Image guided interpedicular screw placement simulation system for training and skill evaluation. Proof of concept.

INTRODUCTION: Present work introduces SpineST-01 system, an image guided vertebrae cannulation training system. During task execution, the computer calculates performance based metrics displaying different visual perspectives (LV, AV, APV) with the position of the instrument inside it. Finally, a report with the metrics is generated as performance feedback. METHODS: A training box holds a 3D printed spine section. The computer works with two orthogonal disposed cameras, tracking passive markers placed on the instrument. Eight metrics were proposed to evaluate the surgical task's execution performance. A preliminary study, with 25 participants divided into three groups: 12 Novices, 10 intermediates and 3 Experts, was conducted to determine the feasibility of the system to evaluate and assess the performance differences of each group using Kruskal-Wallis analysis and U Mann-Whitney. In both, Kruskal-Wallis analysis and U Mann-Whitney, a p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: When comparing Experts vs Novices and the three groups, the statistical analysis showed significant differences in six of the eight metrics. (Axial angle error (°), Lateral angle error (°), Average Speed (mm/s), Progress between shots (mm), Time (s), Shots) The metrics that did not show any statistically significant difference were time between shots (s), and speed between shots (mm/s). As well the average result comparison placed the Experts as the best performance group. CONCLUSION: On the SpineST-01 presentation, initial testing demonstrated potential for the system to practice image guided cannulation task on lumbar vertebrae. Results show objective differences between Experts, Intermediates, and Novices on the proposed metrics. Making this system a feasible option for developing basic navigation system skills, without the risk of radiation exposure and objectively evaluate task performance.

Automatic procedure for modelling, calibration, and optimization of a three-component chromatographic separation.

The current landscape of biopharmaceutical production necessitates an ever-growing set of tools to meet the demands for shorter development times and lower production costs. One path towards meeting these demands is the implementation of digital tools in the development stages. Mathematical modelling of process chromatography, one of the key unit operations in the biopharmaceutical downstream process, is one such tool. However, obtaining parameter values for such models is a time-consuming task that grows in complexity with the number of compounds in the mixture being purified. In this study, we tackle this issue by developing an automated model calibration procedure for purification of a multi-component mixture by linear gradient ion exchange chromatography. The procedure was implemented using the Orbit software (Lund University, Department of Chemical Engineering), which both generates a mathematical model structure and performs the experiments necessary to obtain data for model calibration. The procedure was extended to suggest operating points for the purification of one of the components in the mixture by means of multi-objective optimization using three different objectives. The procedure was tested on a three-component protein mixture and was able to generate a calibrated model capable of reproducing the experimental chromatograms to a satisfactory degree, using a total of six assays. An additional seventh experiment was performed to validate the model response under one of the suggested optimum conditions, respecting a 95 % purity requirement. All of the above was automated and set in motion by the push of a button. With these results, we have taken a step towards fully automating model calibration and thus accelerating digitalization in the development stages of new biopharmaceuticals.

Spatial distribution of Triatoma dimidiata peridomestic colonies modulated by distance between susceptible microhabitat patches.

Triatoma dimidiata is a vector of the hemoparasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease. It settles reproductive colonies in the peridomicile of the premises. The peridomicile is comprised of a random set of artificial and natural features that overlap and assemble a network of microenvironmental suitable sites (patches) that interact with each other and favor the structure and proliferation of T. dimidiata colonies. The heterogeneity of patch characteristics hinders the understanding and identification of sites susceptible to colonization. In this study, a classification system using a random forest algorithm was used to identify peridomiciles susceptible to colonization to describe the spatial distribution of these sites and their relationship with the colonies of T. dimidiata in ten localities of Yucatan. From 1,000 peridomiciles reviewed, the classification showed that 13.9 % (139) of the patches were highly susceptible (HSP), and 86.1 % (861) were less susceptible (LSP). All localities had at least one HSP. The occupancy by patch type showed that the percentage of total occupancy and by colonies was higher in the HSP, while the occupancy by adult T. dimidiata without evidence of nymphs or exuviae (propagules) was higher in the LSP. A generalized additive model (GAM) revealed that the percentage of occupied patches increases as the abundance of individuals in the localities increases however, the percentage of occupied patches in LSP is lower than occupied in HSP. Distance analyses revealed that colonies and propagules were located significantly closer (approximately 200 m) to a colony in a HSP than any colony in a LSP. The distribution of T. dimidiata in the localities was defined by the distribution of patch type; as the occupancy in these patches increased, a network of peridomestic populations was configured, which may be promoted by a greater abundance of insects inside the localities. These results reveal that the spatial distribution of T. dimidiata individuals and colonies in the peridomicile at the locality scale corresponds to a metapopulation pattern within the localities through a system of patches mediated by distance and level of the vectors' occupancy.

Evidence of Ongoing Transmission of Zika Virus in Mérida, Mexico.

Since the Zika virus (ZIKV) pandemic in 2015-2017, there has been a near absence of reported cases in the Americas outside of Brazil. However, the conditions for Aedes-borne transmission persist in Latin America, and the threat of ZIKV transmission is increasing as population immunity wanes. Mexico has reported only 70 cases of laboratory-confirmed ZIKV infection since 2020, with no cases recorded in the Yucatán peninsula. Here, we provide evidence of active ZIKV transmission, despite the absence of official case reports, in the city of Mérida, Mexico, the capital of the state of Yucatán. Capitalizing on an existing cohort, we detected cases in participants with symptoms consistent with flavivirus infection from 2021 to 2022. Serum samples from suspected cases were tested for ZIKV RNA by polymerase chain reaction or ZIKV-reactive IgM by ELISA. To provide more specific evidence of exposure, focus reduction neutralization tests were performed on ELISA-positive samples. Overall, we observed 25 suspected ZIKV infections for an estimated incidence of 2.8 symptomatic cases per 1,000 persons per year. Our findings emphasize the continuing threat of ZIKV transmission in the setting of decreased surveillance and reporting.

Novices' learning curve in single-port surgery using three surgical training programs.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the novices' learning curves and proficiency level reached in laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery using three surgical training programs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants were randomly divided into three groups, who trained in a specific practice regimen for 12 days using a laparoscopic box simulator and three tasks. Group A trained in three stages using conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) with straight instruments, and LESS with straight and articulating instruments for four days each. Group B trained in two stages in LESS with straight and articulating instruments for six days each. Group C trained only in LESS with articulating instruments exclusively for all 12 days. Performance was registered daily during the 12 days to evaluate the participants' progress. RESULTS: Pre- and post-training analysis of the three groups showed significant differences in performance, denoting the significant improvement in their LESS skills, with no difference between the groups. Group C reached a high level of technical competence with their specific training program in LESS, obtaining a lower asymptote and slow learning rate. CONCLUSION: Specific training programs in LESS settings using articulated instruments showed a slower learning rate than the other programs but better proficiency in the technique with the best surgical performance.

Incidental eagle carcass detection can contribute to fatality estimation at operating wind energy facilities.

Risk of birds colliding with wind turbines, especially protected species like bald eagle and golden eagle in the U.S., is a fundamental wildlife challenge the wind industry faces when developing and operating projects. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires wind energy facilities that obtain eagle take permits document permit compliance through fatality monitoring. If trained Operations and Maintenance (O&M) staff can reliably detect and report carcasses during their normal routines, and their detection probability can be estimated, then their 'incidental detections' could contribute substantially towards demonstrating permit compliance. Our primary objective was to quantify incidental detection of eagle carcasses by O&M staff under a variety of landscape contexts and environmental conditions throughout a single year. We used the incidental detection probabilities, along with raptor carcass persistence data and area adjustments, to calculate overall probability of incidental detection (i.e., incidental g). We used feathered decoys as eagle-carcass surrogates for monthly detection trials at 6 study sites throughout the U.S. We evaluated the primary drivers of incidental detection using logit regression models including season, viewshed complexity, and a derived variable called the "density quartile" as covariates. We used an Evidence of Absence-based approach to estimate the overall probability of incidental detection. The incidental detection probabilities ranged from 0.28 to 0.78 (mean = 0.48). Detection probabilities decreased as viewshed complexity increased and as distance from the turbine increased. The resulting overall probability of incidental detection ranged from 0.07 to 0.47 (mean = 0.31). The primary drivers of variability in incidental g were detection probability and the area adjustment. Results of our research show that O&M staff were effective at detecting trial carcasses incidentally. Incorporating incidental detection in eagle fatality monitoring efforts is a reliable means of improving estimates of a facility's direct impacts on eagles.

Natural infection by Zika virus but not DNA vaccination consistently elicits antibodies that compete with two potently neutralising monoclonal antibodies targeting distinct epitopes.

BACKGROUND: Autochthonous transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) has been reported in 87 countries since 2015. Although most infections are mild, there is risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Vaccines are urgently needed to prevent Zika, but sufficient understanding of humoral responses and tools to assess ZIKV-specific immunity are lacking. METHODS: We developed a blockade-of-binding (BOB) ELISA using A9E and G9E, two strongly neutralising ZIKV-specific monoclonal antibodies, which do not react with dengue virus. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis assessed A9E and G9E BOB serodiagnostic performance. BOB was then applied to samples from a surveillance cohort in Risaralda, Colombia, and phase 1 ZIKV vaccine trial samples, comparing results against traditional serologic tests. FINDINGS: In the validation sample set (n = 120), A9E BOB has a sensitivity of 93.5% (95% CI: 79.3, 98.9) and specificity 97.8 (95% CI: 92.2, 99.6). G9E BOB had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 89.0, 100.0) and specificity 100% (95% CI: 95.9, 100). Serum from natural infections consistently tested positive in these assays for up to one year, and reactivity tracks well with ZIKV infection status among sera from endemic areas with complicated flavivirus exposures. Interestingly, a leading ZIKV vaccine candidate elicited minimal BOB reactivity despite generating neutralising antibody responses. INTERPRETATION: In conclusion, A9E and G9E BOB assays are sensitive and specific assays for detecting antibodies elicited by recent or remote ZIKV infections. Given the additional ability of these BOB assays to detect immune responses that target different epitopes, further development of these assays is well justified for applications including flavivirus surveillance, translational vaccinology research and as potential serologic correlates of protective immunity against Zika. FUNDING: R21 AI129532 (PI: S. Becker-Dreps), CDCBAA 2017-N-18041 (PI: A. M. de Silva), Thrasher Fund (PI: M. H. Collins), K22 AI137306 (PI: M. H. Collins).

Relationship Between Sagittal Root Position and Alveolar Wall Thickness of Maxillary Teeth in the Esthetic Area for Immediate Implant Treatment Planning in a Peruvian Population.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess facial and palatal alveolar wall thickness (AWT) in relation to sagittal root position (SRP) of maxillary anterior teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODOLOGY: 102 CBCT images (60 females, 42 males) of anterior maxillary teeth were reviewed. SRP was classified according to Kan's classification, and AWT was evaluated at coronal (4 mm from the cementoenamel junction), mid-root, and apical (2 mm from the apex) levels of the facial and palatal. Secondary variables of sex, age and tooth type were analyzed. RESULTS: The SRP distribution was 76.6% class I, 11.3% class II, 0.8% class III, and 11.3% class IV. AWT, from thickest to thinnest, was found in palatal apical>mid>coronal, followed by facial coronal>mid>apical. CONCLUSIONS: AWT was thickest in SRP class II, followed by class I and III, and least thick in class IV at all measured areas (P<.05). A significantly higher AWT was associated with class I in central incisors, class II in canine teeth and in males, and class IV in central incisors and canines.

Organoides de origen humano como modelo fisiopatológico de evaluación terapéutica de fármacos en COVID-19 / Organoids as a physiopathology model and therapeutic drug evaluation tool in COVID-19

Introducción: La pandemia causada por SARS-CoV-2 ha impactado al mundo gravemente en diversos ámbitos y con ello ha surgido la necesidad de contar con herramientas con mayor relevancia fisiológica para investigar patologías complejas como el COVID-19. Los organoides son un modelo experimental con características únicas como la capacidad de autoformar una estructura tridimensional utilizando células en cultivo. Sobre esta base, surge la siguiente pregunta ¿son los organoides un modelo experimental factible para reflejar la fisiopatología del COVID-19 y evaluar la eficacia de fármacos que limiten su progresión? Metodología: Para abordar esta interrogante, esta revisión plantea el analizar la validez de los organoides como modelo experimental y verificar su utilidad en la evaluación de fármacos para el COVID-19. Para cumplir estos objetivos se realizó una revisión sistemática cualitativa de la literatura, a través de una búsqueda en PubMed con el término 'COVID-19 and stem cells and organoids' y también en un número especial de la revista Cell. Resultados: Se organizaron los resultados relevantes por sistema fisiológico y en la evaluación de fármacos. Los organoides más empleados para estudios de COVID-19 correspondieron a tejido respiratorio, nervioso y digestivo. Algunos resultados encontrados en la revisión fueron similares a aquellos obtenidos a partir de tejidos de pacientes COVID-19 o autopsias, encontrándose hallazgos relevantes como la posible disrupción de la barrera epitelial del sistema nervioso por infección del plexo coroideo. También se logró observar efectividad de fármacos que posteriormente pasaron a ser aprobados y utilizados exitosamente en pacientes. Conclusión: Los organoides se pueden componer a partir de diferentes tipos celulares y bajo diferentes protocolos experimentales, siendo relevante la lectura crítica de los artículos científicos para decidir si sus resultados son extrapolables a la fisiopatología de la enfermedad.

Introduction: The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has impacted the world severely in several aspects and has created the need for research tools to study the COVID-19 disease. Organoids are experimental models with unique characteristics, like the ability to self-assemble in a tridimensional structure. Based on this, the following question arises: are organoids an experimental model suitable to reflect the physiopathology of COVID-19 and to allow the evaluation of the efficacy of drugs that limit its progression? Methods: To approach this question, this review aimed to analyze the validity of organoids as an experimental model and verify their utility in COVID-19 drug evaluation. To resolve these objectives, a qualitative systematic review was done through a PubMed search with the terms 'COVID-19 and stem cells and organoids' and on a special issue of the Cell Journal. Results: The results were organized by physiologic system and therapeutic drug evaluation. The most utilized tissues for the COVID-19 study were respiratory, nervous, and digestive. Some results found in the review were like those obtained from COVID-19 patient tissue or autopsies, finding some relevant discoveries like the possibility of the choroid plexus disruption in the nervous system caused by the infection. Efficacy was also observed in approved drugs and used later in patients successfully. Conclusion: Organoids might be composed starting with different cell types and under a variety of experimental protocols, being relevant the critical reading of the scientific literature to decide whether their results can be extrapolated to the pathophysiology of the disease

The forgotten material: Highly dispersible and swellable gelatin-based microspheres for pulmonary drug delivery of cromolyn sodium and ipratropium bromide.

Controlled-release formulations for pulmonary delivery are highly desirable for treating chronic diseases such as COPD. However, a limited number of polymers are currently approved for inhalation. The study presents a promising strategy using gelatin as a matrix for inhalable dry powders, allowing the controlled release of ionic drugs. Ionized cromoglicate sodium (CS) and ipratropium bromide (IBr) interacted in solution with charged gelatin before spray drying (SD). Calcium carbonate was used as a crosslinker. The microspheres showed remarkable aerosol performance after optimizing the SD parameters and did not cause cytotoxicity in A549 cells. The microspheres were highly dispersible with âˆ¼ 50-60% of respirable fraction and fine particle fraction 55-70%. Uncrosslinked microspheres increased their size from four to ten times by swelling after 5 min showing potential as a strategy to avoid macrophage clearance and prolong the therapeutic effect of the drug. Crosslinkers prevented particle swelling. Ionic interaction generated a moderate reduction of the drug release. Overall, this study provides a novel approach for developing DPI formulations for treating chronic respiratory diseases using a biopolymer approved by the FDA, potentially enhancing drug activity through controlled release and avoiding macrophage clearance.

Exposure to Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania parasites in dogs from a rural locality of Yucatan, Mexico. A serological survey.

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of American trypanosomiasis, and Leishmania spp., the causal agents of Leishmaniasis, are prevalent in more than 20 American countries, including Mexico. Dogs have been reported as incidental hosts for both parasites and may be helpful as transmission sentinels. We surveyed the dog population in a rural locality of the Merida municipality in Yucatan, Mexico, to evaluate the seroreactivity against T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. using two antigens, parasite homogenate (H) and iron superoxide dismutase extract (FeSODe), with two serological techniques (ELISA and Western Blot). Our study found that 3.33% of the tested dogs were seroreactive to T. cruzi using ELISA-H, and 29.5% were seroreactive to FeSODe antigen, with a 94.4% consistency between the two tests. Similarly, for L. mexicana, 1.6% were seroreactive using ELISA-H, and 9.8% were seroreactive using ELISA-FeSODe, with an 83.3% consistency between tests. For L. braziliensis, no dogs were seroreactive using ELISA-H, but 16.4% were seroreactive using ELISA-FeSODe, with a 90% consistency between tests. Finally, for L. infantum, 4.9% were seropositive using ELISA-H, and 6.6% were seropositive using ELISA-FeSODe, with a 75% consistency between tests. These results show noticeable evidence of exposure of dogs to trypanosomatid parasites and highlight the potential disease risk for the people and their companion animals in the region.

Methodology for fast development of digital solutions in integrated continuous downstream processing.

The methodology for production of biologics is going through a paradigm shift from batch-wise operation to continuous production. Lot of efforts are focused on integration, intensification, and continuous operation for decreased foot-print, material, equipment, and increased productivity and product quality. These integrated continuous processes with on-line analytics become complex processes, which requires automation, monitoring, and control of the operation, even unmanned or remote, which means bioprocesses with high level of automation or even autonomous capabilities. The development of these digital solutions becomes an important part of the process development and needs to be assessed early in the development chain. This work discusses a platform that allows fast development, advanced studies, and validation of digital solutions for integrated continuous downstream processes. It uses an open, flexible, and extendable real-time supervisory controller, called Orbit, developed in Python. Orbit makes it possible to communicate with a set of different physical setups and on the same time perform real-time execution. Integrated continuous processing often implies parallel operation of several setups and network of Orbit controllers makes it possible to synchronize complex process system. Data handling, storage, and analysis are important properties for handling heterogeneous and asynchronous data generated in complex downstream systems. Digital twin applications, such as advanced model-based and plant-wide monitoring and control, are exemplified using computational extensions in Orbit, exploiting data and models. Examples of novel digital solutions in integrated downstream processes are automatic operation parameter optimization, Kalman filter monitoring, and model-based batch-to-batch control.

Automated quality analysis in continuous downstream processes for small-scale applications.

Development of integrated, continuous biomanufacturing (ICB) processes brings along the challenge of streamlining the acquisition of data that can be used for process monitoring, product quality testing and process control. Manually performing sample acquisition, preparation, and analysis during process and product development on ICB platforms requires time and labor that diverts attention from the development itself. It also introduces variability in terms of human error in the handling of samples. To address this, a platform for automatic sampling, sample preparation and analysis for use in small-scale biopharmaceutical downstream processes was developed. The automatic quality analysis system (QAS) consisted of an ÄKTA Explorer chromatography system for sample retrieval, storage, and preparation, as well as an Agilent 1260 Infinity II analytical HPLC system for analysis. The ÄKTA Explorer system was fitted with a superloop in which samples could be stored, conditioned, and diluted before being sent to the injection loop of the Agilent system. The Python-based software Orbit, developed at the department of chemical engineering at Lund university, was used to control and create a communication framework for the systems. To demonstrate the QAS in action, a continuous capture chromatography process utilizing periodic counter-current chromatography was set up on an ÄKTA Pure chromatography system to purify the clarified harvest from a bioreactor for monoclonal antibody production. The QAS was connected to the process to collect two types of samples: 1) the bioreactor supernatant and 2) the product pool from the capture chromatography. Once collected, the samples were conditioned and diluted in the superloop before being sent to the Agilent system, where both aggregate content and charge variant composition were determined using size-exclusion and ion-exchange chromatography, respectively. The QAS was successfully implemented during a continuous run of the capture process, enabling the acquisition of process data with consistent quality and without human intervention, clearing the path for automated process monitoring and data-based control.

Objective Evaluation of Laparoscopic Experience Based on Muscle Electromyography and Accelerometry Performing Circular Pattern Cutting Tasks: A Pilot Study.

Purpose.The aim of this work is to present a new physical laparoscopy simulator with an electromyography (EMG)/accelerometry-based muscle activity recording system, EvalLap EMG-ACC, and perform objective evaluation of laparoscopic skills based on the quantification of muscle activity of participants with different levels of laparoscopic experience. Methods. EMG and ACC signals were obtained from 14 participants (6 experts, 8 medical students) performing circular pattern cutting tasks using a laparoscopic box trainer with the Trigno (Delsys Inc, Natick, MA) portable wireless system of 16 wireless sensors. Sensors were placed on the proximal and distal muscles of the upper extremities. Seven evaluation metrics were proposed and compared between skilled and novice surgeons. Results. The proximal and distal arm muscles (trapezius, deltoids, biceps, and forearms) were most active while executing laparoscopic tasks. Laparoscopic experience was associated with differences in EMG amplitude (Aavg), muscle activity (iEMG), hand acceleration (iACH), user movement (iAC), and muscle fatigue. For the cutting task, the deltoid, bicep, forearm EMG amplitude, and user movement significantly differed between experience groups. Conclusion. This pilot study demonstrates that different muscle groups are preferentially activated during laparoscopic tasks depending on the level of surgical experience. Expert surgeons showed less muscle activity compared with novices. EvalLap EMG-ACC represents a promising means to distinguish surgeons with basic cutting skills from those who have not yet developed these skills.

Antibody Immunity to Zika Virus among Young Children in a Flavivirus-Endemic Area in Nicaragua.

Objective: To understand the dynamics of Zika virus (ZIKV)-specific antibody immunity in children born to mothers in a flavivirus-endemic region during and after the emergence of ZIKV in the Americas. Methods: We performed serologic testing for ZIKV cross-reactive and type-specific IgG in two longitudinal cohorts, which enrolled pregnant women and their children (PW1 and PW2) after the beginning of the ZIKV epidemic in Nicaragua. Quarterly samples from children over their first two years of life and maternal blood samples at birth and at the end of the two-year follow-up period were studied. Results: Most mothers in this dengue-endemic area were flavivirus-immune at enrollment. ZIKV-specific IgG (anti-ZIKV EDIII IgG) was detected in 82 of 102 (80.4%) mothers in cohort PW1 and 89 of 134 (66.4%) mothers in cohort PW2, consistent with extensive transmission observed in Nicaragua during 2016. ZIKV-reactive IgG decayed to undetectable levels by 6-9 months in infants, whereas these antibodies were maintained in mothers at the year two time point. Interestingly, a greater contribution to ZIKV immunity by IgG3 was observed in babies born soon after ZIKV transmission. Finally, 43 of 343 (13%) children exhibited persistent or increasing ZIKV-reactive IgG at ≥9 months, with 10 of 30 (33%) tested demonstrating serologic evidence of incident dengue infection. Conclusions: These data inform our understanding of protective and pathogenic immunity to potential flavivirus infections in early life in areas where multiple flaviviruses co-circulate, particularly considering the immune interactions between ZIKV and dengue and the future possibility of ZIKV vaccination in women of childbearing potential. This study also shows the benefits of cord blood sampling for serologic surveillance of infectious diseases in resource-limited settings.

Game bird carcasses are less persistent than raptor carcasses, but can predict raptor persistence dynamics.

Researchers conduct post-construction fatality monitoring (PCFM) to determine a wind energy facility's direct impacts on wildlife. Results of PCFM can be used to evaluate compliance with permitted take, potentially triggering adaptive management measures or offsetting mitigation; reducing uncertainty in fatality rates benefits wind companies, wildlife agencies, and other stakeholders. As part of PCFM, investigators conduct carcass persistence trials to account for imperfect detection during carcass surveys. In most PCFM studies, pen-raised game birds and other non-raptor surrogates have been used to estimate persistence of all large birds, including raptors. However, there is a growing body of evidence showing carcass persistence varies by bird type; raptor fatality estimates based on game bird carcass persistence may therefore be biased high. We conducted raptor and game bird carcass persistence field trials for 1 year at 6 wind energy facilities. Raptor carcass persistence varied by habitat and season, whereas the best-supported game bird model only included habitat. Raptor persistence probabilities were higher than corresponding game bird persistence probabilities for 13 of the 16 habitat and season combinations. Analysis of a curated large bird persistence meta-dataset showed that raptor carcass persistence varied by season, habitat, and region. The probability of persisting through a 30-day search interval ranged from 0.44 to 0.99 for raptors and from 0.16 to 0.79 for game birds. Raptor persistence was significantly higher than game bird persistence for 95% of the sampled strata. We used these carcass persistence estimates to develop linear mixed-effects models that predict raptor persistence probabilities based on estimated game bird persistence probabilities. Our scaling model provides an important statistical method to address gaps in raptor persistence data at sites in a broad range of landscape contexts in the continental United States and should be used to inform fatality estimation when site-specific raptor persistence data are limited or absent.

La calidad de vida, relacionada con la salud oral, en el Centro del Adulto Mayor de San Isidro, Lima / Quality of life, related to oral healthcare, in the Elderly Center de San Isidro, Lima

Introducción: El mantenimiento de la calidad de vida es uno de los resultados más importantes de los servicios de atención. Varios planes respaldan la importancia de realizar su medición en los adultos mayores. Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de vida, relacionada con la salud oral, en los miembros de un centro del adulto mayor en Lima, Perú. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en una población de 1800 adultos mayores. La muestra estuvo conformada por 184 participantes. El instrumento perfil de impacto de salud oral (OHIP14sp) se utilizó para medir la calidad de vida en relación con la salud oral. La validez de contenido se realizó mediante un grupo de evaluadores y la consistencia del cuestionario se evaluó con la prueba alfa de Cronbach. Se resumió la información en porcentajes y se utilizaron pruebas de hipótesis de Fisher y chi cuadrado para identificar la relación de la calidad de vida con el sexo y la edad, y la regresión de Poisson. Resultados: La calidad de vida de los adultos mayores fue mala en el 9,8 por ciento, buena en el 23,4 por ciento, y excelente en el 66,8 por ciento. Las mujeres (71 por ciento) tuvieron mejor calidad de vida que los hombres (58 por ciento). Se observó que a menor edad mejor es la calidad de vida. La mayoría de los adultos podían realizar sus actividades diarias salvo un 7,1 por ciento. La salud bucal no tuvo un impacto negativo en la calidad de vida de los adultos mayores en términos de malestar psicológico, limitación funcional y minusvalía, solo en un 61 por ciento, 49 por ciento y 17 por ciento, respectivamente. Conclusiones: El impacto en la salud oral en Lima identificó como excelente o regular la calidad de vida en relación con la salud bucal de los adultos mayores concurrentes al Centro del Adulto Mayor de San Isidro(AU)

Introduction: Maintaining quality of life is one of the most important results of care services. Several plans support the importance of measuring it in older adults. Objective: To assess oral health-related quality of life in members of a senior center in Lima, Peru. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in a population of 1800 older adults. The sample consisted of 184 participants. The oral health impact profile instrument (OHIP14sp) was used to measure quality of life in relation to oral health. Content validity was performed by a group of evaluators and the consistency of the questionnaire was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha test. The information was summarized in percentages and Fisher's and chi-square hypothesis tests were used to identify the relationship of quality of life with gender and age, and Poisson regression. Results: The quality of life of older adults was poor in 9.8 percent, good in 23.4 percent, and excellent in 66.8 percent. Women (71 percent) had a better quality of life than men (58 percent). It was observed that the younger the age, the better the quality of life. Most of the adults were able to perform their daily activities except for 7.1 percent. Oral health did not have a negative impact on the quality of life of older adults in terms of psychological discomfort, functional limitation and handicap, only 61 percent, 49 percent and 17 percent, respectively. Conclusions: The impact on oral health in Lima identified as excellent or regular the quality of life in relation to oral health of older adults attending the San Isidro Senior Center(AU)

Formulation of water-soluble Buddleja globosa Hope extracts and characterization of their antimicrobial properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Buddleja globosa Hope (BG) extracts are traditionally used to treat skin and gastric ulcers due to their healing properties. Non-aqueous solvents such as ethanol and DMSO are usually used to extract naturally occurring compounds. However, the cytotoxicity of these solvents and the low water solubility of the extracted compounds can hinder their biomedical applications. To overcome the limited solubility of the BG extracts, we aimed to enhance the solubility by processing a standardized hydroalcoholic extract (BG-126) through spray drying (SD), with and without two solubility enhancers. Spray-dried BG (BG-SD) extracts and spray-dried BG extracts plus polyvinylpyrrolidone (BG-SD PVP) and Soluplus® (BG-SD SP) were developed starting from BG-126 (containing 53% ethanol). These four formulations were characterized by total phenolic content, water solubility at 25°C and 37°C, and antimicrobial properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All the SD formulations presented a solubility that allowed them to reach maximum concentrations of 1,024 µg/ml catechin for BG-SD and 2,048 µg/ml catechin for BG-SD PVP and BG-SD SP for antimicrobial testing. BG-SD showed the highest antimicrobial potency with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 512 µg/ml catechin, followed by BG-126 with a MIC of 1,024 µg/ml catechin and SP. BG-126 was also shown to inhibit biofilm formation, as well as the excipients PVP and SP. The spray-dried BG (BG-SD) extract represents a promising natural active component with enhanced antimicrobial properties against P. aeruginosa for further research and the development of novel phytopharmaceuticals.

Arboviruses as an unappreciated cause of non-malarial acute febrile illness in the Dschang Health District of western Cameroon.

Acute febrile illness is a common problem managed by clinicians and health systems globally, particularly in the Tropics. In many regions, malaria is a leading and potentially deadly cause of fever; however, myriad alternative etiologies exist. Identifying the cause of fever allows optimal management, but this depends on many factors including thorough knowledge of circulating infections. Arboviruses such as dengue (DENV) cause fever and may be underdiagnosed in sub-Saharan Africa where malaria is a major focus. We examined cases of fever in western Cameroon that tested negative for malaria and found 13.5% (13/96) were due to DENV, with 75% (9/12) of these being DENV serotype 2 infections. Two complete DENV2 genomes were obtained and clustered closely to recent isolates from Senegal and Burkina Faso. The seroprevalence of DENV in this region was 24.8% (96/387). Neutralizing antibodies to DENV2 were detected in all (15/15) seropositive samples tested. Chikungunya (CHIKV) is an arthritogenic alphavirus that is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the same principal vector as DENV. The seroprevalence for CHIKV was 15.7% (67/427); however, CHIKV did not cause a single case of fever in the 96 subjects tested. Of note, being seropositive for one arbovirus was associated with being seropositive for the other (Χ2 = 16.8, p<0.001). Taken together, these data indicate that Aedes-transmitted arboviruses are endemic in western Cameroon and are likely a common but underappreciated cause of febrile illness. This work supports the need for additional study of arboviruses in sub-Saharan Africa and efforts to improve diagnostic capacity, surveillance systems, and arbovirus prevention strategies.

Susceptibility to endemic Aedes-borne viruses among pregnant women in Risaralda, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: Aedes-borne viruses (ABV) affect humans on every inhabited continent and frequently cause epidemics. Recent epidemics of chikungunya and Zika viruses (ZIKV) highlight that preparedness for future epidemics requires assessment of susceptibility, particularly among high-risk groups. We sought to determine immunity against the three major circulating ABV among pregnant women in an ABV-endemic area of Colombia. METHODS: A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was performed, enrolling women presenting to Labor and Delivery. Cord blood and maternal peripheral blood samples were obtained. IgG seroprevalence to flaviviruses and chikungunya was determined by ELISA. An abbreviated neutralization test was used to estimate the frequency and magnitude of immunity to Zika and four dengue serotypes. Cluster analyses explored epidemiologic factors associated with seroprevalence. RESULTS: Most women exhibited high levels of neutralizing antibodies to one or more ABV; however, nearly 20% were seronegative for flaviviruses. Our research took place after the epidemic peak of the ZIKV outbreak in Colombia in 2016. However, only 20% of pregnant women had high levels of Zika-neutralizing antibodies consistent with likely protective immunity to ZIKV. CONCLUSION: Hence, a high proportion of pregnant women in Risaralda remain susceptible to one or more ABV including the teratogenic ZIKV, indicating a risk for future epidemics in this region.