Polyploid goldback and silverback ferns (Pentagramma) occupy a wider, colder, and wetter bioclimatic niche than diploid counterparts.

PREMISE: The western North American fern genus Pentagramma (Pteridaceae) is characterized by complex patterns of ploidy variation, an understanding of which is critical to comprehending both the evolutionary processes within the genus and its current diversity. METHODS: We undertook a cytogeographic study across the range of the genus, using a combination of chromosome counts and flow cytometry to infer ploidy level. Bioclimatic variables and elevation were used to compare niches. RESULTS: We found that diploids and tetraploids are common and widespread, and triploids are rare and sporadic; in contrast with genome size inferences in earlier studies, no hexaploids were found. Diploids and tetraploids show different geographic ranges: only tetraploids were found in the northernmost portion of the range (Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia) and only diploids were found in the Sierra Nevada of California. Diploid, triploid, and tetraploid cytotypes were found to co-occur in relatively few localities: in the southern (San Diego County, California) and desert Southwest (Arizona) parts of the range, and along the Pacific Coast of California. CONCLUSIONS: Tetraploids occupy a wider bioclimatic niche than diploids both within P. triangularis and at the genus-wide scale. It is unknown whether the wider niche of tetraploids is due to their expansion upon the diploid niche, if diploids have contracted their niche due to competition or changing abiotic conditions, or if this wider niche occupancy is due to multiple origins of tetraploids.

Rapid sequential determination of the explosives 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine in forensic samples employing a graphite sheet sensor and cyclic square-wave stripping voltammetry.

The development of a portable analytical procedure is described for rapid sequential detection and quantification of the explosives 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) in forensic samples using a graphite sheet (GS). A single GS platform works as a collector of explosive residues and detector after its assembly into a 3D-printed cell. The detection strategy is based on cyclic square-wave stripping voltammetry. The cathodic scan from + 0.1 to -1.0 V with accumulation at 0.0 V enables the TNT detection (three reduction peaks), and the anodic scan from + 0.2 to + 1.55 V with accumulation at -0.9 V provides the RDX detection (two oxidation processes). Low detection limit values (0.1 µmol L-1 for TNT and 2.4 µmol L-1 for RDX) and wide linear ranges (from 1 to 150 µmol L-1 for TNT and from 20 to 300 µmol L-1 for RDX) were obtained. The sensor did not respond to pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), which was evaluated as a potential interferent, because plastic explosives contain mixtures of TNT, RDX, and PETN. The GS electrode was also evaluated as a collector of TNT and RDX residues spread on different surfaces to simulate forensic scenarios. After swiping over different surfaces (metal, granite, wood, cloths, hands, money bills, and cellphone), the GS electrode was assembled in the 3D-printed cell ready to measure both explosives by the proposed method. In all cases, the presence of TNT and RDX was confirmed, attesting the reliability of the proposed device to act as collector and sensor.

Spinning Reactors for Process Intensification of Flow Photochemistry.

The design of new and more sustainable synthetic protocols to access new materials or valuable compounds will have a high impact on the broader chemistry community. In this sense, continuous-flow photochemistry has emerged as a powerful technique which has been employed successfully in various areas such as biopharma, organic chemistry, as well as materials science. However, it is important to note that chemical processes must not only advance towards new or improved chemical transformations, but also implement new technologies that enable new process opportunities. For this reason, the design of novel photoreactors is key to advancing photochemical strategies. In this sense, the use of equipment and techniques embracing processes intensification is important in developing more sustainable protocols. Among the most recent applications, spinning continuous flow reactors, such as rotor reactors or vortex reactors, have shown promising performance as new synthetic tools. Nevertheless, there is currently no review in the literature that effectively summarizes and showcases the most recent applications of such type of photoreactors. Herein, we highlight fundamental aspects and applications of two categories of spinning reactors, the Spinning Disc Reactors (SDRs) and Thin Film Vortex reactors, critiquing the scope and limitations of these advanced processing technologies. Further, we take a view on the future of spinning reactors in flow as a synthetic toolbox to explore new photochemical transformations.

The InBIO Barcoding Initiative Database: DNA barcodes of Iberian Bees.

Background: Bees are important actors in terrestrial ecosystems and are recognised for their prominent role as pollinators. In the Iberian Peninsula, approximately 1,100 bee species are known, with nearly 100 of these species being endemic to the Peninsula. A reference collection of DNA barcodes, based on morphologically identified bee specimens, representing 514 Iberian species, was constructed. The "InBIO Barcoding Initiative Database: DNA Barcodes of Iberian bees" dataset contains records of 1,059 sequenced specimens. The species of this dataset correspond to about 47% of Iberian bee species diversity and 21% of endemic species diversity. For peninsular Portugal only, the corresponding coverage is 71% and 50%. Specimens were collected between 2014 and 2022 and are deposited in the research collection of Thomas Wood (Naturalis Biodiversity Center, The Netherlands), in the FLOWer Lab collection at the University of Coimbra (Portugal), in the Andreia Penado collection at the Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP) (Portugal) and in the InBIO Barcoding Initiative (IBI) reference collection (Vairão, Portugal). New information: Of the 514 species sequenced, 75 species from five different families are new additions to the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) and 112 new BINs were added. Whilst the majority of species were assigned to a single BIN (94.9%), 27 nominal species were assigned to multiple BINs. Although the placement into multiple BINs may simply reflect genetic diversity and variation, it likely also represents currently unrecognised species-level diversity across diverse taxa, such as Amegillaalbigena Lepeletier, 1841, Andrenarussula Lepeletier, 1841, Lasioglossumleucozonium (Schrank, 1781), Nomadafemoralis Morawitz, 1869 and Sphecodesalternatus Smith, 1853. Further species pairs of Colletes, Hylaeus and Nomada were placed into the same BINs, emphasising the need for integrative taxonomy within Iberia and across the Mediterranean Basin more broadly. These data substantially contribute to our understanding of bee genetic diversity and DNA barcodes in Iberia and provide an important baseline for ongoing taxonomic revisions in the West Palaearctic biogeographical region.

Providing an in vitro depiction of microglial cells challenged with immunostimulatory extracellular vesicles of Naegleria fowleri.

Naegleria fowleri is the causative agent of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rapid and acute infection of the central nervous system with a fatal outcome in >97% of cases. Due to the infrequent report of cases and diagnostic gaps that hinder the possibility of recovering clinic isolates, studies related to pathogenesis of the disease are scarce. However, the secretion of cytolytic molecules has been proposed as a factor involved in the progression of the infection. Several of these molecules could be included in extracellular vesicles (EVs), making them potential virulence factors and even modulators of the immune response in this infection. In this work, we evaluated the immunomodulatory effect of EVs secreted by two clinic isolates of Naegleria fowleri using in vitro models. For this purpose, characterization analyses between EVs produced by both isolates were first performed, for subsequent gene transcription analyses post incubation of these vesicles with primary cultures from mouse cell microglia and BV-2 cells. Analyses of morphological changes induced in primary culture microglia cells by the vesicles were also included, as well as the determination of the presence of nucleic acids of N. fowleri in the EV fractions. Results revealed increased expression of NOS, proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-23, and the regulatory cytokine IL-10 in primary cultures of microglia, as well as increased expression of NOS and IL-13 in BV-2 cells. Morphologic changes from homeostatic microglia, with small cellular body and long processes to a more amoeboid morphology were also observed after the incubation of these cells with EVs. Regarding the presence of nucleic acids, specific Naegleria fowleri DNA that could be amplified using both conventional and qPCR was confirmed in the EV fractions. Altogether, these results confirm the immunomodulatory effects of EVs of Naegleria fowleri over microglial cells and suggest a potential role of these vesicles as biomarkers of primary acute meningoencephalitis.

Bridging the Gap between Field Experiments and Machine Learning: The EC H2020 B-GOOD Project as a Case Study towards Automated Predictive Health Monitoring of Honey Bee Colonies.

Honey bee colonies have great societal and economic importance. The main challenge that beekeepers face is keeping bee colonies healthy under ever-changing environmental conditions. In the past two decades, beekeepers that manage colonies of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) have become increasingly concerned by the presence of parasites and pathogens affecting the bees, the reduction in pollen and nectar availability, and the colonies' exposure to pesticides, among others. Hence, beekeepers need to know the health condition of their colonies and how to keep them alive and thriving, which creates a need for a new holistic data collection method to harmonize the flow of information from various sources that can be linked at the colony level for different health determinants, such as bee colony, environmental, socioeconomic, and genetic statuses. For this purpose, we have developed and implemented the B-GOOD (Giving Beekeeping Guidance by computational-assisted Decision Making) project as a case study to categorize the colony's health condition and find a Health Status Index (HSI). Using a 3-tier setup guided by work plans and standardized protocols, we have collected data from inside the colonies (amount of brood, disease load, honey harvest, etc.) and from their environment (floral resource availability). Most of the project's data was automatically collected by the BEEP Base Sensor System. This continuous stream of data served as the basis to determine and validate an algorithm to calculate the HSI using machine learning. In this article, we share our insights on this holistic methodology and also highlight the importance of using a standardized data language to increase the compatibility between different current and future studies. We argue that the combined management of big data will be an essential building block in the development of targeted guidance for beekeepers and for the future of sustainable beekeeping.

PolLimCrop, a global dataset of pollen limitation in crops.

Pollination is a crucial ecosystem service for maintaining plant communities and food production. 75% of the main crops depend on or benefit from pollination services provided by animal pollinators. However, when these services are insufficient and/or inefficient, crops experience pollen limitation with, often, lower associated yield, which may translate into economic losses. We constructed a global dataset that gathers studies with pollination experiments, aiming to provide pollen limitation values of animal-pollinated crops worldwide. Pollination experiments included hand pollen supplementation treatments, where plants were subjected to pollen supplementation of outcross pollen, and natural pollination treatments. The PolLimCrop dataset comprises 294 studies and 1169 unique pollen supplementation experiments with values of pollen limitation for 108 crops, spanning 50 years and 62 countries.

The "StemDif Sensor Test": A Straightforward, Non-Invasive Assay to Characterize the Secreted Stemness and/or Differentiation Activities of Tumor-Derived Cancer Cell Lines.

Cancer stem cells are a subpopulation of tumor cells characterized by their ability to self-renew, induce tumors upon engraftment in animals and exhibit strong resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These cells exhibit numerous characteristics in common with embryonic stem cells, expressing some of their markers, typically absent in non-pathological adult differentiated cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of conditioned media from cancer stem cells to modulate the fate of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF)-dependent murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs) as a way to obtain a direct readout of the secretome of cancer cells. A functional assay, "the StemDif sensor test", was developed with two types of cancer stem cells derived from grade IV glioblastoma (adult and pediatric) or from gastric adenocarcinoma. We show that conditioned media from the selection of adult but not pediatric Glioma-Inducing Cells (GICs) maintain mESCs' pluripotency in correlation with LIF secretion and activation of STAT3 protein. In contrast, conditioned media from gastric adenocarcinoma cells display LIF-independent stemness and differentiation activities on mESC. Our test stands out for its user-friendly procedures, affordability and straightforward output, positioning it as a pioneering tool for in-depth exploration of cancer stem cell secretome characteristics.

Actitudes de los psicólogos costarricenses hacia la aplicación de la psicología en la consulta odontológica / Attitudes of Costa Rican Psychologists Towards the Application of Psychology During the Dentistry Consultation

Resumen Estudio exploratorio-descriptivo sobre un grupo de profesionales costarricenses en psicología acerca de sus actitudes hacia la aplicación de los principios psicológicos en la práctica odontológica. La muestra fue de 377 psicólogos (activos en el Colegio de Profesionales en Psicología de Costa Rica). A partir del cuestionario original diseñado por Gómez y Gómez (2007), el cual fue construido para estimar la necesidad de conformar programas universitarios que integren la psicología y la odontología, se aplicó una adaptación consistente en una encuesta de 10 preguntas autoadministradas de selección simple, la cual se efectuó en línea a través del sistema QuestionPro®. Se pudo evidenciar que existe una actitud positiva ante el enfoque interdisciplinario entre la Odontología y la Psicología; se demostró que un 74% de la muestra sostiene que los aspectos psicosociales son "Bastante importantes" en el marco de la atención odontológica. A pesar de ello, la mayoría (57%) de las personas consultadas indicó que no ha tenido ocasión de aplicar sus conocimientos y experiencia en psicología al contexto odontológico. Asimismo, un 72% de los participantes considera "Bastante importante" que los profesionales en Odontología reciban capacitación básica en el área psicológica para la prevención o contención de ciertos síntomas que puedan incidir en la salud mental. Por otra parte, el 80% de quienes respondieron la encuesta indicaron que las iniciativas interdisciplinarias de colaboración científica (investigación) y aplicada (ejercicio profesional) son "Bastante importantes" para producir beneficios tangibles en la prestación de servicios integrales a los pacientes y el bienestar del personal sanitario.

Abstract Exploratory-descriptive study on a group of Costa Rican professionals in psychology about their attitudes towards the application of psychological principles in dental practice. The sample consisted of 377 psychologists (active in the Association of Psychology Professionals of Costa Rica). From the original questionnaire designed by Gómez and Gómez (2007), which was built to estimate the need to create university programs that integrate psychology and dentistry, an adaptation consisting of a survey of 10 self-administered questions of simple selection was applied, which was carried out online through the QuestionPro® system. It was possible to show that there is a positive attitude towards the interdisciplinary approach between Dentistry and Psychology; it was shown that 74% of the sample maintains that psychosocial aspects are "Quite important" in the context of dental care. Despite this, the majority (57%) of the people consulted indicated that they had not had the opportunity to apply their knowledge and experience as psychologists to the dental context. Likewise, 72% of the participants consider it "Quite important" that dental professionals receive basic training in the psychological area for the prevention or containment of certain symptoms that may affect mental health. On the other hand, 80% of the survey respondents indicated that interdisciplinary initiatives of professional scientific (research) and applied (practice) collaboration are "Quite important" to produce tangible benefits in the provision of comprehensive services to patients and wellbeing of health personnel.

Descrição das características clínicas e epidemiológicas de pacientes pediátricos internados e diagnosticados com COVID-19 / Description of clinical and epidemiological features of hospitalized pediatric patients diagnosed with COVID-19

INTRODUÇÃO: Apesar da disseminação mundial da COVID-19, os padrões epidemiológicos e clínicos da doença ainda permanecem incertos na faixa etária pediátrica. OBJETIVO: Descrever as características epidemiológicas, clínicas, laboratoriais e radiológicas dos pacientes pediátricos diagnosticados com doença causada pelo SARS-CoV-2, hospitalizados na enfermaria do Hospital Regional João Penido, situado em Juiz de Fora/MG. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo do tipo coorte, com coleta de dados do período da internação referente a critérios epidemiológicos, clínicos, laboratoriais e radiológicos através de formulário próprio desenvolvido para a pesquisa de pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados no período de 11 de março de 2020 até 11 de março de 2021, que receberam diagnóstico de COVID-19, confirmado por RT-PCR ou por sorologia IgM/IgG. RESULTADOS: Dos pacientes com COVID-19, 49,2% tinham idade até 3 anos, 66,2% eram do sexo masculino e, dentre as comorbidades, doença respiratória crônica foi a de maior prevalência (26,9%). A maioria dos pacientes apresentou quadro clínico respiratório (72,7%). Com relação à gravidade da doença, 38,5% apresentaram doença leve, 23,1% moderada, 23,1% grave e 12,3% crítica. No desfecho, 98,5% tiveram alta hospitalar e apenas 1 paciente, que possuía diversas comorbidades, evoluiu a óbito. CONCLUSÃO: A COVID-19 possui apresentações clínicas, radiológicas e laboratoriais variadas e, não existindo tratamento único ou específico, os casos devem ser analisados e conduzidos de forma individual.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the worldwide dissemination of COVID-19, the epidemiological and clinical patterns of the disease remain uncertain in the pediatric age group. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics of pediatric patients diagnosed with disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, hospitalized in the ward of Hospital Regional João Penido, located in Juiz de Fora, MG. METHODS: A cohort study was carried out, with data collection from the period of hospitalization regarding epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and radiological criteria through a specific form developed for the research of pediatric patients, hospitalized from March 11, 2020 to March 11, 2021, who received a diagnosis of COVID-19, confirmed by RT-PCR or by IgM/IgG serology. RESULTS: Of the patients with COVID-19, 49.2% were aged up to 3 years, 66.2% were male and, among the comorbidities, chronic respiratory disease was the most prevalent (26.9%). Most patients had a clinical respiratory condition (72.7%). Regarding disease severity, 38.5% had mild disease, 23.1% moderate, 23.1% severe and 12.3% critical. In the outcome, 98.5% were discharged from the hospital and only 1 patient, who had several comorbidities, died. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has varied clinical, radiological and laboratory presentations and, since there is no single or specific treatment, cases must be analyzed and managed individually.

Cultivo primario de Helicobacter pylori a partir de biopsias gástricas obtenidas por endoscopia / Primary culture of Helicobacter pylori from endoscopic gastric biopsies

Objetivo: Determinar la viabilidad del cultivo de la bacteria Helicobacter pylori en Costa Rica por medio de la documentación de toma de muestras, la comparación del diagnóstico histopatológico y la descripción de los diagnósticos asociados a los aislamientos obtenidos con los resultados de la ureasa rápida. Métodos: Investigación descriptiva que involucró a pacientes de entre los 35 y 70 años, de ambos sexos, que asistieron al Servicio de Endoscopia Digestiva del Hospital Clínica Bíblica entre febrero y junio del 2019 para estudio gastroscópico. Se obtuvieron biopsias gástricas para diagnóstico histopatológico, prueba de ureasa rápida y cultivo de Helicobacter pylori. Para este último, se transportaron las biopsias en un medio de transporte semisólido, se maceró el tejido y se cultivó enagar Skirrow y agar selectivo para Helicobacter; una placa de cada medio se incubó a 37 °C en microaerofilia entre 48 horas y 10 días. La positividad del cultivo se realizó por observación de la morfología colonial y la bacteria se identificó por análisis microscópico al fresco, tinción de Gram y pruebas bioquímicas (catalasa, ureasa y oxidasa). Resultados: Se incluyó a 44 pacientes (edad: 50.6 ± 10.0, 54.5% masculinos). Se recuperó Helicobacter pylori en biopsias de 27 pacientes (61.4% de éxito). La recuperación de la bacteria fue similar en el medio Skirrow y en el selectivo para Helicobacter. El porcentaje de éxito de recuperación semanal aumentó durante el estudio hasta alcanzar un éxito del 100% en la semana 11. Se comparó el cultivo con la ureasa rápida en 27 pacientes y la concordancia entre ambos métodos fue de un coeficiente kappa de Cohen de 0.48. El cultivo detectó la bacteria en un 56% de los pacientes, la ureasa rápida en un 37% y la combinación de ambas técnicas permitió la detección en un 60%. El diagnóstico endoscópico más frecuente en los pacientes con cultivo positivo fue la gastritis eritematosa y gastritis crónica superficial y el diagnóstico histopatológico predominante fue gastritis crónica con atrofia gástrica. El diagnóstico por cultivo coincidió con la detección por azul de toluidina en un 80.4% de los casos. Conclusiones: Se puede implementar el cultivo de Helicobacter pylori en Costa Rica. Este estudio tuvo un porcentaje de recuperación de la bacteria de 61.4%. La combinación del método de cultivo con la prueba de ureasa rápida y la detección histológica contribuye a un diagnóstico certero y oportuno. Recomendamos que, con base en protocolos descritos en esta investigación, cada laboratorio estandarice las condiciones que le permitan un buen porcentaje de recuperación y una implementación adaptada a sus actividades de rutina.

Aim: To document the recent experiences on the implementation of sampling and culturing Helicobacter pylori in Costa Rica, to compare it with other diagnostic methods: rapid urease test and histopathology and to describe the diagnoses associated with the obtained isolates. Methods: Descriptive research involving patients who visited the digestive endoscopy department of the Clínica Bíblica hospital in San José, Costa Rica between February and July of 2019 for gastroscopy. Gastric biopsies were obtained and histopathological analysis, rapid urease test, and bacteriological culture for Helicobacter pylori were performed. For culture techniques, the sample was transported in an in-house semi-solid medium. Biopsy fragments were macerated and plated on Skirrow agar and Helicobacterselective in-house agar, and incubated in microaerophilic atmosphere for 48 hours to 10 days. Culture positivity was determined by observation of the colonial morphology and microscopic observation; Gram staining and biochemical tests (urease, catalase, and oxidase) were used for bacterial identification. Results: 44 patients (mean aged 50.6 ± 10.0 years old, 54.5% male) were included in the study. Helicobacter pylori was recovered in biopsies from 27 patients (61.4% success rate). Bacterial growth was similar regardless the culture medium, but the physiological state of the bacteria was better in the Helicobacter-selective agar than in Skirrow. The weekly recovery rate increased to reach a 100% recovery plateau on week 11. Culture was compared with the rapid urease test in 27 patients, and the concordance between both methods using Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.48. Whilst the culture detected Helicobacter pylori in 56% of the patients, and the rapid urease test in 37%, the combination of both allowed a 60% rate. The most frequent endoscopic diagnosis in patients with positive cultures were erythematous gastritis and chronic superficial gastritis, and the predominant histopathological diagnosis was chronic atrophic gastritis. Culture-based diagnosis was consistent with the histopathology detection of Helicobacter pylori in 80.4% of the cases. Conclusions: The implementation of H. pylori culture in Costa Rica is possible. This study had a 61.4% recovery rate. The combination of culture with rapid urease test and histopathology increases the probability of an accurate and timely diagnosis. We recommend that, based on previously described protocols such as ours, each laboratory adjusts the conditions to allow a good recovery rate and implement H. pylori diagnostic methods most suitable to their routine activities.

Exploratory multigroup structural equation modeling approach to analyzing H. pylori infection, serological pepsinogen levels, and life style factors in an elderly population in Costa Rica / Enfoque exploratorio del modelo de ecuaciones estructurales multigrupo para el análisis de la infección con H. pylori, niveles de pepsinógenos séricos y factores asociados a estilo de vida en una población de adultos mayores en Costa Rica

Abstract The aim of this work is to describe and analyze the association of PGI/PGII ratio (indicator of gastric atrophy) with H. pylori-CagA and life style factors such as caloric intake, obesity, and harmful habits amongst H. pylori-positive elderly people infected in Costa Rica using an exploratory multigroup structural equations model (SEM). Using a sample of 1748 H. pylori-positive elderly people from CRELES first wave study, a SEM was employed analyze if the relationships between PGI/PGII ratio with levels of H. pylori-CagA, caloric intake, obesity, and harmful habits, differs by sex, age and risk areas subgroups. The proposed SEMs exhibited a good fit in males (RMSEA = 0.039), females (RMSEA = 0.000), low-risk area (RMSEA = 0.038), middle-risk area (RMSEA = 0.042), individuals under 80 years (RMSEA = 0.038) and individuals aged 80 and over (RMSEA = 0.042), while an acceptable fit was observed for the high-risk area (RMSEA = 0.061). Fitted SEMs showed that CagA predicted PG-ratio as expected, with effects increasing with the risk area, but similar between sex and age groups. All indicators measuring obesity (BMI, arms, and waist) showed significant standardized coefficients, with similar effects between sex, age and risk area groups. No other significant effects or differences between groups were identified. We propose a good-fitted SEM model for the possible relationships between CagA and PG ratio and the geographical risk area level for elderly people. No differences were observed on measured parameters between male and female population, or between under 80 years and older individuals.

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo es describir y analizar la asociación entre PGI/PGII (indicador de atrofia gástrica con H. pylori-CagA y factores asociados a estilo de vida como ingesta calórica, obesidad y hábitos nocivos entre adultos mayores positivos por H. pylori en Costa Rica utilizando modelos de ecuaciones estructurales multigrupo (SEM). Con una muestra de 1748 adultos mayores del estudio CRELES, se utilizó un SEM para analizar las relaciones entre PGI/PGII, CagA, ingesta calórica, obesidad y hábitos nocivos difieren por sexo, edad y áreas de riesgo. Los SEMs propuestos exhibieron un buen ajuste en hombres (RMSEA = 0.039), mujeres (RMSEA = 0.000), área de bajo riesgo (RMSEA = 0.038), áreas de riesgo medio (RMSEA = 0.042), individuos menores de 80 años (RMSEA = 0.038) e individuos de 80 años o más (RMSEA = 0.042), mientras que hubo un ajuste aceptable en áreas de alto riesgo (RMSEA = 0.061). Los SEMs ajustados mostraron que CagA predice la relación PGI/II en la dirección esperada con efectos proporcionales al área de riesgo, pero no por sexo y edad. Todos los indicadores medibles de obesidad (IMC, brazos y cintura) mostraron coeficientes estandarizados significativos con efectos similares entre los grupos por sexo, edad y área de riesgo. No se encontraron otros efectos o diferencias significativas. Proponemos un modelo SEM bien ajustado para las posibles relaciones entre CagA y PGI/II y el nivel de riesgo del área geográfica en adultos mayores. No se encontraron diferencias en las variables analizadas entre hombres y mujeres ni entre los grupos de edad.

Encuesta entomológica y caracterización de las viviendas con el vector de la enfermedad de Chagas, en aldea Chuchuapa, Santa Rosa, Guatemala / Entomological survey and characterization of houses with the vector of Chagas disease, in Chuchuapa village, Santa Rosa, Guatemala

En Guatemala en el 2015, el Ministerio de Salud Pública y Asistencia Social (MSPAS) reportó nuevos casos de la enfermedad de Chagas en la región suroriental del país, siendo Santa Rosa uno de los departamentos endémicos en donde Triatoma dimidiata es el principal transmisor. Se estimó la infestación de T. dimidiata en la aldea Chuchuapa, municipio de Santa María Ixhuatán, de abril a junio de 2019, se calcularon los índices en-tomológicos y se caracterizaron intra y peridomiciliar 149 viviendas (79.67% de las viviendas habitadas). Los datos se obtuvieron mediante un cuestionario mixto, en entrevista cara a cara y evaluación de las viviendas, por un equipo profesional experimentado, mediante el método y protocolo estándar hombre-hora. Se capturaron 20 triatominos en 10 viviendas, con un índice de infestación de 6.71% (10/149), un índice de densidad de 13.42% (20/149), 19 triatominos intradomiciliares y uno peridomiciliar, con un índice de infección natural por Tr y pano-soma cruzi intradomiciliar de 26.3% (5/19), índice de infección natural por T. cr u z i peridomiciliar de 100.0% (1/1) e índice de infección natural por T. c r u z i en los triatominos capturados de 30.0 % (6/20). Las viviendas infestadas presentaron techo de lámina, pared de bajareque con grietas y sin repello, piso de tierra y afiches en la pared, acumulación de leña u otros materiales tanto intra como peridomiciliar, convivencia con animales domésticos y tenencia de animales de corral. Los resultados representan un alto riesgo para la transmisión de la enfermedad de Chagas entre los habitantes de la aldea.

In Guatemala in 2015, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance reported new cases of Chagas disease in the southeastern region of the country, with Santa Rosa being one of the endemic departments where Tr ia-toma dimidiata is the main transmitter. The infestation of T. dimidiata was estimated in the Chuchuapa village, municipality of Santa María Ixhuatán, from April to June 2019, the entomological indices were calculated and 149 dwellings were characterized intradomiciliary and peridomiciliary (79.67% of the inhabited dwellings). The data were obtained through a mixed questionnaire, in a face-to-face interview and evaluation of the dwellings, by an experienced professional team, using the standard man-hour method and protocol. 20 triatomines were captured in 10 homes, with an infestation index of 6.71% (10/149), a density index of 13.42% (20/149), 19 intradomiciliary triatomines and one peridomiciliary, with a natural infection index by intradomiciliary Trypanosomacruzi of 26.3% (5/19), natural infection index by peridomiciliary T. c r u z i of 100.0% (1/1) and natural infection index by T. c r u z i in captured triatomines of 30.0% (6/20). The infested dwellings have a sheet roof, awattle and daub wall with cracks and no wall plaster, dirt and posters on the wall, accumulation of firewood and other materials in both intradomiciliary and peridomiciliary, living with domestic animals and keeping poultry animals. The results represent a high risk for the transmission of Chagas disease among the villager.

Mudança no padrão de vírus respiratórios identificados em uma população pediátrica hospitalizada durante os anos de 2019 e 2020 / Change in the pattern of respiratory viruses identified in a pediatric population hospitalized during the years of 2019 and 2020

Introdução: de destaque como agente etiológico em várias doenças respiratórias, os vírus, tem grande importância dentro da Pneumologia Pediátrica. Objetivo: estudar os vírus identificados de secreções respiratórias de pacientes pediátricos, hospitalizados na enfermaria e UTI pediátrica, durante o período de janeiro de 2019 a dezembro de 2020. Metodologia: levantamento de resultados do RT-PCR (reação da transcriptase reversa seguida pela reação em cadeia da polimerase) de secreções respiratórias de pacientes pediátricos, através do GAL (Gerenciamento de Análises Laboratoriais) aplicando os filtros necessários para selecionar os pacientes da instituição e o período estipulado. Resultados: Foram realizadas 30 coletas em 2019 e 196 em 2020 de secreções respiratórias devido ao quadro de Síndrome Respiratória. As amostras coletadas em 2019 foram positivas para vírus em 56,7% dos casos investigados, sendo 6,7% para Influenza e 50% para Vírus Sincicial Respiratório (VSR), enquanto que em 2020 as amostras foram positivas em 21,4% dos casos, sendo todos eles para SARS-CoV-2. O período do ano com maior número de coletas de secreção foi em maio e junho considerando o ano de 2019 (60% das coletas de 2019), e julho, agosto e dezembro considerando o ano de 2020 (42,8% das coletas de 2020), com uma positividade de 77,7% (2019) e 25% (2020) para os vírus solicitados para pesquisa. Conclusão: Pôde-se perceber uma importante mudança no perfil dos vírus identificados dos quadros respiratórios entre 2019 e 2020, comparáveis ao perfil apresentado pelos Boletins Epidemiológicos do Ministério da Saúde, principalmente no ano de 2020 com o surgimento do novo coronavírus e sua pandemia. A etiologia viral presente na grande maioria dos quadros respiratórios da pediatria, deve sempre ser valorizada e os testes de identificação viral são ferramentas de grande aplicabilidade na clínica.

Introduction: highlighted as an etiological agent in several respiratory diseases, viruses, has great importance in Pediatric Pulmonology. Objective: study the viruses identified from respiratory secretions of pediatric patients hospitalized in the pediatric ward and ICU, during the period from January 2019 to December 2020. Methodology: survey of results of the RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase reaction followed by polymerase chain reaction) of respiratory secretions of pediatric patients, through the LAM (Laboratory Analysis Management) applying the necessary filters to select the patients of the institution and the stipulated period. Results: Thirty collections were performed in 2019 and 196 in 2020 for respiratory secretions due to the Respiratory Syndrome. The samples collected in 2019 were positive for viruses in 56.7% of the investigated cases, with 6.7% for Influenza and 50% for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), while in 2020 the samples were positive in 21.4% of the cases, all of which were for SARS-Cov-2. The period of the year with the highest number of secretion collections was in May and June considering 2019 (60% of 2019 collections), and July, August and December considering 2020 (42.8% of 2020 collections), with a positivity of 77.7% (2019) and 25% (2020) for viruses requested for research. Conclusion: It was possible to notice an important change in the profile of the viruses identified in respiratory conditions between 2019 and 2020, comparable to the profile presented by the Epidemiological Bulletins of the Ministry of Health, especially in the year 2020 with the emergence of the new coronavirus and its pandemic. The viral etiology present in the vast majority of pediatric respiratory conditions should always be valued and viral identification tests are tools of great applicability in the clinic.

Absceso de psoas iliaco: un desafío diagnóstico / Psoas-Iliac Abscess a dignotic challengen

El absceso de músculo psoas iliaco se considera una rare-za. Su detección ha mejorado con la utilización de imágenes como la tomografía computada o la resonancia magnética. Presentamos una revisión de casos de absceso de psoas-iliaco internados entre julio de 2015 y febrero de 2018 en un hospital de CABA, Argentina.En este periodo se diagnosticaron un paciente conside-rado de origen primario y ocho de origen secundario. Se observó predominio de colecciones asociadas a es-pondilodiscitis. El síntoma más frecuente fue la fiebre. Staphylococcus aureus fue el germen más rescatado en muestras microbiológicas. Se debe tener alto índice de sospecha de esta patología ante la presencia de fiebre, dolor lumbar y en ocasiones alteración de la marcha. El empleo de antibióticos de amplio espectro sumado a la evacuación de colecciones constituyen la estrategia más efectiva

Psoas-iliac muscle abscess is considered a rarity, the use of images such as computed tomography or magnetic reso-nance imaging has improved its detection.This study reviews cases of psoas-iliac abscess in hospi-talized patients between July 2015 and February 2018 in a hospital in CABA, Argentina.In one of the patients the origin was considered primary ,while in the other eight it was secondary. There was a pre-dominance of collections associated with spondylodiscitis. The most frequent symptom was fever. Staphylococcus au-reus was the most frequent organism obtained in microbio-logical samples. A high level of suspicion must be held in the presence of fever, lumbar pain and sometimes alteration of the gait. The use of broad spectrum antibiotics in addition to evacuation of collections is the most effective strategy.

Avaliação microbiológica de superfícies em terapia intensiva: reflexões sobre as estratégias preventivas de infecções nosocomiais / Microbiological evaluation of surfaces in intensive care: thinking about nosocomial infection prevention strategies / Evaluación microbiológica de superficies en cuidados intensivos: reflexiones sobre las estrategias preventivas de infecciones nosocomiales

Objetivo: determinar o perfil microbiológico de bactérias isoladas e identificadas nos leitos e bombas infusoras na unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital universitário do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Método: foram coletadas nove amostras de grades das camas dos pacientes e oito de teclados de bomba infusora de uma unidade de terapia intensiva, em outubro de 2014, delimitando-se uma área de 100cm² como parâmetro para ambas as coletas. As amostras foram coletadas através de swabs estéreis que foram umedecidos e transportados em Carry & Blair. Os microrganismos foram isolados, classificados e depois testados em relação à resistência antimicrobiana. Resultados: o gênero Staphylococcus coagulase negativa foi o mais prevalente. Os testes de suscetibilidade a antimicrobianos apontaram alguns destes Staphylococci como multirresistentes. Conclusão: chama-se atenção para a necessidade de ampliação do debate multiprofissional sobre questões de segurança hospitalar, apresentando a educação permanente como um possível caminho de sucesso no controle das infecções.

Objective: to determine the microbiological profile of bacteria isolated and identified from beds and infusion pumps in the intensive care unit of a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro state. Method: nine samples were collected from patients' bed side rails and eight from infusion pump keypads in an intensive care unit in October 2014. An area of 100cm² was delimited as the sampling parameter. Samples were collected using sterile swabs, which were wetted and transported with Cary-Blair. The microorganisms were isolated, classified, and then tested for antimicrobial resistance. Results: coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most prevalent type. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated some of these Staphylococci were multi-drug resistant. Conclusion: multi-professional discussion of hospital safety issues must be expanded, and continuing professional development emerges as one possible pathway to success in nosocomial infection control.

Objetivo: determinar el perfil microbiológico de bacterias aisladas e identificadas en las camas y las bombas de infusión en la unidad de terapia intensiva de un hospital universitario de Rio de Janeiro. Método: se recolectaron nueve muestras de rejas de camas de pacientes y ocho de paneles de las bombas de infusión de una unidad de terapia intensiva, en octubre de 2014, delimitandose un área de 100 cm2 como parámetro para ambas recolecciones. Se recolectaron las muestras a través de swabs estériles que fueron humedecidos y transportados en Carry y Blair. Los microorganismos fueron aislados, clasificados y después probados repecto a la resistencia antimicrobiana. Resultados: el género Staphylococcus coagulasa negativo fue el más prevalente. Las pruebas de susceptibilidad a antimicrobianos mostraron algunos Staphylococci como resistentes a múltiples fármacos. Conclusión: se señala la necesidad de ampliación del debate entre los profesionales de la salud, sobre cuestiones de seguridad hospitalaria, presentando la educación permanente como un posible camino de éxito en el control de las infecciones.

Alteraciones electrolíticas asociadas a los métodos utilizados para la limpieza intestinal preoperatoria en niños / Electrolyte disturbances associated with the methods used for preoperative bowel cleansing in children / Distúrbios eletrolíticos associados aos métodos utilizados para a limpeza intestinal pré-operatória em crianças

ResumenIntroducción.El objetivo de esta investigación es describir las alteraciones electrolíticas asociadas a los métodos utilizados para la limpieza intestinal preoperatoria en niños e identificar el cuál es más seguro. Esto recae en la importancia de mantener el equilibrio correcto de los electrolitos ya que influyen significativamente sobre los resultados de la intervención quirúrgica y son un aspecto muy importante en la atención perioperatoria de los pacientes.Método. La presente investigación está comprendida entre los años 2009 al 2013 con una población de 172 internamientos de niños con cirugía colorectal programada. De tipo cuantitativo, no experimental-transversal y retrospectivo. Se consideró como variables dimensiones socio demográficas, como sexo, edad, peso, diagnóstico, tipo de cirugía, limpieza intestinal aplicada, alteraciones electrolíticas con respecto al sodio, potasio, cloro, calcio, y de ácido-base respectivamente, así como solución intravenosa utilizada.Para el análisis de los datos de utilizó el sistema SPSS.Resultado. Cinco fueron los métodos de limpieza intestinal utilizados en el tiempo de estudio los enemas e irrigaciones con suero fisiológico más neomicina al 0,25%, fosfosoda oral, suero fisiológico por SNG y polietilenglycol. El más usado fue el fosfosoda oral (n=46) con los niños de mayor a los 10 000grs. La estancia hospitalaria prequirúrgica destinada para la limpieza intestinal es de tres días. Lo que se traduce en una práctica bastante cara para el sistema de salud, la familia y el paciente a pesar de estar en discusión su utilidad.Conclusión. Es importante adecuar la limpieza intestinal a la iatrogenia de cada niño, considerar el peso, la dieta y sus patologías concomitantes al proceso quirúrgico, de esta forma y de acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos se puede determinar cuál es el método más seguro para prevenir alteraciones a las cuales los menores pueden ser más propensos.

AbstractIntroduction. The objective of this research is to describe electrolyte abnormalities associated with the methods used for preoperative bowel cleansing in children and identify what is safer. This lies in the importance of maintaining the correct balance of electrolytes and that significantly influence the results of surgery and are very important in perioperative patient care aspect.Method. This research is from the years 2009 to 2013 with a population of 172 admissions of children with colorectal surgery scheduled. Quantitative, non-cross experimental and retrospective. It was considered as variables socio demographic dimensions, such as gender, age, weight, diagnosis, type of surgery, intestinal cleansing applied, electrolyte disturbances with respect to sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and acid-base respectively, as well as intravenous solution used .For analysis data used SPSS software.Result. Five were intestinal cleaning methods used in the study time enemas and irrigations with saline plus neomycin 0.25%, oral phosphosoda, saline by SNG and polietilenglycol. The most used was the oral phosphosoda (n = 46) with children from more than 10 000grs. Preoperative hospital stay intended for bowel cleansing is three days. Which results in a quite expensive for the health system practice, the family and patient despite being question its usefulness.Conclusion. It is important to adapt the intestinal cleansing iatrogenic each child, consider the weight, diet and its attendant surgical process pathologies in this way and according to the results can determine the safest way to prevent alterations method which children may be more likely.

ResumoIntrodução. O objetivo desta pesquisa é descrever alterações eletrolíticas associadas com os métodos utilizados para a limpeza intestinal pré-operatória em crianças e identificar o que é mais seguro. Este encontra-se na importância de manter o equilíbrio correto de eletrólitos e que influenciam significativamente os resultados da cirurgia e são muito importantes no aspecto assistência ao paciente no período perioperatório.Método. Esta pesquisa é a partir dos anos de 2009 a 2013, com uma população de 172 internações de crianças com cirurgia colorretal programados. Quantitativa, non-cross experimental e retrospectivo. Considerou-se como variáveis ​​sócio dimensões demográficas, como sexo, idade, peso, diagnóstico, tipo de cirurgia, limpeza intestinal aplicada, distúrbios eletrolíticos com relação ao sódio, potássio, cloro, cálcio e ácido-base, respectivamente, bem como solução intravenosa utilizado. Para dados de análise utilizado software SPSS.Resultado. Cinco eram métodos de limpeza intestinal utilizados nos enemas de tempo de estudo e irrigações com solução salina mais neomicina 0,25%, phosphosoda oral, soro fisiológico por SNG e polietilenglycol. O mais utilizado foi o phosphosoda oral (n = 46) com crianças de mais de 10 000grs. Internação pré-operatória destina-se a limpeza do intestino é de três dias. O que resulta em um muito caro para a prática do sistema de saúde, a família eo paciente, apesar de ser causa a sua utilidade.Conclusão. É importante adaptar o intestinal limpeza iatrogênica cada criança, considere o peso, dieta e seus assistentes cirúrgicos patologias processo desta forma e de acordo com os resultados pode determinar a maneira mais segura para evitar método alterações que as crianças podem ser mais provável.

Prevalência de asma e asma grave e a associação com obesidade infantil / Prevalence of asthma and severe asthma and its association with child obesity

O presente trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar a prevalência de asma, asma grave e obesidade infantil e analisar a associação entre elas e seus fatores de risco, através de um estudo transversal, onde foram avaliados os fatores de risco, dados antropométricos e aplicado o questionário ISAAC. Os questionários foram distribuídos em escolas municipais, para crianças de 6 a 8 anos e de 13 a 15 anos, selecionadas de forma aleatória e realizada a coleta dos dados antropométricos. A amostra total consistiu de 394 estudantes avaliados, 58,1% entre 6 a 8 anos e 54,3% do sexo feminino. A prevalência de asma ativa, nas crianças de 6 a 8 anos foi de 18,6 % e de 12,7% nos adolescentes e, de 3,1% a prevalência de asma grave. Os fatores de risco, na análise multivariada, para asma foram: idade de 6 a 8 anos (p = 0,001), tabagismo passivo (p= 0,001), a classe econômica A e B (p <0,001) e tempo de aleitamento materno menor que 1 mês (p = 0,021). No grupo de crianças de 6 a 8 anos, a prevalência de obesidade foi de 24% e no grupo de 13 a 15 anos de 28%. Estiveram associados à obesidade os seguintes fatores: a classe A e B (p = 0,003) e parto cesáreo (p = 0,030). Houve associação entre obesidade e asma grave (OR=6,9; p = 0,017). Assim, os valores da prevalência de asma e obesidade infantil são comparáveis aos dados nacionais e a associação positiva entre as duas doenças alerta para a necessidade da criação e aprimoramento de programas voltados para a prevenção e tratamento das mesmas.

Infección tuberculosa meníngea (meningitis tuberculosa) en un paciente con sida y la aplicación del GeneXpert como herramienta diagnóstica / Tuberculous meningitis in a patient with aids and the application of GeneXpert as a diagnostic too

La infección por VIH incrementa la posibilidad de contraer tuberculosis; el riesgo resulta mayor para las formas extrapulmonares y dentro de estas, la meníngea. La infección por VIH no modifica las manifestaciones neurológi-cas pero disminuye significativamente la supervivencia. El método molecu-lar GeneXpert MTB/RIF (CEPHEID, USA), implementado en 2010, es un mé-todo de amplificación del ácido nucleico para Mycobacterium tuberculosis, en tiempo real, con la determinación adicional de la resistencia a rifampicina.Caso clínico: paciente con VIH de diagnóstico reciente que manifes-tó enfermedad consuntiva. El cuadro inicial fue de compromiso pulmo-nar y luego meníngeo; en ambos casos el método GeneXpert MTB/RIF detectó Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistente a rifampicina. Se utili-zaron drogas de segunda línea, por la presunción de estar frente a una tuberculosis multiresistente, por definición resistente al menos a iso-niacida y rifampicina. Desarrolló hidrocefalia y profundas secuelas.Conclusiones: este método molecular permitió la detección rápida de la tuberculosis, la implementación de medidas de aislamiento así como con-trol de la infección y el inicio temprano de una terapéutica más eficaz, tan-to en la forma pulmonar como meníngea

HIV infection increases the risk of developing any form of tuberculosis, but the risk is greater for meningitis and the extrapulmonary form. HIV infection does not alter the neurological manifestations, but significantly decreases survival. The GeneXpert MTB / RIF (CEPHEID, USA), implemented in 2010, is a real time PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with rifampicin sensitivity.Case report: patient with recent diagnosed HIV, stating wasting disease. The original picture involved lung and then meningeal compromise: In both cases the Xpert MTB / RIF detected the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis rimfapicin resistant. Second-line drugs were used by the presumption of being faced with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis that, by definition, is resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin. Patient developed hydrocephalus and was severe aftermath.Conclusions: This molecular method allowed the rapid detection of tuberculosis, implementation of isolation measures as infection control and the early onset of a more effective therapy, both in the pulmonary form and the meningeal