Characterization and seminal cryopreservation of three species of birds of prey.

Background: Assisted reproduction techniques in birds have contributed to many species' conservation and sustainable use. One of these techniques is semen cryopreservation, which is possible following the discovery of suitable cryoprotectants. Aims: This study aimed to characterize the fresh and post-thaw ejaculates of different species of birds of prey. Methods: The following species were included in the study: red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) n=3, golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) n=3, and Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) n=3. Twenty-five ejaculates were obtained for each species. The percentage of spermatozoa motility, viability, and morphology were evaluated. Results: Evident differences were observed among the ejaculates of the three species, particularly in sperm length and between the fresh and post-thaw parameters of the same species in which the motility reduced to approximately 40% after thawing. It was demonstrated that sperm cryopreservation of the studied species was possible using the same freezing protocol. Conclusion: This study showed that sperm characteristics could influence the parameters obtained during their in vitro conservation, both in the fresh and post-thaw states.

Validation of Math Model Using Porous Media for Determining Alveolar CO 2 in Ventilated Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To validate a mathematical model using porous media theory for alveolar CO2 determination in ventilated patients. DESIGN: Mathematical modeling study with prospective clinical validation to simulate CO2 exchange from bloodstream to airway entrance. SETTING: ICU. PATIENTS: Thirteen critically ill patients without chronic or acute lung disease. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Model outcomes compared with patient data showed correlations for end-tidal CO2 (EtCO 2 ), area under the CO2 curve, and Pa CO2 of 0.918, 0.954, and 0.995. Determination coefficients ( R2 ) were 0.843, 0.910, and 0.990, indicating precision and predictive power. CONCLUSIONS: The mathematical model shows potential in pulmonary critical care. Although promising, practical application demands further validation, clinician training, and patient-specific adjustments. The path to clinical use will be iterative, involving validation and education.

Ammonium depletion associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in the Mexican Caribbean.

The Mexican Caribbean contributes significantly to Mexico's gross national product. The number of tourists declined from 16.7 million in 2019 to 8.8 million in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a rapid recovery of 13.5 million in 2021. Wastewater discharge is the primary contamination source associated with the tourism sector's demand for goods and services. Water quality could improve due to fewer tourists arriving during the COVID-19 sanitary emergency. This study aimed to quantify ammonium concentrations at eleven locations to evaluate water quality during the sanitary restriction due to the pandemic in the Mexican Caribbean. The ammonium concentrations were 85 % (Nov-2019), 89 % (Feb-2020), and 86 % (Feb-2021) higher than in Nov-2020, where six of the eleven sampled stations were below the detection limit (0.15 µM). Lower ammonium concentrations coincide with the sanitary restriction period and a decrease in affluent tourists.

Life cycle assessment of biowaste and green waste composting systems: A review of applications and implementation challenges.

Composting is one of the most widely applied methods for recycling organic waste. This process has been proposed as one option that facilitates the reincorporation of materials into the production cycle. However, composting also generates environmental impacts. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the most common approach to evaluate the environmental impacts of a process at different system stages. Nevertheless, applying LCA in composting facilities is challenging due to the extensive information required, the lack of standardization on the initial assumptions, the definition of system boundaries, and the high diversity of existing composting technologies. This paper systematically reviews LCA studies in biowaste and/or green waste composting. The study highlights the challenges that should be met in order to improving the application of LCA to evaluate the environmental impacts of this type or waste treatment strategy. The review protocol used identified 456 papers published between 2010 and 2022. After the screening, 56 papers were selected, read, and thoroughly analyzed. The results show that: i) about 68% of the studies aimed to compare composting with other solid waste management options; ii) there was a wide diversity among the impact categories considered, which predominantly included climate change and ozone depletion; iii) there was no consensus on the functional unit or the system boundaries; iv) the main gaseous emissions studied were ammonia, methane, and nitrogen oxide, which were generally determined by emission factors; v) the avoided environmental impacts associated with the end-product quality and its application as an organic amendment or soil improver were ignored. This work demonstrates the complexity of conducting credible and valid composting LCA studies and proposes seven recommendations for improving the application of this assessment methodology to analyze this waste management alternative.

Nivel de adaptación y ansiedad en adultos mayores durante el confinamiento por COVID-19 en Tepetitlán, Hidalgo / Level of adaptation and anxiety in older adults during confinement due to COVID-19 in Tepetitlan, Hidalgo

Objetivo: Examinar la relación que existe entre el nivel de adaptación y la ansiedad durante el confinamiento por la pandemia COVID-19 en adultos mayores residentes del municipio de Tepetitlan. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal realizado de noviembre de 2021 a marzo de 2022 en una muestra no probabilística por conveniencia de 170 adultos de 60 años y más. De acuerdo con lo señalado por la declaración de Helsinki y la ley general de salud en materia de investigación, se obtuvo la aprobación del comité de ética en investigación de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo así como el consentimiento informado, a partir de lo cual se aplicó una cedula de datos sociodemográficos. Para conocer el nivel de ansiedad de los participantes se empleó el inventario de ansiedad de Beck. Se utilizó el instrumento de adaptación de adulto mayor activo, que evalúa la adaptación en relación con los siguientes modos o dimensiones: fisiológico, función del rol, interdependencia y autoconcepto. Para estimar la relación entre las variables de interés se empleó la prueba de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: El promedio de edad fue de 70 años (± 7.6 años). Más de la mitad de los participantes fueron del sexo femenino (62.9%). Se observó una correlación alta y estadísticamente significativa entre el nivel de adaptación y la ansiedad de los adultos mayores (rho=0.61; valor p=.000). Conclusión: Los resultados indican que el nivel de adaptación de los adultos mayores durante el confinamiento por COVID-19 probablemente se relaciona con su nivel de ansiedad.

Objective: To examine the relationship between the level of adaptation and anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic confinement in older adult residents of the municipality of Tepatitlan. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted from November 2021 to March 2022 in a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 170 adults aged 60 years and older. In accordance with the Helsinki declaration and the general health law on research, the approval of the Research Ethics Committee of the Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo was obtained, as well as informed consent, from which a sociodemographic data form was applied. The Beck anxiety inventory was used to determine the level of anxiety of the participants. The active older adult coping instrument was used, which evaluates coping in relation to the following modes or dimensions: physiological, role function, interdependence and self-concept. Spearman's correlation test was used to estimate the relationship between the variables of interest. Results: The average age was 70 years (± 7.6 years). More than half of the participants were female (62.9%). A high and statistically significant correlation was observed between the level of adaptation and anxiety in older adults (rho=0.61; p-value=.000). Conclusion: The results indicate that the level of adaptation of older adults during COVID-19 confinement is probably related to their level of anxiety.

Major Fusarium species and mycotoxins associated with freshly harvested maize grain in Uruguay.

Fusarium species are common fungal pathogens of maize. Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides, among others, can cause maize ear rot, and they are also mycotoxin producers. The aims of this work were to determine the frequency and diversity of Fusarium species in Uruguayan maize kernels, evaluate the toxigenic potential of the isolates, determine toxin contamination levels on freshly harvested grain, and assess the sensitivity of main Fusarium species against fungicides. Fusarium verticillioides was the most frequent species isolated, followed by Fusarium graminearum sensu stricto. Of F. verticillioides isolates studied for fumonisin production, 72% produced fumonisin B1 and 32% fumonisin B2. Considering in vitro toxin production by F. graminearum sensu stricto isolates, deoxynivalenol was the main toxin produced, followed by zearalenone and nivalenol. Fumonisins were the most frequently found toxins on freshly harvested maize samples (98% in 2018 and 86% in 2019), and also, fumonisin B1 was the toxin with highest concentration in both years studied (4860 µg/kg in 2018 and 1453 µg/kg in 2019). Deoxynivalenol and zearalenone were also found as contaminants. Metconazole and epoxiconazole were the most effective fungicides tested on F. verticillioides isolates. Fusarium graminearum sensu stricto isolates also were more sensitive to metconazole compared to other fungicides; nevertheless, epoxiconazole was less efficient in controlling this species. This is the first study that reports Fusarium species and mycotoxin contamination levels associated with maize grain in Uruguay. Its detection is the main step to develop management strategies in order to minimize fungal infection in maize crops.

The Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis in children and adolescents.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) and recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) are conditions, whose incidence is apparently on the rise. Despite the ever-increasing evidence regarding the management of AP in children and adults, therapeutic actions that could potentially affect having a poor prognosis in those patients, especially in the pediatric population, continue to be carried out. Therefore, the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología convened a group of 24 expert pediatric gastroenterologists from different institutions and areas of Mexico, as well as 2 pediatric nutritionists and 2 specialists in pediatric surgery, to discuss different aspects of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of AP and RAP in the pediatric population. The aim of this document is to present the consensus results. Different AP topics were addressed by 6 working groups, each of which reviewed the information and formulated statements considered pertinent for each module, on themes involving recommendations and points of debate, concerning diagnostic or therapeutic approaches. All the statements were presented and discussed. They were then evaluated through a Delphi process, with electronic and anonymous voting, to determine the level of agreement on the statements. A total of 29 statements were formulated, all of which reached above 75% agreement in the first round of voting.

Comparison of the use of blood pressure telemonitoring versus standard medical care in the achievement of short-term therapeutic goals in blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension: An open-label clinical trial.

Background: In Mexico less than half of the treated hypertensive patients reach blood pressure (BP) targets. Most hypertensive individuals rely on the standard medical care (SMC) to achieve the BP control goals; however, the efficacy of BP telemonitoring (BPT) to achieve BP targets has been poorly studied. Aim: To compare the efficacy of BPT versus SMC to achieve BP goals in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Methods: A two-arm, open-label clinical trial was conducted in patients ≥18 years with uncontrolled hypertension. The participants were randomized to 2 arms (BPT vs SMC) and followed for 12 weeks. For the statistical analysis, the chi-squared test and covariance were used. Results: One hundred and seventy-eight participants were included, BPT (n = 94) and SMC (n = 84), after 12 weeks of follow up, we observed a baseline-adjusted reduction in systolic BP with both BPT (-13.5 [1.3] mmHg) and the SMC (-5.9 [1.4] mmHg; p < 0.001) but a greater decrease with BPT (p < 0.001). Likewise, we found a baseline-adjusted reduction of diastolic BP with BPT (-6.9 [0.9] mmHg) and SMC (-2.7 [0.9] mmHg) (p = 0.007) with a more significant percentage change from baseline with BPT (-6.8% [1.0] vs 2.5% [1.1]; p = 0.007). In the BPT arm, a larger proportion of patients achieved the BP target versus SMC (30.5% vs 12.8%; p = 0.005). Conclusion: BPT showed a greater proportion of patients achieving office BP control goals (<140/90 mmHg), compared to standard medical care.

Magnetic resonance based morphometric analysis of the tentorial notch.

BACKGROUND: The study of the tentorial notch can improve the understanding of brain injury mechanisms. Tentorial morphology has been analysed primarily in cadaveric studies. However, the postmortem effect can cause variability in the measurements. The objective was to evaluate the morphometry of the tentorial notch and the third cranial nerve on living subjects using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed. Using consecutive cases, 60 MRI scans were analysed for tentorial notch morphology. Maximum notch width (MNW), notch length (NL), interpedunculoclival (IC) distance, apicotectal (AT) distance, third cranial nerve (CN-III) distance, and inter- CN-III angle, were obtained. For the classification of the tentorial notch quartile distribution technique for MNW, NL, AT distance, and IC distance were used. RESULTS: According to the quartile of the MNW, patients were stratified into narrow, midrange, and wide groups. Using the NL quartile groups, they were also classified as short, midrange, and long. With these, the tentorial notch could be classified into eight types. Statistical differences between genders in the MNW and inter-CN-III angle were found, as well as a strong positive correlation between NL and AT distance, and between right and left CN-III distances. CONCLUSIONS: There were differences between the cadaveric samples and living subjects in the CN-III distances. This difference could be explained by the dehydration of brain volume in the postmortem process which may cause nerve elongation. Morphometry of the tentorial notch and its neurovascular relations allows a better understanding of the mechanisms of brain herniation.

Prediction of molecular mimicry between proteins from Trypanosoma sp. and human antigens associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.

The immune response against pathogens induces protection from future infection, however, molecular mimicry between the pathogen and the human host can promote autoreactive responses. Using in silico approaches, we identified molecular mimicry between Trypanosoma sp. and human autoantigens involved in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We retrieved all reported autoantigen amino acid sequences for SLE from the AAgAtlas database to perform PSI-BLAST against the Trypanosoma sp proteome to determine amino acid sequence identity with each other. The antigens given in the Protein Data Bank without a 3D structure were modeled by homology with the "Swiss Modeller Server". Epitopes shared between Trypanosoma sp. and human antigens were identified using the Ellipro server and the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB), and cross-reactive epitopes were assigned to the 3D models. 36 autoantigens involved in SLE showed molecular mimicry with Trypanosoma sp. Antigens Epitope prediction revealed that some autoantigens shared several antigenic.

Nivel de dependencia funcional de los adultos mayores de la comunidad de Tula de Allende / Level of functional dependence of older adults in the community of Tula de Allende

Introducción: El estado funcional se mide mediante la autonomía que tienen las personas para desarrollar las actividades de la vida diaria, cuando no se pueden realizar de manera autónoma es necesario un cuidador. Esta medida se sustenta en el modelo de adaptación de Sor Callista Roy, ya que se identifica el proceso de envejecimiento como el estímulo focal que produce una respuesta inmediata en el adulto mayor de acuerdo con el modo de interdependencia. Objetivo: Conocer el nivel de dependencia funcional de los adultos mayores de la comunidad de Tula de Allende, Hidalgo. Material y métodos: Estudio de aplicabilidad básica, cuantitativo, descriptivo y trasversal. Participaron 366 adultos mayores de Tula de Allende, y se les dio a conocer los términos de confidencialidad conforme a lo establecido en la Ley General de Salud y Declaración de Helsinki mediante el consentimiento informado. Se aplicó el cuestionario de Índice de Barthel (IB), para medir la dependencia funcional en las actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria. Resultados: Predomina el género femenino con el 52.7% representado por 193 participantes, la mayoría son casadas y amas de casa. De acuerdo con el IB la mayoría de los participantes tiene una dependencia leve, con una frecuencia de 206 y un porcentaje de 56.3%, y el cruce de variables arroja como resultado una relación significativa. Conclusión: Los adultos mayores de la comunidad de Tula de Allende presentan un nivel de dependencia funcional leve.

Introduction: Functional status assesses people's ability to carry out daily activities; when these cannot be performed autonomously, a caregiver is necessary. This measure is based on the Roy Adaptation Model, which identifies the aging process as the focal stimulus that generates an effect according to the interdependence mode. Objective: To evaluate the level of functional dependence of the elderly in the community of Tula de Allende, Hidalgo. Material and methods: Quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study of basic applicability. 366 older adults from Tula de Allende participated and were informed about confidentiality terms in accordance with the General Health Law and the Declaration of Helsinki through informed consent. The Barthel Index (BI) questionnaire was applied to measure functional dependence on daily instrumental activities. Results: The female gender predominates with 52.7% represented by 193 participants, the majority are married housewives. According to the BI, most of the participants have a slight dependency, with a frequency of 206 and a percentage of 56.3%; the correlation of variables showed statistical significance. Conclusion: Older adults in the community of Tula de Allende present a mild functional dependence level.

Angina de Ludwig, aspectos semiológicos útiles para el diagnóstico presuntivo de una patología letal / Ludwig`s angina, useful semiologic points for the presumptive diagnosis of a lethal pathology

Resumen Mujer de 74 años consulta al servicio de urgencia por cuadro de sepsis origen aparentemente no precisado, hasta su evaluación por dermatología que describe eritema violáceo cervical anterior más una infección en cavidad bucal como puerta de entrada. Considerando la clínica y los estudios por imágenes confirmamos el diagnóstico de Angina de Ludwig, cuadro de alta morbimortalidad que puede progresar a otras complicaciones más graves. Finalmente la paciente evoluciona de manera tórpida no respondiendo a medidas realizadas de soporte y fallece. La Angina de Ludwig es una celulitis de evolución rápida y grave, muy poco frecuente, que por lo general tiene una puerta de entrada a través de infecciones de la mucosa oral, donde su sospecha obliga a iniciar terapia precoz con antibióticos, quirúrgico y soporte.

Abstract This is a 74-year-old female patient with comorbidities who consulted the emergency service due to symptoms of sepsis of apparently unspecified origin, until her evaluation by dermatology revealed mild anterior cervical violaceous erythema and probable dental infection as the portal of entry. Based on clinical and imaging findings, a diagnosis of Ludwig's angina is confirmed, a condition with high morbidity and mortality that can progress to other more severe complications. Finally, the patient had a torpid evolution, not responding to support measures, and died. Ludwig's Angina is a cellulitis of etiology, usually rapidly progressive, infrequent oral infections, where a mandatory physical examination should be considered and suspected in order to start early therapy.

Estudio bibliométrico de las publicaciones en cirugía de columna en México / Publications on spine surgery in Mexico: a bibliometric study

Resumen: Introducción: el análisis bi-bliométrico es una forma útil de evaluar el pasado, el pre-sente y el futuro de las publicaciones relacionadas con un área determinada de forma cualitativa y cuantitativa. Objetivo: determinar las características de la productividad nacional en investigación escrita por autores mexicanos en el campo de cirugía de columna a través del tiempo. Material y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva en línea en Octubre de 2021 utilizando la base de datos Scopus desarrollada por Elsevier. La información de las publicaciones recolectadas fue la siguiente: año, título, acceso, idioma, revista, tipo de artículo, tema, objetivo, citas, autores e instituciones de afiliación. Resultados: se identificó un total de 404 publicaciones entre 1973 y 2021. El número de publicaciones entre la década 1991-2000 y 2011-2021 incrementó 68.28 veces. La mayoría de las publicaciones se realizaron en instituciones de la región centro-sur de México (66.16%), seguida de la región occidente (15.03%) y noreste (8.27%). El índice H más alto encontrado fue de revistas de origen estadounidense (102). La mayor parte de las publicaciones se realizó en la revista Coluna/Columna (15.53%), seguida de Cirugía y Cirujanos (10.52%) y de Acta Ortopédica Mexicana (8.52%). La institución con la más alta productividad fue el Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación «Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra¼ (17.57%), seguida del Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente del IMSS (6.67%) y del Centro Médico ABC (5.44%). Conclusiones: el número de artículos publicados en el campo de cirugía de columna ha incrementado rápidamente en los últimos 15 años. Las publicaciones escritas en inglés son las más citadas. La distribución geográfica de la investigación en este campo en México está centralizada, realizándose la mayor parte de las publicaciones en la región centro-sur del país (66.16%).

Abstract: Introduction: bibliometric analysis is a useful way of assessing the past, present and future publications related to a given area in a qualitative and quantitative way. Objective: to determine characteristics of national authors productivity in the field of spine surgery research across the time. Material and methods: an online research was performed using the Elsevier´s database Scopus in October, 2021. All studies were assessed for the following parameters: year, title, access, language, journal, type of article, focus of research, objective of research, cites, authors and institutions. Results: a total of 404 publications were identified between 1973 and 2021. Between 1991-2000 decade to 2011-2021 decade the number of published articles tended to increase by 68.28 times. The largest number of articles was from South-Central Region (66.16%), followed by Western (15.03%) and Northwest (8.27%). The highest h-index was found for USA journals (102). The highest number of articles was published in Coluna/Columna (15.53%), followed by Cirugía y Cirujanos (10.52%) and Acta Ortopédica Mexicana (8.52%). Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación published the largest number of articles (17.57%), followed by Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente del IMSS (6.67%) and Centro Médico ABC (5.44%). Conclusions: the number of articles published in the field of spine surgery in Mexico has increased rapidly in the past 15 years. In terms of quality, publications written in English are the most cited. The geographical distribution of research in Mexico is centralized, the largest number of publications was from South-Central Region of Mexico.

The Biosynthesis of Penicillin and Cephalosporin C are Regulated by ROS at Transcriptional Level.

In a recent work we showed that, besides lovastatin, ROS also accumulate during the production phase in Pencillium chrysogenum and in Acremonium chrysogenum, and that these ROS regulate the biosynthesis of penicillin and cephalosporin C. In the present study, we investigated the level at which this positive regulation is exerted. Internal ROS levels were manipulated, i.e., increased or decreased, in the production phase of the respective fermentations. Penicillin production decreased by 51.2% when internal ROS concentration was diminished by 50%, while a 62% production increase was observed when ROS were increased (62%). Similarly, Cephalosporin production decreased (35%) with antioxidants and increased (54.1%) with exogenous ROS. Expression analysis of the respective pcbAB genes, encoding the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase enzymes, was performed. Results showed down regulation of these genes in fermentations with lower ROS content, and upregulation in the cultures with higher ROS content, in both species. This showed that ROS regulation of penicillin in P. chrysogenum and of cephalosporin C in A. chrysogenum, is exerted at transcriptional level. In silico analysis of the pcbAB gene promoters in both species, suggested that this regulation could be mediated by stress-response transcription factors like Yap1, SrrA and/or MsnA, and/or by the Hap complex.

Consensus on the management of complications of cirrhosis of the liver in pediatrics.

The Asociación Mexicana de Hepatología A.C. carried out the Consensus on the Management of Complications of Cirrhosis of the Liver in Pediatrics to provide physicians with useful information for treating said complications. A group of pediatric gastroenterologists and experts in nutrition, nephrology, and infectious diseases participated and reviewed the medical literature. The Delphi method was applied to obtain the level of agreement on the statements that were formulated. The statements were sent to the participants to be analyzed and voted upon, after which they were discussed in virtual sessions, and the final versions were produced. The aim of the consensus results was to issue indications for the management of pediatric patients with liver cirrhosis, to prevent or control complications.