Stoichiometric network analysis in reaction networks yielding spontaneous mirror symmetry breaking in a prebiotic atmosphere.

The generation of amino acid homochirality under prebiotic atmosphere conditions is a relevant issue in the study of the origin of life. This research is based on the production of amino acids via Strecker synthesis and how it is adjusted to the Kondepudi-Nelson autocatalytic model. The spontaneous mirror symmetry breaking (SMSB) of the new Kondepudi-Nelson-Strecker model, subject to two modifications (with Limited Enantioselective and Cross Inhibition), and also their combination were studied using the stoichiometric network analysis (SNA). In the calculations, the values obtained from the literature for alanine were considered. A total production of alanine of 7.56 × 109 mol year-1 was determined under prebiotic atmosphere conditions and starting from that value, the reaction rates for the models studied were estimated. Only the model with cross inhibition or achiral dimer formation is driven by stochastic fluctuations during SMSB. The stochastic fluctuation was estimated for a value of 2.619 × 10-15 mol L-1. This perturbation was sufficient to trigger SMSB. Finally, the results of SMSB were used to calculate the entropy production for the cross inhibition model.

A Bio-Inspired Endogenous Attention-Based Architecture for a Social Robot.

A robust perception system is crucial for natural human-robot interaction. An essential capability of these systems is to provide a rich representation of the robot's environment, typically using multiple sensory sources. Moreover, this information allows the robot to react to both external stimuli and user responses. The novel contribution of this paper is the development of a perception architecture, which was based on the bio-inspired concept of endogenous attention being integrated into a real social robot. In this paper, the architecture is defined at a theoretical level to provide insights into the underlying bio-inspired mechanisms and at a practical level to integrate and test the architecture within the complete architecture of a robot. We also defined mechanisms to establish the most salient stimulus for the detection or task in question. Furthermore, the attention-based architecture uses information from the robot's decision-making system to produce user responses and robot decisions. Finally, this paper also presents the preliminary test results from the integration of this architecture into a real social robot.

Monitoring of Coxiella burnetii in the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus).

Coxiella burnetii is a multi-host bacterium of major public and animal health concern. This pathogen circulates among several wild species in the Iberian Peninsula, however, the role of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in the epidemiology of this emerging pathogen is still unknown. The objective of this work was to assess the circulation of C. burnetii in Iberian lynx populations from the Iberian Peninsula and to study the molecular characterisation of this pathogen in lynxes and their feeding ticks. A total of 922 lynxes, including free-ranging and captive individuals, were sampled between 2010 and 2022 for the collection of sera (n = 543), spleen samples (n = 390) and ticks (n = 357 from 61 lynxes). The overall seroprevalence was 7.7 % (42/543; 95 %CI: 5.5-10.0 %), with age being significantly associated with the C. burnetii exposure in free-ranging lynxes. A longitudinal study was also carried out to assess the dynamics of the circulation of C. burnetii in this wild host, revealing that 7 of the 37 longitudinally surveyed individuals seroconverted during the study period. The PCR prevalence was 4.4 % (17/390, 95 %CI: 2.3-6.4 %) for spleen samples and 1.1 % (4/357; 95 % CI: 0.0-2.2) in ticks. This is the first study to evaluate the circulation of C. burnetii in the Iberian lynx and to confirm the infection in this felid. The results obtained show a moderate, wide, homogeneous, and endemic circulation of this bacterium in the Iberian lynx populations.

Exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus).

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging zoonotic virus of public and animal health concern, of which felids have been suggested as potential reservoirs. Although SARS-CoV-2 exposure has been detected in domestic and wild captive animals belonging to Felidae family, surveillance has not been carried out in free-ranging wild felids so far. The aim of the present study was to assess SARS-CoV-2 exposure in the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), the most endangered felid in the world. Between 2019 and 2022, we conducted a seroepidemiological study of SARS-CoV-2 in 276 free-ranging and captive Iberian lynxes. Our results evidenced limited (0.4%; 95%CI: 0.0-1.1) but not negligible exposure to this emerging virus in this endangered felid species, increasing the SARS-CoV-2 host range. The circulation of this virus in wildlife evidences the need of integrated European wildlife monitoring.

Long-term surveillance of the feline leukemia virus in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in Andalusia, Spain (2008-2021).

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection is considered one of the most serious disease threats for the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) Over 14 years (2008-2021), we investigated FeLV infection using point-of-care antigen test and quantitative real-time TaqMan qPCR for provirus detection in blood and tissues in lynxes from Andalusia (Southern Spain). A total of 776 samples from 586 individuals were included in this study. The overall prevalence for FeLV antigen in blood/serum samples was 1.4% (5/360) (95% CI: 0.2-2.6), FeLV proviral DNA prevalence in blood samples was 6.2% (31/503) (95% CI: 4.1-8.6), and FeLV proviral DNA in tissues samples was 10.2% (34/333) (95% CI: 7-13.5). From a subset of 129 longitudinally sampled individuals, 9.3% (12/129) PCR-converted during the study period. Our results suggest that FeLV infection in the Andalusian population is enzootic, with circulation of the virus at low levels in almost all the sampling years. Moreover, since only one viremic individual succumbed to the infection, this study suggests that lynxes may therefore control the infection decreasing the possibility of developing a more aggressive outcome. Although our results indicate that the FeLV infection in the Iberian lynx from Andalusia tends to stay within the regressive stage, continuous FeLV surveillance is paramount to predict potential outbreaks and ensure the survival of this population.

Hepatitis E virus in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus).

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen in Europe. In the Iberian Peninsula, wild boar (Sus scrofa) is considered the main wildlife reservoir of HEV. This wild ungulate shares habitat and resources with other potential HEV carriers in Iberian Mediterranean ecosystems, although information about the role of such sympatric species in the HEV epidemiological cycle is still very limited. The aims of the present large-scale, long-term study were: (1) to determine the seroprevalence and prevalence of HEV in both free-living and captive populations of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), the most endangered felid in the world; (2) to determine potential risk factors associated with HEV exposure in this species and (3) to evaluate the dynamics of seropositivity in longitudinally sampled animals during the study period. Between 2010 and 2021, serum samples from 275 Iberian lynxes were collected in free-ranging and captive populations across the Iberian Peninsula. Forty-four of the 275 lynxes were also longitudinally sampled during the study period. A double-antigen sandwich ELISA was used to test for the presence of antibodies against HEV. A subset of seropositive samples was analysed by Western blot (WB) assay to confirm exposure to HEV. In addition, serum, liver and/or faecal samples from 367 individuals were tested for orthohepevirus RNA by RT-PCR. A total of 50 (18.2%; 95% CI: 14.1-23.2) of the 275 animals analysed had anti-HEV antibodies by ELISA. Exposure to HEV was confirmed by WB in most of the ELISA-positive Iberian lynxes analysed. Significantly higher seroprevalence was found in captive (33.6%) compared to free-ranging (7.4%) individuals. Within captive population, the GEE model identified 'age' (senile, adult and subadult) as risk a factor potentially associated with HEV exposure in the Iberian lynx. Thirteen (29.5%) of 44 longitudinally surveyed individuals seroconverted against HEV during the study period. HEV RNA was detected in the faeces of one (1/364; 0.3%; 95% CI: 0.0-0.8) free-ranging adult animal sampled in 2021. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the sequenced strain belongs to HEV-3f subtype and shared a high nucleotide sequence identity (97-99.6%) with human HEV-3f sequences from Spain and France. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first survey study on HEV in the Iberian lynx and the first molecular report of HEV-A infection in free-ranging felines. Our results indicate high exposure to HEV-3 in Iberian lynx populations, particularly those kept in captivity. The serological results suggest widespread but not homogeneous circulation of HEV in Iberian lynx populations. Further studies are required to assess the epidemiological role of this endangered species as a potential spillover host of HEV.

A rational strategy to support approved COVID-19 vaccines prioritization.

The World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a set of criteria to be considered for the prioritization of COVID-19 candidate vaccines for further development of phase II/III clinical trials, thinking in a target audience that includes vaccine scientists, product developers, manufacturers, regulators, and funding agencies. In this paper, a knowledge-based or rational strategy is employed to perform a prioritization matrix of approved COVID-19 vaccines: BBIBP-CorV, JANSSEN, CORONAVAC, SPUTNIK V, MODERNA, PFIZER, and VAXZEVRIA, based on those proposed criteria by WHO, related to safety, efficacy, stability, implementation, and availability. We found that JANSSEN vaccine is the one with the highest score in the present study, but our analysis suggests that the WHO criteria could be more useful if they are considered separately, taking into account the social, demographic and economic characteristics of each country.

Multiple Antimicrobial Resistance in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus sciuri Group Isolates from Wild Ungulates in Spain.

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) strains in non-managed wild ungulates present in a typical Mediterranean forest in Spain. For this purpose, nasal swabs were obtained from 139 animals: 90 wild boar (Sus scrofa), 42 red deer (Cervus elaphus) and 7 fallow deer (Dama dama), which were subsequently pre-enriched in BHI+ NaCl (6.5%) (24 h/37 °C), and then seeded in Columbia blood agar (24 h/37 °C)). The presence of the mecA gene was investigated by PCR, first from the confluent and then from individual colonies. A total of 10 mecA+ colonies were obtained of which only seven showed phenotypic resistance to oxacillin/cefoxitin (methicillin resistance). All MRS strains belonged to the Staphylococcus sciuri group. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was not detected. In addition, a significant number of MRS strains showed resistance to other antimicrobials, mainly ß-lactam (7/7), gentamicin (7/7), fusidic acid (6/7) and quinupristin-dalfopristin (6/7), showing an irregular correlation with their coding genes. The genetic profiles grouped the seven strains obtained according to the bacterial species but not in relation to the animal source or the geographical place of origin. The presence of SCCmec type III, common to animals and humans, has been detected in three of the strains obtained. In conclusion, the study reveals that the wild ungulates investigated play a role as potential reservoirs of multi-resistant strains of MRS. Such strains, due to their characteristics, can be easily transferred to other wild or domestic animal species and ultimately to humans through their products.

Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in tonsils, mandibular lymph nodes and faeces of wild boar from Spain and genetic relationship between isolates.

The importance of wild boars as game species in Spain is well known. Their feeding habits and intrusive behaviour, together with a progressively wider spreading of populations, increases the interactions of these animals with livestock and humans. Considering that wild boars could have a potential role in the transmission of certain pathogens as salmonellae, the aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in wild boars hunted in central-western Spain, the occurrence of this pathogen in tonsils, mandibular lymph nodes and faeces (as markers for transmission risk), and to define the phylogenetic relationships among isolated strains, in order to investigate the circulation pathways of bacteria among tissues, animals and estates. Samples from 1,041 hunted wild boars were analysed for the presence of Salmonella spp. by bacteriological culture. Isolates were confirmed by PCR and serotyped in the Spanish national reference laboratory. The genetic relationships between strains were determined by PFGE. The results showed a 7.7% of positive animals (81 wild boars), being tonsils the organ most frequently colonised by Salmonella spp. (18.7%), followed by lymph nodes (5.1%) and faecal samples (2.9%). Serovars Enteritidis and Newport were the most frequent amongst the 34 different serovars obtained. The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PGFE) analysis showed a great genetic diversity, with serovars that exhibited different pulsotypes when isolated from different estates and multiple serovars in the same estate. In conclusion, this study reveals the importance of wild boars as carriers and possible transmitters of virulent and/or antimicrobial-resistant clones of Salmonella spp. to livestock and humans.

[Globalization in medical education. Opinions of Mexican medical teachers]. / La globalización en la educación médica. Opinión de médicos docentes mexicanos.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the opinions on globalization and medical education of a group of Mexican physicians who are also teachers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a descriptive, transversal and prospective study. A self-administrated questionnaire was made, validated and applied. The frequency of answers and its association with certain variables were analysed. RESULTS: Most of the participants agreed to define education in quality terms, but not to favor technological aspects over humanistic ones; 40% of the sample disregarded or didn't agree that technical orientation has to do with the globalization process; a third of it didn't know the programs and standards proposed by institutions of higher education. CONCLUSIONS: There is a diversity of opinions on the influence of globalization on medical education. The highest academic level, time of teaching and research activities are associated with the greatest controversy.

Rehabilitación robótica en espasticidad de mano y muñeca / Robotic rehabilitation in hand and wrist spasticity

Introducción. El presente estudio es una serie de casos clínicos que describe los resultados en el tratamiento de la espasticidad de mano y muñeca mediante órtesis robóticas realizado por el grupo de investigación F-Ciber-Rehabilitación en Manizales (Colombia). Materiales y métodos. Se seleccionaron cinco (5) pacientes con espasticidad de mano y muñeca secundaria a lesión de neurona motora superior de diferente etiología, a quienes se les practicó terapia física y movilización pasiva con la órtesis robótica PRO-DWix®. Resultados. Los pacientes presentaron mejoría de la espasticidad según la escala Ashworth Modificada, disminución de la intensidad del dolor según la escala EVA y recuperación gradual del arco de movilidad articular según goniometría; además, luego de tres meses de rehabilitación robótica presentaron beneficios en su calidad de vida. Discusión. Se requieren ensayos clínicos aleatorizados para determinar las ventajas de la terapia física convencional complementada con terapia robótica, frente a la sola terapia convencional. Conclusiones. La movilización pasiva con órtesis robóticas en pacientes con espasticidad de mano y muñeca por lesiones de neurona motora superior, favorece la modulación de la espasticidad, la disminución del dolor, la recuperación del arco de movilidad articular y la calidad de vida. Nivel de evidencia. El propósito del estudio es generar evidencia clínica de nivel III respecto de las ventajas de la movilización pasiva con órtesis robóticas en la rehabilitación de pacientes con espasticidad de mano y muñeca

Introduction. The present study is a clinical case series describing the results in the treatment of hand and wrist spasticity by means of robotic orthoses carried out by the F-Ciber-Rehabilitation research group in Manizales (Colombia). Materials and methods. Five (5) patients with hand and wrist spasticity secondary to upper motor neuron lesion of different etiology were selected and underwent physical therapy and passive mobilization with the PRO-DWix® robotic orthosis. Results. The patients presented improvement of spasticity according to the Modified Ashworth scale, decrease of pain intensity according to the VAS scale and gradual recovery of joint mobility arc according to goniometry; furthermore, after three months of robotic rehabilitation they presented benefits in their quality of life. Discussion. Randomized clinical trials are required to determine the advantages of conventional physical therapy supplemented with robotic therapy, versus conventional therapy alone. Conclusions. Passive mobilization with robotic orthoses in patients with hand and wrist spasticity due to upper motor neuron lesions favors spasticity modulation, pain reduction, recovery of joint range of motion, and quality of life. Level of evidence. The purpose of the study is to generate level III clinical evidence regarding the advantages of passive mobilization with robotic orthoses in the rehabilitation of patients with hand and wrist spasticity.

Fatal infection due to Haemophilus parasuis in a young wild boar (Sus scrofa).

Haemophilus parasuis is a recognized pathogen in domestic pigs; the pathogen has been also isolated from healthy wild boar (Sus scrofa). In the current report, a case of fatal H. parasuis infection in a wild boar piglet from central Spain is described. The affected animal presented severe pneumonic lesions, inflammation in tarsal joints with presence of fibrinous deposits, and epidural hemorrhage in the atlanto-occipital joint. Pure growth of H. parasuis was obtained from lungs and tarsal joints. The current case illustrates the susceptibility of wild boar to this agent. The gross pathology results were similar to that described in domestic pigs, but there were no fibrinous deposits on serosal surfaces.

Ultrasonido gástrico "point-of-care" en tricobezoar: Reporte de caso / Point-of-care gastric ultrasound in trichobezoar: case report

Abstract Introduction: Trichobezoar is a rare entity that consists of a mass of hair particles in the gastrointestinal tract. The treatment of trichobezoar is basically surgical; however, alterations in gastric emptying represent a challenge for anesthesia because of the risk of bronchoaspiration during induction. Ultrasonography as a perioperative tool is helpful to guide decision-making and to plan the anesthetic technique to evaluate the gastric contents. Clinical findings, diagnostic evaluation, and interventions: This is a case of an emergent surgical correction due to trichobezoar. The ultrasound findings of the gastric evaluation allowed for the identification of a patient at risk of regurgitation and guided the decision about the induction of anesthesia. Conclusion: Currently, the opinion of the anesthesiologist based on the medical record and the physical examination determines the approach to the induction of anesthesia. The qualitative evaluation of the gastric contents using ultrasound, in addition to the physical examination, is extremely useful in case of a surgical emergency or in the absence of more sophisticated diagnostic images, when suspecting conditions with a full stomach and high risk of bronchoaspiration.

Resumen Introducción: El tricobezoar es una entidad poco frecuente, que consiste en la concentración de partículas de pelo en el tracto gastrointestinal. Su tratamiento es esencialmente quirúrgico y por la alteración en el vaciamiento gástrico, representa un reto anestésico por el riesgo de broncoaspiración durante la inducción anestésica. La ultrasonografía como herramienta perioperatoria es útil en la orientación de toma de decisiones y en el planeamiento de la técnica anestésica dado que nos permite realizar una evaluación del contenido gástrico. Hallazgos clínicos, evaluación diagnóstica e intervenciones: Presentamos un caso de corrección quirúrgica por tricobezoar de emergencia. Los hallazgos ecográficos de la evaluación gástrica y como estos permitieron identificar a una paciente con riesgo de regurgitación, orientando así la toma de decisiones en la inducción anestésica. Conclusión: En la actualidad el criterio del anestesiólogo basado en la historia clínica y el examen físico determinan la conducta durante la inducción anestésica. La evaluación cualitativa del contenido gástrico con ultrasonido como extensión del examen físico, resulta de inmensa utilidad frente a una urgencia quirúrgica o ausencia de imágenes diagnosticas de mayor complejidad, si se sospecha entidades con estómago lleno y alto riesgo de broncoaspiración.

Comparación entre la técnica de multi-inyección y la inyección única con localización del nervio mediano en el bloqueo infraclavicular para cirugía del miembro superior / Multi-injection vs. single injection technique with localization of the medial nerve for infraclavicular block for upper limb surgery

Introducción: El propósito de este experimento clínico aleatorizado controlado y ciego para el observador es comparar la efectividad del bloqueo del plexo braquial por la via infraclavicular guiado por neuroestimulador luego de usar dos técnicas diferentes: la técnica de inyección múltiple con localización de tres cordones diferentes y la técnica de inyección única con localización del cordón medial. Métodos: Doscientos sesenta (260) pacientes programados para cirugía de miembro superior con anestesia regional fueron asignados de manera aleatoria en dos grupos: inyección múltiple IM (129) o inyección única IU (128). El desenlace primario que se evaluó fue la efectividad del bloqueo, entendida como la ausencia de de sedación fuera de unos límites establecidos o la necesidad de administrar anestesia general. Otros desenlaces evaluados fueron la satisfacción de los pacientes y la presencia de efectos secundarios. Resultados: Los grupos fueron comparables en sus características de base. El tiempo de colocación del bloqueo fue de 9,6 minutos (±5,9) en IU vs. 10,4 minutos (±3,8) en IM, el cual no fue clínicamente diferente. El desenlace primario mostro 7 fallas de 129 pacientes (5,43 %) en IM, mientras que en IU fueron 27 fallas de 128 pacientes analizados (21,09 %). Esta diferencia entre las dos técnicas da como resultado un RR: 3,89 con un IC (1,76 - 8,6) con una p< 0,0002. Conclusiones: Sobre una muestra significativa de pacientes y en un escenario controlado, se demostró que el bloqueo de plexo braquial realizado con la técnica convencional de inyección múltiple con uso de estimulador de nervio periférico es superior en efectividad a la técnica de inyección única guiada por estimulador de nervio periférico con localizacion del cordon medial.

Rhabdomyolysis of infectious and noninfectious causes.

BACKGROUND: This study was done to determine variables associated with infectious rhabdomyolysis (IRM). METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, rhabdomyolysis (RM) was defined as a fivefold or greater elevation in creatine kinase (CK) levels with a muscle/brain (MB) fraction <5%. Patients with myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident or a recent history of surgery, trauma, or immobilization were excluded. RESULTS: We analyzed 52 cases of RM seen at our institution between 1992 and 2000; IRM was the most frequent cause (31%), most commonly respiratory tract infections (38%). When a microorganism could be identified (50%), it was more often gram-negative (63%). Patients with IRM were elderly and had fever and lower CK levels. Infectious rhabdomyolysis was associated with a higher morbidity but not with a higher risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious rhabdomyolysis is the main cause of RM and must be suspected in elderly patients with fever and low levels of CK.