Follow up study of symptomatic human cystic echinococcosis treatment with albendazole and praziquantel, in Uruguay.

BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic disease considered a neglected one. Cystic echinococcosis is endemic in Uruguay and the region. Surgery, using various technical approaches, has the potential to safely remove the cyst(s) and lead to a complete cure in a high number of patients with simple forms of CE. However, surgery may be impractical in patients with multiple cysts in several organs, high surgical risk, or in patients with previous multiple surgeries. In these cases, the pharmacological treatment with the benzimidazolic drug Albendazole (ABZ) alone or combined with Praziquantel (PZQ), has been promising as the best choice to achieve improvement or cure. METHODS: In this study, we analyze the results obtained on the anti-parasitic treatment of 43 patients diagnosed with CE between the years 2003 and 2020. Patients were treated before and/or after surgery with ABZ or the combination ABZ/PZQ. The standardize protocol of the anti-parasitic drug treatment before surgery was 7 days, 15 days or 1 month depending on the urgency and availability of the surgical procedure. All cases that involved confirmed locations on lungs underwent immediate surgery with minimal pre-treatment when possible. After surgery, the standardize protocol of anti-parasitic drug treatment consisted of six cycles of 30 days each and resting intervals of 15 days in between. ABZ was used in all cases, administered orally, twice daily, at a total dosage of 15 mg/kg/day, with food high in fat content for improved absorption. The follow up was carried out according to WHO-IWGE guidelines for 5 years. RESULTS: Of the 43 patients fourteen were ≤ 15 years of age and had a differentiated pre-surgical treatment. From the ≥ 16 years of age, 36 completed the treatments and the 5 years follow up. Four patients changed geographical locations, without a forwarding contact, after the post-surgery treatment. No patient died during the study. Of the 36 patients that completed the study, 32 were treated only with ABZ; 93.75% achieved treatment success as determined by improvement or cure, and 6.25% treatment failure determined by no change or worsening. The last four patients received the ABZ/PZQ combination therapy and achieved 100% treatment success. CONCLUSION: The pharmacological treatment resulted in a good option not only as palliative but also as potentially curative. The main relevance of its use was in cases with previous multiple surgeries or surgeries with potential life-threatening complications due to the number and location of cysts and concurrent comorbidities. A follow-up of at least 5 years would be recommended to assure remission and control of the transmission. More randomized trials are needed to provide clear clinical evidence of different pharmacological treatments for CE.

Nudging healthy food choices through e-messages in a supermarket.

This paper analyses the impact of a healthy food nudge intervention on purchases of 1590 customers of a supermarket chain's loyalty program in Uruguay through a randomized controlled trial. Nudges were presented in the form of messages sent through WhatsApp to customers three times a week for 8 weeks (between July and September 2020). Messages highlighted the benefits of cooking at home and eating mindfully and healthy (vegetables, fruits, healthy snacks, legumes, and fish), and included easy to implement tips. Results show that, on average, customers assigned to the treatment group increased their purchases of healthy food by 8% and substituted sugar-sweetened for sugar-free beverages. We find an unintended increase in purchases of unhealthy food of 7%, with no correlative increase in calories, suggesting that customers substituted higher calorie products for lower calorie ones. We find that households with lower educational attainment, lower income, and with children under the age of 12 are more likely to increase purchases of fruits and vegetables, while other households are more likely to improve the diet quality without increasing expenditure. Effects do not persist after the intervention is over, suggesting that salience, rather than information is the main channel triggering the effects.

Sphaerotilus uruguayifluvii sp. nov., a novel filamentous bacterium isolated from river water.

Strain C29T, a Gram-staining-negative, straight rod occurring singly, in pairs or short chains, was isolated from floating filamentous biomass of the Uruguay River. The strain was catalase and oxidase positive, chemoorganotrophic, strictly aerobic, non-motile, and grew at pH 6.0-9.0, 15-45 °C, and 0-0.5% (w/v) NaCl. Polyhydroxybutyrate was accumulated in nutrient-limited conditions. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain C29T had the highest sequence similarity with Leptothrix discophora SS-1T (97.82%), Ideonella livida TBM-1T (97.82%), Vitreoscilla filiformis L1401-2T (97.52%), Sphaerotilus sulfidivorans D-501T (97.50%) and Sphaerotilus natans DSM 6575T (97.46%). Other type strains with validly published names had similarities below 97.46%. Further phylogenomic analysis showed that strain C29T was affiliated to the family Sphaerotilaceae. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values with its phylogenetic relatives were lower than 91 and 41%, respectively, revealing that strain C29T represented a new species. The DNA G + C content of strain C29T was 70.9%. The annotation of the genome of the novel strain shows it possessed genes for the degradation of aromatic compounds. It also contained genes that encode sigma factors involved in response regulation of stress resistance, which is an important function for adaptation and survival in natural niches. Based on the results of the phylogenetic and phenotypic analyses, we propose that strain C29T represents a novel species, for which the name Sphaerotilus uruguayifluvii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is C29T (= CCM 9043T = DSM 113250T).

Genomic analysis of inbreeding level, kinship and breed relationships in Creole cattle from South America.

The conservation of animal genetic resources refers to measures taken to prevent the loss of genetic diversity in livestock populations, including the protection of breeds from extinction. Creole cattle populations have suffered a drastic reduction in recent decades owing to absorbent crosses or replacement with commercial breeds of European or Indian origin. Genetic characterization can serve as a source of information for conservation strategies to maintain genetic variation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the levels of inbreeding and kinship through the use of genomic information. A total of 903 DNAs from 13 cattle populations from Argentina, Bolivia and Uruguay were genotyped using an SNP panel of 48 K. Also, a dataset of 76 K SNPs from Peruvian Creole was included. Two inbreeding indices (FROH and Fhat2) and kinship relationships were calculated. In addition, effective population size (Ne), linkage disequilibrium, population composition and phylogenetic relationships were estimated. In Creole cattle, FROH ranged from 0.14 to 0.03, and Fhat2 was close to zero. The inferred Ne trends exhibited a decline toward the present for all populations, whereas Creole cattle presented a lower magnitude of Ne than foreign breeds. Cluster analysis clearly differentiated the taurine and Zebu components (K2) and showed that Bolivian Creole cattle presented Zebu gene introgression. Despite the population reduction, Creole populations did not present extreme values of consanguinity and kinship and maintain high levels of genetic diversity. The information obtained in this work may be useful for planning conservation programmes for these valuable local animal genetic resources.

Coping strategies of food insecure households with children and adolescents in Uruguay, a high-income Latin American country: A qualitative study through the lens of Bourdieu's theories of capitals and practice.

Food insecurity has been associated with negative short, medium, and long-term health consequences, which are more detrimental for children and adolescents. These effects may depend on the coping strategies developed to deal with food shortages. The present research aimed at exploring coping strategies in food insecure households with children and adolescents in Uruguay, incorporating sociological theoretical insights from Bourdieu. A qualitative approach based on individual semi-structured interviews was used. A total of 40 interviews were conducted with adults who had parental responsibilities of children and adolescents and who received different types of food assistance, between July and December 2022, in four cities. Results showed that adults tend to develop a wide range of coping strategies aimed at: reducing food expenditure, increasing the availability of money for purchasing food, increasing food availability and/or rationing the food available in the household. Some of the strategies were implemented regardless of the severity of food insecurity, whereas others were characteristic of the moderate and severe levels of the construct. Evidence to support the mediation effect of coping strategies on health outcomes was found. Discourses suggested that lower accumulation of economic and cultural capital may be aligned with the adoption of less socially accepted mechanisms to access to food. Expressions of a specific habitus aimed at securing food were identified among participants with more deprivations. Taken together, the findings suggest that coping strategies may not be a universal or invariant sequence according to the severity of food insecurity and stress the importance of considering households' resources and local context for the development of strategies to improve access to food.

Widespread occurrence of the amphibian chytrid panzootic lineage in Uruguay is constrained by climate.

The amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) causes chytridiomycosis, a disease among the main causes of amphibian declines worldwide. However, Bd studies on Neotropical amphibians from temperate areas are scarce. We present a comprehensive survey of Bd in Uruguay, in temperate central eastern South America, carried out between 2006 and 2014. Skin swabs of 535 specimens of 21 native and exotic frogs were tested by PCR. We used individual-level data to examine the relationship between infection, climatic variables, and their effects on body condition and the number of prey items found in stomach contents. Infection was widespread in free-ranging anurans with an overall prevalence of 41.9%, detected in 15 native species, wild American bullfrogs Aquarana catesbeiana, and captive specimens of Ceratophrys ornata and Xenopus laevis. Three haplotypes of the Bd ITS region were identified in native amphibians, all belonging to the global panzootic lineage (BdGPL), of which only one was present in exotic hosts. Despite high infection frequencies in different anurans, we found no evidence of morbidity or mortality attributable to chytridiomycosis, and we observed no discernible impact on body condition or consumed prey. Climatic conditions at the time of our surveys suggested that the chance of infection is associated with monthly mean temperature, mean humidity, and total precipitation. Temperatures below 21°C combined with moderate humidity and pronounced rainfall may increase the likelihood of infection. Multiple haplotypes of BdGPL combined with high frequencies of infection suggest an enzootic pattern in native species, underscoring the need for continued monitoring.

Setting up a biomodeling, virtual planning, and three-dimensional printing service in Uruguay.

Virtual surgical planning and three-dimensional (D) printing are rapidly becoming essential for challenging and complex surgeries around the world. An Ibero-American survey reported a lack of awareness of technology benefits and scarce financial resources as the two main barriers to widespread adoption of 3-D technologies. The Pereira Rossell Hospital Center is a publicly funded maternal and pediatric academic clinical center in Uruguay, a low-resource Latin American country, that successfully created and has been running a 3-D unit for 4 years. The present work is a step-by-step review of the 3-D technology implementation process in a hospital with minimal financial investment. References to training, software, hardware, and the management of human resources are included. Difficulties throughout the process and future challenges are also discussed.

Modeling missing pedigree with metafounders and validating single-step genomic predictions in a small dairy cattle population with a great influence of foreign genetics.

Genetic improvement in small countries rely heavily on foreign genetics. In an importing country such as Uruguay, consideration of unknown parent groups (UPG) for foreign sires is essential. However, the use of UPG in genomic model evaluations may lead to bias in genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV). The objective of this study was to study different models including UPG or metafounders (MF) in the Uruguayan Holstein evaluation and to analyze bias, dispersion, and accuracy of GEBV predictions in BLUP and single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP). A gamma matrix (Γ) was estimated either by using base allele population frequencies obtained by bounded linear regression (MFbounded), or by using 2 values to design Γ (i.e., a single value for the diagonal and a different value for the off-diagonal [MFrobust]). Both Γ estimators performed well in terms of GEBV predictions, but MFbounded was the best option. There is, however, some bias whose origin was not completely understood. UPG or MF seem to model correctly genetic progress for unknown parents except for the very first groups (earlier time period). As for validation bulls, bias was observed across all models, whereas for validation cows it was only observed with UPG in BLUP. Overdispersion was found in all models, but it was mostly detected in validation bulls. Ratio of accuracies indicated that ssGBLUP gave better predictions than BLUP.

Supplementary description and ontogenetic variability of Coryphaenoides affinis: rediscovery of the species after 145 years since its original description (Teleostei: Gadiformes: Macrouridae).

A large adult (138 mm head length) of the grenadier genus Coryphaenoides is described. It is identified as C. affinis hitherto known only from two juvenile type specimens collected by HMS Challenger off Uruguay in 1876. The diagnosis of the species is revised to include the discovery of considerable ontogenetic changes in squamation. Spinulation on the body scales are reduced or lost with size, while the armament of the head scales become amplified. The larger of the syntype specimens is designated as the lectotype. All three known specimens of C. affinis were collected in the southwestern Atlantic at depths between 3500 and 4000 m. A key for identification for the species of the subgenus Nematonurus is provided.

Institutional Management Competence for Addressing Illegal Wildlife Trade: Insights from Uruguay.

The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a global phenomenon that adversely affects biodiversity and human well-being. Understanding how institutions manage this trade is crucial for reducing its negative impacts. Latin America has the fewest IWT studies globally; thus, science in support of more effective institutional management of IWT is limited. This study aims to bridge the researcher-practitioner gap by providing applicable results and involving control institutions. To this end, we examine the strengths and weaknesses of Uruguay's institutions in addressing this issue, introducing the concept of institutional management competence to the knowledge base about IWT. Based on this case study, we aimed to generate inputs to guide policymakers in achieving better control of the IWT, contributing to reduce the researcher-practitioner gap. From an interdisciplinary perspective that articulates qualitative and quantitative methods, the study presents the following results: (a) Uruguay's network for addressing illegal wildlife trade involves numerous institutions whose articulation has a high degree of informality; (b) these institutions address different stages of trafficking based on their roles, jurisdiction, and engagement; (c) main weaknesses include insufficient state-level prioritisation, weak institutional coordination, inadequate training, insufficient infrastructure, space and personnel to handle the volume of seized animals, lack of proper facilities for seized animals, and a need for better-organised information. Our results help shed light on the IWT management structures in Uruguay and identifies where direct improvements can be made to strengthen the institutional responses to global IWT.

Effects of urbanization and accessibility to sanitation services on water quality in urban streams in Uruguay.

The world's urban population is growing rapidly, and threatening natural ecosystems, especially streams. Urbanization leads to stream alterations, increased peak flow frequencies, and reduced water quality due to pollutants, morphological changes, and biodiversity loss, known as the urban stream syndrome. However, a shift towards recognizing urban streams as valuable natural systems is occurring, emphasizing green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. This study in Uruguay examined water quality in various watersheds with different urbanization levels and socio-environmental characteristics along a precipitation gradient. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and in situ data, we assessed physicochemical parameters, generated territorial variables, and identified key predictors of water quality. We found that urbanization, particularly urban areas, paved areas, and populations without sanitation, significantly influenced water quality parameters. These factors explained over 50% of the variation in water quality indicators. However, the relationship between urbanization and water quality was non-linear, with abrupt declines after specific urban intensity thresholds. Our results illustrate that ensuring sanitation networks and managing green areas effectively are essential for preserving urban stream water quality. This research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary teams and localized data for informed freshwater resource management.

Spatial distribution of pesticide use based on crop rotation data in La Plata River basin: a case study from an agricultural region of Uruguay.

The intensive global use of pesticides presents an escalating threat to human health, ecosystems, and water quality. To develop national and local environmental management strategies for mitigating pollution caused by pesticides, it is essential to understand the quantities, timing, and location of their application. This study aims to estimate the spatial distribution of pesticide use in an agricultural region of La Plata River basin in Uruguay. Estimates of pesticide use were made by surveying doses applied to each crop. This information was spatialized through identifying agricultural rotations using remote sensing techniques. The study identified the 60 major agricultural rotations in the region and mapped the use and application amount of the nine most significant active ingredients (glyphosate, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, flumioxazin, S-metolachlor, clethodim, flumetsulam, triflumuron, chlorantraniliprole, and fipronil). The results reveal that glyphosate is the most extensively used pesticide (53.5% of the area) and highest amount of use (> 1.44 kg/ha). Moreover, in 19% of the area, at least seven active ingredients are applied in crop rotations. This study marks the initial step in identifying rotations and estimating pesticide applications with high spatial resolution at a regional scale in agricultural regions of La Plata River basin. The results improve the understanding of pesticide spatial distribution based on data obtained from agronomists, technicians, and producers and provide a replicable methodological approach for other geographic and productive contexts. Generating baseline information is key to environmental management and decision making, towards the design of more robust monitoring systems and human exposure assessment.

Genomic characterization of Moraxella bovis and Moraxella bovoculi Uruguayan strains isolated from calves with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis.

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) is an ocular disease that affects bovines and has significant economic and health effects worldwide. Gram negative bacteria Moraxella bovis and Moraxella bovoculi are its main etiological agents. Antimicrobial therapy against IBK is often difficult in beef and dairy herds and, although vaccines are commercially available, their efficacy is variable and dependent on local strains. The aim of this study was to analyze for the first time the genomes of Uruguayan clinical isolates of M. bovis and M. bovoculi. The genomes were de novo assembled and annotated; the genetic basis of fimbrial synthesis was analyzed and virulence factors were identified. A 94% coverage in the reference genomes of both species, and more than 80% similarity to the reference genomes were observed. The mechanism of fimbrial phase variation in M. bovis was detected, and the tfpQ orientation of these genes confirmed, in an inversion region of approximately 2.18kb. No phase variation was determined in the fimbrial gene of M. bovoculi. When virulence factors were compared between strains, it was observed that fimbrial genes have 36.2% sequence similarity. In contrast, the TonB-dependent lactoferrin/transferrin receptor exhibited the highest percentage of amino acid similarity (97.7%) between strains, followed by cytotoxins MbxA/MbvA and the ferric uptake regulator. The role of these virulence factors in the pathogenesis of IBK and their potential as vaccine components should be explored.

Do predator attacks on productive species and the respective economic losses influence the psychological distress of farmers in Uruguay? A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: In Uruguay, productive animals are attacked by various predators, causing injuries and financial losses, leading to great concern for farmers. The objective of this study was to determine, using a cross-sectional study, if predator attacks on productive animals during the year 2021 influenced the psychological distress of farmers. METHODS: Four hundred and forty-two farmers from around the country were surveyed with questions according to the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (dependent variable), and predator attacks received in 2021 (independent variable). RESULTS: Of the total number of farmers surveyed, approximately 49% (216/442) had animals that had been attacked by predators. Farmers whose productive species were attacked in 2021 had higher levels of psychological distress than those whose animals were not attacked (p<0.01). Additionally, farmers who reported the highest levels of psychological distress had more deaths of productive species (and more financial losses) from predator attacks in 2021 than those who did not. CONCLUSION: The losses of productive species and the financial costs negatively influenced the psychological distress of farmers. This information highlights the need to generate public policies about farmers wellbeing that help them in these situations.

Pathologic and Immunohistochemical Evidence of Possible Francisellaceae among Aborted Ovine Fetuses, Uruguay.

The only genus of the Francisellaceae family known to contain species pathogenic to mammals is Francisella, for which reported cases in the Southern Hemisphere have been limited to Australia. We describe severe necrotizing and inflammatory lesions and intralesional immunohistochemical identification of Francisella sp. lipopolysaccharide among aborted ovine fetuses in Uruguay.

Molecular typing and antifungal susceptibility of clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes from the National Invasive Fungal Surveillance Network of Uruguay.

Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii species complexes (phylum: Basidiomycota) are environmental yeasts and are the main cause of human cryptococcosis worldwide. The most recent molecular typing studies in Latin America have focused on the intertropical region. Thus, this study aimed to update the knowledge of human cryptococcosis in the South American temperate region. We obtained and analyzed 116 C. neoformans/C. gattii species complexes isolates from the Public Health Surveillance Laboratory between 2008-2013 and 2017-2021 (C. gattii species complex = 1 and C. neoformans species complex = 115). The average patient age was 45 years, with an overall male:female ratio of 3.1:1. The proportion of HIV-negative patients was significantly higher in the second study period. Restriction fragment length polymorphism typing of URA5 gene revealed that the C. neoformans species complex comprised 75.7% VNI, 2.6% VNII, 0.9% VNIII, 1.7% VNIV, 17.4% VNII/VNIV hybrids, and one C. neoformans isolate (0.9%) misidentified as VGI; the C. gattii species complex isolates comprised one VGII. The overall case fatality rate was 49.5%, with no differences in lethality between VNI and hybrid isolates. Of the four isolates responsible for episodes of reoccurrence, only one had a genotype different from the first episode. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed that most isolates fell below the local epidemiological cut-off value. This study provides additional information for the analysis of C. neoformans/C. gattii species complexes dynamics in the South American temperate region.

This study describes the epidemiological and molecular trends of human cryptococcosis according to the public health Uruguayan surveillance network. The findings provide additional information for analyzing the Cryptococcusneoformans/C. gattii species complexes in the South American temperate region.

Biological and molecular characterization of a resistance-breaking isolate of citrus tristeza virus from Uruguay and its effects on Poncirus trifoliata growth performance.

Resistance-breaking (RB) isolates of citrus tristeza virus (CTV) can replicate and move systemically in Poncirus trifoliata, a rootstock widely used for management of decline caused by CTV and other purposes. In Uruguay, severe CTV isolates are prevalent, and an RB isolate (designated as RB-UY1) was identified. In order to predict the implications of this genotype circulating in citrus crops grafted on trifoliate rootstocks, the aim of this work was to determine the biological and molecular characteristics of this isolate, the efficiency of its transmission by Toxoptera citricida, and its effects on plant growth performance of P. trifoliata. Our results show that RB-UY1 can be classified as a mild isolate, that it is phylogenetically associated with the RB1 group, and that it is efficiently transmitted by T. citrida. They also suggest that the RB-UY1 isolate should not affect the performance of citrus crops grafted on trifoliate rootstocks, although some growth parameters of P. trifoliata seedlings were affected four years after inoculation.

Dietary patterns and cognitive achievement among school children in socio-cultural context, a case of Montevideo, Uruguay.

PURPOSE: The benefits of a healthy diet on children´s cognition have been described in several studies. However, many previous studies have analyzed the effect on general cognitive domains (e.g. intelligence), used measures based almost exclusively on local examinations, and rarely consider social context. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between two diet patterns and contextualized cognitive performance measures of children aged 6-8 years from low-average income neighborhoods in Montevideo, Uruguay. METHODS: 270 first-grade children with complete data participated in the study. Consumption of foods was determined via two averaged 24-h dietary recalls with the mother. Two dietary patterns were identified via principal component analysis: "processed (high calorie) foods" and "nutrient dense". Children´s cognitive performance, including general cognitive abilities, achievement in mathematics and reading, and discrepancy scores between predicted and actual achievement was assessed with the Woodcock-Muñoz Cognitive and Achievement scales. The association of dietary patterns and cognitive endpoints was analyzed in multilevel models, clustered by children´s school. Sociodemographic and biological variables were used as covariates. RESULTS: The nutrient dense foods pattern, characterized by higher consumption of dark leafy and red-orange vegetables, eggs, beans & peas, potatoes, was associated with better performance in reading, with beta coefficient 3.28 (95% CI 0.02, 6.54). There was also an association between the nutrient dense foods factor and the Discrepancy in reading, 2.52 (0.17, 4.87). Processed (high calorie) foods pattern, characterized by higher consumption of breads, processed meats, fats and oils, sweetened beverages, and sweetened yogurt/dairy products; reduced intake of milk, pastries and pizza dinners was not associated with cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS: Nutrient dense food pattern was positively associated with children's reading achievement. A nutrient-rich diet may benefit written language acquisition at the beginning of schooling.

Subdermal contraceptive implants and repeat teenage motherhood: Evidence from a major maternity hospital-based program in Uruguay.

Teenage fertility is a social problem because of its private and public costs in countries of different development levels. Reductions in adolescent birth rates do not necessarily follow drops in overall fertility due to the demographic transition model. This paper analyses the impact of a subdermal contraceptive program on repeat teenage motherhood. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find that the intervention reduced mothers' likelihood of having another child in the next 48 months by 10 percentage points. This reduction is not random, and we also identify small positive selection in subsequent births.