Prevalencia y caracterización de la anemia en cirugía electiva en un Hospital Universitario

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Introduction: Anemia is a highly prevalent disorder. Preoperative anemia is associated with higher mortality, more complications, longer hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. Red blood cell transfusion (RBC) does not improve these outcomes. The World Health Organization recommends implementing Patient Blood Management (PBM) programmes, as they can improve these clinical outcomes, reduce unnecessary RBC transfusions, and save costs. Despite compelling evidence, the implementation of these measures has yet to be effectively achieved. The objective of this study is to conduct a situational analysis to raise awareness about this issue and encourage the implementation of these measures. Methodology: An observational, longitudinal, retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single center. All patients undergoing elective surgery from 01/01/2022 to 01/04/2022 at the Hospital de Clínicas were included. Exclusion criteria: absence of a complete blood count in the three months prior to surgery and refusal to participate in the study. Results: A total of 329 surgeries were analyzed. 52 out of 100 procedures were performed on patients with anemia. A statistically significant association was found between preoperative anemia and receiving RBC transfusion during hospitalization. OR 11.746 (4.518 - 30.540). Anemia and RBC transfusions significantly prolonged hospital stay. Length of hospitalization based on patient condition: No anemia: 10.1 ± 1.1 days, with anemia: 27.2 ± 2.3 days. Value of p < 0.001. Non-transfused: 14.5 ± 1.3 days, transfused: 41.8 ± 4.4 days. Value of p < 0.001. Only 49 (28.6%) of the 171 patients with anemia had iron metabolism assessed before surgery. Among the 140 patients with Hb < 12 g/dL undergoing surgeries with non-insignificant bleeding, only 4 received specific treatment to optimize Hb. A total of 185 units of red blood cells (RBC) were administered during hospitalization. 49 to unstable patients (intraoperative or acute hemorrhage) and 136 to stable patients. From the analysis of the latter group, 42.5% of the patients received 3 or more RBC units. The average pre-transfusion hemoglobin was 7.0 ± 0.1. A statistically significant association was found between receiving RBC units and dying during hospitalization. OR 17.182 (3.360 - 87.872). Conclusiones: A situational analysis was conducted, revealing a high prevalence of preoperative anemia, scarce study and treatment of anemia before surgeries, and an excessive amount of blood transfusions received by some patients. This work establishes the need to implement Patient Blood Management programs to reduce the prevalence of preoperative anemia and improve our transfusion practices. It also sets a comparative framework to evaluate the progress of these measures and indicates possible indicators to assess the benefits of their implementation.

Introdução : A anemia é um distúrbio altamente prevalente. A anemia pré-operatória está associada a maior mortalidade, mais complicações, tempo prolongado de internação e maiores custos de saúde. A transfusão de glóbulos vermelhos (TGV) não melhora esses resultados. A Organização Mundial da Saúde recomenda a implementação de medidas de Gerenciamento de Sangue do Paciente (GSP), pois permitem melhorar esses resultados clínicos, reduzir TGV desnecessárias e economizar custos. Apesar da evidência contundente, a implementação dessas medidas ainda está aquém de ser efetivada. O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar uma análise da situação para conscientizar sobre o problema e incentivar a implementação dessas medidas. Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, longitudinal, retrospectivo de coorte histórica, unicêntrico. Foram incluídos todos os pacientes submetidos a cirurgias de coordenação de 01/01/2022 a 01/04/2022 no Hospital de Clínicas. Critérios de exclusão: ausência de hemograma nos três meses anteriores à cirurgia e recusa em participar do estudo. Resultados: Foram analisadas um total de 329 cirurgias. 52 a cada 100 procedimentos foram realizados em pacientes com anemia. Foi encontrada uma associação estatisticamente significativa entre a anemia pré-operatória e a recepção de TGR durante a internação. OR 11,746 (4,518 - 30,540). A anemia e as TGR prolongaram significativamente a internação hospitalar. Dias de internação em função da condição do paciente: Sem anemia: 10,1 ± 1,1 dias, com anemia: 27,2 ± 2,3 dias. Valor p < 0,001. Não transfundidos: 14,5 ± 1,3 dias, transfundidos: 41,8 ± 4,4 dias. Valor p < 0,001. Apenas 49 (28,6%) dos 171 pacientes com anemia tinham metabolismo do ferro antes da cirurgia. Dos 140 pacientes com Hb < 12 mg/dL submetidos a cirurgias com sangramento não insignificante, 4 receberam tratamento específico para otimizar a Hb. Foram administradas um total de 185 unidades de glóbulos vermelhos (UGV) durante a internação. 49 em pacientes instáveis (intraoperatório ou hemorragia aguda) e 136 em pacientes estáveis. Da análise desses últimos, 42,5% dos pacientes receberam 3 ou mais UGV. A hemoglobina pré-transfusional média foi de 7,0 ± 0,1. Foi encontrada uma associação estatisticamente significativa entre receber UGV e falecer durante a internação. OR 17,182 (3,360 - 87,872). Conclusões: Foi realizado uma análise da situação na qual foi observada uma elevada prevalência de anemia pré-operatória, um estudo e tratamento escasso da anemia antes das cirurgias e uma quantidade excessiva de UGV recebidas por alguns pacientes. Este trabalho estabelece a necessidade de implementar programas de Gerenciamento de Sangue do Paciente para reduzir a prevalência de anemia pré-operatória e melhorar nossas práticas transfusionais. Além disso, estabelece um quadro comparativo para avaliar o progresso dessas medidas e aponta possíveis indicadores para avaliar os benefícios de sua implementação.

Mandibular gland proteomics of the Mexican alligator lizard, Abronia graminea, and the red-lipped arboreal alligator lizard, Abronia lythrochila.

A useful approach to deepen our knowledge about the origin and evolution of venom systems in Reptilia has been exploring the vast biodiversity of this clade of vertebrates in search of orally produced proteins with toxic actions, as well as their corresponding delivery systems. The occurrence of toxins in anguimorph lizards has been demonstrated experimentally or inferred from reports of the toxic effects of the oral secretions of taxa within the Varanidae and Helodermatidae families. In the present study, we have focused on two alligator lizards of the Anguidae family, the Mexican alligator lizard, Abronia graminea, and the red-lipped arboreal alligator lizard, A. lythrochila. In addition, the fine morphology of teeth of the latter species is described. The presence of a conserved set of proteins, including B-type natriuretic peptides, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, group III phospholipase A2, and kallikrein, in submandibular gland extracts was demonstrated for both Abronia species. These proteins belong to toxin families found in oral gland secretions of venomous reptile species. This finding, along with previous demonstration of toxin-producing taxa in both paleo- and neoanguimorpha clades, provides further support for the existence of a handful of conserved toxin families in oral secretions across the 100+ million years of Anguimorpha cladogenesis.

Red and near-infrared light-activated photoelectrochemical nanobiosensors for biomedical target detection.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) nanobiosensors integrate molecular (bio)recognition elements with semiconductor/plasmonic photoactive nanomaterials to produce measurable signals after light-induced reactions. Recent advancements in PEC nanobiosensors, using light-matter interactions, have significantly improved sensitivity, specificity, and signal-to-noise ratio in detecting (bio)analytes. Tunable nanomaterials activated by a wide spectral radiation window coupled to electrochemical transduction platforms have further improved detection by stabilizing and amplifying electrical signals. This work reviews PEC biosensors based on nanomaterials like metal oxides, carbon nitrides, quantum dots, and transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs), showing their superior optoelectronic properties and analytical performance for the detection of clinically relevant biomarkers. Furthermore, it highlights the innovative role of red light and NIR-activated PEC nanobiosensors in enhancing charge transfer processes, protecting them from biomolecule photodamage in vitro and in vivo applications. Overall, advances in PEC detection systems have the potential to revolutionize rapid and accurate measurements in clinical diagnostic applications. Their integration into miniaturized devices also supports the development of portable, easy-to-use diagnostic tools, facilitating point-of-care (POC) testing solutions and real-time monitoring.

In Vivo Neural Tract Tracing Procedures: Unravelling Neural Hodology Using Fluorescent and Non-fluorescent Neural Tract Tracers, Optogenetic Approach, and Diffusion Tensor Neurotractography Protocols.

Fluorescent and non-fluorescent neural tract tracers enable the investigation of neural pathways in both peripheral and central nervous systems in laboratory animals demonstrating images with high resolution and great anatomic precision. Anterograde and retrograde viral tracers are important cutting-edge tools for neuroanatomical mapping. The optogenetic consists of an advanced alternative for in vivo neural tract tracing procedures, fundamentally considering the possibility to dissect and modulate pathways either exciting or inhibiting neural circuits in laboratory animals. The neurotractography by diffusion tensor imaging in vivo procedures enables the study of neural pathways in humans with reasonable accuracy. Here we describe the procedure of classical anatomic neural tract tracing and modern optogenetic technique performed in anima vili in addition to different diffusion tensor neurotractography performed in anima nobili.

Small-Molecule:Polymer Composites for Transparent Films with Visible Emission.

The analysis of the shift in photoluminescence emission for a blend of polyvinylcarbazole and acrylonitrile derivative compounds is reported. The small-molecule compounds have different functional groups, phenyl, pyridine, or methyl phenyl, attached to an acrylonitrile group. According to the functional group, the blue emission for pure dye shifts to green or yellowish in the blend film. Several PVK:dye ratios from 0:100 to 20:80 were used for film deposition. The film morphology was analyzed by atomic force microscopy; for low dye content, homogeneous films were achieved. However, aggregates of several micrometers are formed on the surface of films with higher dye concentrations. The shift in emission occurs only with PVK, and for a non-conjugated matrix such as polystyrene, the emission remains unchanged. The interaction of dyes with PVK leading to change in emission was also achieved by grinding dye and polymer. Results showed that shifts in emission could come from exciplex formation along with changes in dye intermolecular interactions. The blend films were highly transparent in the visible spectra due to the absorption in the UV region for dye and matrix. The films with ratio PVK: dye ratio 80:20 was used as active layer in OLEDs.

Ejecución de gasto público por fuente de financiamiento en la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo / Execution of public expenditure by financing source in the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate / Execução de despesas públicas por fonte de financiamento na Diretoria da Rede de Saúde de Yunguyo

El estudio tuvo por finalidad explicar de qué manera se correlaciona la ejecución de gasto público y la fuente de financiamiento de la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo del periodo 2013 al 2023, Perú. Se optó por un diseño metodológico no experimental, longitudinal, cuantitativo y contraste Rho de Spearman. Los resultados identificaron que la ejecución de gasto público se correlaciona significativa y positivamente con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos ordinarios [rho (11) =0.77; p < 0.001], con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos directamente recaudados [rho (11) =0.83; p < 0.001] y, con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos determinados [rho (11) =0.74; p < 0.001]. Se concluye que, ejecutar eficazmente las intervenciones priorizadas por la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo están ligadas a los lineamientos del Presupuesto Público y normatividad del sector con transparencia.

The purpose of the study was to explain how the execution of public spending and the source of financing of the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are correlated from the period 2013 to 2023, Peru. A non-experimental, longitudinal, quantitative methodological design and Spearman's Rho contrast was chosen. The results identified that the execution of public spending is significantly and positively correlated with the source of financing through ordinary resources [rho (11) =0.77; p < 0.001], with the source of financing being directly raised resources [rho (11) =0.83; p < 0.001], and with the source of financing for determined resources [rho (11) =0.74; p < 0.001]. It is concluded that, effectively executing the interventions prioritized by the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are linked to the guidelines of the Public Budget and regulations of the sector with transparency

O objetivo do estudo foi explicar como a execução dos gastos públicos e a fonte de financiamento da Diretoria da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo estão correlacionadas no período de 2013 a 2023, Peru. Optou-se por um desenho metodológico não experimental, longitudinal, quantitativo e contraste Rho de Spearman. Os resultados identificaram que a execução dos gastos públicos está significativa e positivamente correlacionada com a fonte de financiamento através de recursos ordinários [rho (11) =0,77; p < 0,001], sendo a fonte de financiamento recursos captados diretamente [rho (11) =0,83; p < 0,001], e com a fonte de financiamento de determinados recursos [rho (11) =0,74; p < 0,001]. Conclui-se que a execução eficaz das intervenções priorizadas pela Direção da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo está vinculada às diretrizes do Orçamento Público e à regulamentação do setor com transparência

Adicción a las redes sociales y salud mental en estudiantes de medicina en Perú / Social media addiction and mental health in medical students in Peru / Dependência de mídia social e saúde mental em estudantes de medicina no Peru

Las redes sociales, al influir en las interacciones diarias y en la gestión de la información, emergen como un factor determinante en la estabilidad psíquica y afectiva de los individuos. Objetivo: Determinar la relación de la adicción a las redes sociales en la salud mental de los estudiantes de medicina humana en una universidad peruana. Material y métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, correlacional, transversal y analítico en el que colaboraron 172 educandos, 82 féminas y 90 varones. Se aplicó el cuestionario Adición a las Redes Sociales diseñado por Escurra y Salas el cual constó de 24 preguntas evaluadas mediante escala de Likert, el mismo fue validado con un Alfa de Cronbach de 0.94. Además, se utilizó el Cuestionario DASS-21 el cual consta de 21 ítems, subdividido en 3 subescalas: depresión, ansiedad y estrés y ha sido validado con un Alfa de Cronbach de 0.96. Resultados: 46.3% de los educandos presentó adicción en nivel medio y alto a las redes sociales. Se halló una correlación significativa entre la ansiedad, el estrés y la adicción a las redes sociales, aunque no se encontró una conexión relevante entre esta última y la depresión. Conclusión: La adicción a las redes sociales impacta negativamente en la salud mental de los educandos, generando niveles elevados de ansiedad y estrés

Social networks, by influencing daily interactions and information management, emerge as a determining factor in the psychic and affective stability of individuals. Objective: To determine the relationship of social media addiction in the mental health of human medicine students at a Peruvian university. Material and methods: Quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional and analytical study in which 172 students, 82 females and 90 males, collaborated. The questionnaire Addition to Social Networks designed by Escurra and Salas was applied which consisted of 24 questions evaluated by Likert scale, it was validated with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.94. In addition, the DASS-21 Questionnaire was used, which consists of 21 items, subdivided into 3 subscales: depression, anxiety and stress and has been validated with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.96. Results: 46.3% of the students presented addiction at medium and high level to social networks. A significant correlation was found between anxiety, stress and social media addiction, although no relevant connection was found between the latter and depression. Conclusion: Addiction to social networks negatively impacts on the mental health of students, generating high levels of anxiety and stress

As redes sociais, influenciando as interações diárias e a gestão da informação, emergem como um fator determinante na estabilidade psíquica e afetiva dos indivíduos. Objetivo: Determinar a relação do vício em redes sociais na saúde mental de estudantes de medicina humana em uma Universidade peruana. Material e métodos: estudo quantitativo, correlacional, transversal e analítico no qual colaboraram 172 educandos, 82 mulheres e 90 homens. Aplicou-se o questionário adenda às Redes sociais desenhado por escorra e Salas o qual consistiu de 24 perguntas avaliadas mediante escala de Likert, o mesmo foi validado com um Alfa de Cronbach de 0,94. Além disso, utilizou-se o questionário DASS-21 que consta de 21 itens, subdividido em 3 subescalas: depressão, ansiedade e estresse e foi validado com um Alfa de Cronbach de 0,96. Resultados: 46,3% dos educandos apresentaram dependência em nível médio e alto às redes sociais. Foi encontrada uma correlação significativa entre a ansiedade, o estresse e o vício em redes sociais, embora não tenha sido encontrada uma conexão relevante entre esta última e a depressão. Conclusão: o vício em redes sociais impacta negativamente na saúde mental dos educandos, gerando níveis elevados de ansiedade e estresse

Ejecución de gasto público por fuente de financiamiento en la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo

El estudio tuvo por finalidad explicar de qué manera se correlaciona la ejecución de gasto público y la fuente de financiamiento de la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo del periodo 2013 al 2023, Perú. Se optó por un diseño metodológico no experimental, longitudinal, cuantitativo y contraste Rho de Spearman. Los resultados identificaron que la ejecución de gasto público se correlaciona significativa y positivamente con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos ordinarios [rho (11)=0.77; p < 0,001], con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos directamente recaudados [rho (11)=0.83; p < 0,001] y, con la fuente de financiamiento por recursos determinados [rho (11)=0.74; p < 0,001]. Se concluye que, ejecutar eficazmente las intervenciones priorizadas por la Dirección de Red de Salud Yunguyo están ligadas a los lineamientos del Presupuesto Público y normatividad del sector con transparencia.

The purpose of the study was to explain how the execution of public spending and the source of financing of the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are correlated from the period 2013 to 2023, Peru. A non-experimental, longitudinal, quantitative methodological design and Spearman's Rho contrast was chosen. The results identified that the execution of public spending is significantly and positively correlated with the source of financing through ordinary resources [rho (11) =0.77; p < 0.001], with the source of financing being directly raised resources [rho (11) =0.83; p < 0.001], and with the source of financing for determined resources [rho (11) =0.74; p < 0.001]. It is concluded that, effectively executing the interventions prioritized by the Yunguyo Health Network Directorate are linked to the guidelines of the Public Budget and regulations of the sector with transparency.

O objetivo do estudo foi explicar como a execução dos gastos públicos e a fonte de financiamento da Diretoria da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo estão correlacionadas no período de 2013 a 2023, Peru. Optou-se por um desenho metodológico não experimental, longitudinal, quantitativo e contraste Rho de Spearman. Os resultados identificaram que a execução dos gastos públicos está significativa e positivamente correlacionada com a fonte de financiamento através de recursos ordinários [rho (11) =0,77; p < 0,001], sendo a fonte de financiamento recursos captados diretamente [rho (11) =0,83; p < 0,001], e com a fonte de financiamento de determinados recursos [rho (11) =0,74; p < 0,001]. Conclui-se que a execução eficaz das intervenções priorizadas pela Direção da Rede de Saúde Yunguyo está vinculada às diretrizes do Orçamento Público e à regulamentação do setor com transparência.

Adicción a las redes sociales y salud mental en estudiantes de medicina en Perú

Las redes sociales, al influir en las interacciones diarias y en la gestión de la información, emergen como un factor determinante en la estabilidad psíquica y afectiva de los individuos. Objetivo: Determinar la relación de la adicción a las redes sociales en la salud mental de los estudiantes de medicina humana en una universidad peruana. Material y métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, correlacional, transversal y analítico en el que colaboraron 172 educandos, 82 féminas y 90 varones. Se aplicó el cuestionario Adición a las Redes Sociales diseñado por Escurra y Salas el cual constó de 24 preguntas evaluadas mediante escala de Likert, el mismo fue validado con un Alfa de Cronbach de 0.94. Además, se utilizó el Cuestionario DASS-21 el cual consta de 21 ítems, subdividido en 3 subescalas: depresión, ansiedad y estrés y ha sido validado con un Alfa de Cronbach de 0.96. Resultados: 46.3% de los educandos presentó adicción en nivel medio y alto a las redes sociales. Se halló una correlación significativa entre la ansiedad, el estrés y la adicción a las redes sociales, aunque no se encontró una conexión relevante entre esta última y la depresión. Conclusión: La adicción a las redes sociales impacta negativamente en la salud mental de los educandos, generando niveles elevados de ansiedad y estrés.

Social networks, by influencing daily interactions and information management, emerge as a determining factor in the psychic and affective stability of individuals. Objective: To determine the relationship of social media addiction in the mental health of human medicine students at a Peruvian university. Material and methods: Quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional and analytical study in which 172 students, 82 females and 90 males, collaborated. The questionnaire Addition to Social Networks designed by Escurra and Salas was applied which consisted of 24 questions evaluated by Likert scale, it was validated with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.94. In addition, the DASS-21 Questionnaire was used, which consists of 21 items, subdivided into 3 subscales: depression, anxiety and stress and has been validated with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.96. Results: 46.3% of the students presented addiction at medium and high level to social networks. A significant correlation was found between anxiety, stress and social media addiction, although no relevant connection was found between the latter and depression. Conclusion: Addiction to social networks negatively impacts on the mental health of students, generating high levels of anxiety and stress.

As redes sociais, influenciando as interações diárias e a gestão da informação, emergem como um fator determinante na estabilidade psíquica e afetiva dos indivíduos. Objetivo: Determinar a relação do vício em redes sociais na saúde mental de estudantes de medicina humana em uma Universidade peruana. Material e métodos: estudo quantitativo, correlacional, transversal e analítico no qual colaboraram 172 educandos, 82 mulheres e 90 homens. Aplicou-se o questionário adenda às Redes sociais desenhado por escorra e Salas o qual consistiu de 24 perguntas avaliadas mediante escala de Likert, o mesmo foi validado com um Alfa de Cronbach de 0,94. Além disso, utilizou-se o questionário DASS-21 que consta de 21 itens, subdividido em 3 subescalas: depressão, ansiedade e estresse e foi validado com um Alfa de Cronbach de 0,96. Resultados: 46,3% dos educandos apresentaram dependência em nível médio e alto às redes sociais. Foi encontrada uma correlação significativa entre a ansiedade, o estresse e o vício em redes sociais, embora não tenha sido encontrada uma conexão relevante entre esta última e a depressão. Conclusão: o vício em redes sociais impacta negativamente na saúde mental dos educandos, gerando níveis elevados de ansiedade e estresse.

Pre-harvest application of sodium nitroprusside enhances storage root quality in red beet cultivated under normal and drought conditions.

BACKGROUND: The role of nitric oxide (NO) in plant stress tolerance, as well as in increasing post-harvest quality, has been extensively demonstrated in several fruits and vegetable crops; however, the effects of its pre-harvest application on post-harvest quality are still poorly documented. Therefore, the pre-harvest application of NO in red beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) plants cultivated under well-watered and drought conditions was evaluated to assess whether it improves the post-harvest quality of their storage roots. Red beet plants cultivated under well-watered (80% of water holding capacity) or drought condition (15% of water holding capacity) were sprayed weekly with water (control) or 100 µmol L-1 sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor. Sixty-six days after sowing, red beet roots were harvested, and root yield, total sugar yield, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, proteins, lipids, root ashes, root moisture, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, vitamin C, total phenolics, total betalains, betacyanins, betaxanthins and antioxidant capacity were determined. RESULTS: While drought led to a reduction in root yield, sugars, lipids and titratable acidity, it increased phenolic compounds, betalains and the antioxidant capacity of beets. SNP reversed the negative effects of drought on sugar, lipid and organic acid contents and increased antioxidant capacity independent of stress. CONCLUSION: Pre-harvest SNP treatment reversed drought-induced yield reductions in beets, while boosting bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. It also enhanced vitamin C content independently, indicating its dual role in stress mitigation and beet quality improvement. Future research should explore other crops and stress conditions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Detection of Arsenophonus in Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) populations in Brazil.

Eucalyptus is the most intensively managed tree genus in the world. Different factors, including damage by insect pests, affect its growth and productivity. Among these pests is Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), an exotic insect of Australian origin. The evolutionary success of this insect depends on symbiotic associations with microorganisms. The influence of these microorganisms on insect pests and their natural enemies is important for integrated management tactics. Within this context, this work aimed to detect Arsenophonus in populations of G. brimblecombei in Brazil. Eucalyptus branches infested with G. brimblecombei nymphs were collected in commercial eucalyptus plantations in six Brazilian states. Specimens of this pest were sampled soon after emergence and frozen for molecular analysis. The genomic DNA of G. brimblecombei adults from each population was extracted and used to detect the endosymbiont Arsenophonus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) employing specific primers that target its 23 S rRNA gene. This endosymbiont was identified in all of the studied G. brimblecombei populations. This is the first report on the association between Arsenophonus and G. brimblecombei in Brazil.

Multinational evaluation of genetic diversity indicators for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Under the recently adopted Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, 196 Parties committed to reporting the status of genetic diversity for all species. To facilitate reporting, three genetic diversity indicators were developed, two of which focus on processes contributing to genetic diversity conservation: maintaining genetically distinct populations and ensuring populations are large enough to maintain genetic diversity. The major advantage of these indicators is that they can be estimated with or without DNA-based data. However, demonstrating their feasibility requires addressing the methodological challenges of using data gathered from diverse sources, across diverse taxonomic groups, and for countries of varying socio-economic status and biodiversity levels. Here, we assess the genetic indicators for 919 taxa, representing 5271 populations across nine countries, including megadiverse countries and developing economies. Eighty-three percent of the taxa assessed had data available to calculate at least one indicator. Our results show that although the majority of species maintain most populations, 58% of species have populations too small to maintain genetic diversity. Moreover, genetic indicator values suggest that IUCN Red List status and other initiatives fail to assess genetic status, highlighting the critical importance of genetic indicators.

Trophic plasticity of a tropical seabird revealed through DNA metabarcoding and stable isotope analyses.

DNA metabarcoding and stable isotope analysis have significantly advanced our understanding of marine trophic ecology, aiding systematic research on foraging habits and species conservation. In this study, we employed these methods to analyse faecal and blood samples, respectively, to compare the trophic ecology of two Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethonaethereus; Linnaeus, 1758) colonies on Mexican islands in the Pacific. Trophic patterns among different breeding stages were also examined at both colonies. Dietary analysis reveals a preference for epipelagic fish, cephalopods, and small crustaceans, with variations between colonies and breeding stages. Isotopic values (δ15N and δ13C) align with DNA metabarcoding results, with wider niches during incubation stages. Differences in diet are linked to environmental conditions and trophic plasticity among breeding stages, influenced by changing physiological requirements and prey availability. Variations in dietary profiles reflect contrasting environmental conditions affecting local prey availability.

Morphological and Pigment Responses to Far-Red and Photosynthetically Active Radiation in an Olive Cultivar Suitable for Super-High-Density Orchards.

Plant density is increasing in modern olive orchards to improve yields and facilitate mechanical harvesting. However, greater density can reduce light quantity and modify its quality. The objective was to evaluate plant morphology, biomass, and photosynthetic pigments under different red/far-red ratios and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) combinations in an olive cultivar common to super-high-density orchards. In a greenhouse, young olive trees (cv. Arbequina) were exposed to low (L) or high (H) PAR with or without lateral FR supplementation (L+FR, L-FR, H+FR, H-FR) using neutral-density shade cloth and FR light-emitting diode (LED) modules. Total plant and individual organ biomass were much lower in plants under low PAR than under high PAR, with no response to +FR supplementation. In contrast, several plant morphological traits, such as main stem elongation, individual leaf area, and leaf angle, did respond to both low PAR and +FR. Total chlorophyll content decreased with +FR when PAR was low, but not when PAR was high (i.e., a significant FR*PAR interaction). When evaluating numerous plant traits together, a greater response to +FR under low PAR than under high PAR appeared to occur. These findings suggest that consideration of light quality in addition to quantity facilitates a fuller understanding of olive tree responses to a light environment. The +FR responses found here could lead to changes in hedgerow architecture and light distribution within the hedgerow.

Green reduction of ZnO nanoparticles using cationic dialdehyde cellulose (cDAC) for efficient Congo red dye removal.

More sustainable materials have been becoming an important concern of worldwide scientists, and cellulosic materials are one alternative in water decontamination. An efficient strategy to improve removal capacity is functionalizing or incorporating nanomaterials in cellulose-based materials. The new hybrid cDAC/ZnONPs was produced by green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), promoting the in situ reduction and immobilization on the cationic dialdehyde cellulose microfibers (cDAC) surface to remove Congo red dye from water. cDAC/ZnONPs was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which showed efficient nanoparticles reduction. Adsorption efficiency on cationic cellulose surface was investigated by pH, contact time, initial concentration, and dye selectivity tests. The material followed the H isotherm model, which resulted in a maximum adsorption capacity of 1091.16 mg/g. Herein, was developed an efficient and ecologically correct new adsorbent, highly effective in Congo red dye adsorption even at high concentrations, suitable for the remediation of contaminated industrial effluents.

Efficacy Assessment of Five Policosanol Brands and Damage to Vital Organs in Hyperlipidemic Zebrafish by Six-Week Supplementation: Highlighting the Toxicity of Red Yeast Rice and Safety of Cuban Policosanol (Raydel®).

Policosanol is a mixture of long-chain aliphatic alcohols (LCAAs) derived from various plant and insect origins that are marketed by various companies with distinct formulations and brand names. Policosanols offer several beneficial effects to treat dyslipidemia and hypertension; however, a comprehensive functionality comparison of various policosanol brands has yet to be thoroughly explored. In the present study five distinct policosanol brands from different origins and countries, Raydel-policosanol, Australia (PCO1), Solgar-policosanol, USA (PCO2), NutrioneLife-monacosanol, South Korea (PCO3), Mothernest-policosanol, Australia (PCO4), and Peter & John-policosanol, New Zealand (PCO5) were compared via dietary supplementation (1% in diet, final wt/wt) to zebrafish for six weeks to investigate their impact on survivability, blood lipid profile, and functionality of vital organs under the influence of a high-cholesterol diet (HCD, final 4%, wt/wt). The results revealed that policosanol brands (PCO1-PCO5) had a substantial preventive effect against HCD-induced zebrafish body weight elevation and hyperlipidemia by alleviating total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in blood. Other than PCO3, all the brands significantly reduced the HCD's elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). On the contrary, only PCO1 displayed a significant elevation in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level against the consumption of HCD. The divergent effect of PCO1-PCO5 against HCD-induced hepatic damage biomarkers, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), was observed. PCO1, PCO2, and PCO4 efficiently curtailed the AST and ALT levels; however, PCO3 and PCO5 potentially aggravated the HCD's elevated plasma AST and ALT levels. Consistently, the hepatic histology outcome revealed the least effectiveness of PCO3 and PCO5 against HCD-induced liver damage. On the contrary, PCO1 exhibited a substantial hepatoprotective role by curtailing HCD-induced fatty liver changes, cellular senescent, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production. Likewise, the histological outcome from the kidney, testis, and ovary revealed the significant curative effect of PCO1 against the HCD-induced adverse effects. PCO2-PCO5 showed diverse and unequal results, with the least effective being PCO3, followed by PCO5 towards HCD-induced kidney, testis, and ovary damage. The multivariate interpretation based on principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) validated the superiority of PCO1 over other policosanol brands against the clinical manifestation associated with HCD. Conclusively, different brands displayed distinct impacts against HCD-induced adverse effects, signifying the importance of policosanol formulation and the presence of aliphatic alcohols on the functionality of policosanol products.

Highly Defined Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines Mimic Donor Red Blood Cell Antigen Profiles for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Use.

Our group generated two induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines for in vitro red blood cell (RBC) production from blood donors with extensively known erythrocyte antigen profiles. One line was intended to give rise to RBCs for transfusions in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), while the other was developed to create RBC panel reagents. Two blood donors were selected based on their RBC phenotypes, further complemented by high-throughput DNA array analysis to obtain a more comprehensive erythrocyte antigen profile. Enriched erythroblast populations from the donors' peripheral blood mononuclear cells were reprogrammed into iPSCs using nonintegrative plasmid vectors. The iPSC lines were characterized and subsequently subjected to hematopoietic differentiation. iPSC PB02 and iPSC PB12 demonstrated in vitro and in vivo iPSC features and retained the genotype of each blood donor's RBC antigen profile. Colony-forming cell assays confirmed that iPSC PB02 and iPSC PB12 generated hematopoietic progenitors. These two iPSC lines were generated with defined erythrocyte antigen profiles, self-renewal capacity, and hematopoietic differentiation potential. With improvements in hematopoietic differentiation, these cells could potentially be more efficiently differentiated into RBCs in the future. They could serve as a complementary approach for obtaining donor-independent RBCs and addressing specific demands for blood transfusions.

Listeria monocytogenes in beef: a hidden risk.

Listeria monocytogenes in beef receives less attention compared to other pathogens such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli. To address this gap, we conducted a literature review focusing on the presence of L. monocytogenes in beef. This review encompasses the pathogenic mechanisms, routes of contamination, prevalence rates, and the laws and regulations employed in various countries. Our findings reveal a prevalence of L. monocytogenes in beef and beef products ranging from 2.5% to 59.4%. Notably, serotype 4b was most frequently isolated in cases of beef contamination during food processing, with the skinning and evisceration stages identified as critical points of contamination.

A new trypsin inhibitor from Centrosema plumieri effective against digestive proteases from Tribolium castaneum, an eco-friendly alternative.

Tribolium castaneum, also known as the red flour beetle, is a polyphagous pest that seriously damages agricultural products, including stored and processed grains. Researchers have aimed to discover alternative pest control mechanisms that are less harmful to the ecosystem than those currently used. We conduct the purification and characterization of a protease inhibitor from C. plumieri seeds and an in vitro evaluation of its insecticidal potential against the insect pest T. castaneum. The trypsin inhibitor was isolated from C. plumieri seeds in a single-step DEAE-Sepharose column chromatography and had a molecular mass of 50 kDA. When analyzed for interaction with different proteolytic enzymes, the inhibitor exhibited specificity against trypsin and no activity against other serine proteases such as chymotrypsin and elastase-2. The isolated inhibitor was able to inhibit digestive enzymes of T. castaneum from extracts of the intestine of this insect. Therefore, we conclude that the new protease inhibitor, specific in tryptic inhibition, of protein nature from the seeds of C. plumieri was effective in inhibiting the digestive enzymes of T. castaneum and is a promising candidate in the ecological control of pests.

Characterization of the organellar genomes of Mazzaella laminarioides and Mazzaella membranacea (Gigartinaceae, Rhodophyta).

Mazzaella, a genus with no genomic resources available, has extensive distribution in the cold waters of the Pacific, where they represent ecologically and economically important species. In this study, we aimed to sequence, assemble, and annotate the complete mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes from two Mazzaella spp. and characterize the intraspecific variation among them. We report for the first time seven whole organellar genomes (mitochondria: OR915856, OR947465, OR947466, OR947467, OR947468, OR947469, OR947470; chloroplast: OR881974, OR909680, OR909681, OR909682, OR909683, OR909684, OR909685) obtained through high-throughput sequencing for six M. laminarioides sampled from three Chilean regions and one M. membranacea. Sequenced Mazzaella mitogenomes have identical gene number, gene order, and genome structure. The same results were observed for assembled plastomes. A total of 52 genes were identified in mitogenomes, and a total of 235 genes were identified in plastomes. Although the M. membranacea plastome included a full-length pbsA gene, in all M. laminarioides samples, the pbsA gene was split in three open reading frames (ORFs). Within M. laminarioides, we observed important plastome lineage-specific variations, such as the pseudogenization of the two hypothetical protein-coding genes, ycf23 and ycf45. Nonsense mutations in the ycf23 and ycf45 genes were only detected in the northern lineage. These results are consistent with phylogenetic reconstructions and divergence time estimation using concatenated coding sequences that not only support the monophyly of M. laminarioides but also underscore that the three M. laminarioides lineages are in an advanced stage of divergence. These new results open the question of the existence of still undisclosed species in M. laminarioides.