Portulaca oleracea, UN RECURSO VEGETAL VERSÁTIL EN ESPERA DE SER APROVECHADO EN EL TRÓPICO

Portulaca oleracea is a cosmopolitan plant. It has antioxidant and antinflammatory properties with applications in cronic human diseases, such as diabetes and arterial hypertension. It is also used as food and nutraceutic properties have been attributed to it, with high omega-3 content. This indicates that P. oleracea represents a local resource for human diet or for the enrichening of livestock products with omega-3. In the Tropics, particularly in Campeche, México, it is found in family backyards, so their properties could be divulged to contribute to its consumption or, in this case, to explore the possibility of enriching hen eggs from backyard systems with omega-3 essential oils.Portulaca oleracea es una planta cosmopolita. Tiene propiedades antioxidantes y antiinflamatorias con aplicaciones en enfermedades crónicas humanas, tales como diabetes e hipertensión arterial. También se usa como alimento y se han le han atribuido propiedades nutracéuticas con altos contenidos de omega-3. Lo anterior indica que P. oleracea representa un recurso local para la alimentación humana o para el enriquecimiento de productos pecuarios con omega-3. En el trópico, particularmente en Campeche, México, se encuentra en los solares (traspatios) familiares por lo que se podría difundir sus propiedades para coadyuvar su consumo o, en su caso, explorar la posibilidad de enriquecer huevos de gallinas de sistemas de traspatio con aceites esenciales omega-3

New records of birds at National Park La Malinche, Tlaxcala, México

We report three new bird records for the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico, particularly for the National Park La Malinche, probably a resident and overwintering population of Falco peregrinus and an overwintering population of F. columbarius, and one species that is probably a new breeding species for the area, Corvus corax.

Clinical and economic impact of current ALK rearrangement testing in Spain compared with a hypothetical no-testing scenario

Background: Currently biomarkers play an essential role in diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) determination of biomarkers such as ALK, EGFR, ROS1 or PD-L1 is mandatory for an adequate treatment decision. The aim of this study is to determine the clinical and economic impact of current anaplastic lymphoma kinase testing scenario in Spain. Methods: A joint model, composed by decision-tree and Markov models, was developed to estimate the long-term health outcomes and costs of NSCLC patients, by comparing the current testing scenario for ALK in Spain vs a hypothetical no-testing. The current distribution of testing strategies for ALK determination and their sensitivity and specificity data were obtained from the literature. Treatment allocation based on the molecular testing result were defined by a panel of Spanish experts. To assess long-term effects of each treatment, 3-states Markov models were developed, where progression-free survival and overall survival curves were extrapolated using exponential models. Medical direct costs (expressed in €, 2019) were included. A lifetime horizon was used and a discount rate of 3% was applied for both costs and health effects. Several sensitivity analyses, both deterministic and probabilistic, were performed in order test the robustness of the analysis. Results: We estimated a target population of 7628 NSCLC patients, including those with non-squamous histology and those with squamous carcinomas who were never smokers. Over the lifetime horizon, the current ALK testing scenario produced additional 5060 and 3906 life-years and quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), respectively, compared with the no-testing scenario. Total direct costs were increased up to € 51,319,053 for testing scenario. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 10,142 €/QALY. The sensitivity analyses carried out confirmed the robustness of the base-case results, being the treatment allocation and the test accuracy (sensitivity and specificity data) the key drivers of the model. Conclusions: ALK testing in advanced NSCLC patients, non-squamous and never-smoker squamous, provides more than 3000 QALYs in Spain over a lifetime horizon. Comparing this gain in health outcomes with the incremental costs, the resulting incremental cost-effectiveness ratio reinforces that testing non-squamous and never-smoker squamous NSCLC is a cost-effective strategy in Spain

The Mango Value Network (Mangifera indica L.) in Campeche, Mexico

Objective: Characterize the mango value network in the State of Campeche and identify its problems. Design/methodology/approach: Based on documentary information and 40 semi-structured interviews, the structure of the value network, its key actors, and technologies were identified. Results: Researchers advise to establish high-density orchards (3 333 plants ha-1), although growers accept to increment from 69 to only 278 plants ha-1. New production technologies are required for important cultivars, such as Tommy Atkins, Manila, and creole. Their vegetative growth responds differently to local humidity, rain, and soil conditions, due to their monoembryonic or polyembryonic origin. Limitations of the study/implications:  Producers in the social sector do not keep accounting and production records. An estimate of mango yields, investment, income, and profits was obtained based on the opinion of producers from the social and business sector of Campeche. Findings/conclusions: Social sector producers of mango are willing to grow their orchards with 278 plants ha-1; it is required to evaluate the production technologies of Tommy Atkins, Manila, and creole cultivars, and to estimate the production costs. Private sector growers are choosing to substitute mango for high-density Persian lemon; they also prioritize fruit fly management and commercialization of fruits.Objective: Characterize the mango value network in the State of Campeche and identify its problems. Design/methodology/approach: Based on documentary information and 40 semi-structured interviews, the structure of the value network, its key actors, and technologies were identified. Results: Researchers advise to establish high-density orchards (3 333 plants ha-1), although growers accept to increment from 69 to only 278 plants ha-1. New production technologies are required for important cultivars, such as Tommy Atkins, Manila, and creole. Their vegetative growth responds differently to local humidity, rain, and soil conditions, due to their monoembryonic or polyembryonic origin. Limitations of the study/implications:  Producers in the social sector do not keep accounting and production records. An estimate of mango yields, investment, income, and profits was obtained based on the opinion of producers from the social and business sector of Campeche. Findings/conclusions: Social sector producers of mango are willing to grow their orchards with 278 plants ha-1; it is required to evaluate the production technologies of Tommy Atkins, Manila, and creole cultivars, and to estimate the production costs. Private sector growers are choosing to substitute mango for high-density Persian lemon; they also prioritize fruit fly management and commercialization of fruits

Measuring impairments of functioning and health in patients with axial spondyloarthritis by using the ASAS Health Index and the Environmental Item Set : translation and cross-cultural adaptation into 15 languages

Introduction: The Assessments of SpondyloArthritis international society Health Index (ASAS HI) measures functioning and health in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) across 17 aspects of health and 9 environmental factors (EF). The objective was to translate and adapt the original English version of the ASAS HI, including the EF Item Set, cross-culturally into 15 languages. Methods: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation has been carried out following the forward-backward procedure. In the cognitive debriefing, 10 patients/country across a broad spectrum of sociodemographic background, were included. Results: The ASAS HI and the EF Item Set were translated into Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Turkish. Some difficulties were experienced with translation of the contextual factors indicating that these concepts may be more culturally-dependent. A total of 215 patients with axial SpA across 23 countries (62.3% men, mean (SD) age 42.4 (13.9) years) participated in the field test. Cognitive debriefing showed that items of the ASAS HI and EF Item Set are clear, relevant and comprehensive. All versions were accepted with minor modifications with respect to item wording and response option. The wording of three items had to be adapted to improve clarity. As a result of cognitive debriefing, a new response option 'not applicable' was added to two items of the ASAS HI to improve appropriateness. Discussion: This study showed that the items of the ASAS HI including the EFs were readily adaptable throughout all countries, indicating that the concepts covered were comprehensive, clear and meaningful in different cultures

Usefulness of the CONUT index upon hospital admission as a potential prognostic indicator of COVID-19 health outcomes

Background: In-hospital mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is high. Simple prognostic indices are needed to identify patients at high-risk of COVID-19 health outcomes. We aimed to determine the usefulness of the CONtrolling NUTritional status (CONUT) index as a potential prognostic indicator of mortality in COVID-19 patients upon hospital admission. Methods: Our study design is of a retrospective observational study in a large cohort of COVID-19 patients. In addition to descriptive statistics, a Kaplan-Meier mortality analysis and a Cox regression were performed, as well as receiver operating curve (ROC). Results: From February 5, 2020 to January 21, 2021, there was a total of 2969 admissions for COVID-19 at our hospital, corresponding to 2844 patients. Overall, baseline (within 4 days of admission) CONUT index could be scored for 1627 (57.2%) patients. Patients' age was 67.3 ± 16.5 years and 44.9% were women. The CONUT severity distribution was: 194 (11.9%) normal (0-1); 769 (47.2%) light (2-4); 585 (35.9%) moderate (5-8); and 79 (4.9%) severe (9-12). Mortality of 30 days after admission was 3.1% in patients with normal risk CONUT, 9.0% light, 22.7% moderate, and 40.5% in those with severe CONUT (P < 0.05). An increased risk of death associated with a greater baseline CONUT stage was sustained in a multivariable Cox regression model (P < 0.05). An increasing baseline CONUT stage was associated with a longer duration of admission, a greater requirement for the use of non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, and other clinical outcomes (all P < 0.05). The ROC of CONUT for mortality had an area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval of 0.711 (0.676-0746). Conclusion: The CONUT index upon admission is potentially a reliable and independent prognostic indicator of mortality and length of hospitalization in COVID-19 patientsThe work is supported by a grant from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement (No 101016216

Seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in cattle from Sotaquirá, Colombia

Worldwide distributed Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) represents a high risk of infection in most bovine farms, in which it is associated with gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive diseases. The purpose of this research was to establish the seroprevalence and the main risk factors associated with the presentation of BVDV in the municipality of Sotaquirá, Colombia. Samples were taken from 1000 cattle of Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey, Normande Gyr and Holstein x Gyr. Epidemiological surveys were implemented, reproductive and management variables were taken into consideration. Indirect ELISA was performed to detect specific antibodies against BVDV using the commercial kit SERELISA® BVD p80 Ab Mono Blocking. The overall seroprevalence of antibodies against BVDV was 42.5% (425/1000), where the Gyr breed (59.1% apparent prevalence (AP); 60.3% real prevalence (PR)) and the age group > 4 years (53.0% PA; 54.4% PR) presented the highest seroprevalences. A significant statistical association was found for the breed, age, management practices evaluated and the presentation of PI3 (p ≤ 0.05). Age group > 4 years, Normande breed, presentation of PI3 and grazing lease were established as risk factors associated with BVDV in the herds. These infections are mainly associated with dairy cattle and herds with many animals, so it is important to consider vaccination plans as a preventive system and follow up on the most common diseases

New frontiers from removal to recycling of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater in the Circular Economy

[EN] Nutrient recovery technologies are rapidly expanding due to the need for the appropriate recycling of key elements from waste resources in order to move towards a truly sustainable modern society based on the Circular Economy. Nutrient recycling is a promising strategy for reducing the depletion of non-renewable resources and the environmental impact linked to their extraction and manufacture. However, nutrient recovery technologies are not yet fully mature, as further research is needed to optimize process efficiency and enhance their commercial applicability. This paper reviews state-of-the-art of nutrient recovery, focusing on frontier technological advances and economic and environmental innovation perspectives. The potentials and limitations of different technologies are discussed, covering systems based on membranes, photosynthesis, crystallization and other physical and biological nutrient recovery systems (e.g. incineration, composting, stripping and absorption and enhanced biological phosphorus recovery).Robles Martínez, Á.; Aguado García, D.; Barat, R.; Borrás Falomir, L.; Bouzas Blanco, A.; Bautista-Giménez, J.; Martí Ortega, N.... (2020). New frontiers from removal to recycling of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater in the Circular Economy. Bioresource Technology. 300:1-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122673S11830

Risk factors associated with mastitis and raw milk quality in small farms of Texcoco, México

The consumption of raw milk or its use in the production of dairy products, increases the risk of transmission of diseases, caused by pathogenic organisms or toxins, which affect the quality and safety of milk, as a result of poor milking practices or improper handling of the product. The objective of the study was to determine the nutritional and physicochemical quality, the presence of aflatoxins in raw milk, as well as risk factors for mastitis, in 20 family farms in the Texcoco region of Mexico. MilkoScan FT1 was used for physicochemical and nutritional analysis of milk and somatic cells and cow health were quantified using the Somaticell test; in addition, the presence of Aflatoxin M1 was determined by lateral flow immuno-chromatogenetics. The results showed normal nutritional values of milk according to NMX-F-700-COFOCALEC-2012, which assure its quality for human. The pH varied from 5.0 - 8.4, indicating poor control of milk temperature on some farms, causing acidity problems. Logistic analysis showed that a good cleaning of the udder in the milking prevents it to be a risk factor for the increase of somatic cells and degree of mastitis, not so the type of milking and sealing of udders. The Somaticell technique®, allowed a quantitative and efficient diagnosis of clinical mastitis and no presence of aflatoxin AFM1 was found in raw milk, which ensures that there is no problem for the consumption of the product or its transformation into products Dairy.Objective: to determine the nutritional and physicochemical quality, and the presenceof aflatoxins in raw milk, as well as risk factors for developing mastitis in 20 family farmsin the region of Texcoco, Mexico.Methods: MilkoSCan FT1 was used for nutritional and physicochemical analysis ofmilk. Somatic cells were quantified and the cow’s health status was tested usingSomaticell; furthermore, the presence of Aflatoxin M1 was determined using lateral flowimmunochromatography.Results: the milk evaluated in this study reported normal nutritional values according toNMX-F-700-COFOCALEC-2012, which guarantees its quality for human consumption.The pH ranged from 5.0 to 8.4, which indicates deficient temperature control in somefarms, leading to problems with acidity. The logistical analysis showed that adequateudder cleaning during milking is important to avoid it being a risk factor for an increasein somatic cells and degree of mastitis, although not the milking technique or teatsealing. The presence of aflatoxin AFM1 was not reported in raw milk.Study implications: the Somaticell® technique renders a qualitative and efficientdiagnosis of clinical mastitis. Conclusions: raw milk quality from this region guarantees consumers with a safe andapt product for human consumption or transformation into dairy byproducts

Prospective multicenter study of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from 83 hospitals in Spain reveals high in vitro susceptibility to colistin and meropenem

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in Spain in 2013 by describing the prevalence, dissemination, and geographic distribution of CPE clones, and their population structure and antibi- otic susceptibility. From February 2013 to May 2013, 83 hospitals (about 40,000 hospital beds) prospectively collected nondupli- cate Enterobacteriaceae using the screening cutoff recommended by EUCAST. Carbapenemase characterization was performed by phenotypic methods and confirmed by PCR and sequencing. Multilocus sequencing types (MLST) were determined for Kleb- siella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. A total of 702 Enterobacteriaceae isolates met the inclusion criteria; 379 (54%) were CPE. OXA-48 (71.5%) and VIM-1 (25.3%) were the most frequent carbapenemases, and K. pneumoniae (74.4%), Enterobacter cloacae (10.3%), and E. coli (8.4%) were the species most affected. Susceptibility to colistin, amikacin, and meropenem was 95.5%, 81.3%, and 74.7%, respectively. The most prevalent sequence types (STs) were ST11 and ST405 for K. pneumoniae and ST131 for E. coli. Forty-five (54.1%) of the hospitals had at least one CPE case. For K. pneumoniae, ST11/OXA-48, ST15/OXA-48, ST405/ OXA-48, and ST11/VIM-1 were detected in two or more Spanish provinces. ST11 isolates carried four carbapenemases (VIM-1, OXA-48, KPC-2, and OXA-245), but ST405 isolates carried OXA-48 only. A wide interregional spread of CPE in Spain was ob- served, mainly due to a few successful clones of OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae (e.g., ST11 and ST405). The dissemination of OXA-48-producing E. coli is a new finding of public health concern. According to the susceptibilities determined in vitro, most of the CPE (94.5%) had three or more options for antibiotic treatment