Spectral Characteristics Related to Chemical Substructures and Structures Indicative of Organic Precursors from Fulvic Acids in Sediments by NMR and HPLC-ESI-MS.

The aim of this work was to determine Fulvic Acids (FAs) in sediments to better know their composition at the molecular level and to propose substructures and structures of organic precursors. The sediment samples were obtained from a priority area for the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity in Mexico. FAs were extracted and purified using modifications to the International Humic Substances Society method. The characterization was carried out by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) in positive (ESI+) and negative (ESI-) modes. Twelve substructures were proposed by the COSY and HSQC experiments, correlating with compounds likely belonging to lignin derivatives obtained from soils as previously reported. The analysis of spectra obtained by HPLC-ESI-MS indicated likely presence of compounds chemically similar to that of the substructures elucidated by NMR. FAs studied are mainly constituted by carboxylic acids, hydroxyl, esters, vinyls, aliphatics, substituted aromatic rings, and amines, presenting structures related to organic precursors, such as lignin derivatives and polysaccharides.

Model-based impact evaluation of new tuberculosis vaccines in aging populations under different modeling scenarios: the case of China.

Introduction: The slow descent in TB burden, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the rise of multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, seriously threaten TB control and the goals of the End TB strategy. To fight back, several vaccine candidates are under development, with some of them undergoing the phases 2B and 3 of the development pipeline. The impact of these vaccines on the general population needs to be addressed using disease-transmission models, and, in a country like China, which last year ranked third in number of cases worldwide, and where the population is aging at a fast pace, the impact of TB vaccination campaigns may depend heavily upon the age of targeted populations, the mechanistic descriptions of the TB vaccines and the coupling between TB dynamics and demographic evolution. Methods: In this work, we studied the potential impact of a new TB vaccine in China targeting adolescents (15-19 y.o.) or older adults (60-64 y.o.), according to varying vaccine descriptions that represent reasonable mechanisms of action leading to prevention of disease, or prevention of recurrence, each of them targetting specific routes to TB disease. To measure the influence of the description of the coupling between transmission dynamics and aging in TB transmission models, we explored two different approaches to compute the evolution of the contact matrices, which relate to the spreading among different age strata. Results: Our findings highlight the dependence of model-based impact estimates on vaccine profiles and the chosen modeling approach for describing the evolution of contact matrices. Our results also show, in line with previous modeling works, that older adult vaccination is a suitable option in China to reduce the incidence of TB as long as the vaccine is able to protect already exposed individuals. Discussion: This study underscores the importance of considering vaccine characteristics and demographic dynamics in shaping TB control strategies. In this sense, older adult vaccination emerges as a promising avenue for mitigating TB transmission in China but also remarks the need for tailored intervention strategies aligned with demographic trends.

Ecological risk assessment associated with five endocrine-disrupting compounds in wastewater treatment plants of Northeast Mexico.

The ecological risk associated with five endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) was studied in four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Monterrey, Mexico. The EDCs, 17ß-estradiol (E2), 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), bisphenol A (BPA), 4-nonylphenol (4NP), and 4-tert-octylphenol (4TOP) were determined by SPE/GC-MS method, where EE2 and 4TOP were the most abundant in effluents at levels from 1.6 - 26.8 ng/L (EE2) and < LOD - 5.0 ng/L (4TOP), which corroborate that the wastewater discharges represent critical sources of EDCs to the aquatic environments. In this study, the potential risk associated with selected EDCs was assessed through the risk quotients (RQs) and by estimating the estrogenic activity (expressed as EEQ). This study also constitutes the first approach for the ecological risk assessment in effluents of WWTPs in Northeast Mexico. The results demonstrated that the effluents of the WWTPs represent a high risk for the organisms living in the receiving water bodies because the residual estrogens effect E2 and EE2 with RQ values up to 49.1 and 1165.2. EEQ values between 6.3 and 24.6 ngEE2/L were considered the most hazardous compounds among the target EDCs, capable of causing some alterations in the endocrine system of aquatic and terrestrial organisms due to chronic exposition.

Acidic gases and nitrate and sulfate particles in the atmosphere in the city of Guadalajara, México.

Atmospheric concentrations of nitrous acid, nitric acid, nitrate and sulfate particles were obtained in this study from April to June 2008 in the center of the city of Guadalajara, while concentrations of ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and meteorological parameters (temperature and relative humidity), were acquired by the Secretaría del Medio Ambiente para el Desarrollo Sustentable del Estado de Jalisco (SEMADES). The results showed that nitric acid (2.7 µg m(-3)) was 2.7 times higher than nitrous acid (1.0 µg m(-3)). The sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) concentration indicated an opposite trend to sulfate (SO(4) (2-)), with the average concentration of SO(2) (6.9 µg m(-3)) higher in almost the entire period of study. The sulfur conversion ratio (Fs, 24.9%) and nitrogen conversion ratio (Fn, 6.2%), were revealed to be similar to that reported in other urban areas during warm seasons. It is also noted that ozone is not the main oxidizer of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. This determination was made by taking into account the slightly positively correlation determined for Fn (r(2) = 0.084) and Fs (r(2) = 0.092) with ozone that perhaps suggests there are other oxidizing species such as the radical OH, which are playing an important role in the processes of atmospheric oxidation in this area.

Anaphylaxis due to Hymenoptera sting progressing to thoracic aortic dissection.

Here we present an 83-year-old woman with truncal pain, hypoxemia, and nausea after a Hymenoptera sting. Due to progressive truncal pain, emergent computed tomography angiography was ordered and confirmed an acute Stanford type A aortic dissection extending from the aortic root and terminating in the left common iliac artery. She was emergently transferred to a quaternary care center and managed surgically. This case highlights anaphylaxis as a unique potential trigger of aortic dissection and the need for a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis.

Modeling the impact of COVID-19 on future tuberculosis burden.

Background: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has greatly disrupted our everyday life, forcing the adoption of non-pharmaceutical interventions in many countries and putting public health services and healthcare systems worldwide under stress. These circumstances are leading to unintended effects such as the increase in the burden of other diseases. Methods: Here, using a data-driven epidemiological model for tuberculosis (TB) spreading, we describe the expected rise in TB incidence and mortality if COVID-associated changes in TB notification are sustained and attributable entirely to disrupted diagnosis and treatment adherence. Results: Our calculations show that the reduction in diagnosis of new TB cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic could result in 228k (CI 187-276) excess deaths in India, 111k (CI 93-134) in Indonesia, 27k (CI 21-33) in Pakistan, and 12k (CI 9-18) in Kenya. Conclusions: We show that it is possible to reverse these excess deaths by increasing the pre-covid diagnosis capabilities from 15 to 50% for 2 to 4 years. This would prevent almost all TB-related excess mortality that could be caused by the COVID-19 pandemic if no additional preventative measures are introduced. Our work therefore provides guidelines for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis epidemic in the years to come.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted everyday life and put public health services and healthcare systems worldwide under stress. This has compromised the ability to control other diseases such as Malaria, Cancer and Tuberculosis. In this work we predict the rise in Tuberculosis occurrence and mortality when healthcare systems are impacted and diagnosis capabilities blocked in 4 countries where TB is prevalent. Our calculations show that an increase in new TB cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic could result in almost 400,000 additional deaths from TB in India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Kenya. We also show that increased diagnosis capabilities after the pandemic could reduce the additional deaths from TB resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic impact.

Serum and Urine Osmolality as Predictors of Adequate Diuresis in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Determination of adequacy of decongestion remains a significant challenge in the management of acute heart failure (AHF). METHODS: This is a prospective single center cohort study of patients (>18 years old) admitted for AHF on intravenous diuretics, with BNP >100 pg/mL or echocardiographic findings of reduced ejection fraction or diastolic dysfunction, and at least 1 clinical sign of volume overload. Patients with eGFR ≤45 mL/min or on dialysis, and with exposure to contrast dye or nephrotoxins were excluded. Serum and spot urine osmolality were obtained in the early morning simultaneously daily for 5 days or until discharge. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to analyze the optimal cutoffs for the osmolality values in the prediction of heart failure (HF) readmissions Results: Of the total 100 patients, 62% were male and 59% were Black American. The mean age was 64.41 ± 12.53 and 34% had preserved ejection fraction. Patients with 30-day readmission had higher serum osmolality (mOsm/kg) on admission (305 [299-310] vs. 298 [294-303]; p = 0.044) and had higher drop in serum osmolality between admission and discharge (-7.5 [-9.0, -1.25] vs. -1.0 [-4.0, 4.0]; p = 0.044). Serum osmolality on admission of >299 mOsm/kg (sensitivity: 83%, specificity: 61%) and drop in serum osmolality between admission and discharge of >2 mOsm/kg (sensitivity: 83%, specificity: 65%) was associated with 30-day HF readmissions. No patients discharged with urine osmolality more than 500 mOsm/kg had 30-day readmissions, but this was not statistically significant, p = 0.334. CONCLUSION: Measurement of serum osmolality and urine osmolality may have some utility in AHF, but interpretation should consider baseline values and dynamic changes to account for individual differences in sodium and water handling.

Elemental contribution to the mass of PM2.5 in Guadalajara City, Mexico.

The seasonal behavior of the mass of PM(2.5) and its elemental components and their contribution to the mass of the particles is described for two different sites in Guadalajara City. The average mass of the particles for the entire study period at the two sites, Centro and Miravalle (1.3 and 1.8 mg, respectively), showed significant differences (p<0.05), while differences (p<0.05) between seasons (rainy and dry season) only occurred at Miravalle. The total elemental contribution to the mass of the particles was 1.97% in Miravalle and 2.05% at Centro, with Iron and Titanium the largest contributors and most abundant elements for both sites. Likewise, the monthly contribution per element with respect to the monthly mass of all elements was estimated. The results revealed that the elements that present the biggest contribution to this mass were Iron, Titanium, Zinc and Magnesium. Iron was the largest contributor at both sites. At Miravalle, the contribution oscillated between 56 and 58% from January to June, while at Centro it oscillated between 55 and 40% for the same period of time.

Determination of black carbon in fine particles using a semi-continuous method at two sites in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico, during 2007.

The black carbon is a pollutant species primarily emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels (diesel). Their concentrations associated to PM2.5 were monitoring at two sites in the city of Guadalajara. From January to May (except April), downtown site shown 2.7, 2.6, 4.0 and 2.3 times higher monthly concentrations. The dry season two showed higher concentrations respect to at least one of the others seasons (p < 0.0001) at each site, probably due to atmospheric conditions less favorable for the dispersal of pollutants. During the 24 h period were observed at the year two peaks of concentrations: the highest morning peak and lower night peak, both probably related to anthropogenic activity.

Enrichment Factor and profiles of elemental composition of PM 2.5 in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico.

In this study, the Enrichment Factors and elemental composition profiles of the PM2.5 were used to suggest the emission sources. The selected sites were Miravalle and Centro, and in both cases there were high values lead, Cadmium, Cobalt, Chromium, Cupper, Molybdenum, Nickel, Antimony, Selenium and Zinc for EF (>5), suggesting an anthropogenic origin. The remaining elements (Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Strontium and Titanium) had Enrichment Factors <5, attributable to a geological origin, probably due to the suspension of particles from motor vehicles or wind. Comparing the elemental composition profiles of the two sites allowed establishing similarities with some reference profiles (SPECIATE database Version 4.2-EPA) from sources such as Paved Road Dust (PRD) and Industrial Soil (IS) and profiles of combustion sources such as Diesel Exhaust (DE). Through the estimation the Enrichment Factors and of the elemental composition profiles of two different sites in the city, it was possible to suggest not only the general type of emission source (geological or anthropogenic), but also more specific sources based on elemental composition of PM2.5.

Early psychological health outcomes among United States healthcare professionals, essential workers, and the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic: The influence of occupational status.

The primary purpose of this study was to determine variations in psychological experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic among US healthcare workers, non-healthcare essential workers, and the general population. A cross-sectional survey was conducted online from June 22, 2020 to July 5, 2020, with 5,023 participants aged 18 years and older. The prevalence of fear of COVID-19 and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder were evaluated, using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-8, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to explore sociodemographic and COVID-19-related risk factors. Using models unadjusted for working status, it was found healthcare workers endorsed less fear of COVID-19, depression, and PTSD symptoms, than the general public. After adjusting for working status, no further significant differences were found between occupational groups. Across all psychological distress outcomes, those who were not working or were unemployed due to COVID-19 reported more symptoms than did individuals who continued to work from their normal location or remotely. A similar trend was found for nurses and physicians, with members of both groups reporting symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD less when working from their normal location than when unemployed due to COVID-19.

Occurrence and seasonal distribution of five selected endocrine-disrupting compounds in wastewater treatment plants of the Metropolitan Area of Monterrey, Mexico: The role of water quality parameters.

Five endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) were determined in four urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) of the Metropolitan Area of Monterrey (MAM) in two seasonal periods (winter and summer). The MAM, one of the most urbanized areas in Mexico, is characterized by high industrial activity and population density, leading to extensive use of several EDCs. In the MAM, ∼90% of urban and industrial wastewater is treated in WWTPs, where EDCs can be partially eliminated. In this work, dissolved levels of 17ß-estradiol (E2), 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2), bisphenol A (BPA), 4-nonylphenol (4NP), and 4-tert-octylphenol (4TOP) in wastewater were determined. The EDCs' determination was carried out through solid-phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). High EDCs levels (0.4-450 ng/L) were found in the influents of WWTPs, while concentrations in the effluents ranged from 0.2 to 26.8 ng/L, with E2, EE2, and 4TOP being the most persistent. The Spearman correlation analysis revealed the association between E2 and EE2 (r = 0.4835, p < 0.05), and between BPA and 4NP (r = 0.5180, p < 0.05), suggesting that these EDCs have similar sources. Also, E2, BPA, and 4TOP were positively correlated with the chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and total suspended solids (TSS) (r = 0.4080-0.5694, p < 0.05), indicating the association of the EDCs with the organic matter in the wastewater. The factor analysis confirmed the significant correlation of COD, BOD, TSS, temperature, and pH with the high occurrence of 4TOP during the summer. It was also confirmed that summer warmer temperatures favored the removal of BPA and 4NP in the studied WWTPs. Finally, the studied sites were classified by cluster analysis in three groups, revealing the impact that seasonality has on the behavior of the selected EDCs.

[Histology and morphometry of the in the freshwater Paracheirodon axelrodi (Characiformes: Characidae)]. / Histología y morfometría del ojo del pez dulceacuícola Paracheirodon axelrodi (Characiformes: Characidae).

The visual system of Teleost fishes has a wide range of adaptations. The eye has suffered modifications, mainly towards better sensitivity and visual resolution according to specific environmental conditions. In that way, this organ is so important for survival. In spite of being the most commercialized Orinoquia species, and one of the most important ornamental fish worldwide, there are almost no studies on the communication systems of P. axelrodi (including vision). We studied the eye in ten individuals of P. axelrodi, with a mean total length of 2.7 cm (SD = 0.2, n = 20). We measured eye relative size (TRO) after sacrifice. Heads were processed for hematoxylin-eosin, and 8 microm thick sections were obtained. Images were digitalized for histological identification and morphometrics. The relation between TRO and body length was 9.8% (SD= 1.1, n= 20); lens was spherical with a relative size of 64.3% (SD = 4.9, n = 20). Rete mirabilis choroid was composed mainly by capillaries, while sclera was composed of cartilaginous tissue. Retina with eight layers and two membranes. An areae centrales was observed in the posterior retina. Iris covered by a simple cubic epithelium. Cornea of endotelial tissue with two membranes. Pupil almost circular, with a naso-caudal elongation. Measures of retina thickness were as follows: lateral retina 144.5 microm (SD = 5.4, n = 20), temporal retina 210.4 microm (SD = 14.8, n = 20). Lens measurements were: dorso-ventral 759.6 microm (SD = 31.7, n = 20), antero-posterior 763.4 microm (SD = 30.7, n = 20). Cornea thickness was 27.6 microm (SD = 4.3, n = 20); iris thickness was 18.9 microm (SD = 1.9, n = 20); rete mirabilis choroid 22.2 microm (SD = 3.2, n = 20) and sclera: 15.9 microm (SD = 1.2, n = 20). This species has a typical Teleost eye conformation. The retina was thicker in the posterior area, probably related to the presence of neuron groups. This modification allows for a better sharpness and visual resolution. The TRO, areae centrales in the retina, and thin cornea, suggests the need of a well developed visual system resulting from a predatory diet.

Bridging the gap between efficacy trials and model-based impact evaluation for new tuberculosis vaccines.

In Tuberculosis (TB), given the complexity of its transmission dynamics, observations of reduced epidemiological risk associated with preventive interventions can be difficult to translate into mechanistic interpretations. Specifically, in clinical trials of vaccine efficacy, a readout of protection against TB disease can be mapped to multiple dynamical mechanisms, an issue that has been overlooked so far. Here, we describe this limitation and its effect on model-based evaluations of vaccine impact. Furthermore, we propose a methodology to analyze efficacy trials that circumvents it, leveraging a combination of compartmental models and stochastic simulations. Using our approach, we can disentangle the different possible mechanisms of action underlying vaccine protection effects against TB, conditioned to trial design, size, and duration. Our results unlock a deeper interpretation of the data emanating from efficacy trials of TB vaccines, which renders them more interpretable in terms of transmission models and translates into explicit recommendations for vaccine developers.

Complete Genome Sequence of Cluster A1 Mycobacterium smegmatis Bacteriophage Arlo.

Mycobacteriophage Arlo is a newly isolated Siphoviridae bacteriophage isolated from soil samples collected in Bluff Dale, Texas. Mycobacteriophage Arlo has a 52,960 base-pair double-stranded DNA genome that is predicted to contain 96 protein-coding genes. Mycobacteriophage Arlo is related to mycobacteriophage DD5 and other cluster A1 bacteriophages.

Influence of water salinity on genes implicated in somatic growth, lipid metabolism and food intake in Pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis).

Pejerrey, Odontesthes bonariensis, is an euryhaline fish of commercial importance in Argentina. This work aimed to determine if water salinity affects the expression of genes involved in somatic growth (gh; ghr-I; ghr-II; igf-I), lipid metabolism (Δ6-desaturase) and food intake (nucb2/nesfatin-1). First, we identified the full-length cDNA sequences of Δ6-desaturase (involved in lipid metabolism) and nesfatin-1 (an anorexigen). Then, pejerrey juveniles were reared during 8weeks in three different water salinity conditions: 2.5g/L (S2.5), 15g/L (S15) and 30g/L (S30) of NaCl. Brain, pituitary, liver and muscle samples were collected in order to analyze mRNA expression. The expression of gh and ghr-II mRNAs increased in the pituitary of fish reared at S2.5 and S30 compared with the S15 group. The expression of ghr-I was higher in the liver of S30 group compared to S2.5 and S15. Igf-I mRNA expression in liver increased with the increment of water salinity, while it decreased in the muscle of S15 and S30 groups. Δ6-desaturase expression increased in S2.5 group compared to S15 in both liver and muscle. S30 caused a decrease in the Δ6-desaturase expression in liver compared to S15. The S30 treatment produced an increase in nucb2/nesfatin-1 mRNA expression in the brain and liver compared to S2.5 and S15. The changes in gene expression observed could help pejerrey perform better during salinity challenges. The S30 condition would likely promote pejerrey somatic growth in the long term.

Localized holes and delocalized electrons in photoexcited inorganic perovskites: Watching each atomic actor by picosecond X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

We report on an element-selective study of the fate of charge carriers in photoexcited inorganic CsPbBr3 and CsPb(ClBr)3 perovskite nanocrystals in toluene solutions using time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy with 80 ps time resolution. Probing the Br K-edge, the Pb L3-edge, and the Cs L2-edge, we find that holes in the valence band are localized at Br atoms, forming small polarons, while electrons appear as delocalized in the conduction band. No signature of either electronic or structural changes is observed at the Cs L2-edge. The results at the Br and Pb edges suggest the existence of a weakly localized exciton, while the absence of signatures at the Cs edge indicates that the Cs+ cation plays no role in the charge transport, at least beyond 80 ps. This first, time-resolved element-specific study of perovskites helps understand the rather modest charge carrier mobilities in these materials.

Tamización para el virus de la hepatitis C en tres hospitales de Cundinamarca, Colombia / Screening for hepatitis C virus in three hospitals in Cundinamarca, Colombia

Introducción. La infección por el virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) es un problema de salud pública en el mundo. La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) calcula en más de 70 a 100 millones las personas infectadas. La mayoría de ellas, a lo largo del mundo entero, no han sido diagnosticadas y permanecen sin tratamiento. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de anticuerpos contra el VHC en pacientes con factores de riesgo para la infección, en tres hospitales del departamento de Cundinamarca, Colombia, mediante la prueba rápida SD Bioline en sangre capilar, y la confirmación de la infección por la prueba de ARN-PCR en tiempo real (PCR-RT). Metodología. Estudio de tipo observacional descriptivo donde se incluyeron pacientes adultos atendidos en los servicios de consulta externa de los hospitales de La Mesa, Ubaté y Zipaquirá. Se definieron como factores de riesgo para hepatitis C: antecedente transfusional antes de 1996, cirugías mayores (tórax, abdomen, ortopédicas), tatuajes, piercing. Se empleó como prueba rápida el kit comercial SD Bioline HCV (Standard Diagnostics, INC. Corea). Esta prueba contiene una membrana recubierta con antígenos recombinantes del VHC (core, NS3, NS4, NS5). Resultados. Entre enero y octubre de 2018 se tamizaron 1.856 pacientes, 1.531 mujeres (82%) y 325 (18%) hombres, con edad promedio de 45 años y rango de edad de 18 a 89 años. Los principales factores de riesgo identificados fueron los antecedentes de cirugía y las transfusiones antes de 1996. Se detectaron 2 pacientes mujeres positivas, mayores de 50 años, y como factor de riesgo el haber sido sometidas a cirugía mayor y el antecedente transfusional antes de 1996, confirmadas por la técnica de PCR-RT, lo que da una prevalencia global de la infección del 0,1%, pero del 0,05% en las personas con antecedente quirúrgico, 0,25% entre los mayores de 50 años, y 0,6% en los pacientes con antecedente transfusional antes de 1996. Conclusiones. Este estudio realizado en una población seleccionada por factores de riesgo asociados, mostró una prevalencia global de infección por VHC de 0,1%. Nuestros resultados de tamización con prueba rápida en una población seleccionada con factores de riesgo, sugieren que la estrategia de tamización se debe dirigir a personas mayores de 50 años con antecedente transfusional y cirugía mayor.

Introduction. Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a worldwide public health problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 70 to 100 million people are infected. Most of them, throughout the world, have not been diagnosed and remain untreated. Objective. To determine the prevalence of antibodies against HCV in patients with risk factors for infection, in three hospitals in the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia, by means of the rapid SD Bioline test in capillary blood, and the confirmation of infection by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Methodology. Adult patients treated in the outpatient services of the La Mesa, Ubaté and Zipaquirá hospitals. Risk factors for hepatitis C were defined as: transfusion history before 1996, major surgeries (chest, abdomen, orthopedic), tattoos, and piercing. The commercial SD Bioline HCV kit (Standard Diagnostics, INC. Korea) was used as the rapid test. This kit contains a membrane coated with recombinant HCV antigens (core, NS3, NS4, NS5). Results. Between January and October 2018, 1,856 patients were screened, 1,531 women (82%) and 325 (18%) men, with an average age of 45 years and an age range of 18 to 89 years. The main risk factors identified were a history of surgery and transfusions before 1996. Two positive female patients were detected, older than 50 years, and as a risk factor, having undergone major surgery and a history of transfusion before 1996, confirmed by the RT-PCR assay, which gives a global prevalence of infection of 0.1%, but of 0.05% in people with surgery history, 0.25% among those over 50 years of age, and 0.6% in patients with a transfusion history before 1996. Conclusions. This study, carried out in a population selected for associated risk factors, showed an overall prevalence of HCV infection of 0.1%. Our results suggest that screening with a rapid test in a selected population with risk factors should be directed at people over 50 years of age with a history of transfusion and major surgery.

Validation of analytical conditions for determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in roasted coffee by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of significant interest due to their genotoxicity in humans. PAHs quantification in coffee is complex since some of its compounds interfere in the chromatographic analysis, which hinders the reliable determination of the PAHs. Analytical conditions for the ultrasound extraction, purification and quantification of 16 PAHs in roasted coffee were studied. The better extraction efficiency of benzo[a]pyrene (68%) from ground-roasted coffee was achieved with a solvent ratio of Hex:MC (9:1 v/v) and three extraction periods of 20 min, followed by alkaline saponification and purification of the extracts. The detection limits were 0.85-39.32 ng mL(-1), and the quantification limits from 2.84 to 131.05 ng mL(-1), obtained for fluoranthene and chrysene, respectively. The extraction was effective for most of the analytes, with recoveries of 39.8% dibenzo[ah]anthracene and 69.0% benzo[b]fluoranthene. For coffee roasted in a spouted bed reactor, the summation of the 16 PAHs ranged from 3.5 to 16.4 µg kg(-1).

Beneficios de la ludoterapia en el deterioro cognitivo de adultos mayores en una casa de reposo de Aguascalientes / Benefits of ludotherapy in elderly cognitive decline in a Aguascalientes rest home

Introducción: durante el envejecimiento se producen cambios a nivel biológico, psicológico y social convirtiendo a los individuos susceptibles a desarrollar deterioro cognitivo. Se ha implementado la ludoterapia para fomentar la afectividad, creatividad y sociabilidad en el adulto mayor. El juego favo-rece la descarga de energía y tensión, pues facilita el proceso de estimulación cognitiva. Objetivo: identificar los beneficios de la ludoterapia en el deterioro cognitivo de adultos mayores en una casa de reposo de Aguascalientes. Material y métodos: estudio relacional, cuasi experimental, longitudinal y prospectivo, con muestra no probabilística por criterios de 19 adultos mayores de dos estancias geriátricas de Aguascalientes, que participaron en una intervención lúdica de 6 semanas, fueron evaluados con el Mini examen del estado mental de Folstein en tres momentos temporales (preintervención, posintervención in-mediata y posintervención tardía). Para el análisis de datos se utilizó el paquete estadístico SPSS 25, usando la prueba estadística de rangos con signo Wilcoxon. Resultados: los adultos mayores mejoran su rendimiento cognitivo en las evaluaciones posteriores a la ludoterapia (W= -3.85; p=0.0002), los beneficios permanecen después de 6 semanas del programa (W= -3.53; p=0.0004). Conclusión: el funcionamiento cognitivo de los adultos mayores en una casa de reposo mejora y se mantiene al desarrollar actividades lúdicas, fomentando la interacción social y la diversión.