – influence people's pregnancy intentions and fertility yields mixed findings. Experts have speculated about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnancy desires, but existing research has major limitations, including being cross-sectional, relying on people's perceptions of their preference changes (rather than documenting actual changes), and lacking valid measures. Methods: Using longitudinal data collected from March 2019 to March 2021, we assessed changes in trajectories of pregnancy preferences among women aged 15-34 in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas (N=630, n=2,860). At baseline and quarterly for one year, participants responded to a validated measure of feelings and desires around pregnancy within 3 months (Desire to Avoid Pregnancy [DAP] scale, range 0-4, 4=higher preference to avoid pregnancy). We used multivariable mixed effects segmented regression to examine changes in pregnancy preferences before and during the pandemic. Results: Over the 12-months prior to the first shelter-in-place order (April 2020), marginal DAP scores decreased steadily over time (coefficient.=-0.24/year [95% CI: -0.31- -0.17], p

Porcine Corynebacterium infection is still poorly studied, even though the pig has been described as an asymptomatic carrier of Corynebacterium species, including the zoonotic species C. ulcerans, C. confusum and C. amycolatum. Here we present the identification, molecular and antimicrobial susceptibility characterization of coryneform bacteria isolated from sows with urinary tract infection. C. diphtheriae, C. confusum and C. amycolatum were isolated from sows with urinary infection and metritis. Corynebacterium species were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and confirmed by 16S rRNA and rpoB sequencing. All porcine C. diphtheriae strains were further characterized as non-toxigenic (tox-). SE-AFLP genotyping was also performed and enabled not only Corynebacterium species differentiation but also the assessment of C. amycolatum genetic heterogeneity. All studied porcine Corynebacterium strains presented alarming resistance profiles with high MIC values for macrolides/lincosamide, tetracyclines and quinolones, which can be related with high usage in both veterinary and human medicine. Isolation of zoonotic Corynebacterium species from commercial swine is important for assessing the potential zoonotic risk for farmers and further implication for both human and animal treatment.

Pinus radiata is the most important conifer species for commercial forestry in countries such as Australia, New Zeeland and Chile. Nowadays, SE (somatic embryogenesis) is considered the most promising in vitro method for large scale vegetative propagation of woody plants. The understanding of the molecular basis of SE is in its very beginning and a number of embryogenesis-related genes have been identified in conifers. Among the molecular mechanisms involved in regulation of SE, DNA methylation, which is an epigenetic modification associated with transcriptional silencing, has shown to be a pivotal factor controlling gene expression. In this work, we studied the morphological and molecular differences between cell lines previously characterized in terms of their embryogenic potential as embryogenic (E) and non embryogenic (NE), obtained from immature zygotic embryos of P. radiata. In contrast to E lines, NE lines were composed of multicellular aggregates lacking polarity, and they were characterized by the presence of significantly lower transcript levels of embryogenesis-related genes and higher global DNA methylation. Furthermore, the detection of vibrational markers of DNA conformation indicated that DNA samples obtained from E lines presented the common B-DNA conformation, while NE samples presented Z-conformation. Taken together, our results highlight the role of epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation in regulating the expression of embryogenesis- related genes, having impact on the embryo patterning and cell differentiation.

Sacha inchi oil is a premier raw material with highly nutritional and functional features for the foodstuff, pharmaceutical, beauty, and personal care industries. One of the most important facts about this oil is the huge chemical content of unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, the current available information on the characterization of the triglyceride composition and the advance physicochemical parameters relevant to emulsion development is limited. Therefore, this research focused on providing a detailed description of the lipid composition using high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry and thorough physicochemical characterization to find the value of the required hydrophilic&ndash, lipophilic balance (HLB). For this, a study in the interfacial tension was evaluated, followed by the assessment of different parameters such as creaming index, droplet size, viscosity, zeta potential, pH, and electrical conductivity for a series emulsified at thermal stress condition. The results show that fatty acids are arranged into glycerolipids and the required HLB to achieve the maximum physical stability is around 8.

Prior research on alcohol and the immune system has tended to focus on binge doses or chronic heavy drinking. The aim of this single-session preliminary study was to characterize immune response to moderate alcohol (0.60 g alcohol per kilogram body weight) in healthy, nonchronic drinkers. The sample (N = 11) averaged 26.6 years of age and was balanced in gender. Plasma samples were collected at baseline and 1, 2 and 3 hours postconsumption. Markers of microbial translocation [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] and innate immune response [LPS-binding protein (LBP), soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14), and selected cytokines] were measured using immunoassays. Participants completed self-report questionnaires on subjective alcohol response and craving. Linear mixed models were used to assess changes in biomarkers and self-report measures. Breath alcohol concentration peaked at 0.069 ± 0.008% 1 hour postconsumption. LPS showed a significant linear decrease. LBP and sCD14 showed significant, nonlinear (U-shaped) trajectories wherein levels decreased at 1 hour then rebounded by 3 hours. Of nine cytokines tested, only MCP-1 and IL-8 were detectable in ≥50% of samples. IL-8 did not change significantly. MCP-1 showed a significant linear decrease and also accounted for significant variance in alcohol craving, with higher levels associated with stronger craving. Results offer novel evidence on acute immune response to moderate alcohol. Changes in LBP and sCD14, relative to LPS, may reflect their role in LPS clearance. Results also support further investigation into the role of MCP-1 in alcohol craving. Limitations include small sample size and lack of a placebo condition.

Exposure to Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. jirovecii) can lead to a wide variety of presenting features ranging from colonization in immunocompetent patients with lung disease, to invasive infections in immunocompromised hosts. Colonization by this fungus in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could be associated with higher rates of exacerbations and impaired lung function in these patients.Our objective was to determine whether colonization by P. jirovecii in patients with COPD is associated with increased exacerbations and deterioration of lung function.This was a prospective cohort study on patients with COPD. All participants meeting selection criteria underwent clinical and microbiological assessments and were then classified as colonized vs. non-colonized patients. Chi-squared tests were performed and multivariate logistic models were fitted in order to obtain risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).We documented a frequency of colonization by P. jirovecii of 32.3%. Most patients were categorized as having GOLD B and D COPD. The history of significant exacerbations in the last year, health status impairment (COPD Assesment Tool ≥10), airflow limitation (percent of post-bronchodilator FEV1), and BODEx score (≥5) were similar between groups. After a 52-week follow-up period, the rate of adjusted significant exacerbations did not differ between groups. However, a decrease in FEVI was found in both groups. Keywords: Pneumocystis spp., Pneumocystis jirovecii, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Colombia

This study models information security interactions in two scenarios: a) corporate and intermediary information security disclosure platforms and b) a direct interaction between heavyweight actors with high stakes. Using bargaining games, we analyze and discuss equilibrium conditions. Our results indicate that equilibrium conditions are easily attained when gains are small, vulnerabilities are shallow and when disclosure platforms are used to facilitate interactions between actors. Contrastingly, when stakes are high, our models arrive at conditions for equilibrium that are very difficult to achieve and maintain. We extend this model to a high stakes scenario to help explain the value proposition of Black Market Brokers.

Este artículo presenta los resultados de investigación y aplicación de un sistema de control de inventarios en una bodega de plásticos. Se analizó y calculó la rotación de cada producto que se encuentra en la bodega y de esa manera se pudo identificar cuáles eran los niveles de demanda de cada uno de los artículos, obteniendo así una clasificación ABC de las existencias, la cual ayudó a asignar políticas a cada producto dependiendo de su categoría, con el objetivo de mejorar su gestión, rotación y distribución. Teniendo los productos clasificados se elaboró un software que gestiona de forma eficiente las existencias, esto mediante la utilización de un lenguaje de programación el cual es apoyado del programa NetBeans.

Invasive Candidiasis (IC) and candidemia (as its most frequent manifestation) have become the main cause of opportunistic mycosis at hospital settings. This study, made by members of the Colombian Association of Infectious Diseases (ACIN), was aimed at providing a set of recommendations for the management, follow-up and prevention of IC / candidemia and mucous membrane candida infection in adult, pediatric and neonatal patients in a hospital setting, including the hemato-oncological and critical care units. All the data obtained through an exhaustive search were reviewed and analyzed in a comprehensive manner by all the members of the group, and the recommendations issued are being made after a careful review of the scientific literature available and the consensus of all specialists involved; the emergence of Candida Spp. problem is highlighted and a correct orientation to health professionals regarding the management of patients with candidiasis is provided in a rational and practical way, emphasizing patient evaluation, diagnostic strategies, prophylaxis, empirical treatment, directed treatment and preventative therapy. Resumen La Candidiasis Invasora (CI) y la candidemia, como su manifestación más frecuente, se ha convertido en la principal causa de micosis oportunista a nivel hospitalario. Este manuscrito realizado por miembros de la Asociación Colombiana de Infectología (ACIN), tuvo como objetivo proporcionar un conjunto de recomendaciones para manejo, seguimiento y prevención de la CI/candidemia y de la infección candidiásica de mucosas, en población adulta, pediátrica y neonatal, en un entorno hospitalario, incluyendo las unidades hemato-oncológicas y unidades de cuidado crítico. Todos los datos obtenidos mediante una búsqueda exhaustiva, fueron revisados y analizados de manera amplia por todos los miembros del grupo, y las recomendaciones emitidas se elaboraron luego de la evaluación de la literatura científica disponible, y el consenso de todos los especialistas involucrados, reconociendo el problema de la emergencia de las infecciones por Candida Spp. y brindando una correcta orientación a los profesionales de la salud sobre el manejo de pacientes con enfermedad candidiásica, de una forma racional y práctica, enfatizando en la evaluación del paciente, estrategias de diagnóstico, profilaxis, tratamiento empírico, tratamiento dirigido y terapia preventiva.

Background The introduction of MALDI-TOF MS in the clinical microbiology laboratory has modified the approaches for the identification of fungi. Thanks to this tool, it is possible to identify cryptic species, which possess critical susceptibility patterns. Clinical strains were identified using the MicroScan and MALDI-TOF MS systems. Discrepant results from both methods were investigated using ITS rDNA barcoding. Finally, these isolates were also tested for in vitro susceptibility. Results The percentage of agreement between both methods to 498 yeast isolates was of 93.6% (32 discrepant isolates). The concordance of ITS sequencing with MALDI-TOF MS was higher (99%) than that of MicroScan (94%). Several of these discordant yeasts displayed high MICs for antifungal agents. Conclusions Our study highlights the need of the MS and molecular approaches such as MALDI-TOF MS and ITS rDNA barcoding for the correct identification of emerging or cryptic yeast species; besides, some of these could be multidrug resistant. This work was the first experience in the implementation of the MALDI-TOF MS technology in Colombia. We found the first uncommon yeasts including Candida auris and we could identify Trichosporon faecalis. Our work highlights a clear necessity of an accurate yeast identification as a much more pertinent technique than the susceptibility profiles, because the most unusual yeasts exhibit resistance profiles to the few available antifungals.

Rationale: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), diffusion tensor tractography (DTT), as well as resting-state-functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) are promising methods for assessing patients with disorders of consciousness (DOCs). Patient concerns: This work describes the main findings using DTI, DTT, and rsfMRI in a patient with a DOC secondary to an anoxic encephalopathy who had a fatal outcome. She was an 85-year-old woman who presented a cardiac arrest and underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 20 minutes then returning to spontaneous circulation. After sedation withdrawal, 2 days after the event, she remained with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3/15 and with an absence of brainstem reflexes. Diagnoses: DOC secondary to an anoxic encephalopathy after cardiovascular resuscitation. Interventions: A complete brain MRI scan was performed 72 hours after the initial event, including DTI, DTT, and rsfMRI. DTT demonstrated disruption of both ventral and dorsal tegmental tracts bilaterally. DTI showed a reduction of fractional anisotropic level in the mesencephalic nuclei. Moreover, changes in the number of fiber tracts were not evidenced in any portions of the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS). Finally, an increase in the anticorrelated and correlated association among the nuclei in the ARAS and the cortex was evidenced. Outcomes: Patient deceased. Lessons: Neuroimaging demonstrated low FA values in the ARAS, destruction of dorsal and ventral tegmental tracts, as well as hyper-connective (highly correlated or anti-correlated) association among ARAS and cortical nuclei compared with 3 healthy control subjects. Abbreviations: AAN = Arousal Network Atlas, ADC = apparent diffusion coefficient, ARAS = ascending reticular activating system, BOLD = blood-oxygen-level dependent imaging, DIPY = Diffusion Imaging in Python, DOC = disorder of consciousness, DTI = diffusion tensor imaging, DTT = diffusion tensor tractography, DWI = diffusion weighted imaging, FA = fractional anisotropy, FC = functional connectivity, FSL = FMRIB Software Library, ODF = orientation distribution function, ROI = region of interest, rsfMRI = resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, TBI = traumatic brain injury.

Experiments investigating the attenuation and dispersion of surface waves in a variety of ice covers are performed using a refrigerated wave flume. The ice conditions tested in the experiments cover naturally occurring combinations of continuous, fragmented, pancake and grease ice. Attenuation rates are shown to be a function of ice thickness, wave frequency, and the general rigidity of the ice cover. Dispersion changes were minor except for large wavelength increases when continuous covers were tested. Results are verified and compared with existing literature to show the extended range of investigation in terms of incident wave frequency and ice conditions. Accepted version

Background Microbiota has been linked to the development of multiple cancers through various mechanisms. In bladder cancer (BC), preliminary studies have found alterations in the urinary microbiota of patients with urothelial carcinoma in comparison with healthy individuals. However, the bladder microbiota (BMi) has not been explored. The aims of this study were to characterize the BMi in a cohort of BC patients, to explore differences in the BMi composition between tumor (T) and normal (N) mucosa, and to identify its correlation with clinicopathologic features. Methods A total of 58 samples obtained by cystectomy from 32 BC patients (frozen tumor tissues and normal appearing mucosa for 26 patients and 6 tumor tissues) from Hospital General de Elche Biobank (Spain) were included. DNAs isolated from bladder samples were used to perform 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3 and V4 region). A paired-end 2 × 300 bp cycle run on Illumina MiSeq. Ribosomal Database Project Classifier was used for taxonomical assignment. Statistical analysis was performed using Rstudio platform. Groups of data were compared using Wilcoxon test and Mann Whitney test for 26T vs 26N (paired group) and 32T vs 26N (unpaired group), respectively. Results There were no statistically significant differences of diversity between T and N, but there were differences of richness between T and N at the genus level (Chao1 index, p = 0.049). Globally, the most abundant phylum was Firmicutes, followed by Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. We found that the microbial composition differed significantly between T and N in both groups. At the phylum level, while Cyanobacteria.Chloroplast (0.74% vs 2.44%; p = 0.025) was enriched in T, Actinobacteria were reduced in T. Principal component analysis based on the relative abundance of phylum (36.9% PC1 and 28.7% PC2 of explained variance) revealed a significant separation in bacterial community composition between tumor tissues associated with histological tumor grade (permanova grade =0.036). Conclusions Significant differences in the BMi composition associated with tumor grade were observed. Additional studies are needed to determine the role of BMi in the evolution of BC and its therapeutic implications. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding Has not received any funding. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Subinertial hydrodynamics were investigated at an inner-shelf around a cape on the Florida Atlantic coast during spring 2014. The area to the northeast and southeast of Cape Canaveral was instrumented with four moored Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) within the swales on either side of shoals. The purpose was to examine the influence of a western boundary current (WBC) on inner-shelf subinertial flow, which was mainly along the shelf. A Concatenated Hilbert Empirical Orthogonal Function (CHEOF) analysis showed that Mode 1, which accounted for 95.7% of flow variance, described variations in the along-shelf current. Wavelet coherence analysis was used to examine relationships between CHEOF Mode 1 and potential environmental forcings. Analysis of the cross-shelf momentum terms showed geostrophic balance throughout the deployment with occasional contribution of the gradient of the wave radiation stress Sxx. Along-shelf momentum was beyond frictional, as other terms in the balance were also influential. When along-shelf winds and the Florida current are oriented in the same direction, an increase in Florida current transport is observed and vice versa. Enhancement of the Florida current is associated with an increased positive across-shelf sea surface slope in accordance with geostrophy, driving the inner-shelf subinertial flow in the same direction as the western boundary current (WBC). Conversely, southward along-shelf winds coincided with weakening of the Florida current and a negative inner-shelf sea surface slope that maintained geostrophy, driving a southward inner-shelf flow.

ResumenObjetivoDisponemos de una nueva clase de prótesis aórticas de despliegue rápido para tratamiento quirúrgico de la estenosis aórtica. Permitirían disminuir los tiempos quirúrgicos y facilitarían la cirugía mínimamente invasiva. Presentamos nuestra experiencia inicial con la válvula Edwards Intuity en el contexto del estudio multicéntrico Foundation.Pacientes y métodosEntre septiembre de 2012 y febrero de 2014 se implantaron 25 prótesis aórticas Edwards Intuity en 26 pacientes (77±4,3años; 52% varones). Veinticuatro (96%) fueron reemplazo valvular aislado, y 9 pacientes (36%) tuvieron abordaje mínimamente invasivo. Los pacientes fueron estudiados al alta, a los 3meses y al año de la intervención.ResultadosHubo éxito en el implante en el 96,2% de los pacientes (25/26). No hubo mortalidad hospitalaria. Seguimiento medio de 11±5,4meses, supervivencia acumulada del 96%. Un paciente falleció a los 11meses por un ictus isquémico. El tiempo medio de pinzamiento aórtico fue de 38,2±10,1min y el tiempo medio de circulación extracorpórea, de 62,4±11,1min. A los 3meses, el área valvular efectiva media fue de 1,70±0,42cm2. El 91% de los pacientes (23/25) estaban en grado funcionali en el seguimiento.ConclusionesEl implante de la válvula Edwards Intuity para el tratamiento de la estenosis aórtica ha sido factible, seguro y eficaz. Los tiempos de isquemia miocárdica y de circulación extracorpórea parecen reducirse en comparación con la cirugía valvular aórtica habitual. El comportamiento hemodinámico inicial de la prótesis Edwards Intuity es excelente.AbstractObjectiveA new class of rapid deployment prostheses is now available for surgical treatment of aortic stenosis. These prostheses offer the possibility of reducing the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping times, and facilitate the use of minimally invasive surgery. We present our initial experience with the Edwards Intuity valve in the context of a multicentre Foundation study.Patients and methodsBetween September 2012 and February 2014, 25 Edwards Intuity valves were implanted in 26 patients (77±4.3years; 52% male). Twenty-four (96%) were isolated aortic valve replacement; a minimally invasive approach was used on 9 patients (36%). Patients were studied at discharge, three months, and one year after surgery.ResultsImplantation success rate was 96.2% (25/26). There was no hospital mortality. Mean follow-up of 11±5.54months, cumulative survival of 96%. One patient died eleven months after surgery due to ischaemic stroke. The mean aortic clamping time was 38.2±10.1minutes, and the mean cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 62.4±11.1minutes. In the echocardiography at 3months, the mean effective valve area was 1.70±0.42cm2, and 91% of patients (23/25) were in functional classi NYHA at follow-up.ConclusionsThe implantation of the Edwards Intuity valve for surgical treatment of aortic stenosis has shown to be feasible, safe and effective. Times of myocardial ischaemia and extracorporeal circulation appear to be reduced compared with normal aortic valve surgery. The initial haemodynamic performance of the Edwards Intuity prosthesis is excellent.

This study examined the dynamics of tidal propagation inside a tropical lagoon. Sea surface elevation (inside) and current profiles (at the inlet) were examined over 60 days at the Chelem lagoon, which is a branched tropical lagoon located in the northern Yucatan Peninsula. Tides were predominantly diurnal with a wavelength at least 20 times longer than the total length of the basin. Spatial variations of sea surface elevation and the longitudinal transport were described in each branch by applying a linear analytical model and the results were compared to observations. Results showed that the coastal lagoon was highly frictional. The tidal signal was attenuated between 30% and 40% toward the lagoon heads, a result of the balance between pressure gradient and frictional forces. A causeway that chokes the western side of the lagoon allowed the propagation of the diurnal signal toward the west head of the basin but damped the semidiurnal signal. The causeway acted as a hydraulic low-pass filter, as in natural choked systems. The causeway's filter effect was included in the analytical model by optimizing the frictional parameters.

Objective To evaluate the use of third-trimester ultrasound screening for late fetal growth restriction (FGR) on a contingent basis, according to risk accrued in the second trimester, in an unselected population. Methods Maternal characteristics, fetal biometry and second-trimester uterine artery (UtA) Doppler were included in logistic regression analysis to estimate risk for late FGR (birth weight

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de pacientes intervenidos de bypass aortobifemoral por isquemia de MMII y los factores que influyen en esta. Material y metodos Estudio de cohortes historicas incluyendo pacientes intervenidos por isquemia de MMII mediante bypass aortobifemoral (2002-2012). Variable principal: calidad de vida (analizada mediante Cuestionario SF-36). Se recogieron aspectos demograficos, antecedentes personales, grado de isquemia pre y postoperatoria, complicaciones postoperatorias, datos quirurgicos y permeabilidad del injerto. La muestra se dividio en 2 grupos, segun el resultado obtenido en el cuestionario, estableciendo como punto de corte 50 puntos. Se analizaron las diferencias entre los grupos con todas las variables y posteriormente con el resultado obtenido en cada dominio del cuestionario. Los resultados se analizaron mediante los test de Chi-cuadrado de Pearson, Fisher y «t» de Student (p Resultados Se intervinieron 119 pacientes, se obtuvieron 40 encuestas correctamente contestadas. El 80% de los pacientes obtuvieron puntuaciones mayores a 50 puntos. Puntuacion media del cuestionario: 63,62 ± 20,92 puntos. La mayor puntuacion fue en el dominio de rol emocional (media 85,83 ± 34,44 puntos) y la menor en salud general (47,21 ± 20,44 puntos). En el analisis univariable se observo mejor calidad de vida global en pacientes con edades superiores a 65 anos en el momento de la encuesta (p = 0,044; RR 1,462, IC [1,043-2,047]), sin encontrar diferencias significativas en el resto de los parametros analizados. Si analizamos los resultados por dominios la impotencia sexual postoperatoria presento peores puntuaciones en los dominios de salud general (p = 0,019), dolor (p = 0,031) y vitalidad (p = 0,026). Ademas, las reintervenciones precoces afectaron negativamente a la salud general (p = 0,033) y la presencia de isquemia critica afecto negativamente en el dominio del dolor (p = 0,040). Conclusiones Los pacientes intervenidos de bypass aortobifemoral presentan una buena percepcion de calidad de vida tras la cirugia.

Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungus that causes a wide range of symptoms. We report finding 17 cases of C. auris infection that were originally misclassified but correctly identified 27.5 days later on average. Patients with a delayed diagnosis of C. auris had a 30-day mortality rate of 35.2%.

Sharing the motto “Mathematics is Everywhere” and its icon “The crane” symbolizes honesty, maturity, the judgment that ensures the growth of all in spite of unseasonable winds and integrity, the objective of the IV International Meeting on Mathematics Education (IV IMME) is to create and maintain a space that privileges and promotes the culture of mathematics, reflection, and discussion on education and the application of mathematics, statistics, its history, evolution and didactics, and its interrelationship with science. At the meeting, researchers, scientists, and mathematics teachers socialize research results, consolidate networks for the exchange of successful experiences, with the purpose of strengthening mathematics education at different educational levels, promoting innovation, and fostering the creation of educational policies, models, strategies, tools and techniques, in various areas of knowledge and encouraging students’ interest in research. List of Organizing Committee International Scientist Committee National Scientific Committee are available in the pdf.

The objective of the XV Applied Mathematics Meeting and XII Statistics Meeting was to promote a space for the exchange of knowledge between the academic and industrial sectors and physics; this event is a space to promote reflection and debate on mathematics, statistics, its history, evolution, didactics and application in physics and other sciences. In this meeting, researchers and teachers of mathematics interacted, socialized research results, consolidated networks for the exchange of ideas and successful experiences; moreover, these spaces allowed the strengthening of mathematics and statistics as a science. This science with its pedagogical principles promoted innovation and encouraged the creation of other learning scenarios; these scenarios are oriented to the application of mathematics in various areas of knowledge and to encourage students’ interest in research in these sciences. List o Organizing Committee, National Scientific Committee, International Scientific Committee, Invited Speakers, Sponsor and Sponsor logos, Partners and Partners logos are also available in this pdf.

A laboratory experimental study conducted in a freshwater wave flume installed in a refrigerated room characterized the modifications of wave propagation along on-site manufactured ice covers. Monochromatic surface waves of various amplitudes and frequencies were generated and propagated through three types of ice covers: sheet ice, broken ice floes, and grease ice. This study characterized the spatial evolutions of wave height attenuation and phase speed changes. Wave phase speed increased significantly in sheet ice relative to open water values while no significant changes in phase speed were present with other ice covers. The modifications by sheet ice are consistent with thin plate model predictions based on the elasticity of ice, using measured mechanical properties of sheet ice. Attenuation was strongest for shorter waves in sheet ice followed by grease ice and ice floes. Attenuation under grease ice is shown to be related to the surface wave orbital velocity, similar to dissipation by bottom friction and swell dissipation. The attenuation coefficient of grease ice normalized by wavenumber is proportional to wave steepness with a coefficient varying with ice properties. This laboratory experimental study examined and characterized wave dispersion and attenuation under these different ice properties and wave characteristics, which could be useful in understanding and modeling wave-ice interaction processes in open waters.

In 2002, the Colombian ministry of education released statute 1278, for teaching professionalization, superseding statute 2277 of 1977. Although statute 1278 was intended to increase the quality of the education service and teachers&rsquo, remuneration, there is evidence that the abundant evaluations and hindered promotion system introduced by statute 1278 resulted in an impairment of the quality of life of the teachers, and a higher incidence of burnout syndrome. We used two techniques for machine learning interpretability, SHapley Additive exPlanation summary plots and predictor importance, to interpret support vector machine and decision tree machine learning models, respectively, to better understand the differences on risk factors and symptoms of burnout syndrome in school teachers under statutes 2277 and 1278. We have surveyed 54 school teachers between August and October 2018, 17 under statute 2277, and 37 under statute 1278. Among the risk factors and symptoms of burnout syndrome considered in this study, we found that the satisfaction with earnt income was the most relevant risk factor, followed by the overtime work and the perceived severity of the sanctions on lower performance. The most relevant symptoms of burnout were fatigue at the end of the day, and frequent headaches. This methodology can be potentially used in other contexts and social groups, allowing institutional authorities and policy makers to allocate resources to specific issues affecting a particular group of workers.

Background: The yeasts species determination is fundamental not only for an accurate diagnosis but also for establishing a suitable patient treatment. We performed a concordance study of five methodologies for the species identification of oral isolates of Candida in Colombia. Methods: Sixty-seven Candida isolates were tested by; API® 20C-AUX, Vitek®2 Compact, Vitek®MS, Microflex® and a molecular test (panfungal PCR and sequencing). The commercial cost and processing time of the samples was done by graphical analysis. Results: Panfungal PCR differentiated 12 species of Candida, Vitek®MS and Microflex® methods identified 9 species, and API® 20C-AUX and Vitek®2 Compact methods identified 8 species each. Weighted Kappa (wK) showed a high agreement between Panfungal PCR, Vitek®MS, Microflex® and API® 20C-AUX (wK 0.62-0.93). The wK that involved the Vitek®2 Compact method presented moderate or good concordances compared with the other methods (wK 0.56-0.73). Methodologies based on MALDI TOF MS required 4 minutes to generate results and the Microflex® method had the lowest selling price. Conclusion: The methods evaluated showed high concordance in their results, being higher for the molecular methods and the methodologies based on MALDI TOF. The latter are faster and cheaper, presenting as promising alternatives for the routine identification of yeast species of the genus Candida.

In the last decade, the risk benefits ratio of MHT has been evaluated mainly in terms of cardiovascular risk. Present Consensus Statement is largely inspired by the Global Consensus on Menopausal Hormone Therapy in 2013 and 2016 by leading global menopause societies (The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, The Asia Pacific Menopause Federation, The Endocrine Society, The European Menopause and Andropause Society, The International Menopause Society, The International Osteoporosis Foundation and The North American Menopause Society). The aim of these Recommendations is to provide a simple and updated reference on postmenopausal MHT. The term MHT typically includes estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) and estrogen-progestogen therapy (EPT). EPT can be sequential (Seq) when progestogen is added to ERT for 10-14 days a month, or continuous combined (CC) when progestogen is administered continuously every day along with a fixed amount of estrogen. MHT also includes Tibolone and the Tissue Selective Estrogen Complex (TSEC).

Objectives Hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness and renal disease (HDR) syndrome, also known as Barakat syndrome, is an autosomal dominant transmission hereditary disease with a wide range of penetrance and expressivity. Haploinsufficiency of the GATA3 two finger zinc transcription factor is believed to be its cause. This is the first time this orphan disease is reported in Latin America, so the publishing of this report is expected to raise awareness on these types of syndrome, that are usually underdiagnosed in our region, which in turn causes an increase in the years lost to disability (YLDs) rates, as well as higher costs to be assumed by public health systems.Methods A 36-year-old Colombian woman diagnosed with parathyroid gland agenesis was referred from the Endocrinology Service to the Outpatient Service. According to her medical record, in the past she had developed hypocalcaemia, left renal agenesis, hypoparathyroidism, bicornate uterus and sensorineural hearing loss. Through a gene-tic analysis a pathological mutation on the short arm of the GATA 3 gen (c.404dupC, p Ala136 GlyfsTER 167) was confirmed, which led to a HDR syndrome diagnosis. Discussion This case proves that there is a possibility that mutations described in other continents may be developed by individuals from our region. Regardless of eth-nicity, Barakat syndrome should be considered as a possible diagnosis in patients pre-senting the typical triad that has been described for this condition, since there could be underdiagnosis of this disease in Latin-America due to the lack of knowledge on this condition in said region, and that genetic counseling in these patients is of great impor-tance for the implications of the syndrome in future generations. Objetivos El síndrome de hipoparatiroidismo, sordera neurosensorial y displasia renal (HDR) también llamado síndrome de Barakat, es una enfermedad hereditaria de trans-misión autosómica dominante con amplia penetrancia y expresividad genética. El síndrome es causado por la haploinsuficiencia del factor de transcripción de dedos de Zinc GATA3. Esta es la primera vez que esta enfermedad huérfana es reportada en Latinoamérica, y buscamos generar consciencia de la presencia de estas enfermedades, las cuales usualmente son infradiagnósticadas en nuestro medio y llevan a un aumento de años perdidos por discapacidad y costos para el sistema de salud pública. Métodos Una mujer colombiana de 36 años ingresó a consulta externa de genética referida por el servicio de endocrinología por una agenesia de paratiroides. La paciente tenía antecedentes de hipocalcemia, agenesia renal izquierda, hipoparatiroidismo, sordera neurosensorial y útero bicorneo. Se realizó un análisis genético que confirmo una mutación patológica en el brazo corto del gen GATA3 (c.404dupC, p Ala136 GlyfsTER 167) diagnóstica del síndrome de Barakat. Discusión Este caso demuestra la posibilidad de existencia de mutaciones descritas en otros continentes en nuestra población. Sin importar la etnia, el síndrome de Barakat debe ser estudiado en pacientes que presenten la triada típica, ya que podría existir un infra diagnóstico de la enfermedad secundario al desconocimiento de la misma en Latinoamérica y teniendo en cuenta la importancia que tiene la consejería genética en estos pacientes por las implicaciones de la enfermedad en futuras generaciones.

Cryptococcosis is a potentially fatal opportunistic mycosis that affects the lungs and central nervous system. It has been suggested that certain strains of C. neoformans/C. gattii may have the potential to be more virulent according to the molecular type. This study aims to investigate the association between virulence in the G. mellonella model and genotypic diversity of Colombian clinical and environmental isolates of C. neoformans/C. gattii. A total of 33 clinical and 12 environmental isolates were selected according to their geographical origin and sequence types (STs). Pathogenicity was determined using the G. mellonella model, and the cell and capsular size before and after inoculation was determined. For C. neoformans, virulence in G. mellonella revealed that death occurred on average on day 6 (p &lt, 0.05) and that ST5C, 6C, 25C and 71C were the most virulent. In C. gattii, death occurred at 7.3 days (p &lt, 0.05), and ST47C, 58C, 75A and 106C were the most virulent. Capsular size increased for both species after passage in G. mellonella. In conclusion, the pathogenicity of Cryptococcus strains in the G. mellonella invertebrate model is independent of molecular type or pathogenicity factor, even within the same ST, but it is possible to find variable degrees of pathogenicity.

In view of the increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics, it is necessary to determine it locally in order to serve as a guide in clinical management. The purpose of this study was to characterise the pattern of antibiotic sensitivity in cases of eye infections in a third level ophthalmological institution in Floridablanca (Colombia).An observational cross-sectional study in which an analysis was made of the culture and antibiogram reports of specimens taken from cases of conjunctivitis, infectious keratitis, and endophthalmitis between January 2013 and June 2016.A total of 833 specimens were positive for bacteria. Considering both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms gentamicin, tobramycin, and ciprofloxacin showed high resistance rates (64.4%, 40.3%, and 29.1%, respectively). Moxifloxacin, vancomycin, imipenem, and gatifloxacin showed low percentages of resistance: 2.6%, 2.1%, 0.6%, and 0.4%, respectively. When comparing the results with previous studies in our institution, there was a decrease in sensitivity to the fourth-generation quinolones and imipenem, especially within the gram-negative ones.Fourth generation quinolones, imipenem and vancomycin continue to have a low in vitro resistance to bacteria that cause eye infections. However, there was a tendency to an increase in the resistance of gram-negative bacteria. Measures should be taken to try to control this phenomenon, and consider possible antimicrobial therapy alternatives to infections caused by these microorganisms.

In this outbreak, 12 patients in intensive care units acquired a Chryseobacterium indologenes infection. Cultures from sinkholes and air samples were positive for C. indologenes. After removing wash basins, no new cases appeared. Sinkholes, potentially contaminated, can act as a reservoir for C. indologenes and other microorganisms. Thus, patients and equipment should be protected from sink splashes to avoid contamination.