59 research outputs found

    A study of the dry forest communities in the Dominican Republic

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    This paper is a floristic and phytosociological study of the dry forest communities of the Dominican Republic. A total of 69 relevés in dry forest biotopes were carried out. The samples were subsequently subjected to Detrended Correspondence Analysis for the determination and study of possible groupings. The study does not cover tree formations growing on serpentines, nor the so-called semideciduous forests, peculiar to areas with higher rainfall. A total of nine phytocoenoses were identified. The most significant results led to the description of six new phytosociological associations: Simaroubetum berteroani (thorny dry forest on coastal dunes), Phyllostylo rhamnoidis-Prosopidetum juliflorae (southern Dominican disturbed dry forest), Consoleo moniliformis-Camerarietum linearifoliae (dry forest on hard limestones), Lemaireocereo hystricis-Prosopidetum juliflorae (northern Dominican disturbed dry forest), Lycio americani-Prosopidetum juliflorae (disturbed dry forest on saline soils) and Guettardo ellipticae-Guapiretum discoloris (dry forest on flat-topped hillocks in Montecristi). This is an important step forward in the phytosociological and floristic studies of the Caribbean territories.Este trabalho apresenta um estudo florístico e fitossociológico das comunidades de florestas secas da República Dominicana. Um total de 69 amostras foram obtidas pelo método relevé em biótopos florestais secos. As amostras foram posteriormente submetidas à análise de correspondência destendenciada para a determinação e estudo de possíveis agrupamentos. O estudo não abrange formações arbóreas desenvolvidas sobre serpentinitos, nem as chamadas florestas semideciduais, peculiares às áreas de maior pluviosidade. Foram identificados nove fitocenoses. Os resultados mais significativos levaram à descrição de seis novas associações fitossociológicas: Simaroubetum berteroani (floresta espinhosa seca em dunas costeiras), Phyllostylo rhamnoidis-Prosopidetum juliflorae (floresta seca perturbada do sul da República Dominicana), Consoleo moniliformis-Camerarietum linearifoliae (floresta seca sobre calcários compactos), Lemaireocereo hystricis-Prosopidetum juliflorae (floresta seca perturbada do norte da República Dominicana), Lycio americani-Prosopidetum juliflorae (floresta seca perturbada desenvolvida em solos salinos) Guettardo ellipticae-Guapiretum discoloris (floresta seca em colinas de topo achatado em Montecristi). O trabalho realizado representa um importante avanço nos estudos fitossociológicos e florísticos dos territórios do Caribe.This research paper was possible thanks to the sponsorship of the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID), under the auspices of the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores y de Cooperación de España, which funded the project (cod. A/3499/05)

    Changes in the Viral Distribution Pattern after the Appearance of the Novel Influenza A H1N1 (pH1N1) Virus in Influenza-Like Illness Patients in Peru

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    Background: We describe the temporal variation in viral agents detected in influenza like illness (ILI) patients before and after the appearance of the ongoing pandemic influenza A (H1N1) (pH1N1) in Peru between 4-January and 13-July 2009. Methods: At the health centers, one oropharyngeal swab was obtained for viral isolation. From epidemiological week (EW) 1 to 18, at the US Naval Medical Research Center Detachment (NMRCD) in Lima, the specimens were inoculated into four cell lines for virus isolation. In addition, from EW 19 to 28, the specimens were also analyzed by real time-polymerase-chainreaction (rRT-PCR). Results: We enrolled 2,872 patients: 1,422 cases before the appearance of the pH1N1 virus, and 1,450 during the pandemic. Non-pH1N1 influenza A virus was the predominant viral strain circulating in Peru through (EW) 18, representing 57.8% of the confirmed cases; however, this predominance shifted to pH1N1 (51.5%) from EW 19–28. During this study period, most of pH1N1 cases were diagnosed in the capital city (Lima) followed by other cities including Cusco and Trujillo. In contrast, novel influenza cases were essentially absent in the tropical rain forest (jungle) cities during our study period. The city of Iquitos (Jungle) had the highest number of influenza B cases and only one pH1N1 case. Conclusions: The viral distribution in Peru changed upon the introduction of the pH1N1 virus compared to previous months. Although influenza A viruses continue to be the predominant viral pathogen, the pH1N1 virus predominated over the other influenza A viruses

    Compromising between European and US allergen immunotherapy schools: Discussions from GUIMIT, the Mexican immunotherapy guidelines

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    Background: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has a longstanding history and still remains the only disease-changing treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma. Over the years 2 different schools have developed their strategies: the United States (US) and the European. Allergen extracts available in these regions are adapted to local practice. In other parts of the world, extracts from both regions and local ones are commercialized, as in Mexico. Here, local experts developed a national AIT guideline (GUIMIT 2019) searching for compromises between both schools. Methods: Using ADAPTE methodology for transculturizing guidelines and AGREE-II for evaluating guideline quality, GUIMIT selected 3 high-quality Main Reference Guidelines (MRGs): the European Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (EAACI) guideines, the S2k guideline of various German-speaking medical societies (2014), and the US Practice Parameters on Allergen Immunotherapy 2011. We formulated clinical questions and based responses on the fused evidence available in the MRGs, combined with local possibilities, patient's preference, and costs. We came across several issues on which the MRGs disagreed. These are presented here along with arguments of GUIMIT members to resolve them. GUIMIT (for a complete English version, see Supplementary data) concluded the following: Results: Related to the diagnosis of IgE-mediated respiratory allergy, apart from skin prick testing complementary tests (challenges, in vitro testing and molecular such as species-specific allergens) might be useful in selected cases to inform AIT composition. AIT is indicated in allergic rhinitis and suggested in allergic asthma (once controlled) and IgE-mediated atopic dermatitis. Concerning the correct subcutaneous AIT dose for compounding vials according to the US school: dosing tables and formula are given; up to 4 non-related allergens can be mixed, refraining from mixing high with low protease extracts. When using European extracts: the manufacturer's indications should be followed; in multi-allergic patients 2 simultaneous injections can be given (100% consensus); mixing is discouraged. In Mexico only allergoid tablets are available; based on doses used in all sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) publications referenced in MRGs, GUIMIT suggests a probable effective dose related to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) might be: 50–200% of the monthly SCIT dose given daily, maximum mixing 4 allergens. Also, a table with practical suggestions on non-evidence-existing issues, developed with a simplified Delphi method, is added. Finally, dissemination and implementation of guidelines is briefly discussed, explaining how we used online tools for this in Mexico. Conclusions: Countries where European and American AIT extracts are available should adjust AIT according to which school is followed

    Clonal chromosomal mosaicism and loss of chromosome Y in elderly men increase vulnerability for SARS-CoV-2

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    The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) had an estimated overall case fatality ratio of 1.38% (pre-vaccination), being 53% higher in males and increasing exponentially with age. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, we found 133 cases (1.42%) with detectable clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations (mCA) and 226 males (5.08%) with acquired loss of chromosome Y (LOY). Individuals with clonal mosaic events (mCA and/or LOY) showed a 54% increase in the risk of COVID-19 lethality. LOY is associated with transcriptomic biomarkers of immune dysfunction, pro-coagulation activity and cardiovascular risk. Interferon-induced genes involved in the initial immune response to SARS-CoV-2 are also down-regulated in LOY. Thus, mCA and LOY underlie at least part of the sex-biased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in aging patients. Given its potential therapeutic and prognostic relevance, evaluation of clonal mosaicism should be implemented as biomarker of COVID-19 severity in elderly people. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, individuals with clonal mosaic events (clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations and/or loss of chromosome Y) showed an increased risk of COVID-19 lethality

    Anafilaxia en niños y adultos: prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento

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    La anafilaxia es una condición que requiere asistencia inmediata para su resolución, se puede presentar en diferentes entornos: consultorio, hospital, escuela, hogar o en algún otro espacio público. La información aquí contenida forma parte de lineamientos conocidos sobre prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se abordan aspectos epidemiológicos, desencadenantes, factores de riesgo y cofactores; se explican de una manera didáctica los mecanismos fisiopatológicos que se traducen en fenotipos de presentación. Se enfatiza el diagnóstico clínico con base en criterios ya establecidos, se mencionan clasificaciones para evaluar la gravedad de la reacción, así como el rol de las pruebas clínicas o de laboratorio. Como aspectos de relevancia, se abordan el tratamiento de primera elección con adrenalina, instrucciones sobre autoinyectores y diferentes elementos para el tratamiento complementario y de segunda elección. También se refieren aspectos a considerar al dar de alta a un paciente y medidas de seguimiento, con un énfasis preventivo en la comunidad. Finalmente, se menciona el abordaje en el consultorio de alergia para decidir sobre opciones de inmunomodulación. ABSTRACT Anaphylaxis is a condition that requires immediate assistance for its resolution, it can occur in different settings: office, hospital, school, home or some other public space. The information contained herein forms part of known guidelines on prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Epidemiological aspects, triggers, risk factors and co-factors are addressed; physiopathological mechanisms that are translated into presentation phenotypes are explained in a didactic way. Clinical diagnosis is emphasized based on established criteria, classifications are mentioned to evaluate the severity of the reaction, as well as the role of clinical or laboratory tests. As relevant aspects, the first choice treatment with adrenaline, instructions on auto-injectors and different elements for the complementary and second choice treatment are dealt with. They also refer to aspects to consider when discharging a patient and followup measures, with a preventive emphasis on the community. Finally, the allergy clinic approach to deciding on immunomodulation options is mentione

    GUIMIT 2019, Guía mexicana de inmunoterapia. Guía de diagnóstico de alergia mediada por IgE e inmunoterapia aplicando el método ADAPTE

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    4to. Congreso Internacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación para la Sociedad. Memoria académica

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    Este volumen acoge la memoria académica de la Cuarta edición del Congreso Internacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación para la Sociedad, CITIS 2017, desarrollado entre el 29 de noviembre y el 1 de diciembre de 2017 y organizado por la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (UPS) en su sede de Guayaquil. El Congreso ofreció un espacio para la presentación, difusión e intercambio de importantes investigaciones nacionales e internacionales ante la comunidad universitaria que se dio cita en el encuentro. El uso de herramientas tecnológicas para la gestión de los trabajos de investigación como la plataforma Open Conference Systems y la web de presentación del Congreso http://citis.blog.ups.edu.ec/, hicieron de CITIS 2017 un verdadero referente entre los congresos que se desarrollaron en el país. La preocupación de nuestra Universidad, de presentar espacios que ayuden a generar nuevos y mejores cambios en la dimensión humana y social de nuestro entorno, hace que se persiga en cada edición del evento la presentación de trabajos con calidad creciente en cuanto a su producción científica. Quienes estuvimos al frente de la organización, dejamos plasmado en estas memorias académicas el intenso y prolífico trabajo de los días de realización del Congreso Internacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación para la Sociedad al alcance de todos y todas

    Global urban environmental change drives adaptation in white clover

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    Urbanization transforms environments in ways that alter biological evolution. We examined whether urban environmental change drives parallel evolution by sampling 110,019 white clover plants from 6169 populations in 160 cities globally. Plants were assayed for a Mendelian antiherbivore defense that also affects tolerance to abiotic stressors. Urban-rural gradients were associated with the evolution of clines in defense in 47% of cities throughout the world. Variation in the strength of clines was explained by environmental changes in drought stress and vegetation cover that varied among cities. Sequencing 2074 genomes from 26 cities revealed that the evolution of urban-rural clines was best explained by adaptive evolution, but the degree of parallel adaptation varied among cities. Our results demonstrate that urbanization leads to adaptation at a global scale

    La música como estrategia pedagógica

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    This article aims to study music as a pedagogical strategy. The methodology was analytical type -documentary and a hermeneutic epistemological approach, in which different theories related to the use of music as a pedagogical strategy were reviewed. Constituted the corpus of research analysis readings related to its thematic theories, exposed in bibliographic and not bibliographic sources. Within its results, it was found that music is a great resource to carry out academic cognition processes, and must be worked from every dimension, insofar as it allows global learning of the different areas, which are given from the educational curriculum.Este artigo tem como objetivo estudar a música como estratégia pedagógica. A metodologia foi analítico -documental e com abordagem epistemológica hermenêutica, na qual foram revisadas diferentes teorias relacionadas ao uso da música como estratégia pedagógica. O corpus de análise da pesquisa foram as leituras relacionadas às suas teorias temáticas, expostas em fontes bibliográficas e não bibliográficas. Entre seus resultados, constatou-se que a música é um recurso de grande atração para a realização dos processos de cognição acadêmica e deve ser trabalhada em todas as suas dimensões, além de permitir o aprendizado global de diferentes áreas, que são ensinadas a partir do currículo pedagógico.El presente artículo tiene como objetivo estudiar la música como estrategia pedagógica. La metodología fue de tipo analítica - documental y con un enfoque epistemológico hermenéutico, en la que se revisaron diferentes teorías relacionadas con el uso de la música como una estrategia pedagógica. El corpus de análisis de la investigación lo constituyeron las lecturas relacionadas con sus teorías temáticas, expuestas en fuentes bibliográficas y no bibliográficas. Dentro de sus resultados, se pudo constatar que la música es un recurso de gran atractivo para llevarse a cabo los procesos de cognición académica, y debe ser trabajada desde todas sus dimensiones, en tanto que permite de forma globalizada los aprendizajes de las diferentes áreas, que se impartan desde el curriculum pedagógico. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo estudiar la música como estrategia pedagógica. La metodología fue de tipo analítica - documental y con un enfoque epistemológico hermenéutico, en la que se revisaron diferentes teorías relacionadas con el uso de la música como una estrategia pedagógica. El corpus de análisis de la investigación lo constituyeron las lecturas relacionadas con sus teorías temáticas, expuestas en fuentes bibliográficas y no bibliográficas. Dentro de sus resultados, se pudo constatar que la música es un recurso de gran atractivo para llevarse a cabo los procesos de cognición académica, y debe ser trabajada desde todas sus dimensiones, en tanto que permite de forma globalizada los aprendizajes de las diferentes áreas, que se impartan desde el curriculum pedagógico
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