Are you drowned in microplastic pollution? A brief insight on the current knowledge for early career researchers developing novel remediation strategies.

Microplastics (MPs) composed of different polymers with various shapes, within a vast granulometric distribution (1 µm - 5 mm) and with a wide variety of physicochemical surface and bulk characteristics spiral around the globe, with different atmospheric, oceanic, cryospheric, and terrestrial residence times, while interacting with other pollutants and biota. The challenges of microplastic pollution are related to the complex relationships between the microplastic generation mechanisms (physical, chemical, and biological), their physicochemical properties, their interactions with other pollutants and microorganisms, the changes in their properties with aging, and their small sizes that facilitate their diffusion and transportation between the air, water, land, and biota, thereby promoting their ubiquity. Early career researchers (ERCs) constitute an essential part of the scientific community committed to overcoming the challenges of microplastic pollution with their new ideas and innovative scientific perspectives for the development of remediation technologies. However, because of the enormous amount of scientific information available, it may be difficult for ERCs to determine the complexity of this environmental issue. This mini-review aims to provide a quick and updated overview of the essential insights of microplastic pollution to ERCs to help them acquire the background needed to develop highly innovative physical, chemical, and biological remediation technologies, as well as valorization proposals and environmental education and awareness campaigns. Moreover, the recommendations for the development of holistic microplastic pollution remediation strategies presented here can help ERCs propose technologies considering the environmental, social, and practical dimensions of microplastic pollution while fulfilling the current government policies to manage this plastic waste.

Prevalence of Chronic Infection by Hepatitis C Virus in Asymptomatic Population With Risk Factors in Cartagena, Colombia.

Introduction: Infection by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important cause of chronic liver disease, considered a public health problem worldwide with high morbidity and mortality due to limited access to diagnostic tests in developing countries. Only a small percentage know their infection status and receive timely treatment. It is critical to make diagnostic tests for HCV infection accessible and to provide timely treatment, which not only reduces the spread of infection but also stops the progression of HCV disease without symptoms. Objective: To determine the prevalence of chronic infection by HCV in patients with risk factors by using rapid tests in Cartagena, Colombia, and describe their epidemiological characteristics. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out on asymptomatic adults with risk factors for HCV infection in the city of Cartagena between December 2017 and November 2019. A rapid immunochromatographic test was performed to detect antibodies, characterizing the population. Results: In total, 1,023 patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria, 58.5% women and 41.4% men, obtaining nine positive results, confirming chronic infection with viral load for HCV, finding seven cases of genotype 1b and two genotype 1a. Conclusion: In our study, a prevalence of hepatitis C infection of 0.9% was found in asymptomatic individuals with risk factors, which allows us to deduce that the active search for cases in risk groups constitutes a pillar for the identification of the disease, the initiation of antiviral therapy, and decreased morbidity and mortality.

Mirror syndrome with noncompaction cardiomyopathy in the mother and fetus. Case report / Síndrome en espejo con miocardiopatía no compactada en la madre y el feto. Reporte de caso

Objective: To report the case of a pregnant woman with mirror syndrome associated with non-compaction cardiomyopathy in the mother and the fetus, in which antenatal medical treatment provided to the mother resulted in a favorable perinatal maternal outcome. Case presentation: A 16-year old primigravida with 33 weeks of gestation referred from a Level I institution to a private Level IV center in Medellín, Colombia, because of a finding of fetal hydrops on obstetric ultrasound. During hospitalization, the patient showed clinical and ultrasonographic signs of heart failure (dyspnea, edema and hypoxemia), with the diagnosis of hydrops fetalis (mirror syndrome) also confirmed. Diuretic treatment with furosemide was initiated in the mother, with subsequent improvement of the maternal condition as well as of the fetal edema. During the subacute postpartum period in the hospital, the presence of non-compaction cardiomyopathy was confirmed on cardiac nuclear magnetic resonance imaging in both the mother and the newborn. After discharge in adequated condition, they were included in the cardiovascular follow-up program for heart failure and congenital heart disease, respectively. Conclusion: A case of mirror syndrome associated with maternal and fetal non-compaction cardiomyopathy is presented. There is a limited number of reports on mirror syndrome due to cardiac anomalies (maternal and fetal), with weak treatment descriptions, pointing to the need for research in this area. It would be important to consider the diagnosis of non-compaction cardiomyopathy in fetuses with hydrops unrelated to isoimmunization or cardiac dysfunction, and approach these cases from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

Objetivo: reportar el caso de una gestante con síndrome en espejo asociada a miocardiopatía no compactada, tanto en la madre como el feto, en los que el tratamiento médico antenatal en la madre llevó a un resultado materno perinatal favorable. Presentación del caso: se describe el caso de una primigestante de 16 años, con 33 semanas de embarazo, remitida desde una institución de primer nivel de atención a una institución privada de cuarto nivel en la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia, por presentar feto con hidropesía en ultrasonido obstétrico de control. Durante la hospitalización, la paciente presentó signos clínicos y ecocardiográficos de falla cardiaca (disnea, edema e hipoxemia), a la vez que se confirmó el diagnóstico de Hydrops fetalis (síndrome en espejo). Se instauró tratamiento diurético con furosemida en la madre, logrando mejoría del cuadro materno y del edema fetal. En el puerperio mediato hospitalario se confirmaron la presencia de miocardiopatía no compactada en la resonancia magnética nuclear cardiaca, tanto de la madre como del recién nacido. Ambos egresaron en adecuadas condiciones y fueron vinculados al programa de seguimiento cardiovascular: falla cardiaca y de cardiopatía congénitas, respectivamente. Conclusión: se presenta un caso de síndrome en espejo asociado a miocardiopatía no compactada materna y fetal. Es limitado el número de reportes de síndrome en espejo por anomalías cardiacas (maternas y fetales) y pobre la descripción de los tratamientos realizados que surgen como temas a investigar. Sería importante considerar el diagnóstico de MNC en fetos con hidropesía no asociados a isoinmunización y con disfunción cardiaca, así como su atención por equipos multidisciplinarios.

Síndrome en espejo con miocardiopatía no compactada en la madre y el feto. Reporte de caso / Mirror syndrome with noncompaction cardiomyopathy in the mother and fetus. Case report

Objetivo: reportar el caso de una gestante con síndrome en espejo asociada a miocardiopatía no compactada (MNC), tanto en la madre como el feto, en los que el tratamiento médico antenatal en la madre llevó a un resultado materno perinatal favorable. Presentación del caso: se describe el caso de una primigestante de 16 años, con 33 semanas de embarazo, remitida desde una institución de primer nivel de atención a una institución privada de cuarto nivel en la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia, por presentar feto con hidropesía en ultrasonido obstétrico de control. Durante la hospitalización, la paciente presentó signos clínicos y ecocardiográficos de falla cardiaca (disnea, edema e hipoxemia), a la vez que se confirmó el diagnóstico de Hydrops fetalis (síndrome en espejo). Se instauró tratamiento diurético con furosemida en la madre, logrando mejoría del cuadro materno y del edema fetal. En el puerperio mediato hospitalario se confirmaron la presencia de miocardiopatía no compactada en la resonancia magnética nuclear cardiaca, tanto de la madre como del recién nacido. Ambos egresaron en adecuadas condiciones y fueron vinculados al programa de seguimiento cardiovascular: falla cardiaca y de cardiopatía congénitas, respectivamente. Conclusión: se presenta un caso de síndrome en espejo asociado a miocardiopatía no compactada materna y fetal. Es limitado el número de reportes de síndrome en espejo por anomalías cardiacas (maternas y fetales) y pobre la descripción de los tratamientos realizados que surgen como temas a investigar. Sería importante considerar el diagnóstico de MNC en fetos con hidropesía no asociados a isoinmunización y con disfunción cardiaca, así como su atención por equipos multidisciplinarios.

ABSTRACT Objective: To report the case of a pregnant woman with mirror syndrome associated with noncompaction cardiomyopathy in the mother and the fetus, in which antenatal medical treatment provided to the mother resulted in a favorable perinatal maternal outcome. Case presentation: A 16-year old primigravida with 33 weeks of gestation referred from a Level I institution to a private Level IV center in Medellín, Colombia, because of a finding of fetal hydrops on obstetric ultrasound. During hospitalization, the patient showed clinical and ultrasonographic signs of heart failure (dyspnea, edema and hypoxemia), with the diagnosis of hydrops fetalis (mirror syndrome) also confirmed. Diuretic treatment with furosemide was initiated in the mother, with subsequent improvement of the maternal condition as well as of the fetal edema. During the subacute postpartum period in the hospital, the presence of non-compaction cardiomyopathy was confirmed on cardiac nuclear magnetic resonance imaging in both the mother and the newborn. After discharge in adequated condition, they were included in the cardiovascular follow-up program for heart failure and congenital heart disease, respectively. Conclusion: A case of mirror syndrome associated with maternal and fetal non-compaction cardiomyopathy is presented. There is a limited number of reports on mirror syndrome due to cardiac anomalies (maternal and fetal), with weak treatment descriptions, pointing to the need for research in this area. It would be important to consider the diagnosis of non-compaction cardiomyopathy in fetuses with hydrops unrelated to isoimmunization or cardiac dysfunction and approach these cases from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Cross-scale phenological monitoring in forest ecosystems: a content-analysis-based review.

Phenology has been useful to better understand the climate-vegetation relationship, and it is considered an indicator of climate change impact. Phenological data have been generated through multiple remote sensing techniques and ground-based observations through professional or citizen science. The combination of both techniques is known as cross-scale phenological monitoring. However, no comparative analysis has been carried out to assess the advantages and disadvantages of each of these techniques to characterize the phenological cycle of forest ecosystem species. This work is a content-analysis-based review of scientific literature published between 2000 and 2018 related to cross-scale monitoring methods, to estimate the phenological variation in different forest ecosystems worldwide. For this study, 97 publications related to cross-scale phenological monitoring were selected. We found that 71% of the articles aimed to corroborate the data generated through satellite imagery using surface data from either phenocams, flux towers, or from citizen science networks. More publications were published by authors in the USA (30%), Canada (8%), and China (7%). The most commonly used vegetation index was the normalized difference vegetation index (65%). Some deficiencies in the evaluation of the phenological phases of autumn when compared with surface observations were found. Flux towers and phenocams were included as alternatives for ground-based monitoring. Cross-scale phenological monitoring has the potential to characterize the phenological response of vegetation accurately due to data combinations at two different observation scales. This work contributes to specifying the methodologies used in gathering phenological parameters of the world's forest ecosystems.

Mieloma múltiple: consideraciones especiales sobre el diagnóstico / Multiple Myeloma: Special Diagnostic Considerations

Resumen El mieloma múltiple (MM) es una neoplasia originada de células B, secundaria a diversas mutaciones post-germinales y cuya característica es el desarrollo de una clona de células plasmáticas que secretan un subtipo específico de inmunoglobulina conocido como el componente monoclonal. Dentro de las manifestaciones clínicas más comunes se encuentran tanto la anemia, la enfermedad renal y las lesiones óseas, pero cada vez son más los casos que muestran al diagnóstico manifestaciones clínicas atípicas que pueden influir con el pronóstico y con la calidad de vida. Debido a que el tratamiento moderno del MM es altamente prometedor, es necesario identificar aquellas condiciones clínicas que limitan la eficacia terapéutica.

Abstract Germ cell tumors (GCT) are the most common malignant neoplasms affecting young men aged 15 to 35 years. Patients with Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell neoplasm secondary to various post-germline mutations, characterized by the development of a clone of plasma cells that secrete a specific subtype of immunoglobulin known as the monoclonal component. Anemia, kidney disease, and bone lesions are among the most common clinical manifestations. However, cases showing atypical clinical manifestations that can influence prognosis and quality of life are becoming increasingly frequent. Given that modern MM treatment is highly promising, it is necessary to identify those clinical conditions that limit therapeutic efficacy.

The Role of the Reactive Species Involved in the Photocatalytic Degradation of HDPE Microplastics Using C,N-TiO2 Powders.

Microplastics (MPs) are distributed in a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems throughout the planet. They are known to adsorb hazardous substances and can transfer them across the trophic web. To eliminate MPs pollution in an environmentally friendly process, we propose using a photocatalytic process that can easily be implemented in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). As photocatalysis involves the formation of reactive species such as holes (h+), electrons (e-), hydroxyl (OH●), and superoxide ion (O2●-) radicals, it is imperative to determine the role of those species in the degradation process to design an effective photocatalytic system. However, for MPs, this information is limited in the literature. Therefore, we present such reactive species' role in the degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) MPs using C,N-TiO2. Tert-butanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), Tiron, and Cu(NO3)2 were confirmed as adequate OH●, h+, O2●- and e- scavengers. These results revealed for the first time that the formation of free OH● through the pathways involving the photogenerated e- plays an essential role in the MPs' degradation. Furthermore, the degradation behaviors observed when h+ and O2●- were removed from the reaction system suggest that these species can also perform the initiating step of degradation.

Usefulness of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, monocyte-to-lymphocyte and lymphocyte-to-platelet ratios for the prognosis of COVID-19-associated complications.

INTRODUCTION: Various biomarkers based on blood counts have been useful for the prognosis of patients critically ill with COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To describe the usefulness of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR) and lymphocyte-to-platelet (LPR) ratios for the prognosis of mortality and ventilatory support requirement for COVID-19. METHOD: Retrospective cohort of clinical records of patients with COVID-19 who required hospital care. RESULTS: One-hundred and -twenty-five cases were analyzed; mean age was 51 years, and 60 % were of the male gender; 21.6 % had type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 18.4 % had hypertension. Mean leukocyte count was 9.5 x 103/µL, with a neutrophil mean of 8.0 x 103/µL. Mean NLR was 12.01, while for MLR it was 0.442, and for LPR, 373.07. Regarding the area under the curve, the following values were recorded for mortality: 0.594 for NLR, 0.628 for MLR and 0.505 for LPR; as for mechanical ventilation, the values were 0.581 for NLR, 0.619 for MLR and 0.547 for LPR. In the univariate analysis, an NLR value > 13 (OR: 2.750, p = 0.001) and an MLR of > 0.5 (OR: 2.069, p = 0.047) were associated with mortality; LPR showed no impact on mortality or respiratory support. CONCLUSION: NLR and MLR are useful for predicting mortality in patients with COVID-19.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Diversos biomarcadores basados en conteos sanguíneos han sido de utilidad para el pronóstico de los pacientes en estado crítico por COVID-19. OBJETIVO: Describir la utilidad de los índices neutrófilo/linfocito (INL), monocito/linfocito (IML) y linfocito/plaqueta (IPL) para el pronóstico de la mortalidad y necesidad de soporte ventilatorio por COVID-19. MÉTODO: Cohorte retrospectiva de registros clínicos de pacientes con COVID-19 que requirieron atención hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 125 casos, la edad media fue de 51 años y 60 %, del sexo masculino; 21.6 % padecía diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y 18.4 %, hipertensión. La media de leucocitos fue 9.5 × 103/µL y la de neutrófilos, de 8.0 × 103/µL. La media del INL fue de 12.01; del IML, de 0.442 y del IPL, de 373.07. Respecto al área bajo la curva se registraron los siguientes valores en cuanto a mortalidad: INL, 0.594; IML, 0.628 e ILP, 0.505; en cuanto a ventilación mecánica: INL, 0.581; IML, 0.619 e ILP, 0.547. En el análisis univariado, INL > 13 (RM = 2.750, p = 0.001) e IML > 0.5 (RM = 2.069, p = 0.047) se asociaron a mortalidad; ILP no mostró impacto en la mortalidad ni en el soporte respiratorio. CONCLUSIÓN: INL e IML son de utilidad para predecir la mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19.

Utilidad de los índices neutrófilo/linfocito, monocito/linfocito y linfocito/plaqueta para el pronóstico de complicaciones asociadas a COVID-19 / Usefulness of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, monocyte-to-lymphocyte and lymphocyte-to-platelet ratios for the prognosis of COVID-19-associated complications

Resumen Introducción: Diversos biomarcadores basados en conteos sanguíneos han sido de utilidad para el pronóstico de los pacientes en estado crítico por COVID-19. Objetivo: Describir la utilidad de los índices neutrófilo/linfocito (INL), monocito/linfocito (IML) y linfocito/plaqueta (IPL) para el pronóstico de la mortalidad y necesidad de soporte ventilatorio por COVID-19. Método: Cohorte retrospectiva de registros clínicos de pacientes con COVID-19 que requirieron atención hospitalaria. Resultados: Se analizaron 125 casos, la edad media fue de 51 años y 60 %, del sexo masculino; 21.6 % padecía diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y 18.4 %, hipertensión. La media de leucocitos fue 9.5 × 103/mL y la de neutrófilos, de 8.0 × 103/mL. La media del INL fue de 12.01; del IML, de 0.442 y del IPL, de 373.07. Respecto al área bajo la curva se registraron los siguientes valores en cuanto a mortalidad: INL, 0.594; IML, 0.628 e ILP, 0.505; en cuanto a ventilación mecánica: INL, 0.581; IML, 0.619 e ILP, 0.547. En el análisis univariado, INL > 13 (RM = 2.750, p = 0.001) e IML > 0.5 (RM = 2.069, p = 0.047) se asociaron a mortalidad; ILP no mostró impacto en la mortalidad ni en el soporte respiratorio. Conclusión: INL e IML son de utilidad para predecir la mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19.

Abstract Introduction: Various biomarkers based on blood counts have been useful for the prognosis of patients critically ill with COVID-19. Objective: To describe the usefulness of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR) and lymphocyte-to-platelet ([LPR) ratios for the prognosis of mortality and ventilatory support requirement for COVID-19. Method: Retrospective cohort of clinical records of patients with COVID-19 who required hospital care. Results: One-hundred and twenty-five cases were analyzed; mean age was 51 years, and 60 % were of the male gender; 21.6 % had type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 18.4 % had hypertension. Mean leukocyte count was 9.5 × 103/mL, with a neutrophil mean of 8.0 × 103/mL. Mean NLR was 12.01, while for MLR it was 0.442, and for LPR, 373.07. Regarding the area under the curve, the following values were recorded for mortality: 0.594 for NLR, 0.628 for MLR and 0.505 for LPR; as for mechanical ventilation, the values were 0.581 for NLR, 0.619 for MLR and 0.547 for LPR. In the univariate analysis, an NLR value > 13 (OR: 2.750, p = 0.001) and an MLR of > 0.5 (OR: 2.069, p = 0.047) were associated with mortality. LPR showed no impact on mortality or respiratory support. Conclusion: NLR and MLR are useful for predicting mortality in patients with COVID-19.

Representaciones sociales de las mujeres sobre la prueba de Papanicolaou / Social representations of women about the PAP test

Introducción: este trabajo revisa la teoría de la representación social para comprender las modalidades del pensamiento práctico orientadas a la comprensión y el dominio del entorno social de las mujeres respecto de la prueba de Papanicolaou. Objetivo: conocer los estereotipos, opiniones, creencias o valores que tienen las mujeres acerca de la prueba de Papanicolaou (PAP) que habitan en las zonas del centro-poniente y norponiente en Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México. Metodología: el enfoque de investigación es cualitativo. Se entrevistó a 14 mujeres en límites de edad de 18 a 72 años para abarcar a los tres grupos etarios a partir de la adultez: adultos jóvenes, adultos y tercera edad. Como técnica principal y única se empleó la entrevista a profundad; el instrumento fue un cuestionario con preguntas semiestructuradas con categorías como conocimiento sobre el cáncer cervicouterino (CaCu), conocimiento sobre la prueba PAP y el virus del papiloma humano (VPH), creencias en torno de la prueba PAP y CaCu, prácticas que tienen las entrevistadas sobre la citología cervicouterina y ahondar sobre los impedimentos o motivaciones para la realización de la prueba PAP. Resultados: las mujeres enunciaron la información que poseen acerca de la prueba PAP y el CaCu. En su narrativa se identifica que muy pocas de las entrevistadas se refirieron al orden científico y más bien se guiaron por el sentido común. Conclusiones: la violencia institucional es un detonante concluyente en relación con la motivación para la práctica del estudio de Papanicolaou; se trata de la calidad del servicio, en específico la atención médica ofrecida en las instituciones públicas.

Introduction: This work approaches the theory of social re- presentation to understand the modalities of practical thought aimed towards the understanding and dominion of the social environment of women with respect to the PAP test. Objective: To know the stereotypes, opinions, beliefs or values that women that inhabit the central-western and nor- thwestern areas of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, have about the PAP test. Methods: The research approach is qualitative. 14 women were interviewed in an age range between 18 and 72 years to cover the three age groups from adulthood: young adults, adults and elderly. The main and only technique was the in-depth interview; the instrument was a questionnaire with semistructured questions with categories such as: knowledge about cervical cancer (CC), knowledge about the PAP test and the human papilloma virus (HPV), the beliefs about the PAP and CC test, practices that the interviewees have on cervical cytology and delve into the impediments or motivations for performing the PAP test. Results: The women stated the information they have about the PAP test and CC. In their narrative, it is identified that very few of the interviewees referred to the scientific order but rather were guided by common sense. Conclusion: Institutional violence is a conclusive trigger with regards to the motivation for the practice of PAP test; it is the quality of service, specifically the medical care provided in public institutions.

Infections after hematopoietic cell transplantation are not a burden for mortality at a limited-resource center in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) outcomes, including infectious complications, change between centers and countries. Thus, the aim of this study was to report the incidence of infections and isolated pathogens among recipients of HCT and the association with mortality at a tertiary referral center in Mexico. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-two patients undergoing autologous or allogeneic HCT between January 2005 and December 2018 at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutricion Salvador Zubiran were included. RESULTS: In autologous HCT (n = 176), within the preengraftment and the early postengraftment, 130 (74%) and 31 (18%) recipients presented infections, respectively. Within the preengraftment, the early postengraftment, and the late postengraftment, 81 (76%), 34 (33%), and 58 (60%) allogeneic HCT recipients presented infections, respectively. Non-relapse mortality (NRM) as a result of infections occurred in 1 (0.6%) and 5 (5%) autologous and allogeneic HCT recipients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that despite our limited resources, infections were not a significant burden for NRM among HCT recipients. More importantly, the isolation rates were higher than international studies, which could be explained by the existence of a specialized infectious diseases department and laboratory, which we consider key elements for the establishment of an HCT program worldwide.

Factores ambientales asociados con los días no-productivos de cerdas en el trópico mexicano / Environmental factors associated with lifetime non-productive days of sows in the Mexican tropics

RESUMEN Objetivo. Estimar el número de días no productivos (DNP) de por vida, la proporción de DNP (%DNP) y días no productivos por cerda por año (DNP/Y), y determinar el efecto de factores de hato y cerda sobre las características aquí estudiadas en tres granjas comerciales en el trópico mexicano. Materiales y métodos. Los datos de 6703 cerdas de tres granjas comerciales fueron usados. El modelo que describió las características de interés incluyeron los efectos fijos de granja, año de primer parto, época de primer parto, edad al primer parto, causa de desecho, interacción de año por época y error residual. Resultados. Las medias de DNP de por vida, %DNP y DNP/Y fueron 64 días, 12% y 39.3 días, respectivamente. Todos los factores tuvieron efectos significativos (p<0.01) en todas las características. Las cerdas con primer parto a mayor edad y las eliminadas por razones reproductivas tuvieron más DNP en el hato. Además, las cerdas eliminadas en el primer parto tuvieron menor DNP y mayor %DNP que las cerdas desechadas en partos subsecuentes. Conclusiones. La eliminación temprana de cerdas incrementó la proporción de días no productivos, que a su vez podrían reducir la rentabilidad de las granjas.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To estimate the lifetime non-productive days (NPD), lifetime proportion of NPD (%NPD) and non-productive days per sow per year (NPD/Y), and to determine the effect of herd and sow level factors on the traits here studied in three pig farms in the Mexican tropics. Materials and methods. Data from 6703 sows from three commercial farms were used. The model that described the traits studied comprise the fixed effects of farm, year and season of first farrowing, age at first parity, reasons of removal of sows, year x season interaction and the residual error. Results. The means for lifetime NPD, %NPD and NPD/Y were 64 days, 12.0% and 39.3 days, respectively. All fixed factors had significant effects (p<0.01) on the characteristics evaluated. Sows having their first parity at an old age and sows culled because of reproductive reasons had the highest lifetime NPD. In addition, sows culled at first parity had lower lifetime NPD and higher %NPD than sows culled in subsequent farrowing. Conclusions. The early culling of sows increased the percentage of non-productive days, which in turn is expected to reduce the profit of farms.

Consideraciones anestésicas para cirugía toracoscópica / Anesthetic considerations for thoracoscopic surgery

Resumen: La cirugía toracoscópica ha evolucionado hasta convertirse en una pieza clave en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de diversas patologías de índole torácica; entre éstas se encuentran la bulectomía, simpatectomía, fenestración pericárdica, resección pulmonar parcial, lobectomías y decorticaciones toracoscópicas. La clave del éxito es el proporcionar una adecuada visualización del tórax con los nuevos lentes de alta definición, disminución en el dolor postquirúrgico, mínima invasión, herida quirúrgica pequeña, entre otros. La anestesiología a la par de la evolución de la técnica quirúrgica ha progresado a saltos abismales, tanto que ahora cada vez con mayor frecuencia se realizan procedimientos con el paciente despierto y con una adecuada sedoanalgesia. Sea cual sea el procedimiento elegido, la toracoscopía desplaza cada vez más a las toracotomías; por ello, el anestesiólogo debe conocer las formas de manejar a los pacientes tanto intubados (selectivamente o no) como a los pacientes despiertos.

Abstract: Thoracoscopic surgery has evolved into a key player in the diagnosis and treatment of various pathologies of thoracic nature. Among these an examples are bullectomy, sympathectomy, pericardial fenestration, partial lung resection; thoracoscopic lobectomy and decortications. The key to success is to provide an adequate visualization of the chest with the new HD lenses, decrease postoperative pain, minimal invasion surgery, and small wound among others. Now increasingly frequent anesthetics procedures are performed with the patient awake and with adequate analgesia and sedation. Increasingly frequent thoracoscopy patient awake and adequate analgesia and sedation. Whatever the procedure chosen, thoracoscopy is more frequent than thoracotomy, so the anesthesiologist must know the ways to handle safely intubated patients (either selectively or not) of intubated patients as awake.

Virus orf en humanos, confirmación molecular de un caso clínico en Chile / Orf virus in human, confirmation in case report from Chile

Resumen La infección por el virus orf, también conocida como ectima contagioso, es reconocida una zoonosis ocupacional. Se diagnostica por lesiones cutáneas que evolu cionan rápidamente desde máculas a pápulas, vesículas y pústulas. Se presenta el caso clínico de una estudiante de medicina veterinaria que había tenido contacto con caprinos, clínicamente sanos y sin lesiones aparentes, hacía 19 días. Presentó dos lesiones vesiculares que coalescieron hasta formar una lesión de mayor tamaño rodeada por un halo eritematoso. Las lesiones fueron compatibles con la presentación clásica de las producidas por el virus orf en humanos. Se confirmó la presencia del virus orf mediante una RPC anidada del tejido de biopsia. Es uno de los primeros casos confirmados mediante técnicas moleculares en seres humanos en Chile.

Infection with the orf virus, also known as contagious ecthyma, is recognized as an occupational zoonosis worldwide. It is diagnosed by cutaneous lesions that progress rapidly from macules to papules, vesicles and pustules. The clinical case of a student of veterinary medicine who had had contact with goats, clinically healthy and without apparent lesions, which occured 19 days ago, is reported. She presented two vesicular lesions that coalesced to form a larger lesion surrounded by an erythematous halo. The lesions were compatible with the classical presentation of those produced by the orf virus in humans. The presence of the orf virus was confirmed by a nested PCR from biopsy tissue. It is one of the first cases confirmed by molecular techniques in humans in Chile.

Asymmetric Michael Addition Organocatalyzed by α,ß-Dipeptides under Solvent-Free Reaction Conditions.

The application of six novel α,ß-dipeptides as chiral organocatalysts in the asymmetric Michael addition reaction between enolizable aldehydes and N-arylmaleimides or nitroolefins is described. With N-arylmaleimides as substrates, the best results were achieved with dipeptide 2 as a catalyst in the presence of aq. NaOH. Whereas dipeptides 4 and 6 in conjunction with 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and thiourea as a hydrogen bond donor proved to be highly efficient organocatalytic systems in the enantioselective reaction between isobutyraldehyde and various nitroolefins.

Tamizaje fitoquímico y actividad antibacteriana in vitro de extractos y fracciones de tres especies colombianas del género Hypericum / Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial activity of extracts and fractions from three Colombian species of the genus Hypericum

Introducción: el género Hypericum se caracteriza por poseer gran importancia etnobotánica en diferentes culturas a nivel mundial lo cual ha impulsado los estudios para el aislamiento e identificación de metabolitos bioactivos. Objetivo: realizar la caracterización fitoquímica preliminar y el estudio de actividad antibacteriana in vitro de extractos y fracciones de tres especies colombianas del género Hypericum. Métodos: a partir de las hojas secas de Hypericum myricariifolium Hieron, Hypericum mexicanum L. e Hypericum juniperinum Kunth se obtuvieron los extractos etanólicos, se realizó el tamizaje fitoquímico preliminar y se obtuvieron fracciones de polaridad creciente (hexano, cloroformo, acetato de etilo y metanol). Se evaluó la actividad antibacteriana in vitro de extractos y fracciones por el ensayo de difusión en agar frente a Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 1228) y Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739). A las fracciones y extractos que presentaron mayor inhibición del crecimiento bacteriano se les determinó la CMI por el método de dilución en micropozos (SPOTi). Resultados: el análisis fitoquímico preliminar mostró la posible presencia de esteroides, terpenos, fenoles, flavonoides y quinonas. Los extractos y fracciones de H. mexicanum y H. myricariifolium resultaron activos frente...(AU)

Introduction: The genus Hypericum has been awarded great ethnobotanical importance by various cultures worldwide, which has given an impulse to the conduct of studies aimed at isolating and identifying its bioactive metabolites. Objective: Perform a preliminary phytochemical characterization and study the antibacterial activity in vitro of extracts and fractions from three Colombian species of the genus Hypericum. Methods: Ethanolic extracts were obtained from dry leaves of Hypericum myricariifolium Hieron, Hypericum mexicanum L. and Hypericum juniperinum Kunth. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed and increasing polarity fractions were obtained (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol). In vitro antibacterial activity of the extracts and fractions was evaluated with the agar diffusion test against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 1228) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739). The MIC was determined for fractions and extracts displaying greater bacterial growth inhibition, using the microwell dilution method (SPOTi). Results: Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the possible presence of steroids, terpenes, phenols, flavonoids and quinones. Extracts and fractions of H. mexicanum and H. myricariifolium were active against all strains with inhibition haloes above 15 mm. The extract of H. juniperinum was active against gram-positive strains. The total extract and the hexane fraction of H. mexicanum displayed the best activity against S. epidermidis with an MIC of 0.05 mg/mL and 0.001 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: Preliminary phytochemical characterization revealed the prevailing presence of phenolic metabolites in extracts of the three study species. Ethanolic extracts and low polarity fractions of these species exhibit high inhibitory activity against gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) responsible for a large number of skin infections(AU)

Tamizaje fitoquímico y actividad antibacteriana in vitro de extractos y fracciones de tres especies colombianas del género Hypericum / Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial activity of extracts and fractions from three Colombian species of the genus Hypericum

Introducción: el género Hypericum se caracteriza por poseer gran importancia etnobotánica en diferentes culturas a nivel mundial lo cual ha impulsado los estudios para el aislamiento e identificación de metabolitos bioactivos. Objetivo: realizar la caracterización fitoquímica preliminar y el estudio de actividad antibacteriana in vitro de extractos y fracciones de tres especies colombianas del género Hypericum. Métodos: a partir de las hojas secas de Hypericum myricariifolium Hieron, Hypericum mexicanum L. e Hypericum juniperinum Kunth se obtuvieron los extractos etanólicos, se realizó el tamizaje fitoquímico preliminar y se obtuvieron fracciones de polaridad creciente (hexano, cloroformo, acetato de etilo y metanol). Se evaluó la actividad antibacteriana in vitro de extractos y fracciones por el ensayo de difusión en agar frente a Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 1228) y Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739). A las fracciones y extractos que presentaron mayor inhibición del crecimiento bacteriano se les determinó la CMI por el método de dilución en micropozos (SPOTi). Resultados: el análisis fitoquímico preliminar mostró la posible presencia de esteroides, terpenos, fenoles, flavonoides y quinonas. Los extractos y fracciones de H. mexicanum y H. myricariifolium resultaron activos frente a todas las cepas con halos de inhibición superiores a 15 mm. El extracto de H. juniperinum presentó actividad frente la cepas gram-positivas. El extracto total y la fracción de hexano de H. mexicanum presentaron la mejor actividad frente a S. epidermidis con CMI de 0,05 mg/mL y 0,001 mg/mL respectivamente(AU) Conclusiones: la caracterización fitoquímica preliminar permitió determinar la presencia mayoritaria de metabolitos de tipo fenólico en los extractos de las 3 especies de estudio. Los extractos etanólicos y las fracciones de polaridad baja de estas especies poseen alta actividad inhibitoria frente a las bacterias gram-positivas (S. aureus y S. epidermidis) causantes de un gran número de infecciones cutáneas(AU)

Introduction: The genus Hypericum has been awarded great ethnobotanical importance by various cultures worldwide, which has given an impulse to the conduct of studies aimed at isolating and identifying its bioactive metabolites. Objective: Perform a preliminary phytochemical characterization and study the antibacterial activity in vitro of extracts and fractions from three Colombian species of the genus Hypericum. Methods: Ethanolic extracts were obtained from dry leaves of Hypericum myricariifolium Hieron, Hypericum mexicanum L. and Hypericum juniperinum Kunth. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed and increasing polarity fractions were obtained (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol). In vitro antibacterial activity of the extracts and fractions was evaluated with the agar diffusion test against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 1228) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739). The MIC was determined for fractions and extracts displaying greater bacterial growth inhibition, using the microwell dilution method (SPOTi). Results: Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the possible presence of steroids, terpenes, phenols, flavonoids and quinones. Extracts and fractions of H. mexicanum and H. myricariifolium were active against all strains with inhibition haloes above 15 mm. The extract of H. juniperinum was active against gram-positive strains. The total extract and the hexane fraction of H. mexicanum displayed the best activity against S. epidermidis with an MIC of 0.05 mg/mL and 0.001 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: Preliminary phytochemical characterization revealed the prevailing presence of phenolic metabolites in extracts of the three study species. Ethanolic extracts and low polarity fractions of these species exhibit high inhibitory activity against gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) responsible for a large number of skin infections(AU)

[Orf virus in human, confirmation in case report from Chile]. / Virus orf en humanos, confirmación molecular de un caso clínico en Chile.

Infection with the orf virus, also known as contagious ecthyma, is recognized as an occupational zoonosis worldwide. It is diagnosed by cutaneous lesions that progress rapidly from macules to papules, vesicles and pustules. The clinical case of a student of veterinary medicine who had had contact with goats, clinically healthy and without apparent lesions, which occured 19 days ago, is reported. She presented two vesicular lesions that coalesced to form a larger lesion surrounded by an erythematous halo. The lesions were compatible with the classical presentation of those produced by the orf virus in humans. The presence of the orf virus was confirmed by a nested PCR from biopsy tissue. It is one of the first cases confirmed by molecular techniques in humans in Chile.