The Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot: A Comprehensive Dataset for the Mira-Mataje Binational Basins.

We present a flora and fauna dataset for the Mira-Mataje binational basins. This is an area shared between southwestern Colombia and northwestern Ecuador, where both the Chocó and Tropical Andes biodiversity hotspots converge. We systematized data from 120 sources in the Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A) standard and geospatial vector data format for geographic information systems (GIS) (shapefiles). Sources included natural history museums, published literature, and citizen science repositories across 13 countries. The resulting database has 33,460 records from 6,821 species, of which 540 have been recorded as endemic, and 612 as threatened. The diversity represented in the dataset is equivalent to 10% of the total plant species and 26% of the total terrestrial vertebrate species in both hotspots. The dataset can be used to estimate and compare biodiversity patterns with environmental parameters and provide value to ecosystems, ecoregions, and protected areas. The dataset is a baseline for future assessments of biodiversity in the face of environmental degradation, climate change, and accelerated extinction processes.

Isolation, characterization, and experimental infection of Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies pasteurianus from commercial turkeys with acute septicemia: a pilot study.

Streptococcus gallolyticus (SG) is a Gram-positive cocci found as commensal gut flora in animals and humans. SG has emerged as a cause of disease in young poults between 1 and 3 wk of age. SG is associated with septicemia resulting in acute mortality with no premonitory signs in turkeys. Three SG isolates were obtained from clinical field cases of acute septicemia of commercial turkeys and used in three independent experiments. In Experiment 1, embryos were inoculated 25 d of embryogenesis with varying concentrations of SG1, SG2, or SG3. In Experiment 2, day of hatch, poults were inoculated with varying concentrations using different routes of administration of SG1, SG2, or SG3. In Experiment 3, day of hatch, poults were inoculated with only isolate SG1 using different paths. Poults were randomly selected for necropsy on d 8 and d 15 and sampled to collect spleen, heart, and liver for SG on d 21, the remaining poults were necropsied and cultured. Samples were plated on Columbia nalidixic acid and colistin agar (CNA) (40°C, 18-24 h). Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) confirmed suspect colonies. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test of independence, testing all possible combinations to determine significance (P < 0.05). Weight data were subjected to ANOVA using JMP with significance (P < 0.05). No differences were found in BW or BWG on d 0, 8, 15, or 22. Splenomegaly, focal heart necrosis, and pericarditis were observed in all groups in experiments 1 through 3. In Experiment 3, only airsacculitis was observed in a negative control in separate isolation (P > 0.05). On d 21 of Experiment 3, increased (P < 0.05) recovery of SG from spleens were observed in co-housed negative controls, as well as poults challenged by oral gavage (P > 0.05 for d 7 and d 14). These results confirm numerous previous studies indicating that SG subsp. pasteurianus is a primary infectious microorganism that causes septicemia in young poults.

Feasibility, tolerability, and safety of hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (hyfosy). multicenter, prospective Spanish study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility,tolerability, and safety of the ultrasound assessment of tubal patency using foam as contrast. METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter study of 915 infertile nulliparous women scheduled for sonohysterosalpingography with foam instillation (HYFOSY) for tubal patency testing as a part of the fertility workup. Clinical and sonographic data were recorded into a web-shared database. Tubal patency, cervical catheterization, pain during the procedure and post-procedural complications were collected. Patients reported discomfort or pain experienced during the procedure with a visual analogue scale (VAS) score. RESULTS: Nine hundred fifteen women were included in the final analysis. Median age was 34 (range, 21-45) years and median body mass index was 23 (range, 16-41) kg/m2. Of 839 women, only 8(0.95 %) cases were abandoned due to impossibility of introducing the intracervical catheter. Most of the cervical os were easily cannulated with either paediatric nasogastric probes or special catheter for intrauterine insemination / sonohysterosalpingography 688/914(75.3 %). With a median instillation of 4 mL (range 1-16) of foam, both tubes were identified in 649/875 (70.9 %) patients, while unilateral patency was observed in 190/875 (20.8 %). Only 36/875 (3.9 %) of the women had bilateral tubal obstruction. The median VAS score for perception of pain during HyFoSy examination was 2 (range 0-10), and only 17 (1.9 %) of women reported severe pain (VAS ≥ 7). Pain was unrelated to tubal patency or tubal blockage. Unexpectedly, difficult cervical catheterizations that needed tenaculum, were more likely associated with mild pain during procedure [nasogastric probe group 176/289 (70.9 %) vs. insemination catheter group 166/399 (41.6 %) vs. tenaculum group 190/218(87.2 %) p < 0.001]. Finally, among 915 patients, we only noticed 3 (0.32 %) complications of the technique: two vasovagal episodes and a mild urinary infection. CONCLUSION: HYFOSY is a feasible, well-tolerated and safe technique for the evaluation of tubal patency in infertile women.

MRI guided ROLL/SNOLL in breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. / ROLL/SNOLL guiado por resonancia magnética en pacientes con cáncer de mama tratadas con quimioterapia neoadyuvante.

PURPOSE: To describe the results of MRI (magnetic resonance image) guided ROLL (radioguided occult lesion localization) and SNOLL (sentinel node occult lesion localization) in the localization of residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer, as well as assessing the surgical results obtained and disease free survival. METHODS: Prospective observational analysis of 132 patients with 136 tumors, treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy at our hospital between 2011-2017. Residual disease was located presurgically with MRI guided ROLL/SNOLL technique. We analyzed technical aspects of localization, and variables corresponding to surgical procedures and events occurred during follow-up. RESULTS: The median tumor size was of 20.5mm (interquartilic range [IQR]: 14-28). The majority (96.3%) were invasive ductal carcinomas. Sentinel lymph node detection rate was 98.9%. Complete pathological response (CPR) in the breast was achieved in 58.1% of cases. The rate of affected margins in 89 cases operated by conservative surgery was 2.2%. With a median follow-up of 50 months (IQR: 37-61) we found a 7.4% rate of relapses. Of these, seven were loco-regional and three at distant sites. The estimated mean of disease-free survival time was 83.2 months (Confidence Interval [CI] 95%: 79.6-86.6). CONCLUSIONS: MRI guided ROLL/SNOLL is a great tool for breast cancer residual disease localization following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In addition, this technique attains good loco-regional control of the diseases and has excellent surgical results.

[Boussignac continuous positive airway pressure device during inter-hospital transportation in infants aged less than three months]. / Dispositivo de presión positiva continua en la vía aérea de Boussignac durante el transporte interhospitalario en lactantes menores de tres meses.

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Boussignac continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAPB) when used during the transportation of infants under three months of age with bronchiolitis. METHODS: Transversal analytical observational study of four years duration. Data was collected on 25 infants who needed inter-hospital transportation to the reference Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), with CPAPB and Helmet interface. The epidemiological characteristics of the transportation and evolution in the PICU were registered, as well as the cardiorespiratory gastronomic parameters prior to transfer and on arrival at the PICU. RESULTS: The median level of continuous airway pressure (CPAP) used during the transfer was 7 cm H2O (6-7.25). No patient required endotracheal intubation during transportation, while one patient required this during the first six hours of admission in the PICU. The following cardiorespiratory parameters presented a statistically significant improvement on arrival at the PICU: modified Wood-Downes score [8.40 (2.1) vs 5.29 (1.68)], respiratory frequency [60.72 (12.73) vs 47.28 (10.31)], cardiac frequency [167.28 (22.60) vs 154.48 (24.83)] and oxygen saturation [92.08 (5.63) vs 97.64 (2.27)]. CONCLUSIONS: Application of CPAPB proved to be a safe method of respiratory support in infants under three months of age. Its use during transportation brought an improvement in cardiorespiratory parameters.

mTORC1 directly phosphorylates and activates ERα upon estrogen stimulation.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Approximately 75% of breast cancers are estrogen receptor-α (ERα) positive, underscoring the dependence of cancer cells on estrogen for growth and survival. Patients treated with endocrine therapy often develop resistance, either de novo or acquired, which in some cases is caused by aberrations within the growth factor signaling pathways. The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) has emerged as a critical node in estrogenic signaling. We have previously shown that mTORC1 can phosphorylate and activate ERα on S167 via its effector-the 40S ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (S6K1). Presently, we have uncovered a direct link between mTORC1 and ERα. We found that ERα binds to regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (Raptor) and causes it to translocate to the nucleus upon estrogen stimulation. In addition, we identified mTOR as the kinase that phosphorylates ERα on S104/106 and activates transcription of ER target genes. Our findings show a direct link between mTORC1 and ERα, which further implicates mTORC1 signaling in the pathogenesis of ER-positive breast cancer and provides rationale for FDA-approved use of mTORC1 inhibitors in combination with endocrine agents for treatment of this disease.

Asymptomatic peritoneal carcinomatosis originating from benign cystic peritoneal mesothelioma.

Benign multicystic mesothelioma is a rare tumour that originates from the abdominal peritoneum with a predisposition to the pelvic peritoneum. It typically affects women of reproductive age. There have been less than 200 cases of this rare neoplasia reported to date. We present the case of a 35-year-old woman who was referred to our centre because of the detection of a peritoneal carcinomatosis during a gynaecological exam. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed. The findings included multiple cysts appearing as 'a bunch of grapes' occupying the omentum. Biopsies were taken during the surgery and the results showed benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma. Benign multicystic mesothelioma can simulate other conditions, such as malignant ovarian tumours or cystic lymphangioma. It is often diagnosed accidentally during surgery performed for another reason. The diagnosis is interoperative, observing multicystic structures grouped as a 'bunch of grapes' containing clear fluid with thin walls made of connective tissue. Immunohistochemistry confirmed mesothelial origin. Surgery is considered the treatment of choice and is based on the removal of the cysts from the abdominal cavity. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy can be considered as a primary treatment in patients with recurrences or even as a part of primary treatment associated with surgery. Survival at 5 years is 100% and invasive or malignant progression is extraordinary. The treatment approach should be multidisciplinary, and the patient should be referred to a referral centre.

Synchronous fire activity in the tropical high Andes: an indication of regional climate forcing.

Global climate models suggest enhanced warming of the tropical mid and upper troposphere, with larger temperature rise rates at higher elevations. Changes in fire activity are amongst the most significant ecological consequences of rising temperatures and changing hydrological properties in mountainous ecosystems, and there is a global evidence of increased fire activity with elevation. Whilst fire research has become popular in the tropical lowlands, much less is known of the tropical high Andean region (>2000 masl, from Colombia to Bolivia). This study examines fire trends in the high Andes for three ecosystems, the Puna, the Paramo and the Yungas, for the period 1982-2006. We pose three questions: (i) is there an increased fire response with elevation? (ii) does the El Niño- Southern Oscillation control fire activity in this region? (iii) are the observed fire trends human driven (e.g., human practices and their effects on fuel build-up) or climate driven? We did not find evidence of increased fire activity with elevation but, instead, a quasicyclic and synchronous fire response in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, suggesting the influence of high-frequency climate forcing on fire responses on a subcontinental scale, in the high Andes. ENSO variability did not show a significant relation to fire activity for these three countries, partly because ENSO variability did not significantly relate to precipitation extremes, although it strongly did to temperature extremes. Whilst ENSO did not individually lead the observed regional fire trends, our results suggest a climate influence on fire activity, mainly through a sawtooth pattern of precipitation (increased rainfall before fire-peak seasons (t-1) followed by drought spells and unusual low temperatures (t0), which is particularly common where fire is carried by low fuel loads (e.g., grasslands and fine fuel). This climatic sawtooth appeared as the main driver of fire trends, above local human influences and fuel build-up cyclicity.

[Laparoscopic assisted percutaneous treatment of inguinal hernia in infants]. / Tratamiento percutáneo asistido por laparoscopia de la hernia inguinal infantil.

INTRODUCTION: Thanks to the generalization of minimally invasive surgery in pediatric patients some classic techniques are being replaced. Inguinal hernia repair may be an example. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present the technique and our first results in 10 patients treated by percutaneous laparoscopic assisted herniotomy. For this purpose we used an umbilical port, for a 5 mm camera and an optional 2 mm grasper. By laparoscopic guidance we make two inguinal punctures with a 20G needle that introduces a non absorbable suture that crosses the whole inguinal defect and allows it closure by extracorporeal knot tying. RESULTS: The ages ranged between 1 month and 8 years with a median age of 10 months. 50% of the patients were boys. 50% of the patients had previous diagnosis of inguinal bilateral hernia. 30% of patients presented a postoperatory diagnosis different from the previous one. The average time of intervention was 32 minutes in bilateral hernias, and 19 in the unilateral ones. Follow-up time was 6 months without complications. The aesthetic result was ideal. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous laparoscopic assisted herniotomy is an effective, simple and feasible option for inguinal hernia in chidren without a high rate of complications.

A comparison of two types of preperitoneal mesh prostheses in stoma surgery: application to an animal model.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to compare the integration of two types of prostheses (high and low density, written as HD and LD, respectively) implanted around the stoma to reinforce the abdominal wall to prevent parastomal eventration. The surgical technique used for preperitoneal placement of the prostheses is also described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed terminal sigmoid colostomies on 16 porcine animals. In 8 of the animals, HD prostheses were placed around the stoma in preperitoneal position, while in the other 8, we implanted wide-pore LD prostheses using the same surgical technique. The following macroscopic variables were then measured: adhesion, extrusion, stenosis, and retraction. A morphological study was also carried out to evaluate the foreign body reaction and the formation of neovascularization and collagen. All animals were killed 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Differences were observed with regard to retraction (47 ± 17.8 % for HD vs. 55 ± 19.4 % for LD) and extrusion (50 % for HD vs. 0 % for LD). These differences did not reach statistical significance. There was a great amount of scarring for both types of prostheses, with stomal stenosis being observed in all cases. The number and consistency of intra-abdominal adhesions was low and similar for both types of prostheses. Neither eventration nor necrosis was observed for either type. With regard to the tissue response, we observed both fibrosis and calcification phenomena in the peristomal areas of the LD prostheses. In the HD group, there was both a lower scarring response and a higher foreign body response, with the areas of the prostheses remaining intact. CONCLUSIONS: Both types of prostheses are appropriate for preperitoneal placement in the experimental model used, leading to few intra-abdominal adhesions. Still, due to their integration characteristics, LD prostheses are more appropriate for implanting around the colon since they do not seem to lead to extrusions. When using prostheses, however, it is also essential to consider the important phenomenon of retraction, which is more common with LD mesh.

[When is it best to perform enterostomy closure in premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis?]. / ¿Cuándo es mejor cerrar la enterostomía en prematuros con enterocolitis necrosante?

UNLABELLED: INTRODUCION AND AIM: The enterostomy used in the treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) causes many complications before and after its closure. The aim of this study was to examine the complications of closure aiming at determining the best timing for this operation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective review patients (p) below 1500 g with NEC in whom the enterostomy was closed in the last seven years. P were divided into two groups: PC (planned closure after uncomplicated postoperative period) and CC (advanced closure due to stomal--excessive looses--or to parenteral nutrition complications--septicemia, liver dysfunction-). We compared the age at closure, time of enterostomy, weight gain and complications. RESULTS: Out of a total of 25 p requiring surgical treatment for NEC, 16 from the PC group and 9 from the CC group were included. The mean age at the moment of the closure were, respectively, 129 + 65 vs. 204 +/- 121 days (p < 0.05). Weight at closure was 2665 +/- 841 vs. 4665 +/- 2076 g (p < 0.05); the mean time with the enterostomy was 105 +/- 64 vs. 187 +/- 116 d (p < 0.05), and the weight gain was 1779 +/- 859 vs. 3693 +/- 2155 g (p < 0.05). After stomal closure, 7/16 p of the CC group (43%) and 2/9 of the PC group (22%) required reoperation due to severe complications (ns). In 4 of them, three of the CC group and one of the PC group, a new enterostomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS: In p with enterostomy-related complications, closure has often to be advanced and it is performed in deficient nutritional conditions. Severe complications after enterostomy closure required reoperation in 43% of the CC group and in 22% of the PC group. Although there was no statistically significant difference, the trend indicates an augmented risk in CC group. The timing for enterostomy closure should be chosen individually. At the time of indicating the closure, the high risk of complications, should be taken into account particularly in preterms with enterostomy-related problems.

The sensitivity of tropical leaf litter decomposition to temperature: results from a large-scale leaf translocation experiment along an elevation gradient in Peruvian forests.

• We present the results from a litter translocation experiment along a 2800-m elevation gradient in Peruvian tropical forests. The understanding of the environmental factors controlling litter decomposition is important in the description of the carbon and nutrient cycles of tropical ecosystems, and in predicting their response to long-term increases in temperature. • Samples of litter from 15 species were transplanted across all five sites in the study, and decomposition was tracked over 448 d. • Species' type had a large influence on the decomposition rate (k), most probably through its influence on leaf quality and morphology. When samples were pooled across species and elevations, soil temperature explained 95% of the variation in the decomposition rate, but no direct relationship was observed with either soil moisture or rainfall. The sensitivity of the decay rate to temperature (κ(T)) varied seven-fold across species, between 0.024 and 0.169 °C⁻¹, with a mean value of 0.118 ± 0.009 °C⁻¹ (SE). This is equivalent to a temperature sensitivity parameter (Q10) for litter decay of 3.06 ± 0.28, higher than that frequently assumed for heterotrophic processes. • Our results suggest that the warming of approx. 0.9 °C experienced in the region in recent decades may have increased decomposition and nutrient mineralization rates by c. 10%.

[Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy in Wilms tumor]. / Nefroureterectomía laparoscópica en el tumor de Wilms.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive surgery (CMI) for the treatment of malignant tumors in children begins to have a role for selected cases and reaches similar results than open surgery. We show our first two cases of Wilms tumor treated by laparoscopy describing patients and technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three-year-old girl with macroscopic hematuria is diagnosed of 8 cm mass in the left kidney suggesting Wilms tumor. After 4 weeks of chemotherapy she went under laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. The histological result was Wilms tumor. Chemotherapy was completed seven more months. Five-year-old patient with abdominal pain is diagnosed of renal right mass suggesting Wilms tumor. After 4 weeks of chemotherapy the laparoscopic nephroureterectomy was performed. The histological result was Wilms tumor. Treatment was completes with postoperatory chemotherapy. RESULTS: After 1 year follow-up both patients have clinical and radiological absence of disease. CONCLUSION: The CMI in selected cases of Wilms tumor fulfills successfully the aims of the surgical treatment.

Ligand adsorption on an activated carbon for the removal of chromate ions from aqueous solutions.

The results presented in this work are related to the design of a guideline to develop specific properties at the surface of an activated carbon (AC). For this, two model aromatic compounds have been synthesized and their electrolytic behavior in aqueous solutions was studied by a potentiometric method. The textural characteristics of the activated carbon were determined by porosimetry methods. The nature of oxygen-carrying functions and the acid-base behavior of the AC surface were characterized by TPD and potentiometric titration methods, respectively. The adsorption and desorption equilibria of the aromatic compounds on activated carbon were measured in aqueous solutions, and the hysteresis between adsorption and desorption, which reveals irreversible adsorption, was discussed on the basis of the frontier orbital theory. HOMO and LUMO orbitals of the adsorbent and adsorbates were calculated, and irreversible adsorption was attributed to the small energy difference between HOMO and LUMO of the aromatic adsorbates and the adsorbent. Adsorption equilibria of K2CrO4 in aqueous solution on the AC alone and on the AC-aromatic ligand adsorbents, respectively, prove the efficient development of specific chemical functions at the carbon surface provided by the adsorbed aromatic compounds.

Evaluation of blood recirculation in catheters for haemodialysis and its relation to blood circuit pressures.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the degree of blood recirculation (REC) in venous catheters for dual lumen haemodialysis, and its relation to the drop in arterial line pressure and return venous pressure during haemodialysis. A total of 25 catheters were evaluated (15 temporary 15 cm catheters, and 10 permanent tunnelled 32 cm catheters). REC was calculated using a blood temperature monitor. With blood flow stabilised at 250 ml/min,the session was initiated and the following was determined: real blood flow, drop in arterial line pressure (pre-pump pressure), positive pressure and blood recirculation. Mean blood recirculation in the total of catheters was 6.4 +/- 3%, mean real blood flow was 230 +/- 9 ml/min. Mean blood pressure was -146 +/- 52 mmHG. Mean positive pressure was 127 +/- 47 mmHG. A strong correlation was found between real flow and arterial pressure (r = 0.79, p < 0.01), and between arterial pressure and blood recirculation (r = -0.57, p < 0.01). Comparing the variables studied, a lower degree of REC (5.2+/-2 vs. 8.5+/-3, p < 0.01), a higher real blood flow (234 +/- 7 vs. 223 +/- 7, p < 0.01) and a lower drop in arterial pressure (-127 +/- 49 vs. -180 +/- 40, p < 0.05) were found in temporary catheters than in permanent catheters. No differences were observed in positive pressure. As a conclusion, these results suggest that blood recirculation is lower in temporary catheters than in permanent tunnelled catheters. This is related to a lower drop in pre-pump blood pressure and a higher real blood flow. However, positive pressure does not seem to influence the degree of blood recirculation in venous dual lumen catheters for haemodialysis.

[6-Amino-3-methyl-5-nitrosopyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dionato]-sodium dihydrate at 150 K: coordination-polymer ladders linked by hydrogen bonds.

In the title compound, [Na(C(5)H(5)N(4)O(3))].2H(2)O, each Na cation is linked to three C(5)H(4)N(4)O(3)(-) anions and two water molecules, forming approximately octahedral NaNO(5) units; the cations and the anions form molecular ladders, and each ladder is linked to four neighbouring ladders by O-H...O and O-H...N hydrogen bonds.