Activities That May Influence the Risk of Crocodile (Crocodylus Acutus: Reptilia: Crocodilidae) Attack to Humans in the Tempisque River Area, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

One of the largest populations of crocodiles in Costa Rica is located at the Tempisque River. The species is threatened by habitat loss and poaching; but its populations have grown due to the protection given by law. The research was conducted in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. We made a characterization of popular knowledge, activities and perceptions of 374 residents of the study area. It was found that 55% believe that the crocodiles are abundant, 70% believe that populations have increased. The most dangerous activities done are recreation, swimming and fishing. There are significant differences between the proportions of response (X2: 71, n = 10, p <0.0001 X2). These activities are done daily (25%), weekly (30%), monthly (18%) and annually (10%). The risk of attack and the crocodile’s density in the river are not recognized. Also, a lack of knowledge about the natural history and ecology of the species is shown. The reasons for attacks are: the aggressiveness of the animals and their density. There are differences in the responses on the reasons of the attacks (X2: 35, n 8 p <0.0001). Generally, the crocodile perception is unfavorable.One of the largest populations of crocodiles in Costa Rica is located at the Tempisque River. The species is threatened by habitat loss and poaching; but its populations have grown due to the protection given by law. The research was conducted in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. We made a characterization of popular knowledge, activities and perceptions of 374 residents of the study area. It was found that 55% believe that the crocodiles are abundant, 70% believe that populations have increased. The most dangerous activities done are recreation, swimming and fishing. There are significant differences between the proportions of response (X2: 71, n = 10, p <0.0001 X2). These activities are done daily (25%), weekly (30%), monthly (18%) and annually (10%). The risk of attack and the crocodile’s density in the river are not recognized. Also, a lack of knowledge about the natural history and ecology of the species is shown. The reasons for attacks are: the aggressiveness of the animals and their density. There are differences in the responses on the reasons of the attacks (X2: 35, n 8 p <0.0001). Generally, the crocodile perception is unfavorable

A Microleakage Study of Cements with Stainless Steel Crowns

PURPOSE: To compare the ability of newer adhesive resin cements and traditional glass ionomer cements to prevent microleakage under stainless steel crowns on extracted permanent third molars. METHODS: All teeth were hand prepared and stainless steel crowns were cemented according to manufacturers\u27 instructions. The specimens were thermocycled for 500 cycles and immersed in 2% methylene blue dye solution for 8 hours. Each tooth was imbedded in resin and cut into I mm thick sections by a slow speed diamond saw. The amount of microleakage was measured in microns under a traveling microscope. The measurements of each section of a tooth were averaged and only one number was recorded per specimen. The open margin distance for each specimen was measured. Statistical methods employed were the Kruskal-Wallis rank test and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Nexus 2 had statistically significant less microleakage than other three cements tested (p=0.0089). There was no statistically significant difference in microleakage between Ketac Cem and RelyX Unicem (p=0.0529) or between Ketac Cem and Maxcem (p=0.0535). There was also no statistically significant difference in microleakage was established between RelyX Unicem and Maxcem (p=0.0947). CONCLUSIONS: Nexus 2 had statistically significant decreases in microleakage when compared with Ketac Cem, RelyX Unicem, and Maxcem cements. There were no statistically significant differences in microleakage between the remaining three cement systems

An index to assess the level of vulnerability to crocodiles in coastal communities

Las interacciones negativas entre seres humanos y animales silvestres es un fenómeno recurrente a nivel mundial y que se origina desde que ambos comparten los mismos hábitats y recursos. En varias comunidades costeras existen interacciones negativas dada la presencia del cocodrilo americano (Crocodylus acutus). Construimos un índice para evaluar el grado de vulnerabilidad de las comunidades ante este reptil. La construcción de este índice está basada en el Índice Aproximado de Sostenibilidad generado por Gutiérrez-Espeleta en 1994. El índice de vulnerabilidad (IVU) se basa en varios indicadores de cuatro parámetros: social, biológico-ambiental, institucional y espacial, con una escala de desempeño e interpretación de estos. El IVU genera valores de la condición de vulnerabilidad que se representan en una escala de colores según intervalos definidos. Para cada indicador se anotan las categorías de referencia y las escalas de calificación con colores tipo semáforo con una valoración numérica. El valor del IVU obtenido para una comunidad se puede representar de manera gráfica con un mapa en una figura que incluye un cuadro de los valores para los parámetros evaluados.Human-wildlife negative interactions are a recurring phenomenon worldwide, originating from the shared habitats and resources between both. In several coastal communities, negative interactions occur due to the presence of the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). We have developed an index to assess the level of vulnerability of communities to this reptile. The construction of this index is based on the Approximate SustainabilityIndex developed by Gutiérrez-Espeleta in 1994. The Index of Vulnerability (IVU) is built upon several indicators across four parameters: social, biological-environmental, institutional, and spatial. These indicators are assessed using a performance scale and interpretation. The IVU assigns values to the vulnerability condition, which are presented in a color scale corresponding to defined intervals. For each indicator, reference categories and rating scales are represented with traffic light colors and numerical ratings. The IVU value obtained for a community can be visualized with a map and a corresponding figure, including a table of values for the assessed parameters.As interações negativas entre humanos e animais selvagens são um fenômeno recorrente em todo o mundo, originado dos habitats e recursos compartilhados entre ambos. Em várias comunidades costeiras, as interações negativas ocorrem devido à presença do crocodilo americano (Crocodylus acutus). Desenvolvemos um índice para avaliar o nível de vulnerabilidade das comunidades a esse réptil. A construção desse índice baseia-se no Índice de Sustentabilidade Aproximada desenvolvido por Gutiérrez-Espeleta em 1994. O Índice de Vulnerabilidade (IVU) é construído com base em vários indicadores em quatro parâmetros: social, biológico-ambiental, institucional e espacial. Esses indicadores são avaliados por meio de uma escala de desempenho e interpretação. O IVU atribui valores à condição de vulnerabilidade, que são apresentados em uma escala de cores correspondente a intervalos definidos. Para cada indicador, as categorias de referência e as escalas de classificação são representadas com cores de semáforo e classificações numéricas. O valor da IVU obtido para uma comunidade pode ser visualizado em um mapa e em uma figura correspondente, incluindo uma tabela de valores para os parâmetros avaliados

Aves y uso del suelo en el Corredor Biológico Interurbano El Achiote, Costa Rica

Introduction: There are no previous studies about the Achiote Interurban Biological Corridor, Costa Rica. Objective: To characterize birds and land use to improve the corridor’s functional connectivity.  Methods: We selected ten sampling sites (sugar cane and coffee cultivation areas, urban areas, secondary forest, and riparian forest) and used the point count technique for six months (100 sampling hours and 120 samples). We determined bird richness and abundance associated with each type of cover. Results: We identified 194 bird species. Secondary forest, riparian areas, and coffee plantations had the highest diversity. Trophic guilds and habitat use were not related to cover, and insectivores and frugivores were generally dominant. Conclusion: Birds with generalist habits predominated in open areas and forest patches within the biological corridor.Introducción: No existen estudios previos sobre el Corredor Biológico Interurbano El Achiote, Costa Rica. Objetivo: Caracterizar las aves y el uso del suelo para mejorar la conectividad funcional del corredor. Métodos: Seleccionamos diez sitios de muestreo (áreas de cañal y cafetal, áreas urbanas, bosque secundario y bosque ribereño) y utilizamos la técnica de conteo de puntos, durante seis meses (100 horas de muestreo y 120 muestras). Determinamos la riqueza y abundancia de aves asociadas a cada tipo de cobertura. Resultados: Identificamos 194 especies de aves. El bosque secundario, las áreas ribereñas y el cafetal tuvieron la mayor diversidad. Los gremios tróficos y el uso del hábitat no estuvieron relacionados con la cobertura, y los insectívoros y frugívoros fueron generalmente dominantes. Conclusión: Las aves de hábitos generalistas predominaron en áreas abiertas y parches de bosque dentro del corredor biológico

Estudo preliminar sobre os efeitos na saúde dos trabalhadores e sua relação com a exposição a emissões gasosas vulcânicas. Um estudo de caso de dois vulcões ativos na Costa Rica

[Objective] The objective of this research was to carry out a preliminary diagnosis of the relationship between volcanic gaseous emissions and health effects present among workers of the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) of the Poás and Turrialba volcanoes of Costa Rica. [Methodology] Ambient air quality was measured by the presence of gaseous emissions (SO2(g), H2S(g), HCl(g), HNO3(ac) and HF(g)), with sampling carried out in 7 strategic points during 7 months. Analyses were performed using different analytical techniques (ion chromatography, spectrophotometry, portable meters). At the same time, interviews were conducted with a sample consisting of 16 park rangers from the study sites, and their medical records were analyzed to detect a preliminary relationship between exposure to gaseous emissions and reported pathologies. [Results] The principal results (pollutants above the detection limit) reported for the two national parks indicated that the highest value in this study was that of SO2 (average of 3 h) in the Poás Volcano (1.90 ± 0.11) mg/m3. The highest concentration of SO2 in Turrialba was (0.40 ± 0.04) mg/m3 during the same period. During the evaluation of park rangers’ health, it was found that the most frequently reported pathologies that impact health in the study population were irritation of the mucous membranes-eyes (n = 9), headaches (n = 8), and fatigue (n = 8). [Conclusion] The results obtained for the gaseous emissions and their possible relationship with pathologies and medical records indicated by park rangers provide a baseline for future research on the subject. A greater number of measurements over longer periods of time is recommended. At the same time, it is necessary to use surveys and carry out medical controls that include tests on specimens such as blood, urine, hair, and saliva, as well as the use of biological and chemical indicators that allow a pathology to be more directly related to a specific chemical contaminant.[Objetivo] El objetivo del presente trabajo de investigación fue generar un diagnóstico preliminar entre las emisiones gaseosas volcánicas y los efectos en la salud presentes en los los funcionarios del Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC) de los volcanes Poás y Turrialba de Costa Rica. [Metodología] Se evaluó la calidad del aire ambiental por presencia de emisiones gaseosas (SO2(g), H2S(g), HCl(g), HNO3(ac) y HF(g)), para lo cual se realizaron muestreos en 7 puntos estratégicos durante 7 meses. Los análisis se realizaron mediante diferentes técnicas analíticas (cromatografía de iones, espectrofotometría, medidores portátiles). Paralelamente, se realizaron entrevistas a una muestra compuesta por 16 funcionarios de los sitios de estudios y se analizaron sus expedientes médicos, con el fin de generar una relación preliminar entre la exposición a las emisiones gaseosas y las patologías reportadas. [Resultados] Los principales resultados (contaminantes por encima del límite de detección) reportados para los dos parques nacionales indican que el valor más elevado del presente estudio corresponde al SO2 (media de 3 h) y proviene del volcán Poás (1,90 ± 0,11) mg/m3. Por su parte, la mayor concentración de SO2 en Turrialba corresponde a (0,40 ± 0,04) mg/m3 durante el mismo periodo. Con respecto al proceso de evaluación de salud de los trabajadores, las patologías más frecuentemente reportadas y que impactan la salud de la población de estudio corresponden a irritación de mucosas-ojos (n = 9), dolores de cabeza (n = 8) y fatiga (n = 8).[Conclusión] Los resultados obtenidos producto de las emisiones gaseosas reportadas y su relación con las patologías indicadas por parte de los trabajadores y de los expedientes médicos son una  línea base para futuros estudios de investigación en el tema. Se recomienda una mayor cantidad de mediciones en periodos de tiempos más extensos. Paralelamente, es necesario el uso de encuestas y la realización de controles médicos que incluyan exámenes en especímenes como sangre, orina, cabello, saliva, así como el uso de indicadores biológicos y químicos que permitan relacionar de forma más directa una patología con determinado contaminante químico.[Objective] The objective of this research was to carry out a preliminary diagnosis of the relationship between volcanic gaseous emissions and health effects present among workers of the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) of the Poás and Turrialba volcanoes of Costa Rica. [Methodology] Ambient air quality was measured by the presence of gaseous emissions (SO2(g), H2S(g), HCl(g), HNO3(ac) and HF(g)), with sampling carried out in 7 strategic points during 7 months. Analyses were performed using different analytical techniques (ion chromatography, spectrophotometry, portable meters). At the same time, interviews were conducted with a sample consisting of 16 park rangers from the study sites, and their medical records were analyzed to detect a preliminary relationship between exposure to gaseous emissions and reported pathologies. [Results] The principal results (pollutants above the detection limit) reported for the two national parks indicated that the highest value in this study was that of SO2 (average of 3 h) in the Poás Volcano (1.90 ± 0.11) mg/m3. The highest concentration of SO2 in Turrialba was (0.40 ± 0.04) mg/m3 during the same period. During the evaluation of park rangers’ health, it was found that the most frequently reported pathologies that impact health in the study population were irritation of the mucous membranes-eyes (n = 9), headaches (n = 8), and fatigue (n = 8). [Conclusion] The results obtained for the gaseous emissions and their possible relationship with pathologies and medical records indicated by park rangers provide a baseline for future research on the subject. A greater number of measurements over longer periods of time is recommended. At the same time, it is necessary to use surveys and carry out medical controls that include tests on specimens such as blood, urine, hair, and saliva, as well as the use of biological and chemical indicators that allow a pathology to be more directly related to a specific chemical contaminant

Folding of small disulfide-rich proteins : clarifying the puzzle

Premi a l'excel·lència investigadora. Àmbit de les Ciències Experimentals. 2008The process by which small proteins fold to their native conformations has been intensively studied over the last few decades. In this field, the particular chemistry of disulfide bond formation has facilitated the characterization of the oxidative folding of numerous small, disulfide-rich proteins with results that illustrate a high diversity of folding mechanisms, differing in the heterogeneity and disulfide pairing nativeness of their intermediates. In this review, we combine information on the folding of different protein models together with the recent structural determinations of major intermediates to provide new molecular clues in oxidative folding. Also, we turn to analyze the role of disulfide bonds in misfolding and protein aggregation and their implications in amyloidosis and conformational diseases

Epidemiología, clínica, predicción y evolución de la neumonía en niños del Hospital Nacional de Niños “Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera” del 1 de Abril del 2019 al 31 de diciembre del 2021

Introducción: La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) es una infección pulmonar y la causa número uno a nivel mundial de morbi-mortalidad en niños menores de cinco años. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar el manejo, complicaciones, evolución, y presencia de posibles factores predictivos para NAC grave en pacientes de 3 meses a menores de 14 años. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo de cohorte de pacientes entre los 3 meses y 14 años, que ingresaron al servicio de emergencias del Hospital Nacional de Niños “Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera” (HNN), con diagnóstico de NAC. Resultados: Se incluyo un total de 320 pacientes con una edad promedio de 32 meses (DS 34) con predominio del sexo masculino de un 50.3% . Antecedentes personales asociados a severidad se encontraron la prematuridad (OR=3, p<0.0001) y el tener una clasificación de severidad al ingreso mayor (OR 3.2, p<0.0001). Entre los resultados de laboratorio, la hiponatremia (p=0.0116) y la bandemia (0.0031) se asociaron con estancias en la UCIP. La mayoría de las infecciones fueron virales y el virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS) fue el agente etiológico más prevalente. Conclusiones: La edad representó un factor de riesgo importante de severidad, evidenciando edades menores en los que requirieron cuidados avanzados o estancia en la UCIP. Asimismo, el antecedente de bronconeumonía, el asma bronquial, la prematuridad y la asistencia a un centro de cuido, representaron un mayor riesgo de estancia en la UCIP. El agente etiológico aislado con mayor frecuencia fue el VRS y las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron el fallo ventilatorio, seguido del derrame pleural.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Sistema de Estudios de Posgrado::Salud::Especialidad en Pediatrí

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