Prevalence of helmintic infections in Brazilian Maxakali indigenous: a repeated cross-sectional design.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of intestinal parasites is known to be high among Amerindian populations; further, there are serious problems in the healthcare of these populations in Brazil. The Maxakali, located in the northeastern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is an indigenous group that still preserves many of its cultural aspects. This study aimed to compare the positivity rate of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in this ethnic group in epidemiological surveys conducted in 1972 and 2014. METHODS: Stool parasitological examinations were performed by the Kato-Katz technique during both periods in this population. In 2014, the parasitological diagnosis was also realized with the TF-Test® technique. RESULTS: In 1972, 270 inhabitants were examined. The positivity rates were 67.4% for Schistosoma mansoni, 72.9% for hookworms, 43.7% for Ascaris lumbricoides, and 23.7% for Trichuris trichiura. In 2014, 545 individuals were examined, and the positivity rates obtained were 45.7% for S. mansoni, 22.8% for hookworms, 0.6% for A. lumbricoides, and 2.8% for T. trichiura. CONCLUSIONS: The comparison of the parasitological surveys conducted in 1972 and 2014, indicates that the indigenous Maxakali remained neglected by the health and indigenous protection authorities during these four decades. The infection rate observed in 2014 for schistosomiasis and hookworm remains high, considering the current epidemiological view of these diseases in the Brazilian population.

A guide to classify tattoo motives in Mexico as a tool to identify unknown bodies.

JUSTIFICATION: In Mexico, the number of unidentified bodies has been steadily rising for years. By now, more than 50,000 bodies are considered unidentified. Forensic laboratories that could perform comparative molecular genetic investigation are often overburdened and examinations can take months. Therefore, pragmatic approaches that can help to identify more unknown bodies must be sought. The increased use of distinctive physical features might be one, and the high rate of tattooed people in Mexico points towards a great potential of tattoos as a tool for identification. The prerequisite for a comparison of antemortem (missing persons) and postmortem (unknown bodies) data is an objective description of the particularities, e.g., of the tattoos. The aim of this study was to establish an objective classification for tattoo motives, taking into consideration local preferences. METHODS: In the database of the medicolegal services of the Instituto Jaliscience de Ciencias Forenses (IJCF) in Guadalajara, postmortem data of 1000 tattooed bodies from 2019 were evaluated. According to sex and age, the tattooed body localization and the tattoo motives were categorized. RESULTS: The 1000 tattooed deceased showed tattoos on 2342 body localizations. The motives were grouped and linked to the following 11 keywords (with decreasing frequency): letters/numbers, human, symbol (other), plant, symbol (religious), animal, object, fantasy/demon/comic, tribal/ornament/geometry, other, unrecognizable. CONCLUSION: Using the proposed classification, tattoo motives can be described objectively and classified in a practical way. If used for antemortem (missing persons) and postmortem (unknown bodies) documentation, motives can be searched and compared efficiently-helping to identify unknown bodies.

Proteomic profile of vitrified in vitro-produced bovine embryos (Bos taurus indicus).

BACKGROUND: The proteomic profile of cryopreserved in vitro produced bovine embryos is little known but can provide insights on the successful application of cryo procedures in support of animal breeding. OBJECTIVE: To identify embryonic proteins and biomarkers related to improved cryotolerance of vitrified in vitro produced bovine embryos. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Proteins were isolated from embryo pools (n = 25 embryos per replicate) and analyzed using the nanoLC - MS/MS system. Further, the UniProtKB database (Uniprot -http://www.uniprot.org/) was used for protein identification. Proteins were classified based on their molecular mass, isoelectric point, and enzymatic activity. Post-translational modification predictions and functional gene ontology analysis were performed as well. Finally, a protein-protein interaction network was created to shed light on the embryo interactome. RESULTS: Based on the MS/MS approach, 66 proteins were identified from vitrified Bos taurus embryos. The retrieved proteins were presumably annotated, which allowed a description of the qualitative and functional aspects of the embryo proteome after the vitrification process. CONCLUSION: These findings allowed us to conclude that in vitro-produced vitrified embryos expressed proteins that underlie biological processes related to reproduction, stress and lipid metabolic process, which are essential to maintain embryo viability. doi.org/10.54680/fr22410110512.

Burning season and vegetation coverage influenced the community-level physiological profile of Mediterranean mixed-mesogean pine forest soils.

Knowledge of forest soil ecology is necessary to assess vulnerability to disturbances, such as wildfires, and improve its microbial diversity and functional value. Soil microbiota play an important role in forest soil processes and are a key driver of postfire recovery, but they are very vulnerable to heat. According to future scenarios for climate and land-use change, fire regimes will undergo transformations in semiarid terrestrial ecosystems, mainly in the Mediterranean Basin. To develop tools for forest management in fire-prone areas, i.e., fire prevention, we assessed the impact of prescribed burnings on soil microorganisms in Mediterranean mixed pine forests. We hypothesised that low severity fire burns would not influence the functional diversity of soil microorganisms, although the burning season could influence that response due to seasonal variations in its vulnerability. We used the Biolog EcoPlate System to record soil biological indicators and assess the effect of the prescribed burning season (early or late season) on bacterial communities, including the soil-plant interphase. The soil microbiome response differed significantly according to vegetation coverage but prescribed burning season was not directly related. Burning increased the proportions of soil organic matter and soil organic carbon, and also promoted cation-exchange capacity and total phosphorus, which were higher following spring burns. Microbial richness and the Shannon-Weaver diversity index both showed a positive correlation with vegetation cover. However, microbial richness was triggered after burning uncovered patches of vegetation. We also noted differences in the usage pattern for the six substrate groups defined in our study: the use of carboxylic acids, amino acids and carbohydrates was higher in unburned plots and those subject to late burns, whereas amino acids did not predominate in early burn plots.

Disentangling functional trait variation and covariation in epiphytic lichens along a continent-wide latitudinal gradient.

Characterizing functional trait variation and covariation, and its drivers, is critical to understand the response of species to changing environmental conditions. Evolutionary and environmental factors determine how traits vary among and within species at multiple scales. However, disentangling their relative contribution is challenging and a comprehensive trait-environment framework addressing such questions is missing in lichens. We investigated the variation in nine traits related to photosynthetic performance, water use and nutrient acquisition applying phylogenetic comparative analyses in lichen epiphytic communities on beech across Europe. These poikilohydric organisms offer a valuable model owing to their inherent limitations to buffer contrasting environmental conditions. Photobiont type and growth form captured differences in certain physiological traits whose variation was largely determined by evolutionary processes (i.e. phylogenetic history), although the intraspecific component was non-negligible. Seasonal temperature fluctuations also had an impact on trait variation, while nitrogen content depended on photobiont type rather than nitrogen deposition. The inconsistency of trait covariation among and within species prevented establishing major resource use strategies in lichens. However, we did identify a general pattern related to the water-use strategy. Thus, to robustly unveil lichen responses under different climatic scenarios, it is necessary to incorporate both among and within-species trait variation and covariation.

Effects of practice change on outcomes of extremely preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus.

AIM: To determine whether a decrease in patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) treatment or ligation in extremely preterm (EP) infants was associated with changes in rates of mortality and/or morbidities. METHODS: Observational study on EP infants admitted from 2008 to 2015. The small baby guidelines do not mandate ligation, however, in late 2010 the guidelines were amended based on new literature suggested that ligation may increase rates of morbidities. RESULTS: There were 717 EP infants admitted during the study period. There were no significant changes in gestational age, birthweight or annual admissions during the study period. The annual rate of PDA medical treatment declined significantly (R = 0.83, p = 0.01), while the annual rate of PDA ligation declined substantially (R = 0.88, p = 0.004). The annual mortality rate also declined significantly (R = 0.81, p = 0.014). The annual rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotising enterocolitis and intraventricular haemorrhage did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of EP patients, the rate of PDA ligation decreased substantially since 2010, with no apparent adverse effects on mortality or rates of BPD. These data are consistent with the concept that ligation does not improve outcomes in EP infants.

Performance intensification of a stirred bioreactor for fermentative biohydrogen production.

In this study, the biohydrogen (bioH2) production of a microbial consortium was optimized by adjusting the type and configuration of two impellers, the mixing regimen and the mass transfer process (KLa coefficients). A continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) system, with a nonstandard geometry, was characterized. Two different mixing configurations with either predominant axial (PB4 impeller) or radial pumping (Rushton impeller) were assessed and four different impeller configurations to produce bioH2. The best configuration for an adequate mixing time was determined by an ANOVA analysis. A response surface methodology was also used to fully elucidate the optimal configuration. When the PB4 impellers were placed in best configuration, c/Dt = 0.5, s/Di = 1, the maximum bioH2 productivity obtained was 440 mL L-1 hr-1, with a bioH2 molar yield of 1.8. The second best configuration obtained with the PB4 impellers presented a bioH2 productivity of 407.94 mL L-1 hr-1. The configurations based on Rushton impellers showed a lower bioH2 productivity and bioH2 molar yield of 177.065 mL L-1 hr-1 and 0.71, respectively. The experiments with axial impellers (PB4) showed the lowest KLa coefficient and the highest bioH2 production, suggesting that mixing is more important than KLa for the enhanced production of bioH2.

[Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and functional constipation in adults: Treatment (Part 2 of 2)]. / Guía de práctica clínica del síndrome del intestino irritable con estreñimiento y estreñimiento funcional en adultos: tratamiento. (Parte 2 de 2).

In this Clinical practice guide we examine the diagnostic and therapeutic management of adult patients with constipation and abdominal discomfort, at the confluence of the spectrum of irritable bowel syndrome and functional constipation. Both fall within the framework of functional intestinal disorders and have major personal, health and social impact, altering the quality of life of the patients affected. The former is a subtype of irritable bowel syndrome in which constipation and altered bowel habit predominate, often along with recurring abdominal pain, bloating and abdominal distension. Constipation is characterised by infrequent or hard-to-pass bowel movements, often accompanied by straining during defecation or the sensation of incomplete evacuation. There is no underlying organic cause in the majority of cases; it being considered a functional bowel disorder. There are many clinical and pathophysiological similarities between the two conditions, the constipation responds in a similar way to commonly used drugs, the fundamental difference being the presence or absence of pain, but not in an "all or nothing" way. The severity of these disorders depends not only on the intensity of the intestinal symptoms but also on other biopsychosocial factors: association of gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms, degree of involvement, forms of perception and behaviour. Functional bowel disorders are diagnosed using the Rome criteria. This Clinical practice guide adapts to the Rome IV criteria published at the end of May 2016. The first part (96, 97, 98) examined the conceptual and pathophysiological aspects, alarm criteria, diagnostic test and referral criteria between Primary Care and Gastroenterology. This second part reviews all the available treatment alternatives (exercise, fluid ingestion, diet with soluble fibre-rich foods, fibre supplements, other dietary components, osmotic or stimulating laxatives, probiotics, antibiotics, spasmolytics, peppermint essence, prucalopride, linaclotide, lubiprostone, biofeedback, antdepressants, psychological treatment, acupuncture, enemas, sacral root neurostimulation and surgery), and practical recommendations are made for each.

[Clinical practice guidelines: Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and functional constipation in adults: Concept, diagnosis, and healthcare continuity. (Part 1 of 2)]. / Guía de práctica clínica: síndrome del intestino irritable con estreñimiento y estreñimiento funcional en adultos: concepto, diagnóstico y continuidad asistencial. (Parte 1 de 2).

In this Clinical practice guide, an analysis is made of the diagnosis and treatment of adult patients with constipation and abdominal discomfort, under the spectrum of irritable bowel syndrome and functional constipation. These have an important personal, health and social impact, affecting the quality of life of these patients. In irritable bowel syndrome with a predominance of constipation, this is the predominant change in bowel movements, with recurrent abdominal pain, bloating and frequent abdominal distension. Constipation is characterised by infrequent or difficulty in bowel movements, associated with excessive straining during bowel movement or sensation of incomplete evacuation. There is often no underling cause, with an intestinal functional disorder being considered. They have many clinical and pathophysiological similarities, with a similar response of the constipation to common drugs. The fundamental difference is the presence or absence of pain, but not in a way evaluable way; "all or nothing". The severity depends on the intensity of bowel symptoms and other factors, a combination of gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms, level of involvement, forms of perception, and behaviour. The Rome criteria diagnose functional bowel disorders. This guide is adapted to the Rome criteria IV (May 2016) and in this first part an analysis is made of the alarm criteria, diagnostic tests, and the criteria for referral between Primary Care and Digestive Disease specialists. In the second part, a review will be made of the therapeutic alternatives available (exercise, diet, drug therapies, neurostimulation of sacral roots, or surgery), making practical recommendations for each one of them.

Sacral nerve stimulation versus percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of severe fecal incontinence in men.

BACKGROUND: Sacral nerve stimulation and percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation have been described previously as effective treatments for fecal incontinence. Nevertheless, there does not exist any study that compares the efficiency of both. The aim of this study was to compare the use of SNS and PPTNS in males with FI. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study on men with FI treated with SNS or PTNS in the Coloproctology Unit of the University General Hospital of Elche and Reina Sofia of Murcia between January 2010 and December 2011. Preoperative assessment included physical examination, anorectal manometry, and anal endosonography. Anal continence was evaluated using the Wexner continence grading system. Quality of life was evaluated using the Fecal Incontinence Quality of life Scale. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included (ten patients SNS and nine PPTNS). SNS improved FI in nine of the ten patients. The mean Wexner score decreased significantly from a median of 14 (12-16) (preoperative) to 4 (1-8) (6-month revision) (p = 0.007). PTNS improved FI in seven of the nine patients. The mean Wexner score decreased significantly from a median of 12 (11-19) (preoperative) to 5 (4-7) (6-month revision) (p = 0.018). Both treatments produced symptomatic improvement without statistical differences between them. CONCLUSIONS: Our study was nonrandomized with a relatively small number of patients. PPTNS had similar efficiency to the SNS in our men population. However, more studies are necessary to exclude selection bias and analyze long-term results.

[Polarized light microscopy for evaluation of oocytes as a prognostic factor in the evolution of a cycle in assisted reproduction]. / Microscopia de luz polarizada para evaluación de ovocitos como factor pronóstico en la evolución de un ciclo de reproducción asistida.

BACKGROUND: Identification of the best embryos to transfer is a key element for success in assisted reproduction. In the last decade, several morphological criteria of oocytes and embryos were evaluated with regard to their potential for predicting embryo viability. The introduction of polarization light microscopy systems has allowed the visualization of the meiotic spindle and the different layers of the zona pellucida in human oocytes on the basis of birefringence in a non-destructive way. Conflicting results have been reported regarding the predictive value in ICSI cycles. OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictive ability of meiotic spindle and zona pellucida of human oocytes to implant by polarized microscopy in ICSI cycles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective and observational clinical study. 903 oocytes from 94 ICSI cycles were analyzed with polarized microscopy. Meiotic spindle visualization and zona pellucida birefringence values by polarized microscopy were correlated with ICSI cycles results. RESULTS: Meiotic spindle visualization and birefringence values of zona pellucida decreased in a direct basis with increasing age. In patients aged over the 35 years, the percentage of a visible spindle and mean zona pellucida birefringence was lower than in younger patients. Fertilization rate were higher in oocytes with visible meiotic spindle (81.3% vs. 64%; p < 0.0001), as well as embryo quality (47.4% vs. 39%; p=0.01). Fertilization rate was higher in oocytes with positive values of birefringence (77.5 % vs. 68.5% p=0.005) with similar embryo quality. Conception cycles showed oocytes with higher mean value of zona birefringence and visible spindle vs. no-conception cycles (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Polarized light microscopy improves oocyte selection, which significantly impacts in the development of embryos with greater implantation potential. The use of polarized light microscopy with sperm selection methods, blastocyst culture and deferred embryo transfers will contribute to transfer fewer embryos without diminishing rates of live birth and single embryo transfer will be more feasible.

LIMS2 mutations are associated with a novel muscular dystrophy, severe cardiomyopathy and triangular tongues.

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders leading to progressive muscle degeneration and often associated with cardiac complications. We present two adult siblings with childhood-onset of weakness progressing to a severe quadriparesis with the additional features of triangular tongues and biventricular cardiac dysfunction. Whole exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous missense mutations that are predicted to be pathogenic in LIMS2. Biopsy of skeletal muscle demonstrated disrupted immunostaining of LIMS2. This is the first report of mutations in LIMS2 and resulting disruption of the integrin linked kinase (ILK)-LIMS-parvin complex associated with LGMD.

Mathematical modeling of the fibrosis process in the implantation of inferior vena cava filters.

An inferior vena cava filter is a medical device that is implanted in the inferior vena cava and is in charge of capturing blood clots before they reach the lungs, preventing from pulmonary embolism. There are some clinical problems regarding the use of inferior vena cava filters. One of them is the difficulty when retrieving the device due to the remodeling of the vena cava. Huge effort has been made in creating computational models that reproduce tissue remodeling, but no attention has been paid to the fibrosis phenomenon occurring in the inferior vena cava. In this work, a continuum computational model that reproduces the fibrosis in the presence of an antithrombotic filter is presented. Diffusion-reaction equations are used for modeling the mass balance between species in the venous wall. The main species considered to play a key role in the process of fibrosis are smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, matrix metalloproteinases, vascular growth factors and the extracellular matrix. The developed model has been implemented on an idealized axisymmetric geometric vena cava model. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis has been performed to study the parameters influence on the evolution of the model. Results show that the computational model is able to predict the behavior of the species considered and it captures the key characteristics of lesion growth and the healing process within a vein subjected to non-physiological mechanical forces. Our results suggests that the vessel wall response is mainly caused by the endothelium denudation area and the collagen turnover among other factors.

Multiplex PCR assay for identification of six different Staphylococcus spp. and simultaneous detection of methicillin and mupirocin resistance.

We describe a new, efficient, sensitive, and fast single-tube multiple-PCR protocol for the identification of the most clinically significant Staphylococcus spp. and the simultaneous detection of the methicillin and mupirocin resistance loci. The protocol identifies at the species level isolates belonging to S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, S. hominis, S. lugdunensis, and S. saprophyticus.

Cholera: Evolution of Epidemiological Situation in four French-speaking African Countries from 2004 to 2013.

BACKGROUND: The Initiative against Diarrheal and Enteric Diseases in Africa and Asia (IDEA) was launched to play a significant and sustainable role in the understanding, prevention and control of enteric diseases. Its initial focus is on cholera, a disease responsible for large-scale epidemics resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. STUDY DESIGN: We present an update on the evolution of cholera from 2004 to 2013 based on data provided by experts from four IDEA African countries: Benin, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali. RESULTS: Cholera has been responsible for severe epidemics with high fatality rates in Africa over the recent years. The 2013 data are the most recent data on cholera available for the four countries. While some signs of improvement are visible, not all countries have experienced a declining trend in the occurrence of the disease. CONCLUSION: Cholera remains a public health issue in Africa with a risk of potential recurrent outbreaks. The multifactorial nature of the disease requires a multi-sectorial approach combining several complementary operational strategies. The most critical challenges include achieving a more consistent and reliable reporting of cases and a better appraisal of the real burden of the disease through a better cholera case definition. Ongoing efforts must be supported and renewed to provide improved and sustained access to safe drinking water and sanitation and raise disease awareness further. Investing in operational research for a better understanding of the spatio-temporal dynamics of cholera will also help adapt the control strategies against the disease.

Soil response in a Mediterranean forest ecosystem of Southeast Spain following early prescribed burning.

The escalation of global warming, high temperatures, and wildfire frequency in dry ecosystems, including semi-arid landscapes, has resulted in increased wildfire regimes, compromising ecosystem resistance and resilience. To mitigate these risks, prescribed burning (PB) is being employed as a preventive measure to modify fuel loads in forest ecosystems. However, fire can also impact soil structure and microbiota, which play critical roles in nutrient cycling, biodiversity conservation, and overall ecosystem functioning. Therefore, understanding post-fire processes is essential for sustainable forest management. However, while previous studies have explored the effects of prescribed fire management on semi-arid soil properties in Mediterranean forest ecosystems, gaps remain in our understanding of its specific impact on the physical structure, chemical composition, and biological activities of soils. In this study, we conducted early spring PB in SE Spain in 2021 and assessed the ecological and temporal effects of PB on semi-arid soils. Soil respiration (SR) measurements using automatic CO2 flow chambers were employed to evaluate microbiota recovery. To examine impacts on soil structure we evaluated physicochemical characteristics, soil hydraulic conductivity (SHC), and soil water repellency (SWR). No significant differences were observed in any of the variables studied after one year. However, immediate effects were detected shortly after the PB. Our research specifically targeted soil structure and microbiota in a semi-arid landscape with poor soils, characterized by slower recovery and potentially fragile ecosystems. These results provide valuable insights for forest management practices, indicating that prescribed fire management strategies in similar ecosystems are unlikely to cause adverse effects on soil health. However, further research is warranted to explore the potential effects of prescribed fire intensity and seasonality. Future studies can focus on investigating these factors to provide more targeted recommendations for effective forest management strategies and wildfire prevention efforts.

Safety and effectiveness of direct-acting antiviral drugs in the treatment of hepatitis C in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is uncertain. The ECCO guidelines 2021 recommended HCV treatment but warn about the risk of IBD reactivation. We aimed to evaluate 1) the effectiveness and safety of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in IBD; 2) the interaction of DAAs with IBD drugs. METHODS: Multicentre study of IBD patients and HCV treated with DAAs. Variables related to liver diseases and IBD, as well as adverse events (AEs) and drug interactions, were recorded. McNemar's test was used to assess differences in the proportion of active IBD during the study period. RESULTS: We included 79 patients with IBD and HCV treated with DAAs from 25,998 IBD patients of the ENEIDA registry. Thirty-one (39.2 %) received immunomodulators/biologics. There were no significant differences in the percentage of active IBD at the beginning (n = 11, 13.9 %) or at the 12-week follow-up after DAAs (n = 15, 19 %) (p = 0.424). Sustained viral response occurred in 96.2 % (n = 76). A total of 8 (10.1 %) AEs occurred and these were unrelated to activity, type of IBD, liver fibrosis, immunosuppressants/biologics, and DAAs. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a high efficacy and safety of DAAs in patients with IBD and HCV irrespective of activity and treatment of IBD.

Short-term recovery of soil and pine tree canopy after late prescribed burning in a semi-arid landscape.

Climate change worsening due to global warming and progressive abandonment in rural areas mean that wildfires are increasing in extent and severity terms, and are one of the major disturbances in the Mediterranean Basin. To mitigate these disturbances, preventive management tools need to be used. Fire employment is being implemented, known as prescribed burnings, as forestry actions to change vegetation lines both vertically and horizontally to eliminate forest fuel load continuity. This study aimed to know the ecological effects of late prescribed burning treatments under mixed trees. Prescribed burns were carried out in October 2019 in the municipality of Ayna, Albacete (SE Spain). To assess the short-term (12-month) fire impact on soil, we measured soil respiration with a CO2 flow chamber and analyzed soil physico-chemical properties. We also used minidisc infiltrometers to analyze soil repellency and soil hydraulic conductivity over a 1-year monitoring period. In addition, we evaluated the effects on tree strata by performing chemical nature analyses of fallen needles in Pinus pinaster after prescribed burning. According to our initial hypotheses, the results did not show significant changes in any parameter evaluated during the study period. However, some variables were affected in the first 3 months, needlefall and in microbiological activity, such as variations in soil physico-chemical properties, which can be due to long dry seasons combined with prescribed burning. This study attempts to observe and make known the effects that low-intensity prescribed burning has on soil and needlefall, which are relevant for updating forest management tools.