Scaphanocephalus spp. (Trematoda: Opisthorchiidae) in intermediate and definitive hosts of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, with a re-description of Scaphanocephalus expansus.

Scaphanocephalus is a small trematode genus belonging to the family Opistorchiidae. The genus currently contains only three species associated with marine fish as intermediate hosts and fish-eating birds as definitive hosts. Here, specimens of Scaphanocephalus were collected from the Osprey, Pandion haliaetus, and the White mullet, Mugil curema in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. We report for the first-time DNA sequences of adult specimens of Scaphanocephalus, particularly S. expansus, as well as a sequence of a different species sampled as metacercaria. Morphological comparisons of Scaphanocephalus expansus confirmed the identity of the adult specimens, with minor morphological variations; Scanning electron photomicrographs were included, and the species was re-described. Phylogenetic analysis based on 28S rDNA sequences showed that Scaphanocephalus is monophyletic within Opisthorchiidae and consists of three independent lineages. Sequences of adults are identical to those of S. expansus. Instead, the sequence of the metacercaria sampled from the mesentery of Mugil curema nested with specimens reported as Scaphanocephalus sp. from a labrid fish in the Mediterranean Sea, herein named it as Scaphanocephalus sp. 2.

Phylogenetic analyses based on molecular and morphological data reveal a new species of Strigea Abildgaard, 1790 (Digenea: Strigeidae) and taxonomic changes in strigeids infecting Neotropical birds of prey.

Members of the genus Strigea Abildgaard, 1790 are endoparasites of birds distributed worldwide. Adults of an undescribed species of the genus Strigea were collected from the intestines of two hawk species (Rupornis magnirostris and Accipiter coperii). Other species identified as Parastrigea macrobursa that were described in Argentina were also recovered from two hawk species (Buteogallus urubitinga and Buteogallus anthracinus) in three localities along the coasts of Mexico. Specimens of the two species were sequenced for three molecular markers, the internal transcribed spacers locus (ITS1-5.8S rDNA- ITS2) and the domains D1-D3 from the large subunit from nuclear ribosomal DNA and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 from mitochondrial DNA. The newly sequenced specimens were aligned with other strigeids sequences downloaded from GenBank. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses inferred with each molecular marker revealed that our specimens of Strigea sp. formed an independent lineage, which is recognized herein as a new species, Strigea magnirostris n. sp., representing the first species in Mexico and the 16th in the Neotropical region. Morphologically, the new species is distinguished from other congeneric species from the Americas by having an oral sucker with several papillae around it, well-developed pseudosuckers (118-248 µm), a tegument covered with tiny spines, a larger cone genital (193-361 × 296-637) and a larger copulatory bursa (247-531 × 468-784). Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that P. macrobursa is not closely related to other members of the genus Parastrigea and is nested within Strigea, suggesting that P. macrobursa should be transferred to Strigea to form Strigea macrobursa n. comb., expanding its distribution range from Mexico to Argentina. Finally, the analyses also revealed that the taxonomy and systematics of Strigea should be re-evaluated, combining morphological and molecular characteristics.

Molecular and morphological characterization of Andracantha gravida (Alegret, 1941) (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) in piscivorous birds from the Gulf of Mexico.

Adult specimens of Andracantha gravida (Alegret, 1941) were recorded from the intestines of the double-crested cormorant Nannopterum auritus (Lesson) (type host) and brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis L. in two localities from Mexico: Celestún, Yucatan (south-eastern) and Punta Piedra, Tamaulipas (north-eastern). The specimens of A. gravida are morphologically characterized by having a pipe-shaped body without swellings, the absence of small trunk spines between the two fields of spines on the foretrunk and a cylindrical proboscis with 14-16 rows of 10-12 hooks per row. Newly generated partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene were generated from adult isolates of A. gravida from Mexico and compared with one sequence of A. gravida and with sequences of other polymorphid acanthocephalans available in GenBank. Phylogenetic analyses based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods of the cox1 dataset placed all the species of Andracantha in a single clade, with weak support. The analyses of the cox1 dataset placed Andracantha sigma Presswell, García-Varela & Smales, , as sister to the clade formed by A. gravida, Andracantha phalacrocoracis (Yamaguti, 1939), Andracantha leucocarboi Presswell, García-Varela & Smales, and an unidentified species of Andracantha from Japan. The newly generated cox1 sequences of A. gravida from piscivorous birds of Mexico formed a strongly supported clade with the published sequence of A. gravida from the double-crested cormorant from the south-eastern coast of Mexico. The intraspecific genetic divergence among isolates identified as A. gravida ranged from 0.0% to 2.2%. A cox1 haplotype network inferred with 14 sequences revealed the presence of nine haplotypes, two of which were shared between the populations of piscivorous birds from the north-eastern and south-eastern coasts of Mexico and seven of which were unique. The fixation index between the populations from north-eastern and south-eastern Mexico was low (0.06949), which suggests genetic flow. This can be explained by the migration patterns of the brown pelican and the double-crested cormorant along the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico.

Evaluación funcional del adulto mayor con enfermedad cardiovascular durante la hospitalización: Scoping Review / Funtional evaluation during hospitalization of older patients with cardiovascular disease

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: Un evento cardiovascular puede reducir o alterar la capacidad funcional de las personas y, por ende, afectar el desempeño adecuado en el ámbito físico, familiar, social y laboral. La OMS ha definido la salud de los adultos mayores por su capacidad funcional y no por sus limitaciones, discapacidades o enfermedades. Por lo tanto, la calidad de vida de los adultos mayores está estrechamente relacionada con la capacidad funcional y el conjunto de condiciones que le permiten participar en su propio autocuidado, en la vida social y familiar. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio es explorar la evidencia existente en la última década acerca de las pruebas y escalas de funcionalidad usadas en población adulta mayor con enfermedad cardiovascular durante su hospitalización y que reciben tratamiento de terapia física. MÉTODOS: Se usó la metodología Scoping Review, usando los términos DeCS/MeSH: cardiac, rehabilitation, cardiovascular disease, physical therapy, elderly, inpatient, y functionality. La revisión siguió el modelo PRISMA para ordenar y sintetizar los resultados. Las bases de datos consultadas fueron: Pubmed, Scielo, Sciencedirect y Scopus, Lilacs, PeDro. RESULTADOS: 20 artículos fueron seleccionados en los cuales se identificó que las escalas de valoración funcional más utilizadas fueron: caminata de 6 minutos, escala de independencia (FIM), Percepción de salud SF -36. CONCLUCIONES: La evidencia encontrada para guiar la rehabilitación física en paciente adulto mayor muestra cambios significativos en el incremento de la capacidad funcional.

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: A cardiovascular event can reduce or alter the functional capacity of people affecting the physical capacity, and the performance in family, social and work environments. The WHO has defined the health of older adults by their functional capacity and not by their limitations, disabilities or illnesses. Therefore, the quality of life of older adults is closely related to the functional capacity and the set of conditions that allow them to participate in their own self-care, in social and family life. The aim of this study was to explore the existing evidence in the last decade about the tests and scales of functionality used in older adults with cardiovascular disease receiving physical therapy during hospitalization. METHODS: The Scoping Review methodology was used. Mesh and DeCS/MeSH terms included were cardiac, rehabilitation, cardiovascular disease, physical therapy, elderly, inpatient and functionality. The review followed the PRISMA model to sort and synthesize the results. The databases consulted were: Pubmed, Scielo, Science direct and Scopus, Lilacs, PeDro. RESULTS: 20 articles were selected in which it was identified that the most used functional assessment scales were: The 6-minute walk test, the Independence scale (FIM) and the Health Perception scale (SF-36). CONCLUSION: In older patients the functional tests identified allowed to detect significant improvements in functional capacity following cardiac rehabilitation.

Phenolic compounds profile and antioxidant capacity of 'Ataulfo' mango pulp processed by ohmic heating at moderate electric field strength.

Heat treatment during pasteurization of mango (Mangifera indica L.) pulp reduces the phenolic content and its potential health benefits. The bioactive content, phenolics profile, and antioxidant capacity of 'Ataulfo' mango pulp after ohmic heating (OH) treatment (15.0-20.0 V/cm), and conventional heating (CT, 72 °C) were evaluated. No significant differences were observed in the gallic acid and mangiferin content and its antioxidant capacity (ABTS). Mass spectrometry analysis (LC/MS-TOF) showed that all treatments produced the same profile of phenolic compounds, including 6 phenolic acids, 2 gallotannins, 1 benzophenone, 2 xanthones, and 3 flavonoids. PCA analysis confirmed that mangiferin and gallic acid were the main contributors to the ABTS antioxidant capacity. These results demonstrate that OH treatments can preserve the compositions of phenolic compounds mango pulp, thus maintaining its potential health benefits.

Heavy metal contamination in Peru: implications on children's health.

Cerro de Pasco, Peru, has been excessively contaminated with heavy metals due to high mining activities in the region. We investigated the presence of chronic exposure to heavy metals in children living in Cerro de Pasco and its effect on health. Heavy metal concentrations were determined in hair samples collected from 78 children living in a region exposed to an open-pit mine (Paragsha region) and from other 16 children unexposed to mine activities (Carhuamayo region). Children exposed to the mine showed statistically significant higher concentration of aluminum, antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, iron, lead, tin and thallium (p < 0.05) than control children. Hair samples collected from the same children in two occasions (2016 and 2018) showed that the exposure is chronic with higher levels of heavy metals observed in 2018. The concentration of heavy metals was higher in hair tip than in hair root samples. Heavy metals are associated with substantial higher risk of nosebleed (odds ratio, OR = 15.40), chronic colic (OR = 7.30), dermatologic alterations (OR = 6.16), mood alterations (OR = 7.07), presence of white lines on nails (OR = 12.10), reduced visual camp (OR = 3.97) and other symptoms (OR = 5.12). Chronic heavy metal exposure implies various negative consequences on children's health. Preventive measures are crucial to protect children's health.

[Clinical and bacteriological profile in patients with knee tumor arthroplasty and early periprosthetic infection]. / Perfil clínico y bacteriológico en pacientes con artroplastía tumoral de rodilla e infección periprotésica temprana.

INTRODUCTION: At the national and international levels, there are few studies on early knee tumor periprosthetic infection. We present a review of patients operated by knee tumor arthroplasty, obtaining information on the clinical and bacteriological profile of early tumor periprosthetic infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, retrospective and descriptive study, review of patient records with knee tumor replacement, from 1 January 2013, to 31 December 2017 and minimum follow-up of 2 years. RESULTS: 35 patients with average age 32. Left knee 71.4%, 77.1% distal femur, 54.2% was osteosarcoma. Complications in 82.8% of patients, prosthetic retention 62.8%; periprosthetic infection accounts for 34.2% of early complications in 90% of cases. Osteosarcomas and GCT had early infection in equal proportion (44%). The most common comorbidity was overweight/obesity at 66%, smoking by 55%. 55% of infected patients received chemotherapy. 58% of the isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus sp. 83.3% of bacteria showed antibiotic resistance. 66% of infected patients required radical management. CONCLUSIONS: Early periprosthetic infection represents a devastating pathology in our institution. Prosthetic retention is achieved at 66%. In our unit the bacteriological profile is resistant.

INTRODUCCIÓN: A nivel nacional e internacional son pocos los estudios sobre infección periprotésica tumoral temprana en rodilla. Presentamos una revisión de pacientes operados por artroplastía tumoral de rodilla, obteniendo información sobre el perfil clínico y bacteriológico de las infecciones periprotésicas tumorales tempranas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y descriptivo. Revisión de expedientes de pacientes operados con artroplastía tumoral de rodilla del 01 de Enero de 2013 al 31 de Diciembre de 2017 y seguimiento mínimo de dos años. RESULTADOS: 35 pacientes con edad promedio de 32 años, rodilla izquierda 71.4%, 77.1% afección en fémur distal, 54.2% reportado osteosarcoma. Complicaciones en 82.8% de pacientes, retención protésica 62.8%; la infección periprotésica representa 34.2% de las complicaciones de forma temprana en 90% de casos. Osteosarcomas y TCG presentaron infección temprana en igual proporción (44%). La comorbilidad más común fue sobrepeso/obesidad en 66%, tabaquismo en 55%; 55% de pacientes infectados recibió quimioterapia (neoadyuvante o adyuvante), 58% de las bacterias aisladas fueron Staphylococcus sp. 83.3% de bacterias mostraba resistencia, 66% de pacientes infectados requirió manejo radical. CONCLUSIONES: La infección periprotésica temprana representa una patología devastadora en nuestra institución. Se logra retención protésica en 66%. En nuestra unidad el perfil bacteriológico es resistente.

Early presentation of post-intubation tracheoesophageal fistula with severe tracheal stenosis in COVID-19 patient.

The current global COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Currently, acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas are mainly iatrogenic lesions produced by prolonged tracheal intubation. We present a case of tracheoesophageal fistula with severe tracheal stenosis following tracheal intubation in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Nutritional Assessment in Patients with Early-Onset Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease Due to PSEN1- E280A Genetic Variant: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Weight loss and malnutrition are frequent findings in late-onset and sporadic presentations of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, less is known about nutritional status in Early-Onset Autosomal Dominant AD (EO-ADAD). Objective: To analyze the association between nutritional status and other clinical and sociodemographic characteristics in individuals with a genetic form of EO-ADAD. Design settings and participants: Cross-sectional study with 75 non-institutionalized participants from a cohort of Autosomal Dominant AD (13 with mild cognitive impairment and 61 with dementia, ages from 38 to 67 years) underwent a structured clinical assessment with emphasis on nutritional status. Measurements: Primary outcome was nutritional status and it was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Patients were categorized according to MNA total score, as undernourished (MNA ≤23.5) and well-nourished (MNA ≥ 24). Sociodemographic and clinical variables identified as potential predictors or confounders of nutritional status were also collected. Results: Undernourishment by MNA was present in 57.3% of the sample. Forty-two percent of participants had abnormal BMI values considered lower than 18.5 or higher than 24.9 kg/m2. Total BMI values were similar in well and undernourished patients (median 24.2 IQR 3.59 and median 23.9 IQR 4.42, respectively, p=0.476). When comparing well and undernourished groups, we found statistically significant differences for variables: severity of dementia (p=0.034), frailty (p=0.001), multimorbidity (p=0.035) and, polymedication (p=0.045). Neither adjusted logistic regression nor the Poisson regression showed that any clinical or sociodemographic variables explained undernourishment. Conclusions: Undernourishment was a frequent finding in our sample of EO-ADAD, especially in later stages of the disease. Patients with polymedication, multimorbidity, frailty and severe dementia show differences in their nutritional status with a tendency to be more frequently undernourished. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to establish this association.

Survival outcomes and prognostic factors of endometrial stromal sarcoma and undifferentiated uterine sarcoma.

PURPOSE: To review the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of patients diagnosed with Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma (ESS) and Undifferentiated Uterine Sarcoma (USS) at our institution and investigate their clinical outcomes and factors affecting prognosis. METHODS: We retrospectively collected demographic data, preoperative diagnostic methods and therapeutic management of patients treated for ESS and UUS between January 1995 and December 2019 at Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Spain. Overall survival and disease-free survival were calculated. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were calculated. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were included in the study, of which 51(81%) had a diagnosis of ESS and 12(19%) of UUS. Twenty patients (31.7%) were diagnosed after a previous non-oncologic surgery, and 12 of them (60%) suffered from tumor disruption. Cytoreductive procedures were needed in 29 patients (46%), and optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 80.9% of the patients. The median follow-up was 7.6 years (IQR = 0.99-14.31). Five-year overall survival was 57.6% (44.2-68.8) and was significantly better for low-grade ESS (LG-ESS) patients (p < 0.01). Five-year disease-free survival was 57.1% (42.8-69.1) and was also significantly higher in LG-ESS cohort (p = 0.03). After multivariate analysis histological type, age, FIGO stage, optimal surgery and mitotic index were found significantly correlated with survival. For high-grade EES (HG-ESS) and USS patients adjuvant radiotherapy also correlated with improved survival. CONCLUSION: Overall survival and disease-free survival are significantly better in patients with LG-ESS cohort. HG-ESS and UUS show similar survival outcomes. Age, FIGO stage, optimal surgery and histological type were significantly correlated with survival in the global cohort, whilst adjuvant radiotherapy correlated with improved survival in HG-ESS and UUS patients.

Natural history study of an understudied sea catfish species from Panama (Siluriformes: Ariidae)

The semi-anadromous sea catfish species Cathorops tuyra (Ariidae, Besudo sea catfish) from the Tropical Eastern Pacific has been found reproductively active in the freshwater rivers and lakes of the Panama Canal. Despite growing concerns for biodiversity, reports on natural history are lacking for many Neotropical sea catfishes. We aimed to provide data on the diet and seasonal timing of spawning of C. tuyra for an autochthonous, semi-anadromous, brackish water population from Rio Santa Maria and an allochthonous freshwater non-migrating population from Rio Chagres, an affluent to the Panama Canal, to understand how changing from semi-anadromous to residential lifestyle affects the natural history of a species. Fish from both sampling sites were dissected and information on stomach content, size, weight, parasitic load, sex, maturity, and number of eggs were recorded. In Rio Chagres, there was a female bias and individuals were larger and in pre-spawning mode compared to Rio Santa Maria. Parasite prevalence was low in Rio Chagres and zero in Rio Santa Maria. The diets were very similar between populations: gastropods, bivalves, and insects were the most important prey items in both rivers representing a diverse omnivorous diet that is similar to that of other catfishes.(AU)

El bagre de mar semi-anádromo Cathorops tuyra (Ariidae, Bagre besudo) del Pacífico Oriental Tropical se encuentra reproductivamente activa en los ríos y lagos del Canal de Panamá. A pesar de la creciente preocupación por la biodiversidad, faltan informes sobre la historia natural de muchos de los bagres Neotropicales. Nuestro objetivo es proporcionar datos básicos sobre la dieta y el momento del desove estacional de C. tuyra para una población autóctona semi-anádroma de agua salobre de Río Santa María y una población alóctona residente de agua dulce de Río Chagres para comprender cómo el cambio de un estilo de vida semi-anádromo a residencial afecta la historia natural de una especie. Se disecaron peces de ambos sitios de muestreo y se registró la información de contenido del estómago, tamaño, peso, carga parasitaria, sexo, madurez y número de huevos. En Río Chagres hubo un sesgo femenino y los individuos eran más grandes y estaban en modo pre-desove que en Río Santa María. La prevalencia de parásitos fue baja en el Río Chagres y cero en Río Santa María. Las dietas fueron muy similares entre poblaciones: gasterópodos, bivalvos e insectos fueron las presas más importantes en ambos ríos, lo que representa una dieta omnívora diversa, que es similar a la de otros bagres.(AU)

Natural history study of an understudied sea catfish species from Panama (Siluriformes: Ariidae)

The semi-anadromous sea catfish species Cathorops tuyra (Ariidae, Besudo sea catfish) from the Tropical Eastern Pacific has been found reproductively active in the freshwater rivers and lakes of the Panama Canal. Despite growing concerns for biodiversity, reports on natural history are lacking for many Neotropical sea catfishes. We aimed to provide data on the diet and seasonal timing of spawning of C. tuyra for an autochthonous, semi-anadromous, brackish water population from Rio Santa Maria and an allochthonous freshwater non-migrating population from Rio Chagres, an affluent to the Panama Canal, to understand how changing from semi-anadromous to residential lifestyle affects the natural history of a species. Fish from both sampling sites were dissected and information on stomach content, size, weight, parasitic load, sex, maturity, and number of eggs were recorded. In Rio Chagres, there was a female bias and individuals were larger and in pre-spawning mode compared to Rio Santa Maria. Parasite prevalence was low in Rio Chagres and zero in Rio Santa Maria. The diets were very similar between populations: gastropods, bivalves, and insects were the most important prey items in both rivers representing a diverse omnivorous diet that is similar to that of other catfishes.(AU)

El bagre de mar semi-anádromo Cathorops tuyra (Ariidae, Bagre besudo) del Pacífico Oriental Tropical se encuentra reproductivamente activa en los ríos y lagos del Canal de Panamá. A pesar de la creciente preocupación por la biodiversidad, faltan informes sobre la historia natural de muchos de los bagres Neotropicales. Nuestro objetivo es proporcionar datos básicos sobre la dieta y el momento del desove estacional de C. tuyra para una población autóctona semi-anádroma de agua salobre de Río Santa María y una población alóctona residente de agua dulce de Río Chagres para comprender cómo el cambio de un estilo de vida semi-anádromo a residencial afecta la historia natural de una especie. Se disecaron peces de ambos sitios de muestreo y se registró la información de contenido del estómago, tamaño, peso, carga parasitaria, sexo, madurez y número de huevos. En Río Chagres hubo un sesgo femenino y los individuos eran más grandes y estaban en modo pre-desove que en Río Santa María. La prevalencia de parásitos fue baja en el Río Chagres y cero en Río Santa María. Las dietas fueron muy similares entre poblaciones: gasterópodos, bivalvos e insectos fueron las presas más importantes en ambos ríos, lo que representa una dieta omnívora diversa, que es similar a la de otros bagres.(AU)

Effect of the nixtamalization process on the protein bioaccessibility of white and red sorghum flours during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.

Protein bioaccessibility is a major concern in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) due to potential interactions with tannins affecting its nutritional value. Technological treatments such as boiling or alkaline cooking have been proposed to address this problem by reducing tannin-protein interactions. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of nixtamalization in the protein bioaccessibility from two sorghum varieties (red and white sorghum) during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Nixtamalization increased protein bioaccessibility in the non-digestible fraction (NDF) (5.26 and 26.31% for red and white sorghum, respectively). However, cooking showed a higher permeation speed of protein from red sorghum flours at the end of the intestinal incubation (9.42%). The SDS-PAGE profile of the digested fraction (DF) at 90 min of intestinal incubation indicated that, for red sorghum, cooking allows the formation of α and γ-kafirins while nixtamalization increase α-kafirin release. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) showed the association between nixtamalization and dissociation of δα kafirin complexes and increased protein content in the digestible fraction. In silico interactions indicated the highest biding energies for (+)-catechin and kafirin fractions (ß-kafirin: -7.0 kcal/mol; γ-kafirin: -5.8 kcal/mol, and δ-kafirin: -6.8 kcal/mol), suggesting a minor influence of depolymerized proanthocyanidin fractions with sorghum proteins as a result of the nixtamalization process. In conclusion, nixtamalization increased the bioaccessibility of sorghum proteins, depolymerizing condensed tannins, and breaking protein-tannin complexes. Such technological process improves the nutrimental value of sorghum, supporting its inclusion in the human diet.

Development and Validation of an in-House Library of Colombian Candida auris Strains with MALDI-TOF MS to Improve Yeast Identification.

: Background: Candida auris is characterized for having a high genetic variability among species. MALDI-TOF MS library contains spectra from only three strains of C. auris, which makes difficult the identification process and gives low scores at the species level. Our aim was to construct and validate an internal library to improve C. auris identification with Colombian clinical strains. METHODS: From 30 clinical strains, 770 mass spectra were obtained for the construction of the database. The validation was performed with 300 strains to compare the identification results in the BDAL and C. auris Colombia libraries. RESULTS: Our library allowed a complete, 100% identification of the evaluated strains and a significant improvement in the scores obtained, showing a better performance compared to the Bruker BDAL library. CONCLUSIONS: The strengthening of the database is a great opportunity to improve the scoring and C. auris identification. Library data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD016387.

Online ANN-based fault diagnosis implementation using an FPGA: Application in the EFI system of a vehicle.

In this research, fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) scheme for isolating the damaged injector of an internal combustion engine is formulated and experimentally applied. The FDD scheme is based on a temporal analysis (statistical methods), as well as in a frequency analysis (fast Fourier transform) of the fuel rail pressure. The arrangement of the scheme consists of three coupled artificial neural networks (ANNs) to classify the faulty injector correctly. The ANNs were trained considering five different scenarios, one scenario without fault in the injection system, and the other four scenarios represent a fault per injector (1 to 4). The Levenberg-Marquardt (LM), BFGS quasi-Newton, gradient descent (GD), and extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithms were tested to select the best training algorithm to classify the faults. Experimental results obtained from the implementation in a VW four-cylinder CBU 2.5L vehicle in idle operating conditions (800 rpm) show the effectiveness of the proposed FDD scheme.

Egg Albumin as a Protein Marker to Study Dispersal of Noctuidae in the Agroecosystem.

Knowledge of dispersal and spatial dynamics of pest populations is fundamental for implementation of integrated pest management and integrated resistance management. This study evaluated 1) the effectiveness of egg white albumin protein to mark larvae and adults of two polyphagous and highly mobile pests, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (fall armyworm) and Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (corn earworm) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and 2) the sensitivity of polyvinylidene difluoride membrane (dot blot) in detecting albumin on marked insects. Laboratory and field experiments tested egg albumin as a protein marker, which was detected using two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), microplate, and dot blot. In the laboratory, 100% of the moths sprayed with 20% egg white solution acquired the albumin marker, which was detected through the last time point tested (5 d) after application. Egg albumin was not effective at long-term marking of larvae, detected only prior the molting to the next instar. Albumin application in field cages resulted in a high percentage of moths detected as marked at 24 h and 5 d for both species. Egg albumin applied in the open field resulted in 15% of the recaptured corn earworm moths marked with most of them collected 150 m from the application area, although some were captured as far as 1,600 m within approximately 6 d after adult emergence. The results indicated egg albumin is a suitable marker to study the dispersion of fall armyworm and corn earworm in the agroecosystem and dot blot was as effective to detect egg albumin as was indirect ELISA.

Results after implementation of a sedoanalgesia protocol for procedures in hospital environment. / Resultados tras implantación de un protocolo de sedoanalgesia para procedimientos en ámbito hospitalario.

INTRODUCTION: We analyze the effectiveness and safety of a specific analgosedation protocol for procedures, and eva luate the satisfaction of the health personnel with each procedure. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective study of an analgosedation protocol for hospital procedures in children under 18 years of age, with an individualized strategy based on the patient's baseline situation, the type of procedure and the experience of the pediatrician responsible for the sedation. The following variables were recorded: diagnosis motivating the procedure, type of procedure, anthropometric data, allergies, medication, ASA status and baseline disease, fasting time, lung auscultation, temperature, oxygen saturation, res piratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, sedation location, type of drug, dose, route of administra tion, Ramsay sedation scale, duration of sedation, type and treatment of adverse effects, presence of family members throughout the procedure, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: 279 sedations were performed. The most commonly used drugs were nitrous oxide (62.7%) and midazolam (16.5%); the most commonly used routes of administration were the inhaled one (62.4%) and the intravenous one (15.8%). The satisfaction was high for the pediatrician (92.5%), the nurse (94.3%), the family (96.8%), and patients (93.6%), with a good correlation between them, and it was significantly lower when using midazolam and the nasal and oral routes. The adverse effects rate was 3.2%, and none was severe. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a specific analgosedation protocol for procedures in the hospital environment achieves high levels of effectiveness and safety, as well as a high level of satisfaction, both in family members and in health personnel.

Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Clostridium difficile in a national geriatric hospital in Costa Rica.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) is changing rapidly worldwide; knowledge on the genotypes of C. difficile circulating in specialized geriatric hospitals and their resistance to antibiotics is scarce or non-existent. METHODS: Prospective study of the molecular epidemiology of CDI, conducted in a national geriatric hospital in Costa Rica for a period of 11 months. RESULTS: The study patients exhibited a diverse range of comorbidities, but none were associated with CDI. Polyclonality, including three new ribotypes, and a high level of resistance to antibiotics were determined by analysing the 32 isolates obtained in these cases. Despite the diversity in strains observed, the most frequent types were NAP6/RT002 and NAP2/RT001. NAP9/RT017 was associated with community acquisition. Nineteen types of antimicrobials were used before the onset of diarrhoea in the patients; no particular genotype was associated with the onset of infection or severity. CONCLUSION: Based on the abundance of strain types observed and their resistance to antibiotics in this geriatric hospital, these results contribute to a better overall understanding of the epidemiology of CDI worldwide, and to surveillance programmes targeting geriatric populations.