High-resolution density assessment assisted by deep learning of Dendrophyllia cornigera (Lamarck, 1816) and Phakellia ventilabrum (Linnaeus, 1767) in rocky circalittoral shelf of Bay of Biscay.

This study presents a novel approach to high-resolution density distribution mapping of two key species of the 1170 "Reefs" habitat, Dendrophyllia cornigera and Phakellia ventilabrum, in the Bay of Biscay using deep learning models. The main objective of this study was to establish a pipeline based on deep learning models to extract species density data from raw images obtained by a remotely operated towed vehicle (ROTV). Different object detection models were evaluated and compared in various shelf zones at the head of submarine canyon systems using metrics such as precision, recall, and F1 score. The best-performing model, YOLOv8, was selected for generating density maps of the two species at a high spatial resolution. The study also generated synthetic images to augment the training data and assess the generalization capacity of the models. The proposed approach provides a cost-effective and non-invasive method for monitoring and assessing the status of these important reef-building species and their habitats. The results have important implications for the management and protection of the 1170 habitat in Spain and other marine ecosystems worldwide. These results highlight the potential of deep learning to improve efficiency and accuracy in monitoring vulnerable marine ecosystems, allowing informed decisions to be made that can have a positive impact on marine conservation.

Simultaneous quantification of lead, cadmium and zinc in superficial marine sediments using a carbon-fiber microelectrode modified with bismuth film.

Marine sediments are a useful environmental assessment matrix as they naturally trap toxic substances of anthropogenic origin and thus have higher concentrations of these than the surrounding water. Therefore, developing methods for the sensitive, accurate, and inexpensive quantification of these substances is important, as the traditional techniques have various disadvantages. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of an in situ bismuth-modified carbon-fiber microelectrode (voltamperometric sensor) to simultaneously detect Pb, Cd, and Zn in marine sediments from Puerto Jeli in El Oro Province, Ecuador. This site is representative of the contamination levels present along the coast in this province. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry was applied, and the resulting linear regression for the metal quantification ranged from 12 to 50 µg mL-1, with quantification limits for Pb(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) of 18.69, 12.55, and 19.29 µg mL-1, respectively. Thus, the quantification with the sensor was successful. According to the preliminary results, Cd and Pb values exceeded the permissible limits established by Ecuador (Texto Unificado de la Legislación Secundaria del Ministerio del Ambiente) and the US Environmental Protection Agency, respectively.

Dietary behaviors and food insecurity among Houston college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: This study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college students' nutrition, including dietary behaviors and food security status. Participants: Participants included 140 students between 18 and 25 years of age, who were enrolled in a college or university in the greater Houston area. Methods: Analyses included descriptive statistics, t tests, and ANOVAs to analyze differences in dietary behaviors by demographic variables, and chi-square tests to assess characteristics associated with food security status. Results: The majority of participants reported changing their diets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no significant differences by demographics. However, there were significant differences in food security status by race/ethnicity and social class. Conclusion: This study identified changes and disparities in college students' dietary behaviors and food security status during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings help inform future policy, programs, and research to address college students' nutrition during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Living Situation and Physical Activity in the COVID-19 Pandemic Among American Private University Students.

Many university students experienced changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, including potential changes in physical activity (PA) levels and living situation. As PA behaviors in young adulthood help establish life-long habits and future health outcomes, the purpose of this study was to investigate overall change in PA, as well as change in PA due to living situation, among private university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Private university students (n = 109) between 18 and 25 years of age completed an online survey that included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form. T-tests examined changes in overall time spent in PA from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the differences in MET-minute distributions between groups. Students performed significantly less activity during the COVID-19 pandemic than before (t(108) = 3.51, p = .001, d = 0.493), with 70.6% of all students meeting exercise recommendations before the pandemic and 51.4% after. Students living with vs. without a parent/guardian attained similar PA levels (t(107) = -.114, p = .910) before the pandemic (73.1% vs. 69.9%, respectively), but students living with a parent/guardian engaged in significantly less PA (t(107) = 2.04, p = .044, d = 0.475) than those living without a parent/guardian during the pandemic (37.5% vs. 57.1%, respectively). The declines in PA suggest the need for targeted interventions and education among private university students. In order to maximize the health benefits of PA, it is crucial that activity engagement return to at least pre-COVID-19 levels.

Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Coated With Exopolysaccharides Obtained From Rhodotorula mucilaginosa.

Antibacterial resistance is one of the biggest threats to health and economy worldwide. In the present work, we evaluated the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of silver nanoparticles produced by green synthesis with exopolysaccharides produced by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa UANL-001L, against pathogens of clinical importance. The extraction of exopolysaccharides produced by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was performed according to a previously described method. Synthesis of the nanobiocomposite was performed by mixing silver nitrate, Acacia rigidula, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa-produced exopolysaccharides. The newly synthesized nanobiocomposite was lyophilized and kept frozen for further analysis. The characterization of the nanobiocomposite was carried out by UV-visible spectroscopic, Fourier transform infrared analysis and the surface morphology was analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscopy. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activity was tested in 96-well plates for different concentrations of the nanobiocomposite against Escherichia. coli ATCC 11229, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. The Rhodotorula mucilaginosa- produced exopolysaccharides were useful in the silver nanoparticle synthesis and the resulting nanobiocomposite had antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at lower concentrations than previously reported. Due to these properties, the nanobiocomposite seems to be a promising biocide against pathogens of clinical relevance. In addition, the nanobiocomposite proved to be advantageous in the formulation of hybrid metal-polymer coatings for medical devices or industrial settings.

Organized Sports and Physical Activities as Sole Influencers of Fitness: The Homeschool Population.

Homeschool children may rely solely on organized sports and physical activities to achieve recommended levels of physical activity and fitness. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in fitness levels between homeschool children who did, and did not, participate in organized sports or physical activities, and then examine relationships between hours per week in sports or physical activities and cardiorespiratory fitness as measured by portions of the FitnessGram® test battery. Organized sports/physical activity participation information was gathered on 100 children ages 10-17 years who completed tests of upper, abdominal, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The current investigation revealed that participation alone was not associated with higher levels of physical fitness as assessed by the 90° push-up test or curl-up test nor was time in participation related to cardiorespiratory fitness as assessed by the Progressive Aerobic Capacity Endurance Run (PACER). These activities alone may be insufficient for meeting physical activity recommendations and improving physical fitness. Therefore, children and adolescents educated at home may need additional opportunities to participate in unstructured daily physical activity.

Microbial Competition of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa UANL-001L and E. coli increase biosynthesis of Non-Toxic Exopolysaccharide with Applications as a Wide-Spectrum Antimicrobial.

Bacterial species are able to colonize and establish communities in biotic and abiotic surfaces. Moreover, within the past five decades, incidence of bacterial strains resistant to currently used antibiotics has increased dramatically. This has led to diverse health issues and economical losses for different industries. Therefore, there is a latent need to develop new and more efficient antimicrobials. This work reports an increased production of an exopolysaccharide in a native yeast strain isolated from the Mexican Northeast, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa UANL-001L, when co-cultured with E. coli. The exopolysaccharide produced is chemically and physically characterized and its applications as an antimicrobial and antibiofilm are explored. The exopolysaccharide is capable of inhibiting planktonic growth and biofilm formation in Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the exopolysaccharide studied here does not exhibit cytotoxic effects when assessed both, in vitro against an H9c2 mammalian cell line, and in vivo in a murine toxicity model. Taken together, the properties of this exopolysaccharide indicate that it has potential applications to inhibit bacterial colonization in medical and industrial settlings.

Metal-Induced Production of a Novel Bioadsorbent Exopolysaccharide in a Native Rhodotorula mucilaginosa from the Mexican Northeastern Region.

There is a current need to develop low-cost strategies to degrade and eliminate industrially used colorants discharged into the environment. Colorants discharged into natural water streams pose various threats, including: toxicity, degradation of aesthetics and inhibiting sunlight penetration into aquatic ecosystems. Dyes and colorants usually have complex aromatic molecular structures, which make them very stable and difficult to degrade and eliminate by conventional water treatment systems. The results in this work demonstrated that heavy metal-resistant Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain UANL-001L isolated from the northeast region of Mexico produce an exopolysaccharide (EPS), during growth, which has colorant adsorption potential. The EPS produced was purified by precipitation and dialysis and was then physically and chemically characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and chemical elemental analysis. Here, the ability of the purified EPS produced to adsorb methylene blue (MB), which served as a model colorant, is studied. MB adsorption by the EPS is found to follow Langmuir Adsorption Isotherm kinetics at 25°C. Further, by calculating the Langmuir constant the adsorption capabilities of the EPS produced by the Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain UANL-001L is compared to that of other adsorbents, both, microbially produced and from agroindustrial waste. The total adsorption capacity of the EPS, from the Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain UANL-001L, was found to be two-fold greater than the best bioadsorbents reported in the literature. Finally, apart from determining which heavy metals stimulated EPS production in the strain, the optimal conditions of pH, heavy metal concentration, and rate of agitation of the growing culture for EPS production, was determined. The EPS reported here has the potential of aiding in the efficient removal of colorants both in water treatment plants and in situ in natural water streams.

Association between the summer season and body fatness and aerobic fitness among Hispanic children.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated changes in adiposity and fitness during the academic year (AY) and summer season (SS) in minority children. This study aimed to assess if adiposity indicators and fitness change during the school AY and SS in Hispanic children. METHODS: One hundred nineteen low-income Hispanic children (9.2 ± 0.8) participated in the study. Demographic, body weight and height, percent body fat (% BF), and aerobic endurance were assessed at 3 time points: measurement 1 (M1), beginning of AY; M2, end of AY; and M3, end of SS. Using weight and height, body mass index (BMI) was calculated and normalized (BMI z-scores). Mixed effects between-within-subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA) design was used to examine changes in selected variables. RESULTS: A significant decrease of BMI z-scores in overweight children (p = .024) was observed during the AY only, but not during the SS. Percent BF increased significantly over the AY and SS (p < .001), particularly in girls. Aerobic endurance showed a significant increase over the AY (p < .001), but it did not change over the SS (p = .552). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that the SS might place Hispanic children at increased risk for additional adiposity and lower fitness.

Colgajo fasciomuscular del gastrocnemio medial: presentación de un caso / Fasciomuscular flap of the medial gastrocnemius: a case presentation

Los colgajos musculares regionales constituyen actualmente una herramienta básica en la reconstrucción de los defectos fasciomiocutaneos y óseos, por su fácil disección, preservación de pedículos vasculares y aumento del aporte sanguíneo de la zona dañada. Caso clínico: paciente masculino, de piel blanca de 38 años de edad, con antecedentes de haber sufrido una fractura abierta del tercio superior de la tibia tipo II de Gustilo-Anderson; por accidente automovilístico, de urgencia se le colocó un fijador externo modelo RALCA, y posteriormente se le realizó osteosíntesis con el sistema AO (láminas y tornillos). Se usó el colgajo fasciomuscular del gastrocnemio medial para cubrir el defecto óseo en el tercio superior de la tibia derecha provocado por una osteomielitis crónica de dos años de evolución. Conclusiones: se demostró su eficacia, al ser utilizado como resolución definitiva de los defectos de larga y tórpida evolución para, de esta forma, generalizar su uso; por considerarse en la actualidad como una técnica de primera elección en la cirugía reconstructiva de la extremidad inferior (AU)

Regional myocutaneus flaps, are currently considered a basic tool in the reconstruction of fasciomyocutaneous and bone defects because of their easy dissection, vascular pedicle preservation, and increase blood supply to the damaged area. Clinical case: a 38-year-old, white and male patient was presented with a history of having suffered an open fracture of the upper third of tibia type II of Gustilo-Anderson; by a car accident. A RALCA model, external fixator was placed and subsequently was made the osteosynthesis with the AO system (plates and screws). Myofascicular flap of the gastrocnemius muscle was used to cover bone defects of the upper third of the right tibia caused by chronic osteomyelitis, of two years of evolution. Conclusions: the effectiveness of this method of treatment is demonstrated as a definite solution for bone defects with a long and torpid evolution. Its generalized use should be considered as a primary election technique in reconstructive surgery of the lower extremity (AU)

Colgajo fasciomuscular del gastrocnemio medial: presentación de un caso / Fasciomuscular flap of the medial gastrocnemius: a case presentation

Los colgajos musculares regionales constituyen actualmente una herramienta básica en la reconstrucción de los defectos fasciomiocutaneos y óseos, por su fácil disección, preservación de pedículos vasculares y aumento del aporte sanguíneo de la zona dañada. Caso clínico: paciente masculino, de piel blanca de 38 años de edad, con antecedentes de haber sufrido una fractura abierta del tercio superior de la tibia tipo II de Gustilo-Anderson; por accidente automovilístico, de urgencia se le colocó un fijador externo modelo RALCA, y posteriormente se le realizó osteosíntesis con el sistema AO (láminas y tornillos). Se usó el colgajo fasciomuscular del gastrocnemio medial para cubrir el defecto óseo en el tercio superior de la tibia derecha provocado por una osteomielitis crónica de dos años de evolución. Conclusiones: se demostró su eficacia, al ser utilizado como resolución definitiva de los defectos de larga y tórpida evolución para, de esta forma, generalizar su uso; por considerarse en la actualidad como una técnica de primera elección en la cirugía reconstructiva de la extremidad inferior.

Regional myocutaneus flaps, are currently considered a basic tool in the reconstruction of fasciomyocutaneous and bone defects because of their easy dissection, vascular pedicle preservation, and increase blood supply to the damaged area. Clinical case: a 38-year-old, white and male patient was presented with a history of having suffered an open fracture of the upper third of tibia type II of Gustilo-Anderson; by a car accident. A RALCA model, external fixator was placed and subsequently was made the osteosynthesis with the AO system (plates and screws). Myofascicular flap of the gastrocnemius muscle was used to cover bone defects of the upper third of the right tibia caused by chronic osteomyelitis, of two years of evolution. Conclusions: the effectiveness of this method of treatment is demonstrated as a definite solution for bone defects with a long and torpid evolution. Its generalized use should be considered as a primary election technique in reconstructive surgery of the lower extremity.

Assessing physical activity preferences in Latino and white preadolescents.

The purpose of this study was to assess physical activity preferences (PAP) in preadolescent children. 191 Latino and White children (M = 11.9, SD = +/- 0.7) participated. Demographic, anthropometric, and PAP measures were employed. Both Latino and White children reported water play, basketball, and bicycling as their most preferred activities while indoor chores were least preferred. Compared with Latino, White children reported a higher preference for baseball/softball. Exploratory factor analysis of PAP measure indicated a three-factor solution: free play, sports, and exercise. Multiple linear regression models revealed that PAP varied as a function of ethnicity, gender, age, and body mass index.

BMI tracking in Mexican American children in relation to maternal BMI.

OBJECTIVE: To assess body mass index (BMI [kg/m2]) tracking over a four-year period in 4- to 8-year-old Mexican American (MA) children and to explore associations between mother and child's BMI. DESIGN: A longitudinal study design was used to assess 138 subjects (69 MA children and 69 MA mothers). Children were classified as normal weight if age- and sex-specific BMI was < 85th percentile and overweight or at-risk for overweight if BMI was > or = 85th percentile. Mothers with a BMI < 25 kg/m2 were classified as normal weight and overweight if BMI was > or = 25 kg/m2. RESULTS: The percentages of children overweight or at-risk for overweight were 34.8%, 36.2%, 40.6% and 39.1% for years 1-4, respectively. A positive correlation was found between the children's BMI status across the four years of the study (r=.90 to .95, P<.001). Furthermore, at-risk for overweight or overweight children in year 1 were highly likely to be overweight or at-risk for overweight in year 4 (adjusted OR: 67.7, 95% CI: 11.7-386.4, P<.001). The correlation coefficients between mothers and daughters' BMIs during the four years were significant (P<.01), but not between mothers and sons' BMIs. CONCLUSION: Overweight or at-risk for overweight status tracks well during childhood and early adolescence among low-income MA children. Sex differences were found concerning associations between mother and their child's BMI.

Parental socialization of smoking initiation in Latino youth.

The relationship between parental socialization strategies and child smoking behavior was examined among 170 Latino parents and 85 index children. Maternal support was negatively associated with child smoking whereas siblings' and friends' smoking were positively associated. Studies with larger samples of Latino families are needed to replicate these findings.

Lesiones del cartílago articular de la rodilla en zona de carga. Artroscopía en 120 pacientes

Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en el Hospital Universitario Abel Santamaría Cuadrado de Pinar del Río en el periodo de enero/1999 a enero/2003 en 120 pacientes atendidos en el servicio de Ortopedia y Traumatología que presentaron lesiones del cartílago articular de las rodillas en zonas de carga de peso, tratados por cirugía artroscópica; con el objetivo de evaluar los factores que influyeron en la evolución de estos pacientes. De la muestra solo el 13.3 por ciento fueron excelentesy el sexo...(AU)

Lesiones del cartílago articular de la rodilla en zona de carga. Artroscopia en 120 pacientes: Arthroscopy in 120 patients / Lesions of the articular cartilage of the knee in a burden zone

Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en el Hospital Universitario "Abel Santamaría Cuadrado" de Pinar del Río en el periodo de enero/1999 a enero/2003 en 120 pacientes atendidos en el servicio de Ortopedia y Traumatología que presentaron lesiones del cartílago articular de las rodillas en zonas de carga de peso, tratados por cirugía artroscópica; con el objetivo de evaluar los factores que influyeron en la evolución de estos pacientes. De la muestra solo el 13.3 % fueron excelentes, el 35 % se evaluaron de bien, mientras el 38.3 % fueron regular y el 13.3 % con malos resultados. El peso corporal, las deformidades angulares de las rodillas, otras lesiones mecánicas asociadas, el estado de la masa muscular y la extensión y profundidad de las lesiones cartilaginosas influyeron notablemente en la evolución de estos pacientes según nuestros resultados así como la edad y el sexo.

A retrospective study is performed at Abel Santamaría Cuadrado Hospital in Pinar del Río from January 1999 to January 2003 in 120 patients assisted in the Service of Orthopedics and Traumatology who presented with lesions in the articular cartilage of the knee in weight load areas, managed with asthroscopic surgery, in order to evaluate the factor which influenced the progress of these patients. Out of the sample, only 13.3 % was excellent, 35 % was good, whereas 38.3 % was not good and 13.3 % was poor. Body weight, knee angular deformities, other related mechanic lesions significantly influenced the progress of these patients, according to our results as well as age and sex.

Una opción terapéutica exitosa para la osteomielitis crónica en condiciones de escasos recursos

Se realizó un trabajo con 40 pacientes afectos de osteomielitis crónica tratados en el Hospital Sanou Souro de Burkina Faso en el período entre 1991 y 1993 (ambos inclusive), a los cuales se les realizó diaficectomía parcial lineal, vaciamiento medular y secuestrectomía, irrigándose el foco osteomielítico durante una semana con una solución al 5 por ciento de betadine amarilla además de una antibiocoterapia adecuada. Se presentó un mayor número de pacientes en el grupo etáreo de 10 a 20 años, con predominio del sexo masculino; los huesos más afectados fueron: fémur, tibia, humero y radio. El 42,5 por ciento de los pacientes tenían antecedentes de osteomielitis aguda hematógena, portadores en su mayoría de hemoglobinopatías. El estafilococo dorado resultó el germen más corriente aislado. Se evaluaron con buenos resultados 27 pacientes, regulares 11 y 12 pacientes como malos a pesar de los escasos recursos con que dispusimos y de las pésimas condiciones de trabajo...(AU)

Una opción terapéutica exitosa para la osteomielitis crónica en condiciones de escasos recursos / A successful therapeutic option to chronic osteomyelitis in conditions of limited resources

Se realizó un trabajo con 40 pacientes afectos de osteomielitis crónica tratados en el Hospital Sanou Souro de Burkina Faso en el período entre 1991 y 1993 (ambos inclusive), a los cuales se les realizó diaficectomía parcial lineal, vaciamiento medular y secuestrectomía, irrigándose el foco osteomielítico durante una semana con una solución al 5 % de betadine amarilla además de una antibiocoterapia adecuada.Se presentó un mayor número de pacientes en el grupo etáreo de 10 a 20 años, con predominio del sexo masculino; los huesos más afectados fueron: fémur, tibia, humero y radio. El 42.5 % de los pacientes tenían antecedentes de osteomielitis aguda hematógena, portadores en su mayoría de hemoglobinopatías. El estafilococo dorado resultó el germen más corriente aislado. Se evaluaron con buenos resultados 27 pacientes, regulares 11 y 12 pacientes como malos a pesar de los escasos recursos con que dispusimos y de las pésimas condiciones de trabajo.

A study was conducted in 40 patients suffering from chronic osteomyelitis treated at Sanou Souro Hospital in Burkina Faso during the period of 1991-1993 (both). A linear partial diaphycectomy, a medullar emptying and a sequestrectomy irrigating the osteomyelitic focus for a week with yellow betadine solution (5 %) and a proper antibiotherapy were carried out. The greatest number of patients belonged to the ages of 10 and 20 years prevailing masculine sex; the most affected bones were: femur, tibia, humerus, and radius, the 42.5 % of the patients had a medical history of acute hematogenic osteomyelitis, the majority of them were carriers of hemoglobinopathies. The golden staphylococcus was the most common isolated germ, 27 patients were evaluated having good results, 11 with average results, and 2 patients were evaluated having poor results in spite of the scarce resources and the poor working conditions we had.

Relación clínico artroscópica de las lesiones mecánicas de la rodilla: Presentación de 100 pacientes tratados

Se realizó un estudio de 100 pacientes atendidos en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Abel Santamaría de Pinar del Río, de enero de 1999 a enero del 2001, por presentar diversas afecciones mecánicas de la rodilla en los que se relacionó el examen físico y los hallazgos artroscópicos. Se comprobó una relación de más de la mitad de los pacientes con lesiones de Menisco y bloqueo articular, resalto palpable y Mc Murray positiva. El test de Hoffa fue positivo en las dos terceras partes de los diagnósticos de hipertrofia de la grasa. El pliegue palpable, dolor en la cara interna de la rodilla y chasquido representó la mayoría de los diagnósticos de Plica Mediopatelar. La maniobra de Clack fue positiva en la totalidad de los diagnósticos de Condromalacia de Rótula y en más de las dos terceras partes de las Condropatías Femoral y Tibia se relacionaron con dolor en la línea articular, pierna o muslo y limitación a la flexión de la rodilla. Todos los pacientes con lesión de ligamento cruzado se relacionaron con la maniobra de resalto y Lachman positiva...(AU