The TIRS trial: Enrollment procedures and baseline characterization of a pediatric cohort to quantify the epidemiologic impact of targeted indoor residual spraying on Aedes-borne viruses in Merida, Mexico.

Aedes mosquito-borne viruses (ABVs) place a substantial strain on public health resources in the Americas. Vector control of Aedes mosquitoes is an important public health strategy to decrease or prevent spread of ABVs. The ongoing Targeted Indoor Residual Spraying (TIRS) trial is an NIH-sponsored clinical trial to study the efficacy of a novel, proactive vector control technique to prevent dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections in the endemic city of Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The primary outcome of the trial is laboratory-confirmed ABV infections in neighborhood clusters. Despite the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, by early 2021 the TIRS trial completed enrollment of 4,792 children aged 2-15 years in 50 neighborhood clusters which were allocated to control or intervention arms via a covariate-constrained randomization algorithm. Here, we describe the makeup and ABV seroprevalence of participants and mosquito population characteristics in both arms before TIRS administration. Baseline surveys showed similar distribution of age, sex, and socio-economic factors between the arms. Serum samples from 1,399 children were tested by commercially available ELISAs for presence of anti-ABV antibodies. We found that 45.1% of children were seropositive for one or more flaviviruses and 24.0% were seropositive for CHIKV. Of the flavivirus-positive participants, most were positive for ZIKV-neutralizing antibodies by focus reduction neutralization testing which indicated a higher proportion of participants with previous ZIKV than DENV infections within the cohort. Both study arms had statistically similar seroprevalence for all viruses tested, similar socio-demographic compositions, similar levels of Ae. aegypti infestation, and similar observed mosquito susceptibility to insecticides. These findings describe a population with a high rate of previous exposure to ZIKV and lower titers of neutralizing antibodies against DENV serotypes, suggesting susceptibility to future outbreaks of flaviviruses is possible, but proactive vector control may mitigate these risks.

Abundance and Leishmania infection patterns of the sand fly Psathyromyia cratifer in Southern Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) is a serious public health problem in Southern Mexico. Six species of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) have been found to be infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana, the causative agent of LCL in the region. However, little is known about the biology and potential participation of Psathyromyia cratifer in the Leishmania transmission cycle in Mexico, and the Americas. The present study provides evidence of temporal infection caused by Leishmania in Psathyromyia cratifer as well as data on its population dynamics in a LCL endemic area during the well-known transmission cycle of Leishmania in Southern Mexico. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Individual specimens of Psathyromyia cratifer were collected in four sites over the course of five months (from November 2020 through March 2021) using animal-baited, human-baited, and light traps. The temporal activity pattern (month + hour) of Psathyromyia cratifer was assessed along with its relationship with environmental variables. Moreover, Leishmania DNA and blood meals were analyzed and detected in female sand flies. This evidenced an infection rate ranging from 8% to 83%, and the record of Homo sapiens and Ototylomys phyllotis as blood hosts of this sand fly species. High abundances of these sand flies in human-baited traps were recorded which revealed the marked anthropophilic behavior of Psathyromyia cratifer. As regards the transmission dynamics of the parasite within the region, it was observed that the potential highest epidemiological risk for Leishmania transmission by Psathyromyia cratifer occurred during the months of January and March. CONCLUSION: This is the first contribution ever made to both the population dynamic and the temporal Leishmania prevalence patterns in Psathyromyia cratifer. The resulting findings suggest that this sand fly specimen is the sixth potential vector of L. (L.) mexicana in Southern Mexico. Nonetheless, various biology, behavior, and ecology strands are yet to be addressed. The latter, to determine the role it plays in the transmission dynamics of the parasite within the region, and other areas of the country.

A comparative genomic study of a hydrocarbon-degrading marine bacterial consortium.

Ocean oil pollution has a large impact on the environment and the health of living organisms. Bioremediation cleaning strategies are promising eco-friendly alternatives for tackling this problem. Previously, we designed and reported a hydrocarbon (HC) degrading microbial consortium of four marine strains belonging to the species Alloalcanivorax xenomutans, Halopseudomonas aestusnigri, Paenarthrobacter sp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, the knowledge about the metabolic potential of this bacterial consortium for HC bioremediation is not yet well understood. Here, we analyzed the complete genomes of these marine bacterial strains accompanied by a phylogenetic reconstruction along with 138 bacterial strains. Synteny between complete genomes of the same species or genus, revealed high conservation among strains of the same species, covering over 91% of their genomic sequences. Functional predictions highlighted a high abundance of genes related to HC degradation, which may result in functional redundancy within the consortium; however, unique and complete gene clusters linked to aromatic degradation were found in the four genomes, suggesting substrate specialization. Pangenome gain and loss analysis of genes involved in HC degradation provided insights into the evolutionary history of these capabilities, shedding light on the acquisition and loss of relevant genes related to alkane and aromatic degradation. Our work, including comparative genomic analyses, identification of secondary metabolites, and prediction of HC-degrading genes, enhances our understanding of the functional diversity and ecological roles of these marine bacteria in crude oil-contaminated marine environments and contributes to the applied knowledge of bioremediation.

Fusarium Tropical Race 4 in Latin America and the Caribbean: status and global research advances towards disease management.

Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB), caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), poses an undeniable threat to global banana production. This disease has intensified in recent years, with the tropical race 4 (TR4) strain spreading rapidly. Since 2018, the number of affected countries has increased from 16 to 23, presenting a significant challenge to researchers, producers, and National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) worldwide. The potential impact of TR4 in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is particularly concerning. This region boasts seven of the top ten banana-exporting countries, and bananas and plantains are crucial for food security and income generation. In Colombia, where TR4 was detected in 2019, the disease has already spread from La Guajira to Magdalena, and it is currently affecting 20 large commercial export farms. In Peru, the disease was detected in 2021 and although still restricted to the northern region, flood irrigation and heavy rains associated with the Yaku cyclone, boosted pathogen spread, and more than 400 small organic banana farmers are currently affected. In Venezuela, TR4 detection occurred in 2023, with plantations across three states and five municipalities now affected. Worryingly, TR4 has also been confirmed in plantains, a staple food in the region. Current national responses in LAC primarily rely on preventive and reactive measures: preventing initial incursions and containing outbreaks to avoid further spread. However, the disease's relentless progression suggests that its eventual presence in all banana-producing areas is likely. Therefore, exploring alternative management approaches beyond pathogen exclusion becomes crucial, both in affected and disease-free regions. This paper examines the current spread of TR4, focusing on epidemiological aspects and recent research-based management options. Key epidemiological features were highlighted, drawing practical examples from various scales (plots to landscapes) and utilizing experiences from LAC's fight against TR4. The paper also reviews field-tested approaches in biosecurity, biological control, resistant varieties, soil health, and integrated disease management, acknowledging the specific challenges faced by smallholder settings. In each section research initiatives were analyzed, identifying gaps, and proposing directions to minimize TR4 impact and accelerate the development of sustainable solutions for managing this devastating disease.

Estudio comparativo del dolor abdominal en las culturas maya Tzeltal, maya Tzotzil y maya Q ́eqchi ́y el uso de Ageratina ligustrina para su tratamiento / Comparative study of abdominal pain in the Mayan cultures Tzeltal, Maya Tzotzil and Maya Q ́eqchi´ and use of Ageratina ligustrina for the treatment

El presente estudio es una comparación del dolor abdominal producido por trastornos gastrointestinales, aliviado por Ageratina ligustrina , entre los grupos maya Tzeltal, Tzotzil y Q ́eqchi ́, el cual integró un enfoque etnomédico, etnobotánico y transcultural, comparando estudios previos con el presente trabajo de campo. Para evaluar la eficacia de Ageratina para aliviar el dolor abdominal, se realizó un inventario de las moléculas reportadas en esta especie, así como de su actividad farmacológica, a través de una revisión bibliográfica. Los resultados mostraron que la epidemiología del dolor producido por TGI, su etnobotánica y el modelo explicativo del dolor abdominal fueron similares entre grupos étnicos. Asimismo, se identificaron 27 moléculas con efectos antiinflamatorios y antinociceptivos, lo que podría explicar por qué esta especie es culturalmente importante para los pobladores maya Tzeltal, Tzotzil y Q ́eqch i ́ para el alivio del dolor abdominal, mientras que, desde el punto de vista biomédico, es una especie con potencial para inhibir el dolor visceral.

The current study is a comparison of the abdominal pain conception produced by gastrointestinal disorders, relieved by Ageratina ligustrina , among inhabitants of the Mayan Tzeltal, Tzotzil, and Q'eqchi' groups ethnomedical, ethnobotanical, and cross -cultural approaches were used to compare previous studies with the present field work. To evaluate the efficacy of A. ligustrina to relieve pain, also through a bibliographic review an inventory of the molecules present in this species was performed, as well as their pharmacological activity. The results showed that the epidemiology of pain produced by GID, its ethnobotany, and the explanatory model of abdominal pain are similar among ethnic groups. Likewise, 27 molecules with anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects were identified, which could explain why this species is culturally important for the Mayan Tzeltal, Tzotzil, and Q'eqchi' groups for the relief of abdominal pain, while, from a biomedical point of view, it is a species with potential to inhibit visceral pain.

Autopercepción de las competencias ciudadanas en estudiantes de educación física en Santiago de Chile

Las competencias ciudadanas se pueden describir como aquellas herramientas que orientan y forman a los ciudadanos de manera integral. En el contexto de la Educación Física, existen escasos estudios abordando esta temática, y tampoco se encontraron instrumentos validados en dicha población. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron: a) Conocer las propiedades Psicométricas del cuestionario de Competencias Ciudadanas en una muestra de estudiantes de Educación Física y b) determinar la autopercepción de los niveles de competencias ciudadanas en los estudiantes de Pedagogía Educación Física de una universidad de Santiago de Chile. Metodología: cuantitativa, no experimental de corte transversal. La muestra estuvo constituida por 201 estudiantes de ambos sexos de primer a quinto año de la carrera de Pedagogía en Educación Física de una universidad de Santiago de Chile. Los principales resultados arrojan que el instrumento es válido (KMO=0.961 con dos factores que explican el 74,9% de la varianza total) y confiable (α=0.958) para ser utilizado en la muestra, constituida por un total de 16 ítems (14 para Responsabilidad Socio-afectiva y dos para Regulación de convivencia), en cuanto a las comparaciones, las participantes del sexo femenino obtuvieron puntuaciones más altas, así como también las diferencias por curso, siendo los estudiantes de cuarto año quienes presentaron resultados menos favorables. Se concluye que las competencias ciudadanas son relevantes en la formación del profesorado y se propone investigar metodologías experimentales para mejorar las habilidades a través de las clases de Educación Física.

Citizen competences can be described as those tools that guide and educate citizens in a comprehensive manner. In the context of physical education, there are few studies addressing this issue, and no validated instruments were found in this population. The objectives of this study were: a) To know the Psychometric properties of the Citizen Competencies questionnaire in a sample of Physical Education students and b) to determine the self-perception of the levels of citizen competencies in students of Physical Education Pedagogy of a university Santiago de Chile. Methodology: quantitative, not experimental cross-sectional. The sample consisted of 201 students of both sexes from the first to the fifth year of the degree of Pedagogy in Physical Education of a university in Santiago de Chile. The main results show that the instrument is valid (KMO=0.961 with two factors that explain 74.9% of the total variance) and reliable (α=0.958) to be used in the sample, consisting of a total of 16 items (14 for Socio-affective Responsibility and 2 for Coexistence Regulation), in terms of comparisons female participants obtained higher scores, as well as differences by course, fourth-year students presented less favourable results. It is concluded that citizen competencies are relevant in teacher training and proposes to investigate experimental methodologies to improve skills through physical education classes.

As competências dos cidadãos podem ser descritas como os instrumentos que orientam e formam os cidadãos de forma integral. No contexto da Educação Física, existem poucos estudos abordando esta temática, e tampouco se encontraram instrumentos validados nessa população. Os objectivos do presente estudo foram: a) Conhecer as propriedades psicométricas do questionário de Competências Cidadãs numa amostra de estudantes de Educação Física e b) determinar a autopercepção dos níveis de competências cidadãs nos estudantes de Pedagogia Educação Física de uma universidade de Santiago do Chile. Metodologia: quantitativa, não experimental de corte transversal. A mostra foi constituída por 201 estudantes de ambos os sexos do primeiro ao quinto ano da carreira de Pedagogia em Educação Física de uma universidade de Santiago do Chile. Os principais resultados revelam que o instrumento é válido (KMO=0.961 com dois fatores que explicam 74,9% da variância total) e confiável (α=0.958) para ser utilizado na amostra, constituída por um total de 16 itens (14 para Responsabilidade Socioafetiva e 2 para Regulação de convivência), quanto às comparações as participantes do sexo feminino obtiveram pontuações mais altas, assim como as diferenças por curso, Os estudantes do quarto ano apresentaram resultados menos favoráveis. Conclui-se que as competências cidadãs são relevantes na formação de professores e se propõe investigar metodologias experimentais para melhorar as habilidades através das aulas de Educação Física.

Comprehensive comparative analysis of the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis: exploring the pan-genome, the reconstruction of the gene regulatory network and genome-scale metabolic network.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a nonmotile, obligate anaerobic, Gram-negative bacterium known for its association with periodontal disease and its involvement in systemic diseases such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. This bacterium produces several virulence factors, including capsules, fimbriae, lipopolysaccharides, proteolytic enzymes, and hemagglutinins. A comparative genomic analysis revealed the open pangenome of P. gingivalis and identified complete type IV secretion systems in strain KCOM2805 and almost complete type VI secretion systems in strains KCOM2798 and ATCC49417, which is a new discovery as previous studies did not find the proteins involved in secretion systems IV and VI. Conservation of some virulence factors between different strains was observed, regardless of their genetic diversity and origin. In addition, we performed for the first time a reconstruction analysis of the gene regulatory network, identifying transcription factors and proteins involved in the regulatory mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis. In particular, QseB regulates the expression of hemagglutinin and arginine deaminase, while Rex may suppress the release of gingipain through interactions with PorV and the formatum/nitrate transporter. Our study highlights the central role of conserved virulence factors and regulatory pathways, particularly QseB and Rex, in P. gingivalis and provides insights into potential therapeutic targets.

Assessment of adaptive behavior in people with intellectual disabilities: Design and development of a new test battery.

Background: Adaptive behavior is an important characteristic of people with intellectual disabilities, and it has been associated with a person's performance in social and work contexts. Indeed, adaptive behavior denotes what a person does independently, without help, support, reminders, or prompts. In Peru, available measures of adaptive behavior are commercial; thus, there is a need for an open-access tool to assess the adaptive behavior of people with intellectual disabilities. For this reason, the aim of the study was to design and develop a new Adaptive Behavior Test Battery for people from 13 to 60 years old with intellectual disabilities who have an interest in being part of the economically active population. Methods: A cross-sectional design was defined, starting with a qualitative approach to designing and constructing the item pool for the test battery. Then, quantitative indexes Aiken's V for content validity and Krippendorff's alpha for inter-observer reliability were estimated, resulting in a first version of the three subscales that comprised the test battery. The initial versions were tested on a sample of 566 persons with intellectual disabilities from two regions of Peru: Lima (Coast) and San Martín (Jungle). The internal structure was analyzed under a factor analysis approach, along with internal consistency measures of reliability. Further analyses of invariance regarding gender, region, and age were carried out. Results: Three observer subscales were proposed: Daily living activities (11 items), Instrumental skills (4 items), and Communication (9 items). All subscales showed excellent psychometric properties denoted by the Aiken's V coefficient, Krippendorff's alpha, factor analysis, internal consistency analysis, and invariance analyses. Conclusion: The developed a new Adaptive Behavior Test Battery is a useful tool for the measurement of adaptive behavior and the monitoring of social and labor inclusion programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

A useful formula for periodic Jacobi matrices on trees.

We introduce a function of the density of states for periodic Jacobi matrices on trees and prove a useful formula for it in terms of entries of the resolvent of the matrix and its "half-tree" restrictions. This formula is closely related to the one-dimensional Thouless formula and associates a natural phase with points in the bands. This allows streamlined proofs of the gap labeling and Aomoto index theorems. We give a complete proof of gap labeling and sketch the proof of the Aomoto index theorem. We also prove a version of this formula for the Anderson model on trees.

Influence of pH and temperature on the performance and microbial community during the production of medium-chain carboxylic acids using winery effluents as substrate.

Winery effluents containing high ethanol concentrations and diverse organic matter are ideal substrates for producing medium-chain carboxylic acids via fermentation and chain elongation. However, the process needs to be better understood. This study presents novel insights into the bioconversion mechanisms of medium-chain carboxylic acids by correlating fermentation and chain elongation kinetic profiles with the study of microbial communities at different pH (5 to 7) conditions and temperatures (30 to 40 °C). It was found that high productivities of MCCA were obtained using a native culture and winery effluents as a natural substrate. Minor pH variations significantly affected the metabolic pathway of the microorganisms for MCCA production. The maximal productivities of hexanoic (715 mg/L/d) and octanoic (350 mg/L/d) acids were found at pH 6 and 35 °C. Results evidence that the presence of Clostridium, Bacteroides, and Negativicutes promotes the high productions of MCCA. The formation of heptanoic acid was favor when Mogibacterium and Burkholderia were present.

Caracterización de los desenlaces quirúrgicos a corto plazo en gastrectomía por laparoscopia en un centro de alto volumen: 10 años de experiencia / Short-term surgical outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy in a high-volume center: 10-year experience

Introducción. El cáncer gástrico en Colombia es la segunda neoplasia más común en hombres y la cuarta en mujeres. En los últimos años se han descrito ampliamente los beneficios del abordaje laparoscópico en el cáncer gástrico frente a sangrado, recuperación postoperatoria y complicaciones, sin afectar los resultados oncológicos. Métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes llevados a gastrectomía laparoscópica en la Clínica Universitaria Colombia durante un período de diez años, entre 2013 y 2023. Se describieron los resultados perioperatorios en cuanto a estancia hospitalaria, sangrado operatorio, duración del procedimiento, complicaciones, causas de reintervención y mortalidad en los primeros 30 días. Resultados. Se incluyeron 418 pacientes, 58,9 % hombres, con una edad promedio de 60,8 años. Se documentó un tiempo quirúrgico promedio de 228,7 minutos, con un sangrado de 150 ml. La media de ganglios linfáticos resecados fue de 26,1 ± 11,4. La estancia hospitalaria en promedio fue de 4 ± 4 días, y se registraron complicaciones en 104 sujetos, con una tasa promedio de 24 %, de las cuales 29 (27,4 %) obtuvieron una clasificación Clavien-Dindo IIIB. Conclusiones. La gastrectomía por laparoscopia en un centro de alto volumen y con cirujanos experimentados en Colombia, tiene resultados perioperatorios similares a lo reportado en la literatura mundial. Aún se requiere de estudios de mayor fuerza de asociación para establecer recomendaciones sobre el uso rutinario de este abordaje en patología maligna avanzada.

Introduction. Gastric cancer in Colombia is the second most common neoplasm in men and the fourth in women. In recent years, the benefits of the laparoscopic approach in gastric cancer against bleeding, postoperative recovery com and complications have been widely described, without affecting oncological results. Methods. Retrospective observational study of patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy at the Clínica Universitaria Colombia over a period of ten years, between 2013 and 2023. Perioperative results were described in terms of hospital stay, operative bleeding, duration of the procedure, complications, causes of reintervention, and mortality in the first 30 days. Results. 418 patients were included, 58.9% men, with an average age of 60.88 years. An average surgical time of 228.7 minutes was documented, with a blood loss of 150 ml. The mean number of lymph nodes resected was 26.1 ± 11.4. The average hospital stay was 4 ± 4 days, and complications were recorded in 104 subjects, with an average rate of 24%, of which 29 (27.4%) obtained a Clavien-Dindo IIIB classification. Conclusions. Laparoscopic gastrectomy in a high-volume center and with experienced surgeons in Colombia has perioperative results similar to those reported in the world literature. Studies with greater strength of association are still required to establish recommendations on the routine use of this approach in advanced malignant pathology.

Teratoma mesentérico maduro en una mujer adulta: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Mature mesenteric teratoma in an adult women: Case report and literature

Introducción. Los teratomas son neoplasias que surgen a partir de células germinales pluripotenciales y derivan de dos o más capas de células. Se clasifican en tumores maduros, que contienen tejidos bien diferenciados, o inmaduros, que contienen estructuras inmaduras y embrionarias. Su localización más frecuente son las gónadas; la ubicación mesentérica es infrecuente y se han descrito aproximadamente 40 casos en la literatura mundial. Dentro del abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico, se emplea la tomografía computarizada y la resonancia magnética nuclear para caracterizar la lesión, evaluar la extensión intraabdominal y la relación con otras estructuras. El diagnóstico debe confirmarse mediante el examen histopatológico. Caso clínico. Paciente femenina de 56 años, con antecedente de carcinoma ductal infiltrante de mama izquierda en remisión, en estudios de seguimiento con hallazgo incidental en tomografía de abdomen de lesión abdominopélvica dependiente del mesenterio, contornos lisos y nivel grasa-líquido. Estudios de extensión con marcadores tumorales negativos. Resultados. Por la alta sospecha clínica e imagenológica de teratoma, fue llevada a resección quirúrgica de la lesión. El examen histopatológico confirmó el diagnóstico de teratoma quístico maduro del mesenterio. Conclusión. El teratoma mesentérico es una entidad clínica rara, que debe ser considerado como uno de los diagnósticos diferenciales de una masa abdominal con efecto compresivo. El diagnóstico se basa principalmente en el examen clínico y los hallazgos imagenológicos. La escisión quirúrgica temprana es el pilar del tratamiento; el abordaje laparoscópico o abierto depende de las características clínicas y la experiencia del cirujano.

Background. Teratomas are neoplasms that arise from pluripotent germ cells, derived from two or more layers of germ cells. They are classified as mature tumors (cystic or solid), which contain well-differentiated tissues, or as immature tumors, which contain immature and embryonic structures. Its most frequent location is the female and male gonads; the mesenteric location is rare and approximately 40 cases have been described in the world literature. Within the diagnostic and therapeutic approach, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are used to characterize the lesion, assess intra-abdominal extension and the relationship with other structures. The diagnosis must be confirmed by histopathological examination. Clinical case. A 56-year-old female patient with a history of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the left breast in remission. In follow-up studies, incidental abdominal tomography finding of an abdominopelvic lesion dependent on the mesentery at the level of the mesogastrium, smooth contours with fat-liquid level. Extension studies with negative tumor markers. Results. Due to high clinical and imaging suspicion of teratoma, the patient was taken to resection of the lesion. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma of the mesentery. Conclusion. Mesenteric teratoma is a rare clinical entity and is considered one of the differential diagnoses of an abdominal mass with a compressive effect. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical examination and imaging findings. Early surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment; laparoscopic or open approach depends on the clinical characteristics and the experience of the surgeon.

Third National Registry of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Mexico (RENAPREC III-2022) / Tercer Registro Nacional de Programas de Rehabilitación Cardiaca en México (RENAPREC III-2022)

Abstract Introduction: In Mexico, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) as an interdisciplinary intervention with therapeutic impact in patients with heart disease is growing. There is the need to know actual conditions of CR in our country. Objectives: The objective of this National Registry is to follow-up those existing and new CR units in Mexico through the comparison between the two previous registries, RENAPREC-2009 and RENAPREC II-2015 studies. This is a descriptive study focused on diverse CR activities such as assistance training, and certification of health professionals, barriers, reference, population attended, interdisciplinarity, permanence over time, growth prospects, regulations, post-pandemic condition, integrative characteristics, and scientific research. Results: Data were collected from 45 CR centers in the 32 states, 75.5% are private practice units, 67% are new, 33% were part of RENAPREC II-2015, and 17 have continued since 2009. With a better distribution of CR units along the territory, the median reference of candidates for CR programs is 9% with a significant reduction into tiempo of enrollment to Phase II admission (19 ± 11 days). Regarding to previous registries, the coverance of Phases I, II, and III is 71%, 100%, and 93%, respectively; and a coverance increases in evaluation, risk stratification, and prescription, more comprehensive attendance and prevention strategies. Conclusions: CR in Mexico has grown in the past 7 years. Even there is still low reference and heterogeneity in specific processes, there are strengths such as interdisciplinarity, scientific professionalization of specialists, national diversification, and an official society that are consolidated over time.

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Manejo interdisciplinario de la obesidad y el sobrepeso en rehabilitación cardiaca: revisión de la Sociedad Mexicana para el Cuidado del Corazón / Interdisciplinary management of obesity and overweight in cardiac rehabilitation: review of the Mexican Society for Heart Care (Sociedad Mexicana para el Cuidado del Corazón, SOMECCOR)

Resumen Antecedentes: La obesidad es un trastorno multifactorial caracterizado por un aumento en la adiposidad corporal, de amplia prevalencia en nuestro país, a cualquier edad y ligada a grandes consecuencias adversas, incluyendo el desarrollo de cardiopatías. Los programas de rehabilitación cardiaca (RC) son intervenciones interdisciplinarias encaminadas no solo a restaurar la funcionalidad perdida de los pacientes que han sufrido un desenlace cardiovascular, sino también a corregir aquellos factores de riesgo que lo propiciaron y que interfieren en los resultados adaptativos del mismo. La obesidad contribuye a perpetuar el riesgo de cardiopatía y suele ser resistente a las modificaciones del estilo de vida de manera convencional. Objetivo: Establecer pautas en el reconocimiento de la obesidad con directrices de atención al paciente con cardiopatía dentro de los programas de RC y su abordaje interdisciplinario. Método: A través de una extensiva revisión bibliográfica y después de una discusión interdisciplinaria, se elaboró el presente documento para fijar una postura sobre el abordaje de la obesidad en el contexto de los programas de RC en pacientes con cardiopatía. Resultados y conclusiones: Nuestra Sociedad reconoce el abordaje interdisciplinario de los pacientes con obesidad y cardiopatía en su prevención primaria y secundaria, insta a la precisión en su diagnóstico y valoración, y recomienda que su eje primario debe estar basado en primera instancia en las modificaciones del estilo de vida (entrenamiento físico, atención nutricional e intervención psicoemocional), en tanto que la terapia farmacológica y la cirugía bariátrica pudieran ser coadyuvantes en la optimización de los resultados en pacientes selectos.

Abstract Background: Obesity is a multifactorial disorder characterized by increased body adiposity with a wide prevalence in our country, at any age, and linked to major adverse consequences, including the development of heart disease. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are interdisciplinary interventions aimed not only at restoring the lost functionality of patients who have suffered a cardiovascular outcome, but also at correcting those risk factors that led to it and that interfere with its adaptive results. Obesity contributes to perpetuating heart disease risk and is often resistant to conventional lifestyle modifications. Objective: Establish guidelines in the recognition of obesity with care guidelines for patients with heart disease within CR programs and their interdisciplinary approach. Method: Through an extensive bibliographical review and after an interdisciplinary discussion, this document was prepared to establish a position on the approach to obesity in the context of CR programs in patients with heart disease. Results and conclusions: Our Society recognizes the interdisciplinary approach of our patients with obesity and heart disease in its primary and secondary prevention, urges precision in its diagnosis and assessment, recommends that its primary axis must be based in the first instance on lifestyle modifications (physical training, nutritional care and psycho-emotional intervention), while pharmacological therapy and bariatric surgery could be coadjuvants in optimizing the results in selected patients.

HADEG: A curated hydrocarbon aerobic degradation enzymes and genes database.

Databases of genes and enzymes involved in hydrocarbon degradation have been previously reported. However, these databases specialize on only a specific group of hydrocarbons and/or are constructed partly based on enzyme sequences with putative functions indicated by in silico research, with no experimental evidence. Here, we present a curated database of Hydrocarbon Aerobic Degradation Enzymes and Genes (HADEG) containing proteins and genes involved in alkane, alkene, aromatic, and plastic aerobic degradation and biosurfactant production based solely on experimental evidence, which are present in bacteria, and fungi. HADEG includes 259 proteins for petroleum hydrocarbon degradation, 160 for plastic degradation, and 32 for biosurfactant production. This database will help identify and predict hydrocarbon degradation genes/pathways and biosurfactant production in genomes.

Neurovascular dysfunction in glaucoma.

Retinal ganglion cells, the neurons that die in glaucoma, are endowed with a high metabolism requiring optimal provision of oxygen and nutrients to sustain their activity. The timely regulation of blood flow is, therefore, essential to supply firing neurons in active areas with the oxygen and glucose they need for energy. Many glaucoma patients suffer from vascular deficits including reduced blood flow, impaired autoregulation, neurovascular coupling dysfunction, and blood-retina/brain-barrier breakdown. These processes are tightly regulated by a community of cells known as the neurovascular unit comprising neurons, endothelial cells, pericytes, Müller cells, astrocytes, and microglia. In this review, the neurovascular unit takes center stage as we examine the ability of its members to regulate neurovascular interactions and how their function might be altered during glaucomatous stress. Pericytes receive special attention based on recent data demonstrating their key role in the regulation of neurovascular coupling in physiological and pathological conditions. Of particular interest is the discovery and characterization of tunneling nanotubes, thin actin-based conduits that connect distal pericytes, which play essential roles in the complex spatial and temporal distribution of blood within the retinal capillary network. We discuss cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurovascular interactions and their pathophysiological implications, while highlighting opportunities to develop strategies for vascular protection and regeneration to improve functional outcomes in glaucoma.

Draft genome sequences of six bacteria isolated from polylactic acid samples from the Mediterranean Sea.

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of six marine strains isolated from plastic samples incubated in the Mediterranean Sea. Genomic analyses place these strains within the Alkalihalobacillus, Bacillus, Halomonas, and Marinobacter genera. Examining the genomes of these non-typical environmental bacteria increases our comprehension of microorganism biology and their potential uses.

Emergence of Raoultella ornithinolytica in human infections from different hospitals in Ecuador with OXA-48-producing resistance.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to highlight the clinical and molecular features of 13 Raoultella ornithinolytica strains isolated from clinical environments in Ecuador, and to perform comparative genomics with previously published genomes of Raoultella spp. As Raoultella is primarily found in environmental, clinical settings, we focused our work on identifying mechanisms of resistance that can provide this bacterium an advantage to establish and persist in hospital environments. Methods: We analyzed 13 strains of Raoultella ornithinolytica isolated from patients with healthcare associated infections (HAI) in three hospitals in Quito and one in Santo Domingo de Los Tsáchilas, Ecuador, between November 2017 and April 2018. These isolates were subjected to phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing, end-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of carbapenemases and whole-genome sequencing. Results: Polymerase chain reaction revealed that seven isolates were positive isolates for blaOXA-48 and one for blaKPC-2 gene. Of the seven strains that presented the blaOXA-48 gene, six harbored it on an IncFII plasmid, one was inserted into the bacterial chromosome. The blaKPC gene was detected in an IncM2/IncR plasmid. From the bioinformatics analysis, nine genomes had the gene blaOXA-48, originating from Ecuador. Moreover, all R. ornithinolytica strains contained the ORN-1 gene, which confers resistance for ß-lactams, such as penicillins and cephalosporins. Comparative genome analysis of the strains showed that the pangenome of R. ornithinolytica is considered an open pangenome, with 27.77% of core genes, which could be explained by the fact that the antibiotic resistance genes in the ancestral reconstruction are relatively new, suggesting that this genome is constantly incorporating new genes. Conclusion: These results reveal the genome plasticity of R. ornithinolytica, particularly in acquiring antibiotic-resistance genes. The genomic surveillance and infectious control of these uncommon species are important since they may contribute to the burden of antimicrobial resistance and human health.

A Modulated Approach for Improving MFSK RADARS to Resolve Mutual Interference on Autonomous Vehicles (AVs).

This paper proposes a novel automotive radar waveform involving the theory behind M-ary frequency shift key (MFSK) radar systems. Along with the MFSK theory, coding schemes are studied to provide a solution to mutual interference. The proposed MFSK waveform consists of frequency increments throughout the range of 76 GHz to 81 GHz with a step value of 1 GHz. Instead of stepping with a fixed frequency, a triangular chirp sequence allows for static and moving objects to be detected. Therefore, automotive radars will improve Doppler estimation and simultaneous range of various targets. In this paper, a binary coding scheme and a combined transform coding scheme used for radar waveform correlation are evaluated in order to provide unique signals. AVs have to perform in an environment with a high number of signals being sent through the automotive radar frequency band. Efficient coding methods are required to increase the number of signals that are generated. An evaluation method and experimental data of modulated frequencies as well as a comparison with other frequency method systems are presented.