Assessment of the ecological risk and mobility of arsenic and heavy metals in soils and mine tailings from the Carmina mine site (Asturias, NW Spain).

An evaluation of the pollution, distribution, and mobility of arsenic and heavy metals in spoil heaps and soils surrounding the abandoned Carmina lead-zinc mine (Asturias, northern Spain) was carried out. Fractionation of arsenic was performed by an arsenic-specific sequential extraction method; while, heavy metal fractionations was carried out using the protocol of the Bureau Community of Reference (BCR) (now renamed Standards, Measurements and Testing Programme). Arsenic appeared predominantly associated with amorphous iron oxyhydroxides. Among the heavy metals, lead and zinc showed high availability since significant amounts were extracted in the nonresidual fractions; whereas, chromium, copper and nickel showed very low availability, indicating their lithogenic origins. The results showed that the extractability of heavy metals in soils is influenced mainly by the presence of iron and manganese oxides as well as by pH and Eh. Multiple pollution indices, including the enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), ecological risk index (Er) and potential ecological risk index (PERI), were used to assess the degree of soil pollution in the mine area. All results showed that lead was the key factor causing the pollution and ecological risk in the studied area, and copper, zinc and arsenic also had significant contributions. Notably, the sites at higher risk coincided with those with high availability of arsenic and heavy metals. This study provides an integrative approach that serves as a powerful tool to evaluate the metal pollution status and potential threats to the local environment of abandoned mining areas, and the results are useful for making management decisions in these areas.

A Rare Association: Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia with Liver Cirrhosis Causing Portal Hypertension.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome, is a vascular disorder of autosomal dominant etiology. The hallmark clinical feature is the presence of recurrent episodes of epistaxis in patients with vascular malformations and a tendency to bleed. We present the case of a 71-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by esophageal varices, in conjunction with gastric angiodysplasias. The presence of oronasopharyngeal telangiectasias and hepatomegaly raised suspicion of HHT. The diagnostic workup confirmed the presence of angiodysplasia in the gastric region, portal arteriovenous malformation, and a pulmonary shunt.

Understanding different dominance patterns in western Amazonian forests.

Dominance of neotropical tree communities by a few species is widely documented, but dominant trees show a variety of distributional patterns still poorly understood. Here, we used 503 forest inventory plots (93,719 individuals ≥2.5 cm diameter, 2609 species) to explore the relationships between local abundance, regional frequency and spatial aggregation of dominant species in four main habitat types in western Amazonia. Although the abundance-occupancy relationship is positive for the full dataset, we found that among dominant Amazonian tree species, there is a strong negative relationship between local abundance and regional frequency and/or spatial aggregation across habitat types. Our findings suggest an ecological trade-off whereby dominant species can be locally abundant (local dominants) or regionally widespread (widespread dominants), but rarely both (oligarchs). Given the importance of dominant species as drivers of diversity and ecosystem functioning, unravelling different dominance patterns is a research priority to direct conservation efforts in Amazonian forests.

Third National Registry of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Mexico (RENAPREC III-2022) / Tercer Registro Nacional de Programas de Rehabilitación Cardiaca en México (RENAPREC III-2022)

Abstract Introduction: In Mexico, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) as an interdisciplinary intervention with therapeutic impact in patients with heart disease is growing. There is the need to know actual conditions of CR in our country. Objectives: The objective of this National Registry is to follow-up those existing and new CR units in Mexico through the comparison between the two previous registries, RENAPREC-2009 and RENAPREC II-2015 studies. This is a descriptive study focused on diverse CR activities such as assistance training, and certification of health professionals, barriers, reference, population attended, interdisciplinarity, permanence over time, growth prospects, regulations, post-pandemic condition, integrative characteristics, and scientific research. Results: Data were collected from 45 CR centers in the 32 states, 75.5% are private practice units, 67% are new, 33% were part of RENAPREC II-2015, and 17 have continued since 2009. With a better distribution of CR units along the territory, the median reference of candidates for CR programs is 9% with a significant reduction into tiempo of enrollment to Phase II admission (19 ± 11 days). Regarding to previous registries, the coverance of Phases I, II, and III is 71%, 100%, and 93%, respectively; and a coverance increases in evaluation, risk stratification, and prescription, more comprehensive attendance and prevention strategies. Conclusions: CR in Mexico has grown in the past 7 years. Even there is still low reference and heterogeneity in specific processes, there are strengths such as interdisciplinarity, scientific professionalization of specialists, national diversification, and an official society that are consolidated over time.

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Bioaccumulation of Non-Essential Trace Elements Detected in Women's Follicular Fluid, Urine, and Plasma Is Associated with Poor Reproductive Outcomes following Single Euploid Embryo Transfer: A Pilot Study.

This study aims to determine the association of non-essential trace elements present in follicular fluid, plasma, and urine with reproductive outcomes of women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) and single frozen euploid embryo transfer (SET/FET). This single-center, prospective cohort study included sixty women undergoing ICSI with PGT-A and SET/FET between 2018 and 2019. Urine, plasma and follicular fluid samples were collected on the vaginal oocyte retrieval day to simultaneously quantify ten non-essential trace elements (i.e., Ba, Sr, Rb, Sn, Ti, Pb, Cd, Hg, Sb, and As). We found several associations between the levels of these non-essential trace elements and clinical IVF parameters. Specifically, the increased levels of barium in follicular fluid were negatively associated with ovarian function, pre-implantation development and embryo euploidy, while elevated strontium concentrations in this biofluid were negatively associated with impaired blastulation and embryo euploidy. Elevated plasma strontium levels were negatively associated with ovarian function, fertilization and blastulation. Enhanced presence of other trace elements in plasma (i.e., rubidium and arsenic) were associated with a diminished ovarian function and limited the number of recovered oocytes, mature oocytes and zygotes, respectively. Fully adjusted models suggested significantly lower odds of achieving a live birth when increased concentrations of barium and tin were found in urine.

[Third National Registry of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Mexico (RENAPREC III-2022)]. / Tercer Registro Nacional de Programas de Rehabilitación Cardiaca en México (RENAPREC III-2022).

Introduction: In Mexico, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) as an interdisciplinary intervention with therapeutic impact in patients with heart disease is growing. There is the need to know actual conditions of CR in our country. Objectives: The objective of this National Registry is to follow-up those existing and new CR units in Mexico through the comparison between the two previous registries, RENAPREC-2009 and RENAPREC II-2015 studies. This is a descriptive study focused on diverse CR activities such as assistance training, and certification of health professionals, barriers, reference, population attended, interdisciplinarity, permanence over time, growth prospects, regulations, post-pandemic condition, integrative characteristics, and scientific research. Results: Data were collected from 45 CR centers in the 32 states, 75.5% are private practice units, 67% are new, 33% were part of RENAPREC II-2015, and 17 have continued since 2009. With a better distribution of CR units along the territory, the median reference of candidates for CR programs is 9% with a significant reduction into tiempo of enrollment to Phase II admission (19 ± 11 days). Regarding to previous registries, the coverance of Phases I, II, and III is 71%, 100%, and 93%, respectively; and a coverance increases in evaluation, risk stratification, and prescription, more comprehensive attendance and prevention strategies. Conclusions: CR in Mexico has grown in the past 7 years. Even there is still low reference and heterogeneity in specific processes, there are strengths such as interdisciplinarity, scientific professionalization of specialists, national diversification, and an official society that are consolidated over time.

Introducción: En México, la Rehabilitación Cardíaca (RC) como intervención interdisciplinaria con impacto terapéutico en paciente con cardiopatía está en crecimiento. Existe la necesidad de conocer las condiciones actuales de la RC en nuestro país. Objetivo: El objetivo de este Registro es dar seguimiento comparativo de las unidades nuevas y existentes entre los registros anteriores, RENAPREC-2009 y RENAPREC II-2015. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo centrado en diversas actividades de la RC: formación asistencial y certificación de sus profesionales, barreras, referencia, población atendida, interdisciplinariedad, permanencia en el tiempo, perspectivas de crecimiento, normativa, condición pospandemia, características integradoras e investigación. Resultados: Se recolectaron datos de 45 centros en los 32 estados, 67% son nuevos 75.5% son de práctica privada, 33% fueron parte de RENAPREC II-2015 y 17 desde 2009. Con una mejor distribución de las unidades de RC a lo largo del territorio, la mediana de referencia de pacientes candidatos a RC es ahora del 9% con reducción significativa del tiempo de admisión a Fase II (19 ± 11 días). Respecto a registros anteriores las coberturas de las Fases I, II y III son del 71%, 100% y 93%, respectivamente; con un aumento de la cobertura en evaluación, estratificación de riesgo y prescripción, atención más integral y estrategias de prevención. Conclusiones: La RC en México ha crecido en los últimos 7 años. Si bien aún existe baja referencia y heterogeneidad en procesos específicos, existen fortalezas como la interdisciplinariedad, la profesionalización científica de los especialistas, la diversificación nacional y una sociedad oficial que se consolida en el tiempo.

Comparison of Thermal and Laser-Reduced Graphene Oxide Production for Energy Storage Applications.

A way to obtain graphene-based materials on a large-scale level is by means of chemical methods for the oxidation of graphite to obtain graphene oxide (GO), in combination with thermal, laser, chemical and electrochemical reduction methods to produce reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Among these methods, thermal and laser-based reduction processes are attractive, due to their fast and low-cost characteristics. In this study, first a modified Hummer's method was applied to obtain graphite oxide (GrO)/graphene oxide. Subsequently, an electrical furnace, a fusion instrument, a tubular reactor, a heating plate, and a microwave oven were used for the thermal reduction, and UV and CO2 lasers were used for the photothermal and/or photochemical reduction. The chemical and structural characterizations of the fabricated rGO samples were performed by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy measurements. The analysis and comparison of the results revealed that the strongest feature of the thermal reduction methods is the production of high specific surface area, fundamental for volumetric energy applications such as hydrogen storage, whereas in the case of the laser reduction methods, a highly localized reduction is achieved, ideal for microsupercapacitors in flexible electronics.

Una nueva especie de Chrysochlamys (Clusiaceae, Clusioideae, Clusieae) del Parque Nacional Cordillera Azul, Loreto, Perú

Se describe e ilustra Chrysochlamys montieliae, nueva especie de la familia Clusiaceae, subfamilia Clusioideae, tribu Clusieae, procedente del Parque Nacional Cordillera Azul, del Departamento de Loreto. Siguiendo los criterios de la UICN, proponemos categorizarla como Datos Insuficientes (DD), debido a que solo es conocida de la localidad tipo. Igualmente, se discute sus relaciones con las especies afines.

Chrysochlamys montieliae, a new species of the Clusiaceae family, Clusioideae subfamily, Clusieae tribe, from the Cordillera Azul National Park, Department of Loreto, is described and illustrated. Following the IUCN criteria, we propose to categorize it as Data Deficient (DD), since it is only known from the type locality. In addition, their relationships with related species are discussed.

The intermediate in a nitrate-responsive ω-amidase pathway in plants may signal ammonium assimilation status.

A metabolite of ammonium assimilation was previously theorized to be involved in the coordination of the overall nitrate response in plants. Here we show that 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline, made by transamination of glutamine, the first product of ammonium assimilation, may be involved in signaling a plant's ammonium assimilation status. In leaves, 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline met four foundational requirements to be such a signal. First, when it was applied to foliage, enzyme activities of nitrate reduction and ammonium assimilation increased; the activities of key tricarboxylic acid cycle-associated enzymes that help to supply carbon skeletons for amino acid synthesis also increased. Second, its leaf pools increased as nitrate availability increased. Third, the pool size of its precursor, Gln, reflected ammonium assimilation rather than photorespiration. Fourth, it was widely conserved among monocots, dicots, legumes, and nonlegumes and in plants with C3 or C4 metabolism. Made directly from the first product of ammonium assimilation, 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline acted as a nitrate uptake stimulant. When 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline was provided to roots, the plant's nitrate uptake rate approximately doubled. Plants exogenously provided with 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline to either roots or leaves accumulated greater biomass. A model was constructed that included the proposed roles of 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline as a signal molecule of ammonium assimilation status in leaves, as a stimulator of nitrate uptake by roots and nitrate downloading from the xylem. In summary, a glutamine metabolite made in the ω-amidase pathway stimulated nitrate uptake by roots and was likely to be a signal of ammonium assimilation status in leaves. A chemical synthesis method for 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline was also developed.

Occurrence and characterization of insect galls in two reserves of the Peruvian Amazon / Ocorrência e caracterização de galhas de insetos em duas reservas da Amazônia peruana

Abstract An insect gall inventory was carried out in two reserves of the Peruvian Amazon, Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve and Quistococha Regional Reserve, both situated in Iquitos, northeastern Peru. Four vegetation types were surveyed between December, 2021 and December, 2022: terra firme forest, white-sand wet forest, and white-sand dry forest in Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve, and palm swamp forest in Quistococha Regional Reserve. Overall, we found 262 gall morphotypes, distributed across 75 host species representing 66 plant genera and 30 families. Fabaceae was the plant family with the greatest number of gall morphotypes (n = 48), followed by Calophyllaceae (n = 21) and Euphorbiaceae (n = 20). The plant genera that supported the highest diversity of galls were Caraipa (n = 17), Eschweilera (n = 16), Tapirira (n = 16), Micrandra (n = 14), and Iryanthera (n = 10). The plant species Tapirira guianensis (n = 16), Caraipa utilis (n = 14), Micrandra elata (n = 14), Eschweilera coriacea (n = 11), and Sloanea parvifructa (n = 10) exhibited the highest richness of galls. Among the host plants, C. utilis stands alone as the only species noted as both endemic to the Amazonian region and bearing a Vulnerable (VU) conservation status. The leaves were the most attacked organs (90% of all galls). Most morphotypes are glabrous (89%), green (67%), globoid (53%), and one-chambered (91%). We found galling insects belonging to the orders Diptera, Thysanoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera. The galling insects of Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) were the most common, inducing 22% of the gall morphotypes. In addition to the gallers, we also observed the presence of successors, cecidophages, and parasitoids. Among the sampled vegetation types, the terra firme forest presented the highest richness of gall morphotypes and host plant species. This is the first systematic inventory of insect galls in this part of the Peruvian Amazon.

Resumo Um inventário de galhas de insetos foi realizado em duas reservas da Amazônia peruana, Reserva Nacional Allpahuayo-Mishana e Reserva Regional Quistococha, ambas situadas em Iquitos, nordeste do Peru. Quatro tipos de vegetação foram pesquisados entre dezembro de 2021 e dezembro de 2022: floresta de terra firme, floresta úmida de areia branca e floresta seca de areia branca na Reserva Nacional Allpahuayo-Mishana, e floresta de pântano de palmeiras na Reserva Regional Quistococha. No total, encontramos 262 morfotipos de galhas, distribuídos em 75 espécies hospedeiras representando 66 gêneros de plantas e 30 famílias. Fabaceae foi a família de plantas com o maior número de morfotipos de galhas (n = 48), seguida por Calophyllaceae (n = 21) e Euphorbiaceae (n = 20). Os gêneros de plantas que apresentaram a maior diversidade de galhas foram Caraipa (n = 17), Eschweilera (n = 16), Tapirira (n = 16), Micrandra (n = 14) e Iryanthera (n = 10). As espécies de plantas Tapirira guianensis (n = 16), Caraipa utilis (n = 14), Micrandra elata (n = 14), Eschweilera coriacea (n = 11) e Sloanea parvifructa (n = 10) apresentaram a maior riqueza de galhas. Dentre as plantas hospedeiras, C. utilis destaca-se como a única espécie listada como endêmica da região amazônica e com um status de conservação Vulnerável (VU). As folhas foram os órgãos mais atacados (90% de todas as galhas). A maioria dos morfotipos é glabra (89%), verde (67%), globoide (53%) e possui apenas uma câmara interna (91%). Encontramos insetos galhadores pertencentes às ordens Diptera, Thysanoptera, Lepidoptera e Hemiptera. Os insetos galhadores da família Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) foram os mais comuns, induzindo 22% dos morfotipos de galhas. Além dos galhadores, também observamos a presença de sucessores, cecidófagos e parasitoides. Entre os tipos de vegetação amostrados, a floresta de terra firme apresentou a maior riqueza de morfotipos de galhas e espécies de plantas hospedeiras. Este é o primeiro inventário sistemático de galhas de insetos nesta região da Amazônia peruana.

Índice de eficiencia miocárdica en cardiópatas posterior a un programa de rehabilitación cardiaca / Myocardial efficiency index in patients with heart disease after a cardiac rehabilitation program

Resumen Objetivo: El índice de eficiencia miocárdica (IEM) correlaciona el consumo miocárdico de oxígeno (MVO2) con el consumo máximo de oxígeno, el cual proporciona información sobre la eficiencia cardiovascular (EfCV). En deportistas, el IEM mejora posterior a un microciclo de entrenamiento, en el paciente con enfermedad cardiovascular sometido a un programa de rehabilitación cardiaca y prevención secundaria PRHCyPS, el comportamiento del IEM podría resultar un estimador relacionado con mejoría derivado de un periodo de entrenamiento. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el comportamiento del IEM posterior a un PRCyPS en pacientes con cardiopatías y riesgo cardiovascular alto (RCVA). Métodos: Estudio de cohorte ambilectivo, descriptivo, analítico, no aleatorizado. Se seleccionaron pacientes con cardiopatías de etiología mixta con RCVA ingresados a un PRCyPS durante 4-6 semanas. A todos los pacientes se les realizó una prueba de ejercicio máximo en banda antes y después del PRCyPS. Se determinaron umbrales de consumo de oxígeno (VO2) pico, equivalentes metabólicos-carga, doble producto e IEM. Se estableció un punto de corte del IEM mediante una curva ROC con un valor de 7.37 con un área bajo la curva de 0.68 (IC 95%: 0.61-0.76; p < 0.001), sensibilidad 0.60 y 1-especificidad de 0.35. Resultados: Se incluyeron 193 pacientes con una media de edad de 62.3 años, en su mayoría del sexo masculino (66.2%). Se observaron porcentajes de cambio en el IEM -27.1% (p < 0.001), MET 43.1% (p < 0.001), doble producto 5.7% (p < 0.01) y MVO2: 8.3% (p < 0.01) al término del PRCyPS. Conclusiones: Se observó un cambio significativo en el IEM posterior a un PRCyPS, lo cual se asoció a una mejoría en la EfCV, sugiriendo que este pueda considerarse como un parámetro clínico que evaluar en los programas de rehabilitación cardiaca.

Abstract Objective: The myocardial efficiency index (MEI) correlates the Myocardial Oxygen Consumption (MVO2) with the Maximum Oxygen Consumption (VO2max), this index provides information about the cardiovascular efficiency (CVEf). In athletes, the MEI improves after a micro-cycle training, however in patients with cardiovascular disease undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (CRP), IEM behavior could be a good estimator related to the improvement training period. The objective of this study was to determine the myocardial efficiency index behavior in patients with heart disease and high cardiovascular risk (HCVR) after a CRP. Methods: Ambilective, descriptive, analytical, non-randomized cohort study was conducted. Patients with heart disease of mixed etiology and HCVR admitted to a CRP for 4-6 weeks were selected. All patients performed a maximal exercise test in band before and after the CPR. Thresholds of VO2 peak, METs-load, Double product (DP) and MEI were determined. A cut-off point for the MEI was established using a ROC curve with a value of 7.37, area under the curve: 0.68 (95% CI 0.61 - 0.76, p < 0.001), sensitivity 0.60 and 1-specificity 0.35. Results: 193 patients with a mean age of 62.3 years were included, predominantly men (66.2%). Percentages changes in the MEI-27.1% (p < 0.001),METs-43.1% (p < 0.001),DP 5.7% (p < 0.01), and MVO2: 8.3% (p < 0.01) were observed at the end of CRP. Conclusions: Significant change in the MEI were observed after CRP associated to CVEf improvement, suggesting that this parameter could be considered as a good clinical tool in the CRP care programs.

Myocardial efficiency index in patients with heart disease after a cardiac rehabilitation program.

OBJECTIVE: The myocardial efficiency index (MEI) correlates the Myocardial Oxygen Consumption (MVO2) with the Maximum Oxygen Consumption (VO2max), this index provides information about the cardiovascular efficiency (CVEf). In athletes, the MEI improves after a micro-cycle training, however in patients with cardiovascular disease undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (CRP), IEM behavior could be a good estimator related to the improvement training period. The objective of this study was to determine the myocardial efficiency index behavior in patients with heart disease and high cardiovascular risk (HCVR) after a CRP. METHODS: Ambilective, descriptive, analytical, non-randomized cohort study was conducted. Patients with heart disease of mixed etiology and HCVR admitted to a CRP for 4-6 weeks were selected. All patients performed a maximal exercise test in band before and after the CPR. Thresholds of VO2 peak, METs-load, Double product (DP) and MEI were determined. A cut-off point for the MEI was established using a ROC curve with a value of 7.37, area under the curve: 0.68 (95% CI 0.61 - 0.76, p < 0.001), sensitivity 0.60 and 1-specificity 0.35. RESULTS: 193 patients with a mean age of 62.3 years were included, predominantly men (66.2%). Percentages changes in the MEI-27.1% (p < 0.001),METs-43.1% (p < 0.001),DP 5.7% (p < 0.01), and MVO2: 8.3% (p < 0.01) were observed at the end of CRP. CONCLUSIONS: Significant change in the MEI were observed after CRP associated to CVEf improvement, suggesting that this parameter could be considered as a good clinical tool in the CRP care programs.

OBJETIVO: El índice de eficiencia miocárdica (IEM) correlaciona el consumo miocárdico de oxígeno (MVO2) con el consumo máximo de oxígeno, el cual proporciona información sobre la eficiencia cardiovascular (EfCV). En deportistas, el IEM mejora posterior a un microciclo de entrenamiento, en el paciente con enfermedad cardiovascular sometido a un programa de rehabilitación cardiaca y prevención secundaria PRHCyPS, el comportamiento del IEM podría resultar un estimador relacionado con mejoría derivado de un periodo de entrenamiento. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el comportamiento del IEM posterior a un PRCyPS en pacientes con cardiopatías y riesgo cardiovascular alto (RCVA). MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte ambilectivo, descriptivo, analítico, no aleatorizado. Se seleccionaron pacientes con cardiopatías de etiología mixta con RCVA ingresados a un PRCyPS durante 4-6 semanas. A todos los pacientes se les realizó una prueba de ejercicio máximo en banda antes y después del PRCyPS. Se determinaron umbrales de consumo de oxígeno (VO2) pico, equivalentes metabólicos-carga, doble producto e IEM. Se estableció un punto de corte del IEM mediante una curva ROC con un valor de 7.37 con un área bajo la curva de 0.68 (IC 95%: 0.61-0.76; p < 0.001), sensibilidad 0.60 y 1-especificidad de 0.35. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 193 pacientes con una media de edad de 62.3 años, en su mayoría del sexo masculino (66.2%). Se observaron porcentajes de cambio en el IEM ­27.1% (p < 0.001), MET 43.1% (p < 0.001), doble producto 5.7% (p < 0.01) y MVO2: 8.3% (p < 0.01) al término del PRCyPS. CONCLUSIONES: Se observó un cambio significativo en el IEM posterior a un PRCyPS, lo cual se asoció a una mejoría en la EfCV, sugiriendo que este pueda considerarse como un parámetro clínico que evaluar en los programas de rehabilitación cardiaca.

Global patterns of vascular plant alpha diversity.

Global patterns of regional (gamma) plant diversity are relatively well known, but whether these patterns hold for local communities, and the dependence on spatial grain, remain controversial. Using data on 170,272 georeferenced local plant assemblages, we created global maps of alpha diversity (local species richness) for vascular plants at three different spatial grains, for forests and non-forests. We show that alpha diversity is consistently high across grains in some regions (for example, Andean-Amazonian foothills), but regional 'scaling anomalies' (deviations from the positive correlation) exist elsewhere, particularly in Eurasian temperate forests with disproportionally higher fine-grained richness and many African tropical forests with disproportionally higher coarse-grained richness. The influence of different climatic, topographic and biogeographical variables on alpha diversity also varies across grains. Our multi-grain maps return a nuanced understanding of vascular plant biodiversity patterns that complements classic maps of biodiversity hotspots and will improve predictions of global change effects on biodiversity.

Sequelae at Hospital Discharge in 61 Children With Invasive Meningococcal Disease, Chile, 2009-2019.

BACKGROUND: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is an unpredictable and severe infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis . Its case fatality rate could vary from 9.7% to 26% and up to 36% of survivors may experience long-term sequelae, representing a challenge for public health. AIMED: To describe the sequelae at hospital discharge caused by IMD in children between years 2009-2019. METHODS: Cross-sectional study performed in 2 pediatric hospitals. Patients with microbiologically confirmed diagnosis of IMD from 2009 to 2019 were included. Bivariate and logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: The records of 61 patients were reviewed and included. Sixty-seven percent were male, median age 9 months (interquartile range 4-27), 72% were admitted to intensive care unit. Thirty-seven (60.5%) had at least 1 sequela (75% and 37% in patients with or without meningitis, respectively). The most frequents sequelae were neurological 72%, hearing loss 32%, and osteoarticular 24%. Significant differences were found comparing patients with and without sequelae: drowsiness 67.6% versus 41.7% ( P = 0.04), irritability 67.6% versus 25% ( P = 0.01), meningeal signs 62.2% versus 29.2% ( P = 0.01). In logistic regression analysis, postdischarge follow-up had OR 21.25 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 4.93-91.44), irritability had OR 8.53 (95% CI: 1.64-44.12), meningeal signs had OR 8.21 (95% CI: 0.71-94.05), invasive mechanical ventilation had OR 8.23 (95% CI: 0.78-85.95), meningitis plus meningococcemia OR 1.70 (95% CI: 0.18-15.67) to have sequelae, while children with meningococcemia and vomiting had a OR 0.04 (95% CI: 0.00-0.36) and OR 0.27 (95% CI: 0.03-2.14), respectively. N. meningitidis serogroup W (MenW) was isolated in 54.1% (33/61), and N. meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) in 31.1% (19/61) of cases. A significant difference was found in osteoarticular sequelae ( P = 0.05) between MenB and MenW. There was a decrease in cases after the meningococcal conjugate vaccine against serogroups A, C, W and Y was implemented (2015-2019). CONCLUSIONS: IMD remains as a public health concern. A high rate of sequelae was found in pediatric patients in our series, even in the clinical manifestations other than meningitis. Neurological sequelae were the most prevalent. Multidisciplinary follow-up protocols to reduce long-term impact must be urgently established to assess all children with IMD.

Histopathological Correlation (World Health Organization Classification) of Meningiomas and Their Anatomical Localization: A Multicenter Epidemiological Study in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiology of the localization and histological type of meningiomas in the Mexican population and the distribution of the different histological patterns and their relationship to tumor localization and patient demographics. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in 5 hospitals in Mexico from 2009 to 2019. For qualitative variables, mean values were compared using Pearson χ2 test for the correlation between location and histological pattern as well as the clinical presentation and the patient's sex. Student t test was performed for age and its correlation with location and histology. RESULTS: Analysis of 179 patients revealed significant differences in histopathological pattern, patient sex, and tumor location. No significant differences were found for age or clinical presentation in association with any specific histological pattern. CONCLUSIONS: There was a correlation between the histology of the 15 histopathological varieties of meningiomas and the predilection site of appearance as well as certain demographic aspects, such as sex. This study lays the foundation for future studies in Mexico on the differentiation and typing of meningiomas regardless of the histological grade to which they belong, as the exact behavior of these tumors, including grade I tumors, remains unknown to date.

Volcanic Ash as a Precursor for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Susceptible Populations in Ecuador: A Satellite Imaging and Excess Mortality-Based Analysis.

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has altered entire nations and their health systems. The greatest impact of the pandemic has been seen among vulnerable populations, such as those with comorbidities like heart diseases, kidney failure, obesity, or those with worse health determinants such as unemployment and poverty. In the current study, we are proposing previous exposure to fine-grained volcanic ashes as a risk factor for developing COVID-19. Based on several previous studies it has been known since the mid 1980s of the past century that volcanic ash is most likely an accelerating factor to suffer from different types of cancer, including lung or thyroid cancer. Our study postulates, that people who are most likely to be infected during a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) widespread wave will be those with comorbidities that are related to previous exposure to volcanic ashes. We have explored 8703 satellite images from the past 21 y of available data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) database and correlated them with the data from the national institute of health statistics in Ecuador. Additionally, we provide more realistic numbers of fatalities due to the virus based on excess mortality data of 2020-2021, when compared with previous years. This study would be a very first of its kind combining social and spatial distribution of COVID-19 infections and volcanic ash distribution. The results and implications of our study will also help countries to identify such aforementioned vulnerable parts of the society, if the given geodynamic and volcanic settings are similar.

Minimally invasive management for a giant lumbar intervertebral disc herniation: A case report, and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Low back pain and lower limb radiculopathy are some of the most common diagnoses in our neurosurgery department. Giant lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, are not a common find in our daily practice. Management for this kind of pathology is controversial. The quest for the best surgical approach is still a matter of debate. This case report intends to demonstrate the advantages of minimally invasive procedures. CASE PRESENTATION: 40-year-old female, diagnosed with giant lumbar L5-S1 disc herniation with localized lower back electric-type pain, 5/10 intensity in the visual analog scale (VAS) and an Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score of 76 points, underwent minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with tubular retractor system. 6-month post-op, the patient referred no pain, and an ODI score of 4 points was obtained. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: There is no clear classification, regarding the lumbar intervertebral disc herniated content. We didn't find any clear indications or contraindications regarding the relationship of the size of herniated disc content and surgical approach (MIS vs Open). We perform on average 175 spine cases per year and educational commitment with spine pathology is demonstrated with our spine fellowship since 3 years ago. CONCLUSION: We believe giant extruded regardless of migration, single-level intervertebral disc herniation, could be effectively and safely treated by MIS.

Amazon tree dominance across forest strata.

The forests of Amazonia are among the most biodiverse plant communities on Earth. Given the immediate threats posed by climate and land-use change, an improved understanding of how this extraordinary biodiversity is spatially organized is urgently required to develop effective conservation strategies. Most Amazonian tree species are extremely rare but a few are common across the region. Indeed, just 227 'hyperdominant' species account for >50% of all individuals >10 cm diameter at 1.3 m in height. Yet, the degree to which the phenomenon of hyperdominance is sensitive to tree size, the extent to which the composition of dominant species changes with size class and how evolutionary history constrains tree hyperdominance, all remain unknown. Here, we use a large floristic dataset to show that, while hyperdominance is a universal phenomenon across forest strata, different species dominate the forest understory, midstory and canopy. We further find that, although species belonging to a range of phylogenetically dispersed lineages have become hyperdominant in small size classes, hyperdominants in large size classes are restricted to a few lineages. Our results demonstrate that it is essential to consider all forest strata to understand regional patterns of dominance and composition in Amazonia. More generally, through the lens of 654 hyperdominant species, we outline a tractable pathway for understanding the functioning of half of Amazonian forests across vertical strata and geographical locations.

Intracranial hypertension syndrome secondary to internal jugular vein thrombosis due to miliary cervical tuberculosis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Thrombosis of the internal jugular vein (IJV) is extremely rare, being central catheterization the most common cause. We present a case of a patient with an unusual appearance of neurological symptoms as a consequence of thrombosis of the IJV secondary to miliary tuberculosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 30-year-old woman with disseminated tuberculosis, with multiple lymphadenopathy, axillary, cervical, mesenteric, retroperitoneal, and inguinal, presented with clinical evidence of intracranial hypertension. A diagnostic cerebral angiography was performed, which revealed an occluded left internal jugular and venous stasis in the entire cerebral venous system. The patient was treated with low-molecular-weight heparin, with which she had an adequate evolution. CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis is capable of generating a state of hypercoagulability, in addition to a mechanical compression effect due to cervical lymphadenopathy. We report an unusual clinical presentation, with intracranial involvement due to IJV thrombosis secondary to miliary tuberculosis. So far, there are no cases with a similar presentation described above.

360-surgery for a giant cervical chordoma with involvement of the right vertebral artery.

BACKGROUND: Chordomas are malignant tumors that arise from the remnants of the notochord. Complete en bloc radical resection with postoperative radiation therapy is currently considered the gold standard. Here, we performed a 360-staged approach to manage a C3-C4 chordoma that involved the right vertebral artery. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 40-year-old woman presented with a C3-C4 chordoma that invaded the right vertebral artery. She responded well to a circumferential approach including resection and stabilization. CONCLUSION: A 40-year-old woman with a C3-C4 spinal chordoma was optimally managed with a combined anterior/posterior surgical approach including decompression/fusion.