In silico analysis of molecular mimicry between human aquaporin 3, Aspergillus fumigatus aquaporin and aquaporins from allergic sources.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that has a significant impact on quality of life. The immune response and allergy symptoms in AD are triggered by the recognition of specific allergens by IgE antibodies. Cross-reactivity can lead to auto-IgE responses, potentially worsening AD symptoms. Our research aimed to enhance our understanding of allergenic sources, including A. fumigatus, and their role in AD. We focused on molecular mimicry between human AQP3 and A. fumigatus aquaporin. Methods: In our in-silico analysis, we compared the amino acid sequences of human aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and A. fumigatus aquaporin with 25 aquaporins from various allergenic sources, sourced from the UniProt and NCBI databases. Phylogenetic relationship analysis and homology-based modeling were conducted. We identified conserved antigenic regions located within the 3D structures. Results: The global identity levels among the studied aquaporins averaged 32.6%. One antigenic site exhibited a remarkable local region, with a conserved identity of 71.4%. We categorized the aquaporins into five monophyletic clades (A-E), with group B showing the highest identity (95%), including six mammalian aquaporins, including AQP3. When comparing A. fumigatus aquaporins, the highest identity was observed with Malassezia sympodialis at 35%. Both human and A. fumigatus aquaporins have three linear and three discontinuous epitopes. Conclusions: We identified potential linear and conformational epitopes of AQP3, indicating a possible molecular mimicry between humans and A. fumigatus aquaporins. This suggests autoreactivity and potential cross-reactivity, although further validation using in vitro and in vivo experiments is required.

[In silico analysis of Cit s 2: A highly conserved profilin]. / Análisis in silico de cit s 2: una profilina altamente conservada.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze phylogenetic relationships and molecular mimicry of Cit s 2 and other plant profilins. METHODS: Online bioinformatics tools including Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLASTP), PRALINE and MEGA were used for multiple alignments and phylogenetic analysis. A 3D-homology model of Cit s 2 was predicted. Models were calculated with MODELLER. The best model was selected with the model scoring option of MAESTRO. Conserved regions between Cit s 2 and other profilins were located on the 3D model and antigenic regions were predicted by ElliPro server (3-5). RESULTS: Cit s 2 amino acid sequence (Uniprot code:P84177) was compared with other 30 profilins from different allergenic sources. The identity between Cit s 2 and other profilins ranged between 82 and 99%. The highest identity was observed with Cucumis melo (99%) followed by Prunus persica (98%) and Malus domestica (92%). High conserved antigenic regions were observed on the 3D predicted model. Seven lineal and six discontinuous epitopes were found in Cit s 2. CONCLUSION: High conserved antigenic regions were observed on the 3D predicted model of Cit s 2, which might involve potential cross-reactivity between Cit s 2 and other profilins. Future studies are needed to further analyze these results.

OBJETIVO: Analizar las relaciones filogenéticas y el mimetismo molecular de Cit s 2 y otras profilinas vegetales. MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron herramientas bioinformáticas en línea, incluida la de búsqueda de alineación local básica (BLASTP), PRALINE y MEGA, para alineamientos múltiples y análisis filogenético. Se predijo un modelo de homología 3D de Cit s 2. Los modelos se calcularon con MODELLER. El mejor modelo fue seleccionado con la opción de puntuación de modelo de Maestro. Las regiones conservadas entre Cit s 2 y otras profilinas se ubicaron en el modelo 3D y las regiones antigénicas fueron predichas por el servidor ElliPro (3-5). RESULTADOS: La secuencia de aminoácidos de Cit s 2 (código Uniprot: P84177), se comparó con otras 30 profilinas de diferentes fuentes alergénicas. La mayor identidad se observó con Cucumis melo (99%) seguida de Prunus persica (98%) y Malus domestica (92%). Se observaron regiones antigénicas altamente conservadas en el modelo predicho en 3D. Se encontraron siete epítopes lineales, y seis epítopes discontinuos en Cit s 2. CONCLUSIÓN: Se observaron regiones antigénicas altamente conservadas en el modelo 3D predicho de Cit s 2, lo que podría implicar una posible reactividad cruzada entre Cit s 2 y otras profilinas. Se necesitan estudios futuros para analizar más a fondo estos resultados.

[In silico analysis of molecular mimicry between human aquaporin 3, Aspergillus fumigatus aquaporin and aquaporins from allergic sources]. / Análisis en silico del mimetismo molecular entre acuaporina 3 humana y Aspergillus fumigatus: implicaciones para el potencial de reactividad cruzada.

OBJECTIVE: Conduct an in-silico assessment of potential molecular mimicry between human aquaporins, A. fumigatus, and diverse allergenic sources. METHODS: Amino acid sequences of human AQP3 and A. fumigatus aquaporin were compared through multiple alignments with 25 aquaporins from diverse allergenic sources. Phylogenetic analysis and homology-based modeling were executed, and the ElliPro server predicted conserved antigenic regions on 3D structures. RESULTS: Global identity among studied aquaporins was 32.6%, with a specific conserved local region at 71.4%. Five monophyletic clades (A-E) were formed, and Group B displayed the highest identity (95%), including 6 mammalian aquaporins, notably AQP3. A. fumigatus aquaporin exhibited the highest identity with Malassezia sympodialis (35%). Three linear and three discontinuous epitopes were identified in both human and A. fumigatus aquaporins. The Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) from overlapping aquaporin structures was 1.006. CONCLUSION: Identification of potential linear and conformational epitopes on human AQP3 suggests likely molecular mimicry with A. fumigatus aquaporins. High identity in a specific antigenic region indicates potential autoreactivity and a probable antigenic site involved in cross-reactivity. Validation through in vitro and in vivo studies is essential for further understanding and confirmation.

OBJETIVO: Realizar una evaluación in silico del posible mimetismo molecular entre las acuaporinas humanas, A. fumigatus y diversas fuentes alergénicas. MÉTODOS: Se compararon secuencias de aminoácidos de AQP3 humana y acuaporina de A. fumigatus mediante alineamientos múltiples con 25 acuaporinas de diversas fuentes alergénicas. Se ejecutaron análisis filogenéticos y modelos basados en homología, y el servidor ElliPro predijo regiones antigénicas preservadas en estructuras 3D. RESULTADOS: La identidad global entre las acuaporinas estudiadas fue del 32.6%, con una región local específica preservada en el 71.4%. Se formaron cinco clados monofiléticos (A-E), y el grupo B mostró la identidad más alta (95%), incluidas 6 acuaporinas de mamíferos, en particular AQP3. A. fumigatus aquaporin exhibió la mayor identidad con Malassezia sympodialis (35%). Se identificaron tres epítopos lineales y tres discontinuos en acuaporinas tanto humanas como de A. fumigatus. La desviación cuadrática media (RMSD) de las estructuras de acuaporinas superpuestas fue de 1,006. CONCLUSIÓN: La identificación de posibles epítopos lineales y conformacionales en AQP3 humano sugiere un probable mimetismo molecular con acuaporinas de A. fumigatus. La identidad alta en una región antigénica específica indica autorreactividad potencial y un sitio antigénico probable implicado en la reactividad cruzada. La validación mediante estudios in vitro e in vivo es desicivo para una mayor comprensión y confirmación.

Clinical inertia in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus among patients attending selected healthcare institutions in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The burden of disease of diabetes in Colombia have increased in the last decades. Secondary prevention is crucial for diabetes control. Many patients already treated remain with poor glycemic control and without timely and appropriate treatment intensification. This has been called in the literature as Clinical Inertia. Updated information regarding clinical inertia based on the Colombian diabetes treatment guidelines is needed. OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of clinical inertia in newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients in healthcare institutions in Colombia, based on the recommendations of the current official guidelines. METHODS: An observational and retrospective cohort study based on databases of two Health Medical Organizations (HMOs) in Colombia (one from subsidized regimen and one from contributory regimen) was conducted. Descriptive analysis was performed to summarize demographic and clinical information. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between variables of interest. RESULTS: A total of 616 patients with T2DM (308 for each regimen) were included. Median age was 61 years. Overall clinical inertia was 93.5% (87.0% in contributory regimen and 100% in subsidized regimen). Patients with Hb1Ac ≥ 8% in the subsidized regimen were more likely to receive monotherapy than patients in the contributory regimen (OR 2.33; 95% CI 1.41-3.86). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the prevalence of overall clinical inertia was higher in the subsidized regime than in the contributory regime (100% vs 87%). Great efforts have been made to equalize the coverage between the two systems, but this finding is worrisome with respect to the difference in quality of the health care provided to these two populations. This information may help payers and clinicians to streamline strategies for reducing clinical inertia and improve patient outcomes.

[Hevea brasiliensis como fuente alergénica: revisión bibliográfica].

Abstract: La planta Hevea brasiliensis se utiliza ampliamente en la industria como fuente de extracción de caucho, un elemento empleado en diversas áreas comerciales y médicas. Los estudios inmunológicos de esta especie indican que es una fuente alergénica importante, que puede provocar sensibilización y alergia. Se han identificado diferentes componentes alergénicos de esta planta, con diversas propiedades inmunitarias y bioquímicas, y estudiado más de diez tipos diferentes de alérgenos, cada uno con distinta capacidad de inducir síntomas alérgicos. En esta revisión informamos los avances actuales en el estudio de Hevea brasiliensis.

Resumen: Hevea brasiliensis, a plant species used extensively for rubber extraction, is a common allergenic source that can cause sensitization and allergic reactions. Recent immunological studies have characterized various allergenic components of Hevea brasiliensis that possess diverse immune and biochemical properties. Over ten types of allergens have been identified, each with varying capacities to induce allergic symptoms. This review presents the current advances in the study of this allergenic source.

The hybrid protein BTH2 suppresses allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of HDM-specific immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only disease-modifying treatment approach to change disease-causing allergens. Hypoallergenic derivatives show promise as potential therapeutics, amongst which BTH2 was designed to induce tolerance against Blomia tropicalis allergy. Our aim was to investigate the hypoallergenicity and immunoregulatory activity of BTH2 in vitro and its therapeutic potential in a mouse model of AIT. METHODS: Recombinant Blo t 5 and Blo t 21 allergens and their hybrid derivatives (BTH1 and BTH2) were expressed and purified. IgE binding capacity was tested by ELISA using sera from Brazilian, Colombian, and Ecuadorian subjects. Secretion of cytokines in supernatants from human cell cultures was measured following stimulation with the four recombinants and controls. The capacity of BTH2 to ameliorate allergic airway inflammation induced by B. tropicalis extract was evaluated in a murine model of AIT. RESULTS: rBlo t 5 and rBlo t 21 were identified as major allergens in Latin American patients, and BTH2 had the lowest IgE binding. In vitro stimulation of human cells induced greater levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ and reduced the secretion of Th2 cytokines. BTH2 ameliorated allergic airway inflammation in B. tropicalis-challenged A/J mice, as evidenced by the histopathological and humoral biomarkers: decreased Th2 cytokines and cellular infiltration (especially eosinophils), lower activity of eosinophil peroxidase, an increase in IgG blocking antibodies and strong reduction of mucus production by goblet cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that BTH2 represents a promising candidate for the treatment of B. tropicalis allergy with hypoallergenic, immune regulatory and therapeutic properties. Further pre-clinical studies are required in murine models of chronic asthma to further address the efficacy and safety of BTH2 as a vaccine against B. tropicalis-induced allergy.

Frailty syndrome and end-stage kidney disease outcomes at a Latin American dialysis center. / Desenlaces de enfermedad renal crónica y síndrome de fragilidad en un centro de diálisis de Latinoamérica

INTRODUCTION: Frailty syndrome generates a high risk of adverse outcomes and mortality, and its prevalence is elevated in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Few studies have reported the prevalence and outcomes of frailty in populations from less developed countries. OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical outcomes and factors associated with the frailty syndrome in patients with stage five chronic kidney disease who started renal replacement therapy - both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis- in a dialysis center in Bucaramanga, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study of patients with end-stage kidney disease who initiated dialysis at a center in Colombia and had a twelve-month follow-up. RESULTS: The overall frailty prevalence was 50.47% and two out of three patients older than 65 years had the syndrome. We found significantly higher followup mortality among patients with frailty: odds ratio of 2.95 (CI: 1.07- 8.13; p=0.036) in unadjusted analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Literature shows that compared to developed nations, Latin American adults are facing a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, and frailty syndrome is raising. In this study, according to the FRAIL scale, having a frailty syndrome predicts a higher mortality; hypoalbuminemia and low creatinine levels at the beginning of dialysis could act as predictors of its diagnosis.

Introduction. Frailty syndrome generates a high risk of adverse outcomes and mortality, and its prevalence is elevated in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Few studies have reported the prevalence and outcomes of frailty in populations from less developed countries.Objective. To identify the clinical outcomes and factors associated with the frailty syndrome in patients with stage five chronic kidney disease who started renal replacement therapy ­both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis­ in a dialysis center in Bucaramanga, Colombia.Materials and methods. This was a prospective study of patients with end-stage kidney disease who initiated dialysis at a center in Colombia and had a twelve-month follow-up. Results. The overall frailty prevalence was 50.47% and two out of three patients older than 65 years had the syndrome. We found significantly higher followup mortality among patients with frailty: odds ratio of 2.95 (CI: 1.07- 8.13; p=0.036) in unadjusted analysis.Conclusions. Literature shows that compared to developed nations, Latin American adults are facing a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, and frailty syndrome is increasing. In this study, according to the FRAIL scale, having a frailty syndrome predicts a higher mortality; hypoalbuminemia and low creatinine levels at the beginning of dialysis could act as predictors of its diagnosis.

Frailty syndrome and end-stage kidney disease outcomes at a Latin American dialysis center / Desenlaces de enfermedad renal crónica y síndrome de fragilidad en un centro de diálisis de Latinoamérica

Introduction. Frailty syndrome generates a high risk of adverse outcomes and mortality, and its prevalence is elevated in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Few studies have reported the prevalence and outcomes of frailty in populations from less developed countries. Objective. To identify the clinical outcomes and factors associated with the frailty syndrome in patients with stage five chronic kidney disease who started renal replacement therapy ­both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis­ in a dialysis center in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Materials and methods. This was a prospective study of patients with end-stage kidney disease who initiated dialysis at a center in Colombia and had a twelve-month follow-up. Results. The overall frailty prevalence was 50.47% and two out of three patients older than 65 years had the syndrome. We found significantly higher followup mortality among patients with frailty: odds ratio of 2.95 (CI: 1.07- 8.13; p=0.036) in unadjusted analysis. Conclusions. Literature shows that compared to developed nations, Latin American adults are facing a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, and frailty syndrome is increasing. In this study, according to the FRAIL scale, having a frailty syndrome predicts a higher mortality; hypoalbuminemia and low creatinine levels at the beginning of dialysis could act as predictors of its diagnosis.

Introducción. El síndrome de fragilidad implica un alto riesgo de desenlaces adversos y mortalidad, y tiene una prevalencia elevada en pacientes con enfermedad renal en etapa terminal. Hay pocos estudios que investiguen la prevalencia y los desenlaces de este síndrome de fragilidad en las poblaciones de los países en desarrollo. Objetivo. Identificar los desenlaces clínicos y los factores asociados al síndrome de fragilidad en los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en estadio cinco que inician terapia de reemplazo renal ­con hemodiálisis o diálisis peritoneal­ en un centro de diálisis de Bucaramanga, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se trató de un estudio prospectivo de pacientes con enfermedad renal en etapa terminal que iniciaron diálisis en un centro de Colombia y a quienes se les hizo seguimiento durante doce meses. Resultados.La prevalencia global del síndrome de fragilidad fue del 50,47 % y dos de cada tres pacientes mayores de 65 años lo presentaban. Se encontró una mortalidad significativamente mayor entre los pacientes con síndrome de fragilidad: razón de probabilidad de 2,95 (IC:1,07-8,13; p=0,036) en el análisis no ajustado. Conclusiones. La literatura muestra que, en comparación con los países desarrollados, los adultos latinoamericanos presentan una mayor prevalencia de enfermedades crónicas y un aumento progresivo del síndrome de fragilidad. En este estudio, la fragilidad ­según la escala FRAIL­ predijo una mayor mortalidad. Además, la hipoalbuminemia y los niveles bajos de creatinina al inicio de la diálisis podrían actuar como elementos predictores de su diagnóstico.

Proteomics and immunoblotting analyses reveal antigens that optimize the immunodiagnosis of the infection by Toxocara spp.

Toxocariasis is an infection caused by the round worms Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. It occurs worldwide though it is more prevalent in developing countries. For the diagnosis of toxocariasis, the most used method is the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (indirect ELISA), based on the detection of specific antibodies using the excreted/secreted products from T. canis larvae (TES) as antigens, but it cross-reacts with several helminth infections. For this reason, there is a need to investigate species-specific immunoreactive proteins, which can be used for the development of a more sensitive and specific diagnosis. This study aims to investigate immunoreactive protein candidates to be used for the development of a more sensitive and specific diagnosis of Toxocara spp. infection in humans. We have used immunoblotting and mass spectrometry to select four Toxocara canis immunoreactive proteins that were recombinantly expressed in bacteria and evaluated as potential new diagnostic antigens (rMUC3, rTES 26, rTES32 and rCTL4). The recognition of these recombinant proteins by total serum IgG and IgG4 was assayed using the purified proteins in an isolated manner or in combination. The IgG ELISAs performed with individual recombinant antigens reached values of sensitivity and specificity that ranged from 91.7% to 97.3% and 94.0% to 97.9%, respectively. Among the analyses, the IgG4 immunoassay was proven to be more effective, revealing a sensitivity that ranged from 88.8% to 98.3% and a specificity of 97.8%-97.9%. The IgG4 ELISA was shown to be more effective and presented no cross-reactivity when using combinations of the rTES 26 and rCTL4 recombinant proteins. The combination of these two molecules achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity. The use of only two recombinant proteins can contribute to improve the current panorama of toxocariasis immunodiagnosis for, with a better optimization and reduced cost.

[Multidimensionality of inner speech and its relationship with abnormal perceptions]. / Multidimensionalidad del Habla Interna y su relación con las percepciones anómalas.

BACKGROUND: Inner speech is a common human experience. Recently, there have been studies linking this experience with cognitive functions, such as problem solving, reading, writing, autobiographical memory, and some disorders, such as anxiety and depression. In addition, inner speech is recognised as the main source of auditory hallucinations. OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of this study is to establish the factor structure of Varieties of Inner Speech Questionnaire (VISQ) in a sample of the Colombian population. Furthermore, it aims at establishing a link between VISQ and abnormal perceptions. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study in which 232 college students were assessed using the VISQ and the Cardiff Anomalous Perceptions Scale (CAPS). RESULTS: Through an exploratory factor analysis, a structure of three factors was found: Other Voices in the Internal Speech, Condensed Inner speech, and Dialogical/Evaluative Inner speech, all of them with acceptable levels of reliability. Gender differences were found in the second and third factor, with higher averages for women. Positive correlations were found among the three VISQ and the two CAPS factors: Multimodal Perceptual Alterations and Experiences Associated with the Temporal Lobe. CONCLUSIONS: The results are consistent with previous findings linking the factors of inner speech with the propensity to auditory hallucination, a phenomenon widely associated with temporal lobe abnormalities. The hallucinations associated with other perceptual systems, however, are still weakly explained.

Multidimensionalidad del Habla Interna y su relación con las percepciones anómalas / Multidimensionality of inner speech and its relationship with abnormal perceptions

Introducción: Hablar consigo mismo es una experiencia humana habitual. En los últimos años han surgido estudios que asocian esta experiencia con funciones cognitivas como la solución de problemas, la lectura, la escritura, la memoria autobiográfica, y con algunos trastornos como la ansiedad y la depresión. Además se reconoce al habla interna como la principal fuente de las alucinaciones auditivas. Objetivos: El presente estudio tiene como propósito principal establecer la estructura factorial del Varieties of Inner Speech Questionnaire (VISQ) en una muestra de población colombiana. Además buscamos establecer la relación entre el VISQ y la propensión a las percepciones anómalas. Método: Estudio instrumental transversal en el cual participaron 232 estudiantes universitarios quienes respondieron el VISQ y la Escala de Percepciones Anómalas de Cardiff (CAPS). Resultados: A través de un análisis factorial exploratorio se encontró una estructura de tres factores: Otras Personas en el Habla Interna, Habla Interna Condensada y Habla Interna Dialógica/ Evaluativa, con índices aceptables de fiabilidad de las puntuaciones (ordinal entre.75-.86) Se hallaron diferencias entre géneros en el segundo y tercer factor con promedios más altos para las mujeres. Se encontraron correlaciones positivas entre los tres factores del VISQ y los dos factores del CAPS: Alteraciones Perceptuales Multimodales y Experiencias Asociadas al Lóbulo Temporal. Conclusiones: Los resultados son consistentes con hallazgos previos que relacionan los factores del habla interna con la propensión a la alucinación auditiva, fenómeno ampliamente asociado a alteraciones del lóbulo temporal. Las alucinaciones asociadas a otros sistemas perceptivos, sin embargo, son aun débilmente explicadas.

Background: Inner speech is a common human experience. Recently, there have been studies linking this experience with cognitive functions, such as problem solving, reading, writing, autobiographical memory, and some disorders, such as anxiety and depression. In addition, inner speech is recognised as the main source of auditory hallucinations. Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to establish the factor structure of Varieties of Inner Speech Questionnaire (VISQ) in a sample of the Colombian population. Furthermore, it aims at establishing a link between VISQ and abnormal perceptions. Method: This was a cross-sectional study in which 232 college students were assessed using the VISQ and the Cardiff Anomalous Perceptions Scale (CAPS). Results: Through an exploratory factor analysis, a structure of three factors was found: Other Voices in the Internal Speech, Condensed Inner speech, and Dialogical/Evaluative Inner speech, all of them with acceptable levels of reliability. Gender differences were found in the second and third factor, with higher averages for women. Positive correlations were found among the three VISQ and the two CAPS factors: Multimodal Perceptual Alterations and Experiences Associated with the Temporal Lobe. Conclusions: The results are consistent with previous findings linking the factors of inner speech with the propensity to auditory hallucination, a phenomenon widely associated with temporal lobe abnormalities. The hallucinations associated with other perceptual systems, however, are still weakly explained.

Niveles de Contaminantes en el aire de Cartagena, Colombia / Levels of air pollution in Cartagena, Colombia

Introducción: La contaminación del aire es uno de los principales factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedades respiratorias, sin embargo existen pocos estudios evalúen los niveles de los principales contaminantes en los países latinoamericanos. Objetivo: El objetivo principal de esta investigación fue describir los niveles de gases y partículas en diferentes sectores de Cartagena teniendo en cuenta los estándares nacionales de calidad de aire. Metodología: Se utilizó una metodología divida en dos fases: En la fase I se midieron las concentraciones de oxígeno, dióxido de azufre, monóxido de carbono y partículas menores de 2.5micras por periodos cortos (5 a 12 días) en 8 puntos de la ciudad. En la fase II se realizó una nueva medición en uno de los sectores durante un periodo prolongado (12 meses). Resultados: Se observó que las concentraciones de los gases estaban dentro de los límites recomendados por la reglamentación nacional con algunas excepciones en los registros de monóxido de carbono. La concentración de partículas superó en cuatro sectores la normativa nacional. Conclusión: La concentración de los gases medidos en Cartagena se encuentra dentro de los límites recomendados por las normas nacionales, pero las pequeñas partículas mantienen una alta concentración, especialmente en las zonas cercanas a carreteras con alto tráfico vehicular. Es necesario evaluar el impacto de las partículas en los procesos respiratorios de las personas que viven cerca de carreteras.

Background: Air pollution is one of the main risk factors for the development of respiratory diseases, however, there are few studies evaluating the levels of major pollutants in Latin American countries. Objective: To describe the levels of gases and particles in different sectors of Cartagena taking into account national standards for air quality in Colombia, and to explore the interactions of gases and particles in each sector. Methods: The methodology was divide in two phases: In phase I, for short periods (5 to 12 days) in 8 points of the city, the ozone, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and small particles (<2.5 microns) concentrations were measured. In Phase II, a new measurement was performed in one sector for a long period time (12 months). Results: Gas concentrations were within the levels recommended by the national regulation. Particles levels were high, exceeding in four sectors the national regulation. Conclusion: The concentration of gases in Cartagena is during most of the time within the limits recommended by national standards. However, small particles concentrations remain high, especially in areas close to vehicular high traffic. Further studies that evaluate the impact of PM on respiratory diseases in people living near roads should be made.

Caracterización nutricional del residuo del cultivo de la seta Agaricus bisporus como alimento potencial para bovinos / Nutritional characterization of the crop residue of mushroom Agaricus bisporus as a potential feed for cattle / Caracterização nutricional do resíduo da cultura do cogumelo Agaricus bisporus como alimento potencial para bovinos

Cada año la agricultura genera gran cantidad de residuos lignocelulósicos de baja calidad nutricional. Dicha calidad se podría mejorar mediante la utilización de hongos basidiomicetos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar el residuo del cultivo comercial de la seta Agaricus bisporus (champiñonaza) como alimento para rumiantes. Se efectuaron análisis bromatológicos (incluyendo el contenido de micotoxinas), se determinó la cinética de degradación in situ, y se estableció la producción de gas in vitro. Al retirar la turba de la champiñonaza se disminuyó el contenido de cenizas en 9% y se aumentó la proteína cruda en 2,7%. La degradabilidad in vitro de la materia seca a las 72 h fue 8,4%. El residuo sin turba contiene 12.7, 29.1, 26.1 y 39.6% de PC, FDN, FDA y cenizas, respectivamente. Este residuo aporta la mayoría de los minerales requeridos en la dieta de bovinos. El 76% de la fracción nitrogenada es insoluble en buffer borato-fosfato y el 83% del nitrógeno total es nitrógeno proteico. No se detectaron niveles restrictivos de micotoxinas. El residuo sin turba tuvo 39,6% degradación efectiva (DE) de la MS en rumen y fue 68% superior al residuo con turba para la hora y el gas acumulado al punto de inflexión y en la tasa máxima de producción de gas. El alto contenido de azufre en el residuo sin turba (2,1%) limita su inclusión a un máximo de 14% en dietas para bovinos.

Ryegrass seeding may be limited by the lack of farming machinery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the establishment of three ryegrass (Lolium sp.) genotypes (annual diploid, annual tetraploid, and hybrid tetraploid) in kikuyu grass pastures (Pennisetum clandestinum) with seeding based on zero tillage. The first agronomic evaluation of ryegrass was conducted 60 days after seeding and then every 35 days until the fourth grazing. For data analysis we used a linear mixed model with grass genotype, topography, and number of cuts as fixed effects. The random effect was the farm. Biomass and establishment percentage were better in the high area (flat terrain) for the three genotypes (p<0.05). Biomass of annual diploid ryegrass was higher in the high and slope area (p<0.05). The leaf/stem ratio, height, length, and width of the last and fully elongated leaf were statistically significant (p<0.05) between the different cuts for all genotypes, showing that grass growth increases with the number of cuts when rational grazing management is provided. The results of this study support the conclusion that greater adaptation of diploid ryegrass associated with Kikuyu grass positively impacts biomass production under zero tillage.

Cada ano na agricultura gera-se uma grande quantidade de resíduos de lignocelulose de baixa qualidade nutricional, que poder-se-iam melhorar por médio da utilização de fungos basidiomicetos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o resíduo da cultura comercial do cogumelo Agaricus bisporus (resíduos da safra de cogumelos) como alimento para ruminantes por médio de diferentes análises bromatológicas (incluindo o conteúdo de micotoxinas) e determinando a cinética de degradação in situ, alem de sua produção de gás in vitro. Ao retirar o lixo dos resíduos da safra de cogumelos, diminuiu-se o conteúdo de cinzas num 9% e aumentou-se a proteína crua num 2,7%. A degradabilidade in vitro da matéria seca as 72 h foi de 8,4%. O resíduo sem lixo contem 12,7; 29,1; 26,1 e 39,6% de PC, FDN, FDA e cinzas, respectivamente, aportando à maioria dos minerais requeridos na dieta de um bovino. Determinouse que o 76% da fração nitrogenada é insolúvel no buffer borato-fosfato e o 83% do nitrogênio corresponde ao nitrogênio proteico, alem disso não se detectaram níveis elevados de micotoxinas. Este resíduo sem lixo apresentou uma degradação efetiva (DE) no rúmen da MS de 39,6% e foi um 68% superior com respeito ao resíduo com lixo para a hora e o gás acumulado ao ponto de inflexão e na taxa máxima de produção de gás. O alto conteúdo de azufre no resíduo sem lixo (2.1%) limita seu nível de inclusão em dietas para bovinos num máximo de 14% da dieta total.