Graph-Based Audio Classification Using Pre-Trained Models and Graph Neural Networks.

Sound classification plays a crucial role in enhancing the interpretation, analysis, and use of acoustic data, leading to a wide range of practical applications, of which environmental sound analysis is one of the most important. In this paper, we explore the representation of audio data as graphs in the context of sound classification. We propose a methodology that leverages pre-trained audio models to extract deep features from audio files, which are then employed as node information to build graphs. Subsequently, we train various graph neural networks (GNNs), specifically graph convolutional networks (GCNs), GraphSAGE, and graph attention networks (GATs), to solve multi-class audio classification problems. Our findings underscore the effectiveness of employing graphs to represent audio data. Moreover, they highlight the competitive performance of GNNs in sound classification endeavors, with the GAT model emerging as the top performer, achieving a mean accuracy of 83% in classifying environmental sounds and 91% in identifying the land cover of a site based on its audio recording. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into the potential of graph representation learning techniques for analyzing audio data.

An ambient-temperature stable nanoparticle-based vaccine for nasal application that confers long-lasting immunogenicity to carried antigens.

Polyhedrins are viral proteins present in a large family of baculoviruses that form occlusion bodies (polyhedra). These structures protect the virus particles from the outside environment until they are ingested by susceptible insects. Occluded viruses can sustain inclement weather for long periods of time. Therefore, the polyhedra is a natural preservative that keeps the viral structure intact at ambient temperature for years. In a previous study we identified the first 110 amino acids from polyhedrin (PH(1-110)) as a good candidate to carry antigens of interest. As a proof of concept, we produced a fusion protein with PH(1-110) and the green fluorescent protein (PH(1-110)GFP). The fusion protein associates spontaneously during its synthesis resulting in the formation of nanoparticles. Nasal immunization with these nanoparticles and in the absence of any adjuvant, results in a robust immune response with the production of IgG immunoglobulins that remained elevated for months and that selectively recognize the GFP but not PH(1-110). These results indicate that PH(1-110) is poorly immunogenic but capable of enhancing the immune response to GFP.

Intento de suicidio en Colombia: un estudio de los factores asociados a la intoxicación intencionada. 2007-2017

Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la intoxicación intencionada por plaguicidas en Colombia durante 2007-2017. Metodología: Se llevó a cabo un estudio analítico transversal en la población de intoxicados con intención suicida por plaguicidas de Colombia entre 2007 a 2017. Se calcularon prevalencias ajustadas por edad, expresadas por 100 000 personas contadas por sexo. Se realizó un modelo de regresión bivariado, en el cual la condición final se constituyó en la variable de interés (variable y; 0=vivo 1=muerto) y las variables explicativas fueron (variables x): sociodemográficas (sexo, edad, escolaridad y procedencia) y específicas del evento (vía de exposición). Resultados: el comportamiento de los Odds Ratio evidencia que, los hombres tienen un riesgo de fallecer de 1.39 (95 % IC: 1.238-1.567) más veces que las mujeres. Con respecto al régimen de afiliación en salud, las personas no aseguradas tienen un riesgo de fallecer por suicidio de 1.33 más veces con respecto a los que sobreviven (95 % IC: 1.131-1.555). Para la mortalidad por suicidio se identifican los siguientes factores asociados a la supervivencia (intentos de suicidio no consumados): en primer lugar, el área de residencia urbana y, en segundo lugar, los grupos de edad, adolescente y la adultez temprana. Conclusiones: Al analizar la mortalidad por suicidio asociada a la intoxicación por plaguicidas los hombres son identificados y caracterizados como el grupo de mayor riesgo, siguiendo tendencias generales (todos los métodos) similares a estudios realizados a nivel mundial.

Objective: To identify the social factors associated with intentional poisoning by pesticides in Colombia, during the 2007-2017 period. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in the population of those intoxicated by pesticides with suicidal intent in Colombia between 2007 and 2017. Age-adjusted prevalences were calculated, expressed per 100,000 people, counted by sex. A bi-variate regression model was carried out, in which the final condition was constituted in the variable of interest (variable y; 0 = alive 1 = dead), and the explanatory variables were (variables x): sociodemographic (sex, age, education and origin) and specific to the event (route of exposure). Results: the behavior of the Odds Ratio shows that men have a risk of dying 1,393 (95% CI: 1,238-1,567) more times than women. Regarding the health affiliation scheme, uninsured people have a risk of dying by suicide 1.33 times more than those who survive (95% CI: 1.131-1.555). For mortality due to suicide, the following factors associated with survival (unsuccessful suicide attempts) are identified: firstly, the urban residence area and secondly, age groups: adolescents and early adulthood. Conclusions: When analyzing suicide mortality associated with pesticide poisoning, men are identified and characterized as the highest risk group, following general trends (all methods) similar to studies carried out worldwide.

Vasopressin acts as a synapse organizer in limbic regions by boosting PSD95 and GluA1 expression.

Hypothalamic arginine vasopressin (AVP)-containing magnocellular neurosecretory neurons (AVPMNN) emit collaterals to synaptically innervate limbic regions influencing learning, motivational behaviour, and fear responses. Here, we characterize the dynamics of expression changes of two key determinants for synaptic strength, the postsynaptic density (PSD) proteins AMPAR subunit GluA1 and PSD scaffolding protein 95 (PSD95), in response to in vivo manipulations of AVPMNN neuronal activation state, or exposure to exogenous AVP ex vivo. Both long-term water deprivation in vivo, which powerfully upregulates AVPMNN metabolic activity, and exogenous AVP application ex vivo, in brain slices, significantly increased GluA1 and PSD95 expression as measured by western blotting, in brain regions reportedly receiving direct ascending innervations from AVPMNN (i.e., ventral hippocampus, amygdala and lateral habenula). By contrast, the visual cortex, a region not observed to receive AVPMNN projections, showed no such changes. Ex vivo application of V1a and V1b antagonists to ventral hippocampal slices ablated the AVP stimulated increase in postsynaptic protein expression measured by western blotting. Using a modified expansion microscopy technique, we were able to quantitatively assess the significant augmentation of PSD95 and GLUA1 densities in subcellular compartments in locus coeruleus tyrosine hydroxylase immunopositive fibres, adjacent to AVP axon terminals. Our data strongly suggest that the AVPMNN ascending system plays a role in the regulation of the excitability of targeted neuronal circuits through upregulation of key postsynaptic density proteins corresponding to excitatory synapses.

Intento suicida: un análisis municipal de factores asociados 2012-2017 / Suicide attempt: a municipal analysis of associated factors. 2012-2017 / Tentativa de suicídio: uma análise municipal de fatores associados 2012-2017

Resumen Objetivo: analizar el comportamiento epidemiológico del intento de suicidio, examinando las diferencias existentes entre el sexo, variables sociodemográficas, psicosociales y específicas durante 2012-2017. Materiales y métodos: un estudio analítico transversal; se incluyeron 524 casos reportados al Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública (SIVIGILA) entre 2012 y 2017 en el municipio de Sogamoso. La variable de interés se fundó en el género, los datos fueron procesados y se construyó un modelo de regresión logística binaria con un nivel de confianza de 95% y una precisión del 5%. Resultados: con el modelo de regresión logística bivariada se encontró que la adolescencia y adultez temprana (p<0,05) se asocian significativamente con el género mujer, y con respecto al posible desencadenante, el conflicto de pareja (p 0,05; OR= 2,32). Lo anterior evidencia una interacción con la variable violencia (P<0,05). Por otro lado, el consumo de alcohol se constituyó en una variable asociada significativamente con el género hombre (p<0,05) y un OR= 3,6 con respecto a las mujeres. Conclusiones: se evidencia que las prevalencias ajustadas por edad no muestran una reducción significativa desde el inicio hasta el final del periodo, siendo evidente la concentración en edades tempranas del desarrollo. Los resultados observados en mujeres y hombres revelan una necesidad de capacitación de agentes comunitarios o guardianes (gatekeepers) y el fortalecimiento de centros de escucha y demás estrategias de intervención comunitaria.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the epidemiological behavior of the suicide attempt, examining the differences between gender, sociodemographic, psychosocial and specific variables during 2012-2017. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional analytical study including 524 cases reported to the National Public Health Surveillance System (SIVIGILA for its acronym in Spanish) between 2012 and 2017 in the municipality of Sogamoso. The variable of interest was based on gender, the data were processed, and a binary logistic regression model was built with a confidence level of 95% and an accuracy of 5%. Results: With the bivariate logistic regression model it was found that adolescence and early adulthood (p<0.05) are significantly associated with the female gender, and partner conflict (p<0.05; OR= 2.32); regarding the possible trigger thus evidencing an interaction with the violence variable (P<0.05). On the other hand, alcohol consumption became a variable significantly associated with the male gender (p<0.05) and an OR= 3.6 for females. Conclusions: it is evidenced that the age-adjusted impacts do not show a significant reduction from the beginning to the end of the period, being evident the concentration in early developmental ages. The results observed in women and men reveal a need for training community agents or guardians (gatekeepers) and the strengthening of listening centers and other community intervention strategies.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar o comportamento epidemiológico do intento de suicídio, examinando as diferenças existentes entre o sexo, variáveis sócio demográficas, psicossocial e específicas durante 2012-2017. Materiais e métodos: um estudo analítico transversal; se incluíram 524 casos reportados ao Sistema Nacional de Vigilância em Saúde Pública (SIVIGILA) entre 2012 e 2017 no município de Sogamoso. A variável de interesse se fundou no gênero, os dados foram processados e se construiu um modelo de regressão logística binaria com um nível de confiança de 95% e uma precisão o 5%. Resultados: com o modelo de regressão logística bivariada se encontrou que a adolescência e adultos precoces (p<0,05) se associam significativamente com o gênero mulher, e com respeito ao possível desencadeante, o conflito de casais (p<0,05; OR= 2,32). O anterior evidencia uma interação com a variável violência (P<0,05). Por outro lado, o consumo de álcool se constituiu em uma variável associada significativamente com o gênero home (p<0,05) e um OR= 3,6 com respeito às mulheres. Conclusões: Evidenciase que as prevalências ajustadas por idade não amostram uma redução significativa desde o início até o final do período, sendo evidente a concentração em idades precoces do desenvolvimento. Os resultados observados em mulheres e homens revelam uma necessidade de capacitação de agentes comunitários o guardiães (gatekeepers) e o fortalecimento de centros de escuta e também estratégias de intervenção comunitária.

Maternal Factors and Their Association with Patterns of Beverage Intake in Mexican Children and Adolescents.

Childhood and adolescence represent critical periods where beverage and food consumption behaviors are learned and developed. Mexican mothers' presence and influence are instrumental in shaping such behaviors. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk associations of maternal factors for unhealthy patterns of beverage intake. This study analyzed data from a population-based cross-sectional study of healthy children and adolescents from Mexico City. Data of subject's total water intake (TWI) and its' sources were collected using two 24-h recall surveys. Patterns of beverage intake were constructed based on the guidance system of beverage consumption in the US. Maternal factors of interest included age, body mass index (BMI), mother's educational level (MEL), socioeconomic status (SES), and belongingness to the paid workforce (BPW). Data of 1532 subject-mother dyads informed that 47% of subjects did not meet the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations for TWI, and 94.6% showed an unhealthy beverage intake pattern, mainly consisting in a lower intake of water and a higher intake of caloric beverages with some nutrients; and calorically sweetened beverages. The major sources of hydration were caloric beverages with some nutrients (i.e., whole milk, fruit water, and flavored milk). The highest risk association for an unhealthy beverage intake pattern was seen in those subjects with mothers in the cluster with lower SES, lower MEL, lower proportion of BPW, higher BMI, and younger age (OR = 9.3, 95% CI 1.2-72.8, P = 0.03). Thus, there is a remarkably high prevalence of an unhealthy pattern of beverage intake, and specific maternal factors may be implicated as enablers of such behaviors, which is also addressable for future interventions.

Identification of a unique endoplasmic retention motif in the Xenopus GIRK5 channel and its contribution to oocyte maturation.

G protein-activated inward-rectifying potassium (K+ ) channels (Kir3/GIRK) participate in cell excitability. The GIRK5 channel is present in Xenopus laevis oocytes. In an attempt to investigate the physiological role of GIRK5, we identified a noncanonical di-arginine endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention motif (KRXY). This retention motif is located at the N-terminal region of GIRK5, coded by two small exons found only in X. laevis and X. tropicalis. These novel exons are expressed through use of an alternative transcription start site. Mutations in the sequence KRXY produced functional channels and induced progesterone-independent oocyte meiotic progression. The chimeric proteins enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-GIRK5-WT and the EGFP-GIRK5K13AR14A double mutant, were localized to the ER and the plasma membrane of the vegetal pole of the oocyte, respectively. Silencing of GIRK5 or blocking of this channel by external barium prevented progesterone-induced meiotic progression. The endogenous level of GIRK5 protein decreased through oocyte stages in prophase I augmenting by progesterone. In conclusion, we have identified a unique mechanism by which the expression pattern of a K+ channel evolved to control Xenopus oocyte maturation.

Metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia differentially regulate cation HCN3 channel in the rat nephron.

The kidney controls body fluids, electrolyte and acid-base balance. Previously, we demonstrated that hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) cation channels participate in ammonium excretion in the rat kidney. Since acid-base balance is closely linked to potassium metabolism, in the present work we aim to determine the effect of chronic metabolic acidosis (CMA) and hyperkalemia (HK) on protein abundance and localization of HCN3 in the rat kidney. CMA increased HCN3 protein level only in the outer medulla (2.74 ± 0.31) according to immunoblot analysis. However, immunofluorescence assays showed that HCN3 augmented in cortical proximal tubules (1.45 ± 0.11) and medullary thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (4.48 ± 0.45) from the inner stripe of outer medulla. HCN3 was detected in brush border membranes (BBM) and mitochondria of the proximal tubule by immunogold electron and confocal microscopy in control conditions. Acidosis did not alter HCN3 levels in BBM and mitochondria but augmented them in lysosomes. HCN3 was also immuno-detected in mitoautophagosomes. In the distal nephron, HCN3 was expressed in principal and intercalated cells from cortical to medullary collecting ducts. CMA did not change HCN3 abundance in these nephron segments. In contrast, HK doubled HCN3 level in cortical collecting ducts and favored its basolateral localization in principal cells from the inner medullary collecting ducts. These findings further support HCN channels contribution to renal acid-base and potassium balance.

Obesogenic Lifestyle and Its Influence on Adiposity in Children and Adolescents, Evidence from Mexico.

Overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) during childhood/adolescence are major public health problems in Mexico. Several obesogenic lifestyle (OL) risk factors have been identified, but the burden and consequences of them in Mexican children/adolescents remain unclear. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of OL components and describe their relationships with adiposity, and OW/OB. A population-based cross-sectional study of Mexican children/adolescents with nutritional assessment, data collection on daily habits and adiposity as fat-mass index (FMI) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed. Individual OL-components: "inactivity," "excessive screen time," "insufficient sleep," "unhealthy-diet", were defined according to non-adherence to previously published healthy recommendations. Results: 1449 subjects were assessed between March 2015 to April 2018. Sixteen percent of subjects had all four OL-components, 40% had three, 35% had two, 9% had one, and 0.5% had none. A cumulative OL score showed a significant dose-response effect with FMI. The combination of inactivity, excessive screen time, and insufficient sleep showed the highest risk association to OW/OB and higher values of FMI. Conclusions: The prevalence of OL-components was extremely high and associated with increased adiposity and OW/OB. Several interventions are needed to revert this major public health threat.

Age band 1 of the movement assessment battery for children -2. Reliability of the spanish version. / Batería para la evaluación del movimiento en niños -2- banda 1. Confiabilidad de la versión en español.

INTRODUCTION: The development of motor skills influences the capacity of the child to interact with the environment. Thus, several instruments have been created for their assessment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the internal consistency, reproducibility, and agreement level of age band 1 of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2 in a preschool group. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Assessment study of diagnostic tests with 29 preschoolers, selected by convenience, enrollments in an educational ins titution in Bucaramanga city, Colombia. For the inter-evaluators reproducibility assessment, three evaluators watched each video independently. In the intra-evaluator reproducibility assessment, each evaluator watched the same video on two different occasions. The internal consistency, the intra- and inter-evaluator reproducibility, and the agreement level were determined using Cronbach's alpha co efficient, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and the Bland and Altman limits of agreement method, respectively. RESULTS: Internal consistency of the total test for each of the three evaluators was higher than 0.60. Very good reliability was found for all items, domains, and total score of age band 1 of MABC-2 (ICC > 0.85), as well as good limits of agreement. CONCLUSIONS: age band 1 of MABC-2 Spanish version is an instrument with adequate reliability psychometric properties that can be used for the motor skills development evaluation in preschoolers.

Novel Potassium Channels in Kidney Mitochondria: The Hyperpolarization-Activated and Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated HCN Channels.

Hyperpolarization-activated cationic HCN channels comprise four members (HCN1-4) that control dendritic integration, synaptic transmission and action potential firing. In the kidney, HCN1, HCN2 and HCN3 are differentially expressed and contribute to the transport of sodium, potassium (K+) and ammonium into the nephrons. HCN3 is regulated by K+ diets in the kidney. In this work we performed a proteomic analysis of HCN3 expressed in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293 cells). More than 50% of the interacting proteins belonged to mitochondria. Therefore, we explored the presence of HCN channels in kidney mitochondria. By immunoblotting and immunogold electron microscopy HCN3 protein expression was found in rat kidney mitochondria; it was also confirmed in human kidney. Patch-clamp recordings of renal mitochondria and mitochondria from HEK293 cells overexpressing HCN1, HCN2 and HCN3 channels, stained with MitoTracker Green FM, indicated that only HCN3 could produce inwardly K+ currents that were inhibited by ZD7288, a specific blocker of HCN channels. Furthermore, ZD7288 caused inhibition of the oxygen consumption coupled to ATP synthesis and hyperpolarization of the inner mitochondrial membrane. In conclusion, we show for the first time that pacemaker HCN channels contribute to K+ transport in mitochondria facilitating the activity of the respiratory chain and ATP synthesis by controlling the inner mitochondrial membrane potential.

Batería para la evaluación del movimiento en niños -2- banda 1. Confiabilidad de la versión en español / Age band 1 of the movement assessment battery for children -2. Reliability of the spanish version

INTRODUCCIÓN: La adquisición de las destrezas motoras fundamentales influyen en la capacidad que tiene el niño para interactuar con el ambiente. Por lo anterior diversos instrumentos han sido creados para su evaluación. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la consistencia interna, reproducibilidad y el nivel de acuerdo de la Batería para la evaluación del Movimiento en Niños -2- banda 1 (MABC-2) en un grupo de preescolares. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio de evaluación de pruebas diagnósticas con 29 preescolares, seleccionados por conveniencia, matriculados en una institución educativa de la ciudad de Bucaramanga, Colombia. Para la evaluación de la reproducibilidad inter-evaluadores, tres evaluadores observaron cada video de forma independiente. En la evaluación de la reproducibilidad intra-evaluador, cada evaluador observó el mismo video en dos oportunidades diferentes. Fue calculado el a de Cronbach para establecer la consistencia interna, la reproducibilidad intra y entre evaluadores fue calculada con el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) y el nivel de acuerdo fue determinado em pleando la metodología de Bland y Altman. RESULTADOS: La consistencia interna del total de la prueba para cada uno de los tres evaluadores fue superior a 0,60. Se encontró muy buena reproducibilidad para todos los ítems, atributos y el puntaje total del MABC-2 banda 1 (CCI > 0,85), así como buenos niveles de acuerdo. CONCLUSIÓN: La banda 1 del MABC-2 versión en español es un instrumento con adecuadas propiedades psicométricas de confiabilidad que puede ser utilizado para la evaluación del desarrollo motor en preescolares.

INTRODUCTION: The development of motor skills influences the capacity of the child to interact with the environment. Thus, several instruments have been created for their assessment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the internal consistency, reproducibility, and agreement level of age band 1 of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2 in a preschool group. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Assessment study of diagnostic tests with 29 preschoolers, selected by convenience, enrollments in an educational ins titution in Bucaramanga city, Colombia. For the inter-evaluators reproducibility assessment, three evaluators watched each video independently. In the intra-evaluator reproducibility assessment, each evaluator watched the same video on two different occasions. The internal consistency, the intra- and inter-evaluator reproducibility, and the agreement level were determined using Cronbach's alpha co efficient, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and the Bland and Altman limits of agreement method, respectively. RESULTS: Internal consistency of the total test for each of the three evaluators was higher than 0.60. Very good reliability was found for all items, domains, and total score of age band 1 of MABC-2 (ICC > 0.85), as well as good limits of agreement. CONCLUSIONS: age band 1 of MABC-2 Spanish version is an instrument with adequate reliability psychometric properties that can be used for the motor skills development evaluation in preschoolers.

Microbiota and skin defense peptides may facilitate coexistence of two sympatric Andean frog species with a lethal pathogen.

Management of hyper-virulent generalist pathogens is an emergent global challenge, yet for most disease systems we lack a basic understanding as to why some host species suffer mass mortalities, while others resist epizootics. We studied two sympatric species of frogs from the Colombian Andes, which coexist with the amphibian pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), to understand why some species did not succumb to the infection. We found high Bd prevalence in juveniles for both species, yet infection intensities remained low. We also found that bacterial community composition and host defense peptides are specific to amphibian life stages. We detected abundant Bd-inhibitory skin bacteria across life stages and Bd-inhibitory defense peptides post-metamorphosis in both species. Bd-inhibitory bacteria were proportionally more abundant in adults of both species than in earlier developmental stages. We tested for activity of peptides against the skin microbiota and found that in general peptides did not negatively affect bacterial growth and in some instances facilitated growth. Our results suggest that symbiotic bacteria and antimicrobial peptides may be co-selected for, and that together they contribute to the ability of Andean amphibian species to coexist with the global pandemic lineage of Bd.

Prodigiosin, Violacein, and Volatile Organic Compounds Produced by Widespread Cutaneous Bacteria of Amphibians Can Inhibit Two Batrachochytrium Fungal Pathogens.

Symbiotic bacteria can produce secondary metabolites and volatile compounds that contribute to amphibian skin defense. Some of these symbionts have been used as probiotics to treat or prevent the emerging disease chytridiomycosis. We examined 20 amphibian cutaneous bacteria for the production of prodigiosin or violacein, brightly colored defense compounds that pigment the bacteria and have characteristic spectroscopic properties making them readily detectable, and evaluated the antifungal activity of these compounds. We detected violacein from all six isolates of Janthinobacterium lividum on frogs from the USA, Switzerland, and on captive frogs originally from Panama. We detected prodigiosin from five isolates of Serratia plymuthica or S. marcescens, but not from four isolates of S. fonticola or S. liquefaciens. All J. lividum isolates produced violacein when visibly purple, while prodigiosin was only detected on visibly red Serratia isolates. When applied to cultures of chytrid fungi Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and B. salamandrivorans (Bsal), prodigiosin caused significant growth inhibition, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 10 and 50 µM, respectively. Violacein showed a MIC of 15 µM against both fungi and was slightly more active against Bsal than Bd at lower concentrations. Although neither violacein nor prodigiosin showed aerosol activity and is not considered a volatile organic compound (VOC), J. lividum and several Serratia isolates did produce antifungal VOCs. White Serratia isolates with undetectable prodigiosin levels could still inhibit Bd growth indicating additional antifungal compounds in their chemical arsenals. Similarly, J. lividum can produce antifungal compounds such as indole-3-carboxaldehyde in addition to violacein, and isolates are not always purple, or turn purple under certain growth conditions. When Serratia isolates were grown in the presence of cell-free supernatant (CFS) from the fungi, CFS from Bd inhibited growth of the prodigiosin-producing isolates, perhaps indicative of an evolutionary arms race; Bsal CFS did not inhibit bacterial growth. In contrast, growth of one J. lividum isolate was facilitated by CFS from both fungi. Isolates that grow and continue to produce antifungal compounds in the presence of pathogens may represent promising probiotics for amphibians infected or at risk of chytridiomycosis. In a global analysis, 89% of tested Serratia isolates and 82% of J. lividum isolates were capable of inhibiting Bd and these have been reported from anurans and caudates from five continents, indicating their widespread distribution and potential for host benefit.

Evaluación de la Escala EFD-66 como herramienta para predecir la adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles

Objetivo. Los objetivos del presente estudio son validar la construcción de la escala de fases de duelo (EFD-66) como instrumento para medir las etapas de duelo (ED) y evaluar su utilidad para discriminar entre pacientes con enfermedad crónica no transmisible (ECNT) que cumplen con adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico (ATF) en la consulta médica ambulatoria. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal para determinar la asociación entre las ED y la ATF, en los meses de abril a octubre de 2015. La recogida de datos se realizó mediante un diseño prolectivo. Se aplicaron tres instrumentos: una cédula sociodemográfica, la escala EFD-66 y el cuestionario de Morisky-Green. Se reclutaron pacientes con antecedente de ECNT procedentes de la Clínica de Medicina Familiar “Gustavo A. Madero”, en la Ciudad de México. Los datos se analizaron con las pruebas estadísticas apropiadas. Resultados. Se incluyó un total de 165 pacientes. Se observó que altos puntajes en las subescalas de negación (razón de momios [RM]: 1,124; intervalo de confianza de 95% [IC95%]: 1,066-1,186; P < 0,001), de ira (RM: 1,157; IC95%: 1,080-1,240; P < 0,001) y de depresión (RM: 1,071; IC95%: 1,029-1,116; P = 0,001) se asocian con falta de ATF; sin embargo, un puntaje elevado en la subescala de aceptación (RM: 0,913; IC95%: 0,880-0,948; P < 0,001) se asocia con ATF. La mayor sensibilidad entre las subescalas se observó en las etapas de negación e ira (área bajo la curva [ABC]: 0,597 en ambas). Conclusiones. La EFD-66 es un instrumento que presenta una buena validez de construcción como instrumento para medir las ED y permite detectar pacientes con ECNT que cumplen con ATF, por lo que recomendamos su aplicación en la consulta médica ambulatoria. Además, nuestros hallazgos indican que el duelo es un factor de riesgo que incrementa la falta de ATF.

Objective. The objectives of this study are to validate the construct of the stages of grief scale (FD-66) as an instrument for measuring the stages of grief and to evaluate its usefulness in discriminating among patients with chronic non-communicable diseases in terms of adherence to the pharmacological treatment prescribed. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to October 2015 to determine the association between the stages of grief and treatment adherence. Data were collected using a prolective design. Three instruments were applied: a sociodemographic document, the FD-66 scale, and the Morisky-Green questionnaire. Patients with a history of CNCDs were recruited from the Gustavo A. Madero Family Medicine Clinic in Mexico City. The data were analyzed using the appropriate statistical tests. Results. A total of 165 patients were included. It was observed that high scores on the subscales of denial (odds ratio [OR]: 1.124; confidence interval of 95% [CI95%]: 1.066-1.186; P < 0,001); anger (OR: 1.157; CI95%: 1.080-1.240; P < 0.001), and depression (OR: 1.071; CI95%: 1.029-1.116; P = 0.001) are associated with poor treatment adherence; however, a high score on the acceptance subscale (OR: 0.913; CI95%: 0.880-0.948; P < 0.001) is associated with good treatment adherence. The greatest sensitivity among the subscales was observed in the denial and anger stages (area under the [ABC] curve: 0.597 in both). Conclusions. The FD-66 is an instrument with good construct validity as a tool for measuring the stages of grief and makes it possible to identify patients with CNCD that will adhere to treatment. We therefore recommend its use in outpatient medical consultations. Furthermore, our findings indicate that grief is a risk factor that increases poor treatment adherence.

Objetivo. Validar a construção da Escala facial de dor (EFD-66) como instrumento para medir as fases da dor e avaliar sua utilidade para discriminar, na consulta médica ambulatorial, os pacientes com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) que aderem ao tratamento medicamentoso. Métodos. Estudo transversal para determinar a associação entre as fases da dor e o tratamento medicamentoso conduzido de abril a outubro de 2015. A coleta de dados foi realizada prospectivamente. Foram aplicados três instrumentos: uma ficha sociodemográfica, a escala EFD-66 e o teste de Morisky-Green. Foram recrutados pacientes com história de DCNT provenientes da Clínica de Medicina da Família “Gustavo A. Madero”, na Cidade do México. Os dados foram analisados com os testes estatísticos apropriados. Resultados. Foi estudada uma amostra de 165 pacientes. Observou-se que uma pontuação alta nas subescalas de negação (odds ratio [OR] 1,124; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] 1,066–1,186; P < 0,001), raiva (OR 1,157; IC95% 1,080–1,240; P < 0,001) e depressão (OR 1,071; IC95% 1,029–1,116; P = 0,001) está associada à não adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso. No entanto, uma pontuação alta na subescala de aceitação (OR 0,913; IC95% 0,880–0,948; P < 0,001) está associada à adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso. As subescalas com maior sensibilidade foram as fases de negação e raiva (área sob a curva [ASC]: 0,597 em ambas). Conclusões. A escala EFD-66 tem boa validade de construção como instrumento para medir as fases da dor e permite discriminar os pacientes com DCNT que aderem ao tratamento medicamentosos. Assim, recomendamos que esta escala seja aplicada em consultas médicas ambulatoriais. Além disso, nossos achados indicam que a dor é um fator de risco que contribui para a não adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso.

Evaluación de la Escala EFD-66 como herramienta para predecir la adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles / Evaluation of the FD-66 Scale as a tool for predicting treatment adherence in patients with chronic non-communicable diseases / Avaliação da escala EFD-66 como instrumento para predizer a adesão ao tratamento em pacientes com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis

RESUMEN Objetivo Los objetivos del presente estudio son validar la construcción de la escala de fases de duelo (EFD-66) como instrumento para medir las etapas de duelo (ED) y evaluar su utilidad para discriminar entre pacientes con enfermedad crónica no transmisible (ECNT) que cumplen con adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico (ATF) en la consulta médica ambulatoria. Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal para determinar la asociación entre las ED y la ATF, en los meses de abril a octubre de 2015. La recogida de datos se realizó mediante un diseño prolectivo. Se aplicaron tres instrumentos: una cédula sociodemográfica, la escala EFD-66 y el cuestionario de Morisky-Green. Se reclutaron pacientes con antecedente de ECNT procedentes de la Clínica de Medicina Familiar "Gustavo A. Madero", en la Ciudad de México. Los datos se analizaron con las pruebas estadísticas apropiadas. Resultados Se incluyó un total de 165 pacientes. Se observó que altos puntajes en las subescalas de negación (razón de momios [RM]: 1,124; intervalo de confianza de 95% [IC95%]: 1,066-1,186; P < 0,001), de ira (RM: 1,157; IC95%: 1,080-1,240; P < 0,001) y de depresión (RM: 1,071; IC95%: 1,029-1,116; P = 0,001) se asocian con falta de ATF; sin embargo, un puntaje elevado en la subescala de aceptación (RM: 0,913; IC95%: 0,880-0,948; P < 0,001) se asocia con ATF. La mayor sensibilidad entre las subescalas se observó en las etapas de negación e ira (área bajo la curva [ABC]: 0,597 en ambas). Conclusiones La EFD-66 es un instrumento que presenta una buena validez de construcción como instrumento para medir las ED y permite detectar pacientes con ECNT que cumplen con ATF, por lo que recomendamos su aplicación en la consulta médica ambulatoria. Además, nuestros hallazgos indican que el duelo es un factor de riesgo que incrementa la falta de ATF.

ABSTRACT Objective The objectives of this study are to validate the construct of the stages of grief scale (FD-66) as an instrument for measuring the stages of grief and to evaluate its usefulness in discriminating among patients with chronic non-communicable diseases in terms of adherence to the pharmacological treatment prescribed. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to October 2015 to determine the association between the stages of grief and treatment adherence. Data were collected using a prolective design. Three instruments were applied: a sociodemographic document, the FD-66 scale, and the Morisky-Green questionnaire. Patients with a history of CNCDs were recruited from the Gustavo A. Madero Family Medicine Clinic in Mexico City. The data were analyzed using the appropriate statistical tests. Results A total of 165 patients were included. It was observed that high scores on the subscales of denial (odds ratio [OR]: 1.124; confidence interval of 95% [CI95%]: 1.066-1.186; P < 0,001); anger (OR: 1.157; CI95%: 1.080-1.240; P < 0.001), and depression (OR: 1.071; CI95%: 1.029-1.116; P = 0.001) are associated with poor treatment adherence; however, a high score on the acceptance subscale (OR: 0.913; CI95%: 0.880-0.948; P < 0.001) is associated with good treatment adherence. The greatest sensitivity among the subscales was observed in the denial and anger stages (area under the [ABC] curve: 0.597 in both). Conclusions The FD-66 is an instrument with good construct validity as a tool for measuring the stages of grief and makes it possible to identify patients with CNCD that will adhere to treatment. We therefore recommend its use in outpatient medical consultations. Furthermore, our findings indicate that grief is a risk factor that increases poor treatment adherence.

RESUMO Objetivo Validar a construção da Escala facial de dor (EFD-66) como instrumento para medir as fases da dor e avaliar sua utilidade para discriminar, na consulta médica ambulatorial, os pacientes com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) que aderem ao tratamento medicamentoso. Métodos Estudo transversal para determinar a associação entre as fases da dor e o tratamento medicamentoso conduzido de abril a outubro de 2015. A coleta de dados foi realizada prospectivamente. Foram aplicados três instrumentos: uma ficha sociodemográfica, a escala EFD-66 e o teste de Morisky-Green. Foram recrutados pacientes com história de DCNT provenientes da Clínica de Medicina da Família "Gustavo A. Madero", na Cidade do México. Os dados foram analisados com os testes estatísticos apropriados. Resultados Foi estudada uma amostra de 165 pacientes. Observou-se que uma pontuação alta nas subescalas de negação (odds ratio [OR] 1,124; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] 1,066-1,186; P < 0,001), raiva (OR 1,157; IC95% 1,080-1,240; P < 0,001) e depressão (OR 1,071; IC95% 1,029-1,116; P = 0,001) está associada à não adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso. No entanto, uma pontuação alta na subescala de aceitação (OR 0,913; IC95% 0,880-0,948; P < 0,001) está associada à adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso. As subescalas com maior sensibilidade foram as fases de negação e raiva (área sob a curva [ASC]: 0,597 em ambas). Conclusões A escala EFD-66 tem boa validade de construção como instrumento para medir as fases da dor e permite discriminar os pacientes com DCNT que aderem ao tratamento medicamentosos. Assim, recomendamos que esta escala seja aplicada em consultas médicas ambulatoriais. Além disso, nossos achados indicam que a dor é um fator de risco que contribui para a não adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso.

Mutations in ATP6V1B1 and ATP6V0A4 genes cause recessive distal renal tubular acidosis in Mexican families.

BACKGROUND: Autosomal recessive distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is a rare disease characterized by a hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with normal anion gap, hypokalemia, hypercalciuria, hypocitraturia, nephrocalcinosis, and conserved glomerular filtration rate. In some cases, neurosensorial deafness is associated. dRTA is developed during the first months of life and the main manifestations are failure to thrive, vomiting, dehydration, and anorexia. METHODS: Nine unrelated families were studied: seven children, a teenager, and an adult with dRTA. Hearing was preserved in four children. Coding regions of the genes responsible for recessive dRTA were analysed by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Molecular defects were found in the genes ATP6V1B1 and ATP6V0A4. We identified three homozygous variants in ATP6V1B: a frameshift mutation (p.Ile386Hisfs*56), a nucleotide substitution in exon 10 (p.Pro346Arg), and a new splicing mutation in intron 5. Three patients were homozygous for one novel (p.Arg743Trp) and one known (p.Asp411Tyr) missense mutations in the ATP6V0A4 gene. Three patients were compound heterozygous: one proband displayed two novel mutations, the frameshift mutation p.Val52Metfs*25, and a large deletion of exons 18-21; two probands showed the missense mutation p.Asp411Tyr and as a second mutation, p.Arg194Ter and c.1691+2dup, respectively. CONCLUSION: ATP6V0A4 and ATP6V1B1 genes were involved in recessive dRTA of Mexican families. All ATP6V1B1 mutations detected were homozygous and all patients developed sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) early in infancy. ATP6V0A4 mutations were found in one infant and three children without SNHL, and in one teenager and one adult with SNHL confirming the phenotypic variability in this trait. The mutation p.Asp411Tyr detected in four Mexican families was due to a founder effect. Screening of these mutations could provide a rapid and valuable tool for diagnosis of dRTA in this population.

Differential expression of the Kv1 voltage-gated potassium channel family in the rat nephron.

Several potassium (K(+)) channels contribute to maintaining the resting membrane potential of renal epithelial cells. Apart from buffering the cell membrane potential and cell volume, K(+) channels allow sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule (PT), K(+) recycling and K(+) reabsorption in the thick ascending limb (TAL) and K(+) secretion and K(+) reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), connecting tubule (CNT) and collecting duct. Previously, we identified Kv.1.1, Kv1.3 and Kv1.6 channels in collecting ducts of the rat inner medulla. We also detected intracellular Kv1.3 channel in the acid secretory intercalated cells, which is trafficked to the apical membrane in response to dietary K(+) to function as a secretory K(+) channel. In this work we sought to characterize the expression of all members of the Kv1 family in the rat nephron. mRNA and protein expression were detected for all Kv1 channels. Immunoblots identified differential expression of each Kv1 in the cortex, outer and inner medulla. Immunofluorescence labeling detected Kv1.5 in Bowman´s capsule and endothelial cells and Kv1.7 in podocytes, endothelial cells and macula densa in glomeruli; Kv1.4, Kv1.5 and Kv1.7 in PT; Kv1.2, Kv1.4 and Kv1.6 in TAL; Kv1.1, Kv1.4 and Kv1.6 in DCT and CNT and Kv1.3 in DCT, and all the Kv1 family in the cortical and medullary collecting ducts. Recently, some hereditary renal syndromes have been attributed to mutations in K(+) channels. Our results expand the repertoire of K(+) channels that contribute to K(+) homeostasis to include the Kv1 family.

Insights in cullin 3/WNK4 and its relationship to blood pressure regulation and electrolyte homeostasis.

One of the most important systems for protein degradation is the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). The highly specific process called ubiquitination is provided by the E3 ubiquitin ligases, which mediates degradation via the proteasome system. The ubiquitin ligases based on cullins are the type of ubiquitin ligases known so far. The complex based on cullin 3 (Cul3) requires that its target protein has a bric-a-brac/tram-track/broad-complex (BTB) domain to recognize it. Cul3 has been widely associated with Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology (ECH)-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and the cytoprotective nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway and the proper control of cell cycle progression. Recently, Cul3 has been linked to the development of type II pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHAII or Gordon's syndrome) due to the fact that Cul3 has the ability to bind to Kelch-like 3 protein (KLHL3) and therefore mediating the degradation of some members of the WNK kinases. In this work we focused on highlighting how Cul3 system is involved in the regulation of electrolyte homeostasis and blood pressure.