Pathogenesis of an experimental mycobacteriosis in an apple snail.

In this work, we aimed at investigating cell and tissue responses of the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata, following the inoculation of the zoonotic pathogen Mycobacterium marinum. Different doses were tested (10, 20, 65, and 100 M CFU) and the mortality rate was negligible. The histopathogenesis was followed at 4, 9, and 28 days after inoculation. Overt histopathological lesions were consistently observed after the two largest doses only. In the lung, marked hemocyte aggregations, including intravascular nodule formation, were observed within the large blood veins that run along the floor and roof of this organ. Hemocyte aggregations were found occluding many of the radial sinuses supplying the respiratory lamina. Acid-fast bacilli were contained in the different hemocyte aggregations. In addition, hemocytes were observed infiltrating the storage tissue, which makes up most of the lung wall, and the connective tissue of the mantle edge. Additionally, signs of degradation in the storage tissue were observed in the lung wall on day 28. In the kidney, nodules were formed associated with the constitutive hemocyte islets and with the subpallial hemocoelic space, in whose hemocytes the acid-fast structures were found. Electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of bacteria-containing phagosomes within hemocytes located in the surface zone of the islets. Additionally, electron-dense spheroidal structures, which are likely remnants of digested mycobacteria, were observed in close proximity to the hemocytes' nuclei. The size attained by the hemocyte nodules varied during the observation period, but there was no clear dependence on dose or time after inoculation. Nodules were also formed subpallially. Some of these nodules showed 2-3 layers with different cellular composition, suggesting they may also form through successive waves of circulating cells reaching them. Nodular cores, including those formed intravascularly in the lung, would exhibit signs of hemocyte dedifferentiation, possibly proliferation, and death. Hemocyte congestion was observed in the hemocoelic spaces surrounding the pallial ends of the renal crypts, and the renal crypts themselves showed de-epithelization, particularly on day 28. The diverse cellular responses of P. canaliculata to M. marinum inoculation and the high resilience of this snail to the pathogen make it a suitable species for studying mycobacterial infections and their effects on cellular and physiological processes.

Whole Sequencing and Detailed Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Genomes in Southeast Spain: Identification of Recurrent Mutations in the 20E (EU1) Variant with Some Clinical Implications.

During the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, new waves have been associated with new variants and have the potential to escape vaccinations. Therefore, it is useful to conduct retrospective genomic surveillance research. Herein, we present a detailed analysis of 88 SARS-CoV-2 genomes belonging to samples taken from COVID-19 patients from October 2020 to April 2021 at the "Reina Sofía" Hospital (Murcia, Spain) focused to variant appeared later. The results at the mentioned stage show the turning point since the 20E (EU1) variant was still prevalent (71.6%), but Alpha was bursting to 14.8%. Concern mutations have been found in 5 genomes classified as 20E (EU1), which were not characteristic of this still little evolved variant. Most of those mutations are found in the spike protein, namely Δ69-70, E484K, Q675H and P681H. However, a relevant deletion in ORF1a at positions 3675-3677 was also identified. These mutations have been reported in many later SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including Omicron. Taken together, our data suggest that preferential emergence mutations could already be present in the early converging evolution. Aside from this, the molecular information has been contrasted with clinical data. Statistical analyses suggest that the correlation between age and severity criteria is significantly higher in the viral samples with more accumulated changes.

Monitoring for Anguillicoloides crassus, Anguillid herpesvirus 1, aquabirnavirus EVE and rhabdovirus EVEX in the European eel population of southern Spain.

European eel is critically endangered in Europe. Among other stressors, pathogens are well-known to harm eels' fitness. One hundred and eighty-two eels were captured in three Eel Management Units in Andalucía (SE Spain) and analysed for Anguillicoloides crassus, Anguillid herpesvirus 1 (AngHV1), the rhabdovirus Eel Virus European X (EVEX) and the aquabirnavirus Eel Virus European (EVE). A. crassus adults and preadults were isolated and morphometrically identified, and the eel swimbladders were artificially digested to count A. crassus larvae. Also, eel tissues were examined by PCRs for the presence of viruses. EVEX and EVE were not detected in any of the eels. The estimated prevalence (95% confidence limits) was 71 (64-78)% for A. crassus and 35 (28-42)% for AngHV-1, varying these prevalences significantly between and within EMUs. Moreover, A. crassus prevalence was highest in smaller eels, in sites closest to the sea and eels sampled in the autumn. By contrast, AngHV-1 prevalence was highest in biggest eels, in sites far from the sea and sampled in the summer or winter. However, in mixed effects logistic models including site as a random variable, the risk of infection was associated with distance to the sea in both A. crassus and AngHV-1 infections and also to winter sampling in the case of AngHV-1 and not to other variables. These results are evidence that both pathogens are highly endemic in eels from Andalusian habitats. Further studies are needed to better understand the risk factors associated with these pathogens on eel populations.

Subject-specific computational modeling of acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments.

BACKGROUND: Disruption of the acromioclavicular joint is a common injury. Despite the different surgical procedures described for treating this injury, complications such as loss of reduction and failure of fixation remain unacceptably high. We developed a computer model of the acromioclavicular joint to better understand the biomechanical contributions of the ligaments that are typically injured. METHODS: Six fresh frozen human cadaveric shoulders were tested on an AMTI VIVO 6-degree of freedom test platform to measure force-displacement in inferior translation, anteroposterior translation, and internal rotation before and after sequentially transecting the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments. These data were used to construct computer models of each specimen. Three-dimensional computed tomographic scans were used to generate a rigid-body dynamics model using the AnyBody Modeling System. The scapula and clavicle were connected by the acromioclavicular joint capsule, the conoid ligament, and the trapezoid ligament. Subject-specific ligament properties were calculated by matching computer predictions to experimental force-displacement data. RESULTS: The calculated free lengths of the conoid, trapezoid, and acromioclavicular ligaments were 13.5 (±3.2), 11.8 (±2.4), and 11.0 (±2.7) mm, respectively. The calculated stiffnesses of the conoid, trapezoid, and acromioclavicular ligaments were 34.3 (±6.3), 28.4 (±3.2), and 33.8 (±8.2) N/mm, respectively. Root mean square deviation (RMSD) of predicted force-displacement curves relative to experimental force-displacement curves (during inferior and anteroposterior translation) was less than 1 mm. For validation of subject-specific models, after ligament properties were calculated, the RMSD of the predicted torque over 15° of internal rotation was 12% of maximum rotational torque (average for 6 specimens). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Acromioclavicular disruption results in multidirectional instability, which requires careful consideration of the individual contributions of the injured ligaments. In addition, variations in patient anatomy can significantly affect the biomechanical stability of the reconstruction. Subject-specific models can enhance our understanding of the individual and collective biomechanical contributions of the injured soft tissues to the multiaxial stability of the acromioclavicular joint. These models may also be useful for analyzing and assessing biomechanical stability after various types of surgical reconstruction.

Guía de práctica clínica para el diagnóstico y manejo inicial de artritis reumatoide en el Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud) / Clinical Practice Guideline for the diagnosis and initial management of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Social Security of Peru (EsSalud)

La Artritis Reumatoide (AR) tiene adversas consecuencias en la salud su diagnóstico temprano y manejo óptimo requiere recomendaciones basadas en evidencia de alta calidad adaptadas a cada sistema de salud. Objetivo: Proveer recomendaciones clínicas basadas en evidencia para el diagnóstico y manejo inicial de la AR. Material y Métodos: Se conformó un grupo elaborador de la guía (GEG) que incluyó médicos especialistas y metodólogos. El GEG formuló 10 preguntas clínicas a ser respondidas por la presente GPC. Se realizaron búsquedas sistemáticas de la evidencia publicada en PubMed y CENTRAL entre diciembre 2017 a julio 2019 (revisiones sistemáticas y ­cuando fue considerado pertinente­ estudios primarios). Se seleccionó la evidencia de mayor calidad para responder cada una de las preguntas clínicas planteadas. La certeza de la evidencia fue evaluada usando la metodología Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) y en reuniones de trabajo periódicas, el GEG usó dicha metodología para revisar la evidencia y formular las recomendaciones, los puntos de buena práctica clínica y los flujogramas. Finalmente, la GPC fue aprobada con Resolución N° 132 ­ IETSI ­ ESSALUD ­ 2019. Resultados: La presente GPC abordó 10 preguntas clínicas, divididas en dos temas: diagnóstico y manejo. En base a dichas preguntas se formularon 16 recomendaciones (5 fuertes y 11 condicionales), 45 puntos de buena práctica clínica, y 3 flujogramas. Conclusión: El presente artículo resume la metodología y las conclusiones basadas en evidencias de la GPC para el diagnóstico y manejo inicial de la AR en EsSalud.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has adverse health consequences its early diagnosis and optimal management requires high quality evidence-based recommendations tailored to each health system. Objective: To provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for the diagnosis and initial management of RA. Material and Methods: A guideline development group (GDG) was formed that included medical specialists and methodologists. The GEG formulated 10 clinical questions to be answered by this CPG. Systematic searches of the evidence published in PubMed and CENTRAL were performed between December 2017 and July 2019 (systematic reviews and -when considered relevant- primary studies). The highest quality evidence was selected to answer each of the clinical questions posed. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, and in periodic working meetings, the GEG used this methodology to review the evidence and formulate the recommendations, good clinical practice points, and flowcharts. Finally, the CPG was approved by Resolution No. 132 - IETSI - ESSALUD - 2019. Results: This CPG addressed 10 clinical questions, divided into two topics: diagnosis and management. Based on these questions, 16 recommendations (5 strong and 11 conditional), 45 points of good clinical practice, and 3 flowcharts were formulated. Conclusion: This article summarizes the methodology and evidence-based conclusions of the CPG for the diagnosis and initial management of RA in EsSalud.

Ionization of many-electron atoms by the action of two plasma models.

The Hartree-Fock equations for many-electron atoms embedded in a plasma medium are solved using two different plasma models: (a) Debye-Hückel screening (DHS) potential and (b) exponential cosine screened Coulomb (ECSC) potential. Roothaan's approach is implemented for these models after solving the inherent difficulties to evaluate integrals where screening appears explicitly. A corresponding computer code was developed using the method of global basis sets (GBS). The reliability of this approach was verified by solving the Hartree-Fock equations through implementation of the finite-differences and finite-element grid methods and applied to two-electron atoms, yielding excellent agreement with the Roothaan-GBS (RGBS) method. The RGBS method was used to study the energy evolution and ionization threshold of several closed- and open-shell many-electron atoms embedded either in weak or strong DHS or ECSC plasma conditions. In all cases, a critical value of the screening length is obtained for which ionization is achieved, being systematically larger for DHS conditions, indicating the effect of a more repulsive ECSC potential. For He-like atoms in the ground state, we report a comprehensive set of accurate total energy data as a function of the screening constant using the Lagrange mesh method, which includes the electron correlation effects. The electron correlation energy is estimated using this data with reference to the RGBS estimates of energy as the Hartree-Fock energy. The variation of correlation energy as a function of screening constant under the different plasma potentials is rationalized in terms of a conjectured comparison theorem. Finally, a discussion on the effect of plasma strength on localization or delocalization of the electronic density derived from the RGBS method is presented in terms of changes in the Shannon entropy, yielding consistent results for delocalization close to the ionization threshold.

Generation of Nonmosaic, Two-Pore Channel 2 Biallelic Knockout Pigs in One Generation by CRISPR-Cas9 Microinjection Before Oocyte Insemination.

Studies of knockout (KO) mice with defects in the endolysosomal two-pore channels (TPCs) have shown TPCs to be involved in pathophysiological processes, including heart and muscle function, metabolism, immunity, cancer, and viral infection. With the objective of studying TPC2's pathophysiological roles for the first time in a large, more humanlike animal model, TPC2 KO pigs were produced using CRISPR-Cas9. A major problem using CRISPR-Cas9 to edit embryos is mosaicism; thus, we studied for the first time the effect of microinjection timing on mosaicism. Mosaicism was greatly reduced when in vitro produced embryos were microinjected before insemination, and surgical embryo transfer (ET) was performed using such embryos. All TPC2 KO fetuses and piglets born following ET (i.e., F0 generation) were nonmosaic biallelic KOs. The generation of nonmosaic animals greatly facilitates germ line transmission of the mutation, thereby aiding the rapid and efficient generation of KO animal lines for medical research and agriculture.

Innate local response and tissue recovery following application of high density microarray patches to human skin.

The development of microarray patches for vaccine application has the potential to revolutionise vaccine delivery. Microarray patches (MAP) reduce risks of needle stick injury, do not require reconstitution and have the potential to enhance immune responses using a fractional vaccine dose. To date, the majority of research has focused on vaccine delivery with little characterisation of local skin response and recovery. Here we study in detail the immediate local skin response and recovery of the skin post high density MAP application in 12 individuals receiving 3 MAPs randomly assigned to the forearm and upper arm. Responses were characterised by clinical scoring, dermatoscopy, evaporimetry and tissue viability imaging (TiVi). MAP application resulted in punctures in the epidermis, a significant transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the peak TEWL being concomitant with peak erythema responses visualised by TiVi. TEWL and TiVi responses reduced over time, with TEWL returning to baseline by 48 h and erythema fading over the course of a 7 day period. As MAPs for vaccination move into larger clinical studies more variation of individual subject phenotypic or disease propensity will be encountered which will require consideration both in regard to reliability of dose delivery and degree of inherent skin response.

Erratum: Author Correction: M-protein based vaccine induces immunogenicity and protection from Streptococcus pyogenes when delivered on a high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/s41541-020-00222-2.].

M-protein based vaccine induces immunogenicity and protection from Streptococcus pyogenes when delivered on a high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP).

We evaluated vaccination against Streptococcus pyogenes with the candidate vaccine, J8-DT, delivered by a high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP). We showed that vaccination with J8-DT eluted from a coated HD-MAP (J8-DT/HD-MAP), induced similar total IgG responses to that generated by vaccination with J8-DT adjuvanted with Alum (J8-DT/Alum). We evaluated the effect of dose reduction and the number of vaccinations on the antibody response profile of vaccinated mice. A reduction in the number of vaccinations (from three to two) with J8-DT/HD-MAP induced comparable antibody responses to three vaccinations with intramuscular J8-DT/Alum. Vaccine-induced protection against an S. pyogenes skin challenge was assessed. J8-DT/HD-MAP vaccination led to a significant reduction in the number of S. pyogenes colony forming units in skin (92.9%) and blood (100%) compared to intramuscular vaccination with unadjuvanted J8-DT. The protection profile was comparable to that of intramuscular J8-DT/Alum. J8-DT/HD-MAP induced a shift in the antibody isotype profile, with a bias towards Th1-related isotypes, compared to J8-DT/Alum (Th2 bias). Based on the results of this study, the use of J8-DT/HD-MAP should be considered in future clinical development and control programs against S. pyogenes. Furthermore, the innate characteristics of the technology, such as vaccine stability and increased coverage, ease of use, reduction of sharp waste and the potential reduction of dose may be advantageous compared to current vaccination methods.

Systemic L-Buthionine -S-R-Sulfoximine Treatment Increases Plasma NGF and Upregulates L-cys/L-cys2 Transporter and γ-Glutamylcysteine Ligase mRNAs Through the NGF/TrkA/Akt/Nrf2 Pathway in the Striatum.

Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant intracellular antioxidant. GSH depletion leads to oxidative stress and neuronal damage in the central nervous system (CNS). In mice, the acute systemic inhibition of GSH synthesis by L-buthionine-S-R-sulfoximine (BSO) triggers a protective response and a subsequent increase in the CNS GSH content. This response might be modulated by a peripheral increment of circulating nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is an important activator of antioxidant pathways mediated by tropomyosin-related kinase receptor A (TrkA). Here, we report that peripheral administration of BSO increased plasma NGF levels. Additionally, BSO increased NGF levels and activated the NGF/TrkA/Akt pathway in striatal neurons. Moreover, the response in the striatum included an increased transcription of nrf2, gclm, lat1, eaac1, and xct, all of which are involved in antioxidant responses, and L-cys/L-cys2 and glutamate transporters. Using antibody against NGF confirmed that peripheral NGF activated the NGF/TrkA/Akt/Nrf2 pathway in the striatum and subsequently increased the transcription of gclm, nrf2, lat1, eaac1, and xct. These results provide evidence that the reduction of peripheral GSH pools increases peripheral NGF circulation that orchestrates a neuroprotective response in the CNS, at least in the striatum, through the NGF/TrkA/Akt/Nrf2 pathway.

Comparison of Biological Properties of Two Medicinal Extracts of the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Valley.

In the Valley of Tehuacan-Cuicatlan, Cyrtocarpa procera and Bursera morelensis are located and are used in traditional medicine. In this research, several biological properties were evaluated. The methanol extracts of C. procera (MeCp) and B. morelensis (MeBm) were obtained by maceration. The antibacterial activities of the extracts were evaluated by the Kirby-Baüer disc-diffusion method. The wound healing activity was evaluated by histopathological analysis. Both extracts had a bacteriostatic effect in the Staphylococcus aureus (MeCp MIC = 0.25 mg/mL and MeBm MIC = 1 mg/mL) and the Vibrio cholerae (MeCp MIC = 1 mg/mL and MeBm MIC = 4 mg/mL). Both extracts demonstrated a wound healing efficacy similar to the reference standard (Recoveron). They also showed a high antioxidant capacity (MeCp SC50 = 5.75 µg/mL and MeBm SC50 = 4.27 µg/mL). These results are related to the concentration of phenols (MeCp = 166 and MeBm = 236.6 mg GAe/g) and flavonoids of MeCp = 16 and MeBm = 22 µg Qe/g. Both extracts, acting in a similar way in microorganisms that cause infection thanks to their antioxidant activity, favor the healing of wounds. This is the first study in which the biological properties of these two species are compared.

Systemic L-buthionine-S-R-sulfoximine administration modulates glutathione homeostasis via NGF/TrkA and mTOR signaling in the cerebellum.

Glutathione (GSH) is an essential component of intracellular antioxidant systems that plays a primordial role in the protection of cells against oxidative stress, maintaining redox homeostasis and xenobiotic detoxification. GSH synthesis in the brain is limited by the availability of cysteine and glutamate. Cystine, the disulfide form of cysteine is transported into endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and astrocytes via the system xc-, which is composed of xCT and the heavy chain of 4F2 cell surface antigen (4F2hc). Cystine is reduced inside the cells and the L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) transports cysteine from the endothelial cells into the brain, cysteine is transported into the neurons through the excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3), also known as excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1). The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and neurotrophins can activate signaling pathways that modulate amino acid transporters for GSH synthesis. The present study found that systemic L-buthionine-S-R-sulfoximine (BSO) administration selectively altered GSH homeostasis and EAAT3 levels in the mice cerebellum. Intraperitoneal treatment of mice with 6 mmol/kg of BSO depleted GSH and GSSG in the liver at 2 h of treatment. The cerebellum, but not other brain regions, exhibited a redox response. The mTOR and the neuronal growth factor (NGF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) signaling pathways were activated and lead to an increase in the protein levels of the EAAT3 transporter, which was linked to an increase in the GSH/GSSG ratio and GSH concentration in the cerebellum at 0.5 and 2 h, respectively. Therefore, the cerebellum responds to peripheral GSH depletion via activation of the mTOR and NGF/TrkA pathways, which increase the transport of cysteine for GSH synthesis.

Safety, tolerability, acceptability and immunogenicity of an influenza vaccine delivered to human skin by a novel high-density microprojection array patch (Nanopatch™).

BACKGROUND: Injection using needle and syringe (N&S) is the most widely used method for vaccination, but requires trained healthcare workers. Fear of needles, risk of needle-stick injury, and the need to reconstitute lyophilised vaccines, are also drawbacks. The Nanopatch (NP) is a microarray skin patch comprised of a high-density array of microprojections dry-coated with vaccine that is being developed to address these shortcomings. Here we report a randomised, partly-blinded, placebo-controlled trial that represents the first use in humans of the NP to deliver a vaccine. METHODS: Healthy volunteers were vaccinated once with one of the following: (1) NPs coated with split inactivated influenza virus (A/California/07/2009 [H1N1], 15 µg haemagglutinin (HA) per dose), applied to the volar forearm (NP-HA/FA), n = 15; (2) NPs coated with split inactivated influenza virus (A/California/07/2009 [H1N1], 15 µg HA per dose), applied to the upper arm (NP-HA/UA), n = 15; (3) Fluvax® 2016 containing 15 µg of the same H1N1 HA antigen injected intramuscularly (IM) into the deltoid (IM-HA/D), n = 15; (4) NPs coated with excipients only, applied to the volar forearm (NP-placebo/FA), n = 5; (5) NPs coated with excipients only applied to the upper arm (NP-placebo/UA), n = 5; or (6) Saline injected IM into the deltoid (IM-placebo/D), n = 5. Antibody responses at days 0, 7, and 21 were measured by haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) and microneutralisation (MN) assays. FINDINGS: NP vaccination was safe and acceptable; all adverse events were mild or moderate. Most subjects (55%) receiving patch vaccinations (HA or placebo) preferred the NP compared with their past experience of IM injection with N&S (preferred by 24%). The antigen-vaccinated groups had statistically higher HAI titres at day 7 and 21 compared with baseline (p < 0.0001), with no statistical differences between the treatment groups (p > 0.05), although the group sizes were small. The geometric mean HAI titres at day 21 for the NP-HA/FA, NP-HA/UA and IM-HA/D groups were: 335 (189-593 95% CI), 160 (74-345 95% CI), and 221 (129-380 95% CI) respectively. A similar pattern of responses was seen with the MN assays. Application site reactions were mild or moderate, and more marked with the influenza vaccine NPs than with the placebo or IM injection. INTERPRETATION: Influenza vaccination using the NP appeared to be safe, and acceptable in this first time in humans study, and induced similar immune responses to vaccination by IM injection.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Peritendinous Hyaluronic Acid in Patients with Supraspinatus Tendinopathy: a Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical therapy and peritendinous hyaluronic acid (HA) injections have both shown promising results in the treatment of shoulder tendinopathies. However, the superiority of treatment combining physical therapy and HA is unclear. METHODS: Patients with ultrasound-confirmed supraspinatus tendinopathy were randomized to receive either physical therapy + subacromial HA injections or physical therapy only. Treatment efficacy was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and an Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale. Other measures were the number of rehabilitation sessions and days needed for recovery, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), and the physician and patient's perception of efficacy and tolerability. Patients were followed up for 90 days. RESULTS: Overall, VAS and ADL scores showed a progressive decrease during the follow-up (P < 0.01 at all visits for both groups), without significant differences between groups. The TSK score decreased significantly more in the HA group than in the control group (3.6 vs. 2.4; P < 0.001). Patients in the control group needed more rehabilitation sessions (28 vs. 22 in the HA group; P = 0.006) and more days for returning to their pre-injury activity (32 vs. 20 in the HA group; P = 0.013). Both patients and investigators perceived higher efficacy in the HA group than in the control group (P = 0.034). Both treatments were safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Subacromial HA injections combined with physical therapy have high efficacy in the treatment of supraspinatus tendinopathy, leading to an earlier return to pre-injury activity and the need for fewer rehabilitation sessions, which may benefit both patients and the healthcare system.

Boron and Coumaphos Residues in Hive Materials Following Treatments for the Control of Aethina tumida Murray.

In the search of alternatives for controlling Aethina tumida Murray, we recently proposed the BAA trap which uses boric acid and an attractant which mimics the process of fermentation caused by Kodamaea ohmeri in the hive. This yeast is excreted in the feces of A. tumida causing the fermentation of pollen and honey of infested hives and releasing compounds that function as aggregation pheromones to A. tumida. Since the boron is the toxic element in boric acid, the aim of this article is to assess the amount of boron residues in honey and beeswax from hives treated with the BAA trap. For this aim, the amount of bioaccumulated boron in products of untreated hives was first determined and then compared with the amount of boron of products from hives treated with the BAA trap in two distinct climatic and soil conditions. The study was conducted in the cities of Padilla, Tamaulipas, and Valladolid, Yucatan (Mexico) from August 2014 to March 2015. The quantity of boron in honey was significantly less in Yucatan than in Tamaulipas; this agrees with the boron deficiency among Luvisol and Leptosol soils found in Yucatan compared to the Vertisol soil found in Tamaulipas. In fact, the honey from Yucatan has lower boron levels than those reported in the literature. The BAA treatment was applied for four months, results show that the BAA trap does not have any residual effect in either honey or wax; i.e., there is no significant difference in boron content before and after treatment. On the other hand, the organophosphate pesticide coumaphos was found in 100% of wax samples and in 64% of honey samples collected from Yucatan. The concentration of coumaphos in honey ranges from 0.005 to 0.040 mg/kg, which are below Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) allowed in the European Union (0.1 mg/kg) but 7.14% of samples exceeded the MRL allowed in Canada (0.02 mg/kg).

Multiple regimes of robust patterns between network structure and biodiversity.

Ecological networks such as plant-pollinator and host-parasite networks have structured interactions that define who interacts with whom. The structure of interactions also shapes ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Yet, there is significant ongoing debate as to whether certain structures, e.g., nestedness, contribute positively, negatively or not at all to biodiversity. We contend that examining variation in life history traits is key to disentangling the potential relationship between network structure and biodiversity. Here, we do so by analyzing a dynamic model of virus-bacteria interactions across a spectrum of network structures. Consistent with prior studies, we find plausible parameter domains exhibiting strong, positive relationships between nestedness and biodiversity. Yet, the same model can exhibit negative relationships between nestedness and biodiversity when examined in a distinct, plausible region of parameter space. We discuss steps towards identifying when network structure could, on its own, drive the resilience, sustainability, and even conservation of ecological communities.

Contexto sociodemográfico de los homicidios en México D.F.: un análisis espacial / Sociodemographic context of homicide in Mexico City: a spatial analysis

Objetivo. Investigar el patrón de distribución espacial de la tasa de homicidios y su relación con las características sociodemográficas en las delegaciones de Benito Juárez, Coyoacán y Cuauhtémoc de la Ciudad de México en el año 2010. Métodos. Estudio inferencial de corte transversal que usa métodos de análisis espacial para estudiar la asociación espacial de la tasa de homicidios y las características demográficas. La asociación espacial fue determinada a través del cociente de localización, análisis de regression múltiple y el uso de la regresión geográficamente ponderada. Resultados. Los homicidios muestran un patrón de localización heterogéneo con altas tasas en zonas con uso del suelo no residencial, con baja densidad de población y baja marginación. Conclusiones. El uso de herramientas de análisis espacial son instrumentos poderosos para el diseño de políticas de seguridad pública preventiva y recreativa que busquen reducir la mortalidad por causas externas como homicidios.

Objective. Investigate the spatial distribution pattern of the homicide rate and its relation to sociodemographic features in the Benito Juárez, Coyoacán, and Cuauhtémoc districts of Mexico City in 2010. Methods. Inferential cross-sectional study that uses spatial analysis methods to study the spatial association of the homicide rate and demographic features. Spatial association was determined through the location quotient, multiple regression analysis, and the use of geographically weighted regression. Results. Homicides show a heterogeneous location pattern with high rates in areas with non-residential land use, low population density, and low marginalization. Conclusions. Spatial analysis tools are powerful instruments for the design of prevention-and recreation-focused public safety policies that aim to reduce mortality from external causes such as homicides.

Contexto sociodemográfico de los homicidios en México D.F.: un análisis espacial / Sociodemographic context of homicide in Mexico City: a spatial analysis

OBJETIVO:Investigar el patrón de distribución espacial de la tasa de homicidios y su relación con las características sociodemográficas en las delegaciones de Benito Juárez, Coyoacán y Cuauhtémoc de la Ciudad de México en el año 2010. MÉTODOS: Estudio inferencial de corte transversal que usa métodos de análisis espacial para estudiar la asociación espacial de la tasa de homicidios y las características demográficas. La asociación espacial fue determinada a través del cociente de localización, análisis de regresión múltiple y el uso de la regresión geográficamente ponderada. RESULTADOS: Los homicidios muestran un patrón de localización heterogéneo con altas tasas en zonas con uso del suelo no residencial, con baja densidad de población y baja marginación. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de herramientas de análisis espacial son instrumentos poderosos para el diseño de políticas de seguridad pública preventiva y recreativa que busquen reducir la mortalidad por causas externas como homicidios.

OBJECTIVE:Investigate the spatial distribution pattern of the homicide rate and its relation to sociodemographic features in the Benito Juárez, Coyoacán, and Cuauhtémoc districts of Mexico City in 2010. METHODS: Inferential cross-sectional study that uses spatial analysis methods to study the spatial association of the homicide rate and demographic features. Spatial association was determined through the location quotient, multiple regression analysis, and the use of geographically weighted regression. RESULTS: Homicides show a heterogeneous location pattern with high rates in areas with non-residential land use, low population density, and low marginalization. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial analysis tools are powerful instruments for the design of prevention- and recreation-focused public safety policies that aim to reduce mortality from external causes such as homicides.

Multilevel animal societies can emerge from cultural transmission.

Multilevel societies, containing hierarchically nested social levels, are remarkable social structures whose origins are unclear. The social relationships of sperm whales are organized in a multilevel society with an upper level composed of clans of individuals communicating using similar patterns of clicks (codas). Using agent-based models informed by an 18-year empirical study, we show that clans are unlikely products of stochastic processes (genetic or cultural drift) but likely originate from cultural transmission via biased social learning of codas. Distinct clusters of individuals with similar acoustic repertoires, mirroring the empirical clans, emerge when whales learn preferentially the most common codas (conformism) from behaviourally similar individuals (homophily). Cultural transmission seems key in the partitioning of sperm whales into sympatric clans. These findings suggest that processes similar to those that generate complex human cultures could not only be at play in non-human societies but also create multilevel social structures in the wild.