Convolutional neural network for high-resolution wetland mapping with open data: Variable selection and the challenges of a generalizable model.

Landscape scale wetland conservation requires accurate, up-to-date wetland maps. The most useful approaches to creating such maps are automated, spatially generalizable, temporally repeatable, and can be applied at large spatial scales. However, mapping wetlands with predictive models is challenging due to the highly variable characteristics of wetlands in both space and time. Currently, most approaches are limited by coarse resolution, commercial data, and geographic specificity. Here, we trained a deep learning model and evaluated its ability to automatically map wetlands at landscape scale in a variety of geographies. We trained a U-Net architecture to map wetlands at 1-meter spatial resolution with the following remotely sensed covariates: multispectral data from the National Agriculture Imagery Program and the Sentinel-2 satellite system, and two LiDAR-derived datasets, intensity and geomorphons. The full model mapped wetlands accurately (94 % accuracy, 96.5 % precision, 95.2 % AUC) at 1-meter resolution. Post hoc model evaluation showed that the model correctly predicted wetlands even in areas that had incorrect label/training data, which penalized the recall rate (90.2 %). Applying the model in a new geography resulted in poor performance (precision = ~80 %, recall = 48 %). However, limited retraining in this geography improved model performance substantially, demonstrating an effective means to create a spatially generalizable model. We demonstrate wetlands can be mapped at high-resolution (1 m) using free data and efficient deep-learning models that do not require manual feature engineering. Including LiDAR and geomorphons as input data improved model accuracy by 2 %, and where these data are unavailable a simpler model can efficiently map wetlands. Given the dynamic nature of wetlands and the important ecosystem services they provide, high-resolution mapping can be a game changer in terms of informing restoration and development decisions.

Impact of helminthiasis on gestational anemia in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of more than 19,000 women.

Intestinal helminthiasis are a common public health problem in developed and developing countries. It is thought that they can influence pregnancy by causing gestational anemia. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between helminth infection and gestational anemia. A structured review of scientific literature was conducted through active search in the electronic databases MEDLINE® and LILACS® until December 2021, following 2020 PRISMA statement. The studies were reviewed independently by two authors, extracting the most relevant information from each study. Cross-sectional studies, case-control and ecological studies were included, with no date or language limit. Randomized clinical trials were excluded. A total of 38 studies were included in the systematic review. The study populations of all studies belonged to low- and middle-income countries: 28 studies from Africa, 6 from Asia, 3 from Latin America and 1 from Oceania. Overall, the average prevalence of gestational anemia among the included studies was 40% (95% CI 34-46%). Hookworm was the predominant species detected in most studies (19/38; 50%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (15/38; 39.5%). Gestational anemia was positively associated with A. lumbricoides (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.12-3.08) and hookworms (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.99-4.78). Prevalence of malaria was not associated with the magnitude of the effect of hookworm on anemia risk during meta-regression (p=0.5182). The results of this review indicate that there is a statistically significant association between helminthiasis and gestational anemia. Although hookworm is the main species associated with the outcome, prevalence of malaria was not associated with the magnitude of the effect of hookworm on anemia risk. The impact of other species needs to be defined given the expected bias that arises from polyparasitism when defining comparison groups.

Usage considerations for headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry as a suitable technique for qualitative analysis in a routine lab.

The potential of headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) to perform non-targeted qualitative analysis of complex samples has led to an unprecedented increase in its popularity in recent years. The operating principle of IMS makes quality control essential to ensure adequate results. Besides this, the suitability of GC-IMS is determined by multiple phenomena that take place before and during IMS detection. The present work discusses a novel GC-IMS quality control protocol for both beginners and experienced users. Likewise, it describes factors that must be taken into account in order to develop a robust GC-IMS qualitative analysis method and, if needed, to achieve the identification of VOCs present in real samples. The developed quality control protocol was successfully employed in our laboratory for the routine analysis of >500 real samples (olive oil and Iberian ham) for 6 months, thus it is recommended for the analysis of a great number of complex samples. Furthermore, the behaviour of the ions produced in the ionisation chamber and the possible reactions between them in GC-IMS qualitative analysis were assessed.

Landscape of Genome-Wide DNA Methylation of Colorectal Cancer Metastasis.

Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease caused by both genetic and epigenetics factors. Analysing DNA methylation changes occurring during colorectal cancer progression and metastasis formation is crucial for the identification of novel epigenetic markers of patient prognosis. Genome-wide methylation sequencing of paired samples of colon (normal adjacent, primary tumour and lymph node metastasis) showed global hypomethylation and CpG island (CGI) hypermethylation of primary tumours compared to normal. In metastasis we observed high global and non-CGI regions methylation, but lower CGI methylation, compared to primary tumours. Gene ontology analysis showed shared biological processes between hypermethylated CGIs in metastasis and primary tumours. After complementary analysis with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, FIGN, HTRA3, BDNF, HCN4 and STAC2 genes were found associated with poor survival. We mapped the methylation landscape of colon normal tissues, primary tumours and lymph node metastasis, being capable of identified methylation changes throughout the genome. Furthermore, we found five genes with potential for methylation biomarkers of poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients.

Beneficial Effect of a Resorbable Biliary Stent in Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) entails a significant number of bile duct complications. We aimed to diminish the biliary complication rate with the use of a resorbable biliary stent (RBS) during LDLT. The objective of this study is to describe the surgical techniques and the associated outcomes, especially in terms of safety, of RBS use in LDLT. METHODS: From 2011 to 2014, 12 LDLT recipients were enrolled in a clinical trial with the use of a specifically designed RBS. These patients were followed according to the clinical protocol. Specific complications derived from RBS as well as biliary complications were recorded. RESULTS: One patient underwent early retransplantation due to a small-for-size syndrome. None of the patients had a complication attributable to the placement, remaining in place, or degradation of the stent. Four of the remaining patients presented with a biliary complication: 1 (9.1%) with a biliary leak alone, 1 (9.1%) with a biliary stenosis alone, and 2 (18.2%) with both. However, none of the leaks could be directly attributed to the RBS. Patient and graft 1-year survival was 100 and 91.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of an RBS in LDLT is not associated with complications, and initial results regarding efficacy and safety are encouraging. The need for a larger and prospective study is warranted.

Resultados de la pancreatogastroanastomosis con bipartición gástrica después de duodenopancreatectomía con preservación pilórica / Outcomes of pancreatogastrostomy with gastric partition after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with gastric partition

INTRODUCCIÓN: La técnica de la reconstrucción pancreática tras duodenopancreatectomía cefálica con conservación del píloro mediante bipartición gástrica (DPC-BG) parece asociarse a una mejor evolución postoperatoria en comparación con la pancreaticoyeyunostomía convencional en el marco de un estudio aleatorizado prospectivo. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar aún más el resultado quirúrgico en una serie de 129 pacientes consecutivos. MÉTODOS: Entre 2007 y junio de 2013, se analizaron retrospectivamente un total de 129 pacientes con tumores periampulares tratados quirúrgicamente con DPC-BG. Se analizaron los resultados a partir de las complicaciones precoces quirúrgicas (escala de Clavien-Dindo), así como las complicaciones relacionadas y no relacionadas con el páncreas. RESULTADOS: La tasa de complicación postoperatoria global fue del 77%, aunque el 50% de las complicaciones se clasificaron I-II en la clasificación Clavien-Dindo. La incidencia de la fístula pancreática clínicamente relevante fue del 18% (tipo ISGFP B: 12%, tipo ISGFP C: 6%). Otras complicaciones específicas del páncreas tales como retraso del vaciamiento gástrico y hemorragia pospancreatectomía fueron del 27 y del 15%, respectivamente, similares a los resultados publicados en la literatura. La tasa de mortalidad perioperatoria global fue del 4,6%. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados de la DPC-BG muestran que es una técnica segura, con una morbilidad aceptable, baja mortalidad y tasa de fístula pancreática similar a otras técnicas actualmente descritas de reconstrucción pancreaticoentérica

INTRODUCTION: Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with gastric partition (PPPD-GP) seems to be associated to a better postoperative outcome than conventional pancreaticojejunostomy in the setting of a prospective-randomized study. The aim of this study is to further evaluate the surgical outcome in a series of 129 consecutive patients. METHODS: Between 2007 and June 2013, 129 patients with periampullary tumors surgically treated with PPPD-GP were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical complications (Clavien-Dindo score), as well as pancreatic and non-pancreas related complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall postoperative complication rate was 77%, although 50% of complications were graded I-II by the Clavien-Dindo classification. Incidence of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula was 18%: ISGFP type B: 12%, and type C: 6%. Other pancreas specific complications such as delayed gastric emptying and pospancreatectomy haemorrhage were 27 and 15%, respectively, similar to results published in the literature. Overall perioperative mortality rate was 4.6%. CONCLUSION: PPPD-GP results show that it is a technique with an acceptable morbidity, low mortality and pancreatic fistula rate similar to other techniques currently described of pancreaticoenteric reconstruction

Outcomes of pancreatogastrostomy with gastric partition after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with gastric partition.

INTRODUCTION: Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with gastric partition (PPPD-GP) seems to be associated to a better postoperative outcome than conventional pancreaticojejunostomy in the setting of a prospective-randomized study. The aim of this study is to further evaluate the surgical outcome in a series of 129 consecutive patients. METHODS: Between 2007 and June 2013, 129 patients with periampullary tumors surgically treated with PPPD-GP were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical complications (Clavien-Dindo score), as well as pancreatic and non-pancreas related complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall postoperative complication rate was 77%, although 50% of complications were graded I-II by the Clavien-Dindo classification. Incidence of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula was 18%: ISGFP type B: 12%, and type C: 6%. Other pancreas specific complications such as delayed gastric emptying and pospancreatectomy haemorrhage were 27 and 15%, respectively, similar to results published in the literature. Overall perioperative mortality rate was 4.6%. CONCLUSION: PPPD-GP results show that it is a technique with an acceptable morbidity, low mortality and pancreatic fistula rate similar to other techniques currently described of pancreaticoenteric reconstruction.

[Characteristics of pediatric patients with biliary lithiasis. Immediate post-operative evolution]. / Características de pacientes pediátricos con litiasis biliar. Evolución posoperatoria inmediata.

BACKGROUND: Biliary lithiasis is a disease that is rarely diagnosed in children; in Mexico, its prevalence is less than 1 %. Due to the scarcity of investigations addressing epidemiology and surgical outcomes in pediatric patients, our purpose was to establish the epidemiology and post-operative course in children with biliary lithiasis. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. All patients with a diagnosis of biliary lithiasis treated over a 6-year period with complete data in their medical records were included. RESULTS: Thirty children with biliary lithiasis with a mean of 12.5 years of age were analyzed; 66.7 % were female and 63 % were older than 11 years. Etiology was idiopathic in 93 %. The most important symptoms were abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting (77 %). 100% of the patients were diagnosed with ultrasonography. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 60 % of the cases and no differences were observed in terms of complications compared with open surgery. The advantage for laparoscopic cholecystectomy was a reduced fasting and hospitalization time. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary lithiasis occurs more frequently in adolescent females, hemolytic causes are rare and in most cases no cause was identified. More epidemiological studies are needed in order to understand the natural history of the disease in children.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la litiasis biliar es una enfermedad poco diagnosticada en los niños; en México, la prevalencia es inferior a 1 %. Dada la escasez de investigaciones que aborden la epidemiologia y resultados de la cirugía en los pacientes pediátricos, nuestro objetivo fue conocer la epidemiologia y evolución posoperatoria de los pacientes pediátricos con litiasis biliar. MÉTODOS: se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo trasversal. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes pediátricos con diagnóstico de litiasis biliar atendidos durante un periodo de seis años, cuyos datos estuvieran completos en los expedientes clínicos. RESULTADOS: se analizaron 30 pacientes con litiasis biliar con edad promedio de 12.5 años; 66.7 % correspondió al sexo femenino y 63 % fue mayor de 11 años. La etiología fue idiopática en 93 % de ellos. Los principales síntomas fueron dolor abdominal, náusea y vómito (77 %). Con la ultrasonografía se diagnosticó a 100 % de los pacientes. Se realizó colecistectomía laparoscópica en 60 % de los casos y no se observaron diferencias en cuanto a las complicaciones, en comparación con la cirugía abierta. La ventaja de la colecistectomía laparoscópica fue el menor tiempo de ayuno y de hospitalización. CONCLUSIONES: la litiasis biliar se presenta con mayor frecuencia en las adolescentes, las causas hemolíticas son raras y en la mayoría no se identificó la causa. Se requieren más estudios epidemiológicos para conocer la historia natural de la enfermedad en los niños.

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy for day surgery procedure: are we prepared?

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for cholecystectomy is a well-established procedure and represents the next step in developing the concept of fast track surgery. This report describes our experience with SILS cholecystectomy in patients that stay overnight. Between February 2009 and July 2010, patients referred for cholecystectomy to the day surgery unit who agreed to undergo SILS were included in a prospective study. All operations were performed by the same surgical team specially trained in this type of surgery and the same operative technique was used in all cases. Postoperative pain and nausea were assessed using a 10-cm visual analogue scale on a self-completion questionnaire on the night of operation and the morning of discharge. A total of 107 patients (58% women, mean age 56 years) with symptomatic gallstones were included in the study. SILS was successfully performed in all patients and no patient required conversion to an open procedure. There were no significant differences in the median visual analogue scale for postoperative pain and nausea between the night of surgery and the next morning. The mean length of hospital stay was 23 hours, and 98 per cent of patients were satisfied with the results of surgery and would be willing to undergo the same procedure again. SILS cholecystectomy is a valid alternative to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy as an outpatient surgery or overnight stay procedure. According to these promising results, SILS cholecystectomy could be included in a major ambulatory surgery program.

PDCD1 gene polymorphisms in different Mexican ethnic groups and their role in the susceptibility to hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

OBJECTIVE: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immunological disorder caused by antigen exposure in susceptible individuals. The PDCD1 polymorphisms, PD1.3 and PD1.5 have been associated with the susceptibility to inflammatory disorders. This study was conducted to test whether the PD1.3 and PD1.5 polymorphisms are associated with HP in Mexican patients and to explore the distribution of these polymorphisms in different Mexican ethnic groups. DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied 98 Mexican patients with HP and 92 healthy Mexican controls. Also, 156 healthy Amerindian individuals from two ethnic groups were included (96 Mayans and 60 Mayos). Polymorphisms were determined by TaqMan 5' nuclease assays. RESULTS: Significant differences in the distribution of the PD1.3 and PD1.5 genotypes between HP patients and healthy Mestizo controls were not found. We observed a significantly different distribution of these polymorphisms in Mexican Mestizos when compared to the Amerindians. CONCLUSIONS: We found no association between PD1 polymorphism and HP; however the distribution of these polymorphisms was different in Mexican Mestizos and Amerindians.

Brettanomyces, un contaminante en nuestras viñas / Brettanomyces, a contaminant in our vineyards

Uno de los avances de la enología moderna es el reconocimiento de la importancia de la levadura como un agente imprescindible para la adecuada obtención de vino. El proceso de fermentación es dinámico y existe un recambio de especies de levaduras desde el principio al final de la fermentación. Sin embargo, una de ellas, Brettanomyces, puede contaminar los caldos, alterando las cualidades aromáticas y de sabor del vino, provocando en algunos casos la pérdida del producto vinificado.Además de una importante pérdida económica, cifras extraoficiales indican que hasta un 5 por ciento de la producción nacional se pierde cada año producto de este hongo; el monto en pérdidas, sólo en vino embotellado, podría llegar a los US$30.000.000. La reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR, Polimerase chain reaction) puede ser utilizada para detectar diminutas cantidades de ADN de un microorganismo. Esta técnica permite detectar este contaminante en no más de 24 horas, presenta una alta sensibilidad, necesitándose una cantidad ínfima de microorganismos en la muestra (1-100) levaduras por mL. El diagnóstico oportuno de la contaminación de los vinos por esta levadura permitiría adoptar medidas que controlen la proliferación de este contaminante, reduciendo las pérdidas del producto.